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E-newsletter October 2011

By Michael Provenzano on Nov 07, 2011 at 01:28PM in
Permalink | 1 Comments

E-newsletter for October 2011

PDC Newsletter – October 2011


PDC’s Last Event: Wednesday, September 28th

It is hard to believe but the 2011 season is now over. Our last event was well attended and held under perfect conditions - clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures. It was awesome!

Faster than a Z06 speeding out of Turn 6, our 2011 season has raced away.

If you missed it, and need some PDC company, why not attend our AGM and have some food and refreshment compliments of your Club?

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICEE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the members of Performance Drivers Club will be held at Boston Pizza, 5801 Marine Way, Burnaby, British Columbia on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. for the following purposes:
1.  To receive the Report of the Directors.
2.  To receive the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.
3.  To set the number of directors for the ensuing year at five.
4.  To elect directors for the ensuing year.
5.  To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Food and refreshments will be provided. If you plan to attend please advise .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We look forward to seeing you there!
DATED the 30th day of October, 2011
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(signed) Michael F. Provenzano
President

Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 


From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

 

 

New pricing for PDC events

By Ramin Towfigh on Sep 16, 2011 at 04:03PM in
Permalink | 45 Comments

All PDC events cost $250 including HST.

image

All PDC events will cost $250 including HST. From each event fee a $5 donation will be made to the BC Rehab Foundation. http://www.bcrehab.com

E-newsletter August 2011

By Michael Provenzano on Aug 28, 2011 at 03:17PM in
Permalink | 1 Comments

E-newsletter for August 2011

PDC Newsletter – August 2011


PDC’s Next Event: Wednesday, September 28th

It is hard to believe but the 2011 season will be soon over. Fortunately, there is still time to fill your ‘need for speed’ by attending PDC’s final event of the year. Beautiful fall weather is best experienced at Mission Raceway Park on the banks of the beautiful Fraser River. There is nothing like the colour of the leaves, the cool air, the sound of wide open throttles and the smell of hot tires and brakes as PDC members enjoy another fabulous day at the track. You definitely don’t want to miss our last event for the year!

Two PDC members enjoying their cars as they were meant to be enjoyed.

Don’t miss this event. Registration is now open.

Introduce a Friend to PDC, and you both drive for Half Price!

The only thing better than a track day, is a track day for half price. For those of us that want the numbers, that is a $250 track day for only $125, HST included.

The lure of a half-price day proves to irresistible to Dennis Bainbridge
as he leaves fellow ProFormance instructor Lawrence Howlett at the starting line

PDC wants to see some new faces at our events, so we are now offering 50% off of our usual event fee for both first time particpants and the PDC member that brings them into the Club. If you qualify, be sure to notify our Treasurer, Anthony Mak, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and he will make sure you get your 50% rebate.

Luxury Supercar Weekend

Whether you love vintage or state-of-the-art luxury super cars, the people who drive them (or wish they did) or just a good event, this automotive show at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden celebrates all three. Don’t think it’s just for auto aficionados - Luxury + Supercar Weekend is a garden party where the allure centers on beautiful cars and the people who appreciate them. This event is one of the rare chances for PDC members to socialize and network against the backdrop of the greatest invited collection of automotive design the world has ever produced, while surrounded by the lush beauty of Shaughnessy’s most famous central location.

Invited for display will be the finest examples of the latest and classic luxury, electric and elite super cars from the world’s most famous manufacturers, including: Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, Maybach, Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Spyker, Cadillac, Lotus, Porsche, Tesla, Lexus, Corvette, Morgan, Saleen, Range Rover, Audi, and Fisker
A select group of race car drivers, professional athletes and celebrities will be attending. Complete details and tickets are available at http://www.Luxurysupercar.com
• Saturday September 10 from 11 am -5 pm Opening day” Super Car Saturday”
• Sunday September 11 from 11 am- 5 pm “The Shaughnessy Concours D’Elegance”
Ample Free parking is available in the Van Dusen lot and along Oak Street and 37th Ave.

Tickets, which includes lunch and beverages, start at $125. But PDC has arranged a special rate of just $100 for its members. Contact our President, Michael Provenzano, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for your discount code which entitles you to this special rate when registering on the Luxury Supercar Weekend website.

Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website.

Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 


From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

 

 

Luxury Supercar PDC Special

By Michael Provenzano on Jul 27, 2011 at 03:35PM in
Permalink | 7 Comments

Special rates offered to PDC members for Luxury Supercar Weekend.

