I'm interested in how other groups handle getting novices started. Our clubs (I've run with PCA, Alfa, BMW, Audi) require a day long driver skills course either through the clubs or the local racing school before your first DE. The local racing school is more comprehensive and includes a half day of drills and chalk talk and a half day of lapping with an instructor. I've also taken the drivers skills through PCA and it included the drills but not the high speed lapping portion.

At the first DE then you get assigned an instructor for the event and have one with you until you are signed off to drive solo. The groups are assigned based on judged skill level. Novice through advanced.

You'll love TGPR. Probably the best track for a novice that I have been to. Very technical and a great "learning" track, but the speeds are relatively low and the chance of damaging anything if you leave the track is minimal (and I've "colored outside the lines" a lot at Talladega ;) ).

Any good instructor will adjust his instruction to the needs and abilities of the student. If your instructor doesn't do this or you are not happy with your instructor for any reason, go find the chief instructor and ask for a different one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs70-0hwm_M&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3mkfJlvLIw&feature=related

some good ones. i LOVE the trans/shifter set up on these cars. That must be awesome to have that setup.

Thanks for this feedback on TGPR! I have been watching videos - the biggest difference I can tell between TGPR and say Barber or Road Atlanta is that there don't seem to be any elevation changes on TGPR. Also - none of those pesky close-up walls. That's fine by me for starting out!

PCA is a nice way to get started. Once you're comfortable try running with Chin Motorsports. A lot more track time and the cars are a whole lot faster than the PCA folks.

Richard