Ok here is my deal I just got an email from Peachtree BMW saying that a slot is open for there drivers school at Road Atlanta, I'd signed up for a Porche school at Barber's for the same weekend when it looked like I was not going to get in and I'm in Birmingham. The problem is that the Porsche school is advanced and I most likely would not have an instructor. I called and talked to the guy running the Porche Club school and explained that I had done 1 DE and do they want me in there school, he said it would be OK and they would try to find an instructor for some runs. Now I'm not sure what to do. I'm I nuts to try Barber's solo on my second time out. Tell me what you all think.

Thanks

 

I have to say Yes, especially if you have not done a DE at Barber before.

If you decide to go, grid up at the back behind a car with an instructor in it. Hopefully you can follow them for a few laps to learn the line. Then concentrate on figuring out the brake points.

You're not going to have any fun if all you do all weekend is continuously point people by.

Alan

 

since you asked......i recently did my second DE at sebring (with a session at homestead in between). i was better at the end of the weekend for having an instructor in my car. i "knew" the line at sebring, but six more sessions with an instructor helped me become more precise, therefore way faster. my recommendation is to ride with instructors until only more seat time will make you faster. i will still welcome an instructor on my next trek to sebring. i drive w/ pboc in so. fla. and have been fortunate enough to have very good instructors in all of my events. i'm sure that you can navigate the track and return home w/out damage, but an instructor as this point in your development, sounds like the better situation.....

 

I've done Barbers once with an instructor but I'm thinking my 2nd DE without an instructor might be too soon. Anybody driver Road Atlanta?

 

I have done 3 HPDE's at Putnam Park and 2 HPDE's at Mid-Ohio, both with BMWCCA and 1 NASA event at Putnam Park all with instructors with the exception of being signed off the last day at Mid-Ohio and at NASA. I highly recommend having someone in the passenger seat until you feel or the club that you are with feels that you are ready to go solo. Always good to be on the side of safety.

 

Got in the BMW club at Road Atlanta and Porshe club said they would move me to the beginners in July, I'm sure this is best. Only 2 weeks till Road Atlanta.

 

I think you made the right choice. Glad it worked out. Enjoy!