The Legends Program (Time to rob the piggy bank!)

The Legends

Derek Bell, Vic Elford, Hurley Haywood, Patrick Long, and Brian Redmond at the Porsche Sport Driving School (PSDS)

Day 1

We began the event with a courtesy pick up, in a Cayenne Turbo, at the airport, followed by pre-dinner drinks in the Hotel bar. There, we met the Legends and learned that they had spent the afternoon at the track, doing their homework on the track and participants; based upon our previous driving experiences at PSDS.

Since this was the inaugural program, there was a little trepidation on all sides:

1.) PSDS: Will this program work?

2.) Legends: You want us to get in the car with whom?

3). Participants: Should I be here?

We went on to dinner at a fabulous Italian restaurant, where the dialog (and wine) flowed, introductions continued, program details and backgrounds emerged and then we all retired for the evening; our concerns somewhat eased and excitement building for the following days activities. I woke up around 3:30AM

Day 2

A quick drive to the track by one of the Legends for a “cooked” breakfast (that was a PSDS first too) and then we were in the classroom for a very brief overview of the safety instructions and program objectives.

The extraordinary thing was that when all was said, and done, it was going to be an agenda “driven” by the individual participant, and the Legends were there to share their experiences. It was obvious that this was not going to be another day at the track with an instructor controlling the program, or the pace.

The cars

A broad choice of cars were available. In addition to the regular Carrera and Carrrera S there were some surprises. New Turbos (tiptronic), Carreras, and Carrera S each with PDK. As an aside, the new Carrera variants raise the bar again. Now for the good part, you could pick which car you wanted to drive, at any time.

The program

There were 5 sessions each lasting approximately an hour. For each session, you were assigned a different Legend and it was your agenda. But, it worked out to be a mix of each of you driving, followed by detailed analysis and discussion based upon their observations and insights (and a bit of banter) balanced with your comfort and skill level. I will leave the track and driving secrets for your own experiences, after all, everyone is different. Why spoil the fun, or dull the anticipation for anyone?

I was extremely impressed by the level of professionalism and effort that each of the Legends put into the task. They had a very willing attitude, concerned that you achieved your particular objectives, were candid (there was nothing held back) and all looked like they were having fun. They put in a full day’s work and not a hint of anyone resting on their laurels.

At the end of the last session I remember seeing Hurley Haywood getting out of a car, face flushed and helmet pushed back, and I thought to myself: “These guys are really working hard. We are very fortunate to have this experience and level of participation.” That was before the hot laps in the Turbos, well let me tell you about that…. on second thoughts I won’t, except for WOWEE!!

At the wrap up, we each received autographed helmets and beautiful graduation plaques; and hearty hand shakes from the Legends. Their faces beaming, from having overcome the trepidations about getting into cars with complete strangers, (and newly accomplished drivers), who were now a part of their legends.

They then drove us back to the Hotel. The shortest journey in my life, the conversation was filled with analysis, playback, and feelings of immense satisfaction. I realized that the Legends were pleasantly surprised that the day had exceeded their expectations and they had really, thoroughly, and genuinely, enjoyed the event.


The Museum Tour.

When I saw the schedule and that it contained a museum tour, I thought: “Why do that when we could spend time on the track?” Boy, was I wrong. Firstly, is was brief and secondly to hear first hand accounts regarding some of the cars from the guys who drove them brought the museum to life, …. priceless.

The Summary

The last dinner was in a private function room at the Hotel where the buzz and banter continued, and we each received a surprise momento of the event. To hear all the stories, track secrets, strategies and driving insights was exciting but I’ll again leave those for your own experiences.

For me, it was as if someone looked into my driving soul and saw the realities, barriers and then provided some of the solutions. These guys had taken this program very seriously, done their homework and came prepared to do all they could for you, and succeeded in having a good time doing so. Rumor has it they had such a good time that they will return.

Was the program expensive? When I signed up, I thought it was a little steep. After the fact, it doesn’t feel like it was expensive, it was value for money and then some.

You might want to think about robbing the piggy bank and put it on your “Must do” list!

Every time I go to one of the PSDS events I leave wanting to buy a new Porsche. “Honey, Honey, …..where is the piggybank?”

 

WOW ! That must have been wonderful....What a treat to say the least

Do post pics if you have some, would love to see !

 

Great report Colm. It sounds well worth it! Now I'm chagrined I didn't go for it.