Hey guys. I have been reading through the posts asked about HPDS however it seems that no one has really answered the question which I have. Obviously there are HPDS all around, however no ones post (or at least I wasn’t able to find it) pointed to schools that specialize in AWD vehicles.

I currently live in Atlanta, GA and own a Evo IX MR. I pride myself in my driving abilities and say I am a pretty damn good driver if I do say so myself. However, that is probably due to a large part that I just dont know any better. I would like to be able to hone my driving skills and abilities as much as possible. An HPDS would definitely help me in doing so. The only problem that I am having is that I am NOT interested at ALL in a school that does RWD or FWD HPD. I am looking for a school that specializes in AWD HPD. Or even a class as a particular school that is specifically designed to teach AWD HPD. Yes, I realize that the fundamentals are essentially the same, however anyone who actually knows better would agree that there are MANY big differences between RWD HPD and AWD HPD. It is not my intention to debate this fact however, we are all entitled to our opinions. Please keep that in mind.

If anyone knows of a All Wheel Drive High Performance Driving School in the South East region of the US, preferably by GA, it would be greatly appreciated. As I said above, I am looking for a school or class that specializes in AWD Driving. I would also like to be able to keep the cost economically plausible as well. I mean of course driving schools cost, however I am not looking for a $6000 driving school or anything. I want one that is reasonably priced.

Thanks a lot for the help I greatly appreciate it!



-Sayajin

 

Once you have the basics down, much of it is making the car work for you. Also once you are pushing the limits of a car to that extent, there are different driving techniques for different cars. (Driving an 06 STi is a lot different than driving an 06 Evo for instance)

There is no AWD performance school in the southeast, and I don't know of any school in the country doing this either. Panoz uses Audi at Road Atlanta, but their courses are more for basic driving than learning one type of car/drivetrain.

At this point, your best bet is to find a driver coach with extensive AWD experience, and bring them in to an HPDE to coach you specifically to your style and your car. (Cost for an instructor to come in like that is usually $600 and up for a day)

I run SeatTime driving days at Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, and can help with this if you would like.

Jon K
www.seat-time.com
www.racerjon.com

 

Maybe you can get some info here.

http://autocross.server269.com/evolution/modules/news/

Edit: The above post looks good

 

Hi, Sayajin


Off the top of my head, I can think of ACNA. I instruct with the NEQ chapter. Nice bunch of guys. Mostly Audis, but lots of BMW's, Porsches, and quite a few Subies and Evos.


If you've never done any HPDE at all, then I think the last part of your statement is probably correct In the words of driving coach Derek Hanson, "There are two things in this world that every man reckons he's naturally gifted at: driving and making love. Most men don't know how to do either one properly."


You really don't need to worry about that at all. The basics are the same in any car. Until you have the fundamentals down, it really won't matter in the least. You need to be a pretty good track driver to begin with before you can exploit the subtleties of different platforms. Learn to walk before you run as they say.

Besides, a really good driver can get into ANY car and get the best out of it. I can drive my girlfriend's Mazda 3 at 10/10ths just as easily as I can drive my BMW track car or my Evo VIII at 10/10ths. Focus on your driving first. Worry about the car later.


Actually, "anyone who actually knows better" would STRONGLY disagree with your initial premise. Frankly, you're WAY off-base with this one. The fundamentals of high performance driving are totally independent of what car you drive.

You're a novice. At your level, you need to worry about learning the line, late apexes, threshold braking, smooth inputs, looking ahead, controlling weight transfer, and managing your contact patches. Squeezing that last possible drop of performance out of your car is still far, far on the horizon.

Emre
[instructor with BMW CCA, BMW CC, PCA, ACNA, and many others]

 

All good advice here, and I'd just like to second the Audi Club suggestion. It's the closest you'll get to AWD-focused instruction, and they are hosting a trackday at VIR (south Virginia) in November. Full course for 2 days for under $400! That's a killer deal.