Luxury Supercar Weekend

Whether you love vintage or state-of-the-art luxury super cars, the people who drive them (or wish they did) or just a good event, this automotive show at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden celebrates all three. Don’t think it’s just for auto aficionados - Luxury + Supercar Weekend is a garden party where the allure centers on beautiful cars and the people who appreciate them. This event is one of the rare chances for PDC members to socialize and network against the backdrop of the greatest invited collection of automotive design the world has ever produced, while surrounded by the lush beauty of Shaughnessy’s most famous central location.

Invited for display will be the finest examples of the latest and classic luxury, electric and elite super cars from the world’s most famous manufacturers, including: Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, Maybach, Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Spyker, Cadillac, Lotus, Porsche, Tesla, Lexus, Corvette, Morgan, Saleen, Range Rover, Audi, and Fisker
A select group of race car drivers, professional athletes and celebrities will be attending. Complete details and tickets are available at http://www.Luxurysupercar.com
• Saturday September 10 from 11 am -5 pm Opening day” Super Car Saturday”
• Sunday September 11 from 11 am- 5 pm “The Shaughnessy Concours D’Elegance”
Ample Free parking is available in the Van Dusen lot and along Oak Street and 37th Ave.

Tickets, which includes lunch and beverages, start at $125. But PDC has arranged a special rate of just $100 for its members. Contact our President, Michael Provenzano, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for your discount code which entitles you to this special rate when registering on the Luxury Supercar Weekend website.

 

E-newsletter July 2011

By Michael Provenzano on Jul 27, 2011 at 03:31PM in
Permalink | 1 Comments

PDC E-Newsletter for July 2011

PDC Newsletter – July 2011


PDC’s Next Event: Monday, August 29th

Our next event is just around the corner. A ‘full blown’ school day with instructors from Driving Unlimited (http://www.drivingunlimited.com) as well as the great team of instructors from PDC, it is going to be a great time. The weather at the end of August is usually perfect - warm, but not hot, and sunny.And since it will have been some time since our previous event, we expect a lot of interest for this event. And, as a bonus, PDC will throw in a great catered lunch, if we get sufficient registrations. Long sessions on the track, a free lunch and a low price…..this is an event you won’t want to miss.

PDC’s Tech Director Rob Boznik in his über GTI chases Event Director Brian Yeung in his GT3RS.

Don’t miss this event. Registration is now open.

Introduce a Friend to PDC, and you both drive for Half Price!

The only thing better than a track day, is a track day for half price. For those of us that want the numbers, that is a $250 track day for only $125, HST included.

PDC Treasurer, Anthony Mak, is fast with a refund, and in his Boxster S

PDC wants to see some new faces at our events, so we are now offering 50% off of our usual event fee for both first time particpants and the PDC member that brings them into the Club. If you qualify, be sure to notify our Treasurer, Anthony Mak, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and he will make sure you get your 50% rebate.

Register Early and be entered to win a GoPro HD Camera

Sadly, our May event was cancelled due to low registrations. In PDC’s eleven year history this has never happened before. While the terrible May weather may have been a factor, PDC’s executive have resolved to provide a worthwhile incentive to register early. That is why, for our July 4th event, the first 20 members to sign up for and attend the event will be entered into a draw to win a GoPro HD Camera.

GoPro Hero 960 High-Definition Camera
With a 170-degree wide-angle lens and HD video capture, the HD Hero 960 is a wearable camera that lets you record all your extreme adventures with ease. It comes complete with a helmet front mount, head strap, and two adhesive mounts, and a waterproof housing so it’s ready for all the fun indoors or out.

Features: The HD HERO 960 features a 170-degree wide-angle lens and HD resolutions 960p (1280 x 960) and 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second. It also snaps 5MP still shots, and can be set in time lapse mode shooting a photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds so you grab that insane split second moment of awesomeness.

• 5MP still camera can be set in single shot mode, self timer, 3 photo burst or time lapse mode
• Ultra-durable housing construction lets you go for a swim down to 180 feet (60m) deep
• A head strap allows you to wear the camera like a headlamp; you can also pull this strap over helmets for easy camera sharing between friends
• Flat and curved surface adhesive baseplates easily adhere onto a surface with simple click on and quick release mounting
• Helmet front mount is a curved extension arm that makes it easy to mount the HD HERO 960 on the front of a helmet like a miner’s light or headlamp; also allows for the camera to be extended out in front of the helmet and pointed back at the wearer, allowing for incredible self portrait videos and photos of the action

The GoPro Camera produces fantastic HD in-car videos and is very popular in the track day community. Register early for the August 29th event and become eligible to win a GoPro HD Camera of your own.

