[Jdub679]

Planning to book an experience at PECLA. Was thinking of doing the GT3 experience. I don't own a Porsche, but I am planning on buying one (not immediately).

For future ownership, I'm thinking of purchasing a 997.2 or 991 911. Also looking at the 6 cyl Cayman S's.

The only Porsche I've ever driven previously was a friend's 997.2 GT3, but just around my immediate area for 30 minutes or so.

So which experience should I choose?

[dgoldenz]

I did the GT3 experience a few months ago and it was amazing, definitely worth the money. The instructors are really good and encourage you to push the car as hard as you feel comfortable doing. I was able to noticeably improve my lap speed and cornering from the start of it to the end of it, I think it was about 3 hours total. The restaurant there is also fantastic, highly recommend eating there after you're done.

My brother did the Cayenne on/off road experience and said it was really fun and interesting, he didn't know the Cayenne was that capable in off-roading. I didn't really get to see what he did but he said it was great at least. I'd still go for the GT3 though....or stay a few days and do 2 or 3 of them.

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by dgoldenz

I did the GT3 experience a few months ago and it was amazing, definitely worth the money. The instructors are really good and encourage you to push the car as hard as you feel comfortable doing. I was able to noticeably improve my lap speed and cornering from the start of it to the end of it, I think it was about 3 hours total. The restaurant there is also fantastic, highly recommend eating there after you're done.

My brother did the Cayenne on/off road experience and said it was really fun and interesting, he didn't know the Cayenne was that capable in off-roading. I didn't really get to see what he did but he said it was great at least. I'd still go for the GT3 though....or stay a few days and do 2 or 3 of them.

Awesome. Thanks. 3 hours? I thought the description said 1.5 hours, or is that only counting track time?

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by Jdub679

Awesome. Thanks. 3 hours? I thought the description said 1.5 hours, or is that only counting track time?

Might have been 1.5, not sure. It was definitely a good amount of driving time.

[Flacht3]

I did PECLA back in November and HIGHLY recommend it.

They have different packages but I believe it's usually 3 hours, and that includes 1.5 hours of driver instruction on the track but also 1.5 hours of things like taking the GT3 onto a skidplate to learn control, practicing on the drag strip, etc.

But beyond the track and driving, the whole experience is just super classy. If you're lucky they'll give you a walkthrough of the Motorsports Center (PECLA is actually Porsche Motorsports HQ, whereas PECAtlana is PCNA HQ) and you can get up close and personal with cup-cars in for maintenance and older Porsche's they're working on (They were rebuilding part of a 956 when I was there). Plus the visitor center almost serves as a museum and the dining is actually top notch.

[seis-speed]

Master the manual in a 718 GTS would be my recommendation.
Another fun course is mid vs rear engine.

I have done both experiences, they were great.

[JoosyJoos]

I am an instructor at the Atlanta PEC. Feel free to message me with any questions.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by JoosyJoos

I am an instructor at the Atlanta PEC. Feel free to message me with any questions.

What an awesome job....and I envy your ridiculously good driving skills

[Flacht3]

Timely update: a package arrived from PECLA today. It was my plaque (they give you a numbered plaque you sign and then place it on the wall of the delivery room) and a hand-written letter. Not only handwritten but they remembered (I mean, I'm sure they log customer notes) that I brought my dad with me.

They remove the older plaques as they run out of room and need to add more for new deliveries, but I expected them to throw it away, not send it back to me.

I know this is only relevant for deliveries, not their driving sessions but the level of service and whole operation is very well done.

[louscrw]

Originally Posted by JoosyJoos

I am an instructor at the Atlanta PEC. Feel free to message me with any questions.

I did the 911 GTS experience in Atl. What an amazingly fun time that was. Near the end of my time, the instructor drove a couple of laps...that guy could drive

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

Master the manual in a 718 GTS would be my recommendation.
Another fun course is mid vs rear engine.

I have done both experiences, they were great.

I thought about doing the Master the Manual GT3 experience, but honestly, since it is my first time in a GT3 on a track, I didn't want to think about shifting.

[Jdub679]

On a side note, I already set my reservation for 917 Restaurant. I keep hearing good things about that place.

[msan]

Originally Posted by Chris_DM

Timely update: a package arrived from PECLA today. It was my plaque (they give you a numbered plaque you sign and then place it on the wall of the delivery room) and a hand-written letter. Not only handwritten but they remembered (I mean, I'm sure they log customer notes) that I brought my dad with me.

They remove the older plaques as they run out of room and need to add more for new deliveries, but I expected them to throw it away, not send it back to me.

I know this is only relevant for deliveries, not their driving sessions but the level of service and whole operation is very well done.

If that is hand written , I have a bridge to sell you.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by Jdub679

On a side note, I already set my reservation for 917 Restaurant. I keep hearing good things about that place.

917 was amazing, really high quality and reasonably priced for a fine dining place. The menus are bound with OEM Porsche leather, the butter is shaped like small 911's, they have some cool 911 artwork on the walls, really nice place with a lot of cool touches like that. .

[Germanauto]

How much is the cost?

I thought it was only in Atlanta didn't realize they have a center in LA. I'm moving down there soon.

[Flacht3]

Originally Posted by msan

If that is hand written , I have a bridge to sell you.

Ok not handwritten, but it is customized to my day and that's good enough for me.

I brought my dad as a surprise (he thought we were doing a driving experience, didn't know I was actually taking a car home...I guess a better son would have actually surprised him with his own car but maybe next time) and they reference that in the note.

Is it that hard to log customer notes and followup 6 months later...no. But I would expect most brands to just print the same generic letter to every customer without any level of customization. Handwritten or not, it's still a nice move that I wasn't expecting IMO.

[mikesx4911]

I drive by this place everyday! I one day want to try out a 911 or a GT3. I see need a grand to do this.

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

How much is the cost?

I thought it was only in Atlanta didn't realize they have a center in LA. I'm moving down there soon.

Depends on the experience. It ranges from mid-$300's to about $1k. The GT3 experience is about $900.

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by PureModelsOnly

How much are the Master the Manual courses? I had no idea they let you drive manuals. BMW needs to do this!

The prices aren't listed for the manual courses. You have to call in to book.

[Jdub679]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I booked!

[neliconcept]

Originally Posted by PureModelsOnly

How much are the Master the Manual courses? I had no idea they let you drive manuals. BMW needs to do this!

I'm doing the Carrera T manual course in ATL and it was 475, same as the Carrera S.

So I would expect about the same for a 718 manual to 718 S pricing wise.

I can't wait for this! My father will be doing Cayenne offroad, brother will be doing 718 Cayman and hopefully I can get him into the manual as well if they get any in and my future father in law is doing the 718 boxster.