High Performance Driver Education
The mission and purpose of the Porsche Club of America’s Driver Education Program is to provide a safe, structured and controlled teaching and learning environment. The PCA DE Program is designed so that participants can improve their driving abilities and acquire a better understanding of vehicle dynamics and driving safety. Participants will experience first-hand the capabilities of high-performance automobiles in a controlled, closed-course environment and acquire skills that will enhance safer vehicle operation in all driving situations.
2026 High Performance Driving Events (HPDE)
Our HPDEs offer a thrilling opportunity to enhance your driving skills in a controlled, safe environment. All events take place at Watkins Glen International.
Safety First: All events adhere to PCA safety protocols and passing rules. Proper vehicle inspection is mandatory.
Registration: Open from January 1, 2026, at ClubRegistration.Net. Your spot is only secured upon payment.
Upcoming Events
Our Events
Stay up to date with our HPDE Events.
For all events:
- Print and bring required documents
- Event details will be posted on our Driver Education page
- You must be 18 years of age by the dates of the school for you to be accepted. Any minor signing up must contact the registrar to verify birth dates.
- ” For the 2026 driving season, Snell SA 2015 rated helmets are accepted until June 30, 2026. After this date Snell SA 2020 or SA 2025 helmets are required.Motorcycle or DOT helmets are not allowed.”“Hybrid and Electric Vehicles are not accepted for Niagara Region HPDE events.”
Forms, Insurance, & Related Information
To be completed prior to the event, and turned in when you sign-in at the track:
TECH FORM
NRPCA TECH INSPECTION GUIDELINE VIDEO
TECH ADVISORY
Required reading:
A TURN-BY-TURN GUIDE TO DRIVING WATKINS GLEN INT (revised 2019)
FINAL TECH GUIDELINES
TRACK PREPARATIONS AND HELPFUL HINTS
FLAG EXPLANATIONS
STUDENT RUN GROUP PASSING EXERCISES
GREEN STUDENT SKILL SETS
INSTRUCTOR VALUES & EXPECTATIONS
INSTRUCTORS GUIDELINES TO VARIOUS TYPES OF CARS
CAR ISSUES ON THE TRACK
Evaluation forms:
HPDEvals – ONLINE EVALUATION FORM
NOVICE – GREEN RUN GROUP EVALUATION FORM
INTERMEDIATE – WHITE RUN GROUP EVALUATION FORM
ADVANCED – BLACK RUN GROUP EVALUATION FORM
INSTRUCTOR & SCHOOL EVALUATION FORM
Other:
INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CANDIDATE APPLICATION
INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANUAL
ELECTRONICS IN NEW PORSCHES
INCIDENT REPORT FORM
MECHANICAL ISSUES WHILE ON TRACK
FIRST TIMERS GUIDE
DE Insurance
Driver Education physical damage insurance is available at OnTrack Insurance, OpenTrack Insurance, and Hagerty.
HPDE Experience
Videos
First a short overview to get you hooked
Now the nuts and bolts of a day at Watkins Glen
Niagara PCA DE Program overview, from Tech Inspection to Classroom instruction to Track time. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a spin around the track at Watkins Glen. It’s time to see for yourself.
Getting the feel of the track – Narrated Training Laps
Here is a video done by First Settlers Region that gives you an excellent overview of HPDE.
See the Turn by Turn Guide for driving Watkins Glen International.
Here’s a short video about the history of racing at Watkins Glen from the original street race to the inception of the original race track to present day.
Event Photos
Here’s what it’s like at HPDE Track Events.
Meet the Team
DE Committee
DE Chairman Bert Xander
DE Registrar Curt Hinchcliffe
DE Chief Instructor Rich de Asis
DE Safety & Tech Chair Mike Zotter
DE Instructor Development Coordinator Tom Buswell
Personal Coaches
Brandon Kidd, Brandon’s “Race anything” mentality has led him to become one of the most well-rounded drivers on the track. With a racing career that spans over 18 years, he’s raced and won in almost every type of car he has driven. Brandon began racing at the age of 11 in go-karts around CNY, where he won 25+ races before moving to full-sized race cars at age 16. He currently races in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge in an Aston Martin Vantage GT4, and has raced at most of the major road courses in the USA. Very few drivers can say they have won races on dirt, asphalt, ovals and road courses, but Brandon is one of them.
Brandon will be available at all our DE events on a first come- first served basis and can coach you for $300/day.
He is also a seasoned sim racer, and has offered to let members use his racing simulator in Penfield if you would like to stay sharp or learn new tracks before driving them. This would be $150 for 2 hours of seat time.
Brandon’s e-mail
Phone: (315) 952-2021
Sam Schultz, Sam is an active professional racer, and sought after driving coach for many teams, clubs and open track organizations. He is the “in house” pro for ZSA Motorsports and David Murry Trackdays, and his racing experience includes Grand Am Rolex and Continental, IMSA and HSR among others. He is also a driver and coach for several high end automobile manufacturers.
Sam’s Email
Phone (607) 738-3841
Eric Lux, Eric is one of the most versatile and experienced racers available for coaching. Eric offers coaching, mentorship, and co-driving for racers who wish to reach the top-level in professional auto racing and for those who are in the sport for pure enjoyment but still wish to improve their driving. Coaching sessions are $2,500/day for new customers and $2,000/day for returning customer; coaching sessions are available at most circuits. Eric resides in Buffalo, New York and is the owner of Rembrandt Charms, a jewelry manufacturer based in Scarborough, Canada and Buffalo, New York. Eric currently races in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series, European Le Mans Series, FIA World Endurance Championship, and vintage racing series including Historic Sportscar Racing and Sporstcar Vintage Racing Association. Contact Eric today for more information and availability.
Eric’s BIO
Eric’s Email
Phone: (716) 867-5200
