Porsche Driving Experience - Atlanta, GA: anyone tried it?

[Sunroof]

Wow, my kids gave me a fantastic birthday present last night and that's a $500 gift certificate to the Atlanta, GA Porsche Driving Experience. Before I do my research and see what that amount gets as far as the type of vehicle I can drive on the track, has anyone ever been to the facility and been through the program? Comments, suggestions, advice, warnings?

Do they allow you to film it on a GoPro?

I drive past the Porsche North American Headquarters and track every day and have wanted to experience the course since they opened. Now's my chance thanks to some great children (they were raised in the back seats of a 944 and 911).


Thanks
Bob

[Chocaholic]

Have never been but I live nearby also. Subscribed...

[cairns]

Years ago but at Road Atlanta. My instructors were Doc Bundy and Hurley Haywood. It was expensive but well run and I learned a lot. Driving Road Atlanta was nice (I've driven it a few times since at DE events); it's a hilly, challenging and very technical track and one of my favorites.

I understand it's now at their center by the airport and one of my best friends did it when he got a new Macan last year and had a fine time- but he only did the half day new car thing.

I frankly doubt they're going to let you use a go-pro as you're jumping in different cars for different exercises and everyone isn't going to wait while you set the thing up- and there's the liability issue if it falls off etc.- but you could call and ask.

[Sunroof]

I just went through the website and made a call for particulars. Price is for ninety minutes, with time with your "coach" for safety briefing and to get an idea on just what you want from the experience. The straight away speeds average 80 mph so its not a balls to the wall, hang on for dear life run around the track. Its all about the handling and honing skills as a driver. With my $500 I picked the Carrera S ($450) over the 4S for more skid control fun. What I did find interesting is the liability! You have a 10K liability hit on damage but can take it down to 2K for an extra $50. The site Rep said that they have about a 2% damage rate, probably fender benders. The place has multiple tracks that include a wetted circle for skid control.

Definitely no Go Pro's........................

[Toast54]

I would like to just to have the experience, but it's pricey. I can do one at Hallett for much less and still enjoy driving a supercar. Perhaps down the road

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Sunroof

Before I do my research and see what that amount gets as far as the type of vehicle I can drive on the track, has anyone ever been to the facility and been through the program?

Bob,
They'll probably have you drive one of the 4 cam Le Mans cars.
It sounds like fun! Hope you have a great time.

[speedster911]

I have visited but have not driven on the track. There is an observation deck next to the upstairs restaurant that would allow someone to record a portion of your run.

Try and get an early time slot so you have time to visit the museum , restoration area and view the cars in the hallways.. very fun day,!!

[jcommin]

It's on my list of places to go.

[willtel]

I went to a business conference there and got to ride in a new Boxster S driven by one of the pros. We could see all the other people doing skidpad stuff in 911s during lunch. Those new Boxsters are seriously quick.

[MBAtarga]

I got two or three passenger laps in a Cayman last year. There was a local political district meeting held there that I was invited to attend. The buddy and I were expecting a tour of the location/museum - and ended up getting rides on the track. I was driven by a young woman (only female driver there that evening) and let me tell you - 80 MPH max or not, when she came barrelling down the straight and had a sharp right turn, well - I thought we were going airborne over the guardrails and into the trees!

[rfuerst911sc]

Yep my oldest son and I did it this past summer and had a blast ! We flogged a Cayman as hard as we wanted to , it is worth every penny . It is an amazing facility take in everything you can . You can easily burn an entire day there .

[rattlsnak]

Bob, see this thread.. Porsche Driving Experience.. ATL Do the upgrade to the GT3. HIGHLY recommended..

[Sunroof]

Thanks Marc.....
I am going to stick with the Carrera S and work on handling skills. The GT3 is pricey ($850). I believe the Carrera will be just fine.