We have regularly organized two driver education events each year at Arroyo Seco Raceway (A.K.A. Arroyo Seco Motorplex), located just East of Deming, NM. Typically those are held in late February and late September. That facility is located about a 3-1/2 hour drive from Tucson AZ, via U.S. Highway 10. Although the track has been there for awhile, the surface is in good condition. The course itself is very challenging and doubly so because we run in one direction on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Driving on this track has strong parallels when Phoenix-area tracks are recalled. And, it has features like the Autocross venues we use even more regularly.

Instructor and Driving Events Co-Chairman Greg shows a student the line, at the limit. This is turn 14 at Arroyo Seco Raceway. Photo Credit: Rick Barrett

The heart of this event, of course, is the driver education efforts that are extended to SAR and other PCA members and a few participants from other car clubs. We have available many instructor-qualified SAR, and Arizona Region members with PCA National Certified Instructor status. The organization of the run groups allows for as many novice, intermediate and advance groups as needed to ensure that a quality experience can be had by all attendees. Our novice run groups are small and other groups are appropriately sized, depending upon the participation in each group.

Saturday begins with a technical inspection of the participants cars. This is the simple on-site check that is in addition to the more thorough Pre-Tech (by a qualified mechanic) that is required before arriving at the track. The on-site check insures the appropriate helmet and seat belts to be used, that the car has no loose items in the cockpit, and provides a quick look at battery tie-down, fuel leaks, throttle return springs, brake lights, tires and brake pads.

Participants attend a driver's meeting with track operations and safety the primary topic. Following that, we have a sit down, indoor chalk talk to lay out the track map, the "line" and a discussion of appropriate driving techniques of each corner. That meeting is followed by parade laps at greatly reduced speeds. This gives the newcomer a chance to assess possible hazards and to become oriented with the course layout, flag and emergency-personnel stations and the track entry and exit points. The run sessions then begin immediately, with instructors accompanying all novice students and as many other participants as permits. Session are kept on time such that participants come to pre-grid at the scheduled times. Our sessions are typically 20-minutes long because we've found this to be the best compromise. On the one hand, everyone gets lots of laps. But the sessions are short enough to limit fatigue and maximize teaching effectiveness. We typically have a full 45 minute lunch break and continue the afternoon session on time! On average, we have five full sessions for all run groups on Saturday.

Kurt, with an instructor in the right seat is shown here in his beautiful, special order GT3 Orange Boxster, working through turn 14 at Arroyo Seco Raceway. Photo Credit: Rick Barrett

Saturday evening is filled with a visit to a popular local Mexican restaurant and a good sleep at a clean hotel. We reserve rooms in advance and receive special group rates. The hotel provides an opportunity to get a real breakfast and opens early to accommodate our group. A few folks arrive on Friday and we often visit a local Steak house on Friday evenings.

Sunday is a mirror image of the Saturday activities and we conduct a full day of driving instruction for novices and other participants as well. On average we have at least four full sessions for all run groups on Sunday. If enough participants are interested we can sometimes add a fifth session for those hardy souls who simply cannot get enough track time.

In addition to SAR-organized events, we participate in events conducted by the Arizona Region of PCA National. Arizona region's events at Firebird International Raceway (FIR, where three different track are available) and Phoenix International Raceway (PIR), in Phoenix. There are also a few non-Porsche clubs who take advantage of the Phoenix area tracks. Those include NASA and Pro Auto Sports . Check the above websites for dates and times.