Luxury Supercar Weekend

Whether you love vintage or state-of-the-art luxury super cars, the people who drive them (or wish they did) or just a good event, this automotive show at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden celebrates all three. Don’t think it’s just for auto aficionados - Luxury + Supercar Weekend is a garden party where the allure centers on beautiful cars and the people who appreciate them. This event is one of the rare chances for PDC members to socialize and network against the backdrop of the greatest invited collection of automotive design the world has ever produced, while surrounded by the lush beauty of Shaughnessy’s most famous central location.

Invited for display will be the finest examples of the latest and classic luxury, electric and elite super cars from the world’s most famous manufacturers, including: Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, Maybach, Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Spyker, Cadillac, Lotus, Porsche, Tesla, Lexus, Corvette, Morgan, Saleen, Range Rover, Audi, and Fisker
A select group of race car drivers, professional athletes and celebrities will be attending. Complete details and tickets are available at http://www.Luxurysupercar.com
• Saturday September 10 from 11 am -5 pm Opening day” Super Car Saturday”
• Sunday September 11 from 11 am- 5 pm “The Shaughnessy Concours D’Elegance”
Ample Free parking is available in the Van Dusen lot and along Oak Street and 37th Ave.

Tickets, which includes lunch and beverages, start at $125. But PDC has arranged a special rate of just $100 for its members. Contact our President, Michael Provenzano, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for your discount code which entitles you to this special rate when registering on the Luxury Supercar Weekend website.

Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 


From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

 

 

E-newsletter May 2011

By Michael Provenzano on May 30, 2011 at 02:54PM in
Permalink | 10 Comments

E-newsletter for May 2011

PDC Newsletter – May 2011


PDC’s Next Event: A Lapping Day on Tuesday, June 14th

Our next event will be in a format that has been very popular with members - a lapping day. Open to those drivers who have previously attended two PDC events at Mission, lapping days offer an emphasis on seat time and provide an opportunity to practice entries and exits, fine tune braking points and put a big smile on your face.

PDC Event Director, Brian Yeung, practices a manoeuvre known as ‘Follow the Bimmer on Jim McAdie.

Don’t miss this event. Registration is now open.

Introduce a Friend to PDC, and you BOTH get a 50% rebate on your entrance fee!

The only thing better than a track day, is a track day on sale.  For those of you that want the bottom line, that is a $250 track day for only $140.90 (and, for you number crunchers, the refund is equal to the event fee, before HST, less the $5.00 BC Rehab donation, divided by two).

PDC Treasurer, Anthony Mak, is wickedly fast with a refund, and in his 911 TT

PDC wants to see some new faces at our events, so we are now offering a 50% rebate on our usual event fee for both first time participants and the PDC member that brings them into the Club. If you qualify, be sure to notify our Treasurer, Anthony Mak, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and he will make sure you get your 50% rebate.

A July (extra) long weeked to remember: Monday, July 4th Event

This year, make the Canada Day long weekend in July extra special by turning it into a four day long weekend and attending PDC’s ‘Fourth of July’ event. There won’t be fireworks, hotdogs or apple pie, but there will be an entire day of high speed fun on Monday, July 4th, a catered lunch (with sufficient registrations) and driver education provided by PDC and Driving Unlimited in our new format that provides more track time than ever before. The long range weather forecast has guaranteed a dry, sunny day and PDC guarantees a fantastic time.

America’s red, white and blue sports car of Jack Price followed by Skip Yeng’s 911

Registration is now open at http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/events/details/mrp-2011-07-04. We think quite a number of PDC members will register for our Fourth of July Event, so please be sure to register early to avoid missing out. We look forward to seeing you there.

Register Early and be entered to win a GoPro HD Camera

Sadly, our May event was cancelled due to low registrations. In PDC’s eleven year history this has never happened before. While the terrible May weather may have been a factor, PDC’s executive have resolved to provide a worthwhile incentive to register early. That is why, for our July 4th event, the first 20 members to sign up for and attend the event will be entered into a draw to win a GoPro HD Camera.

GoPro Hero 960 High-Definition Camera
With a 170-degree wide-angle lens and HD video capture, the HD Hero 960 is a wearable camera that lets you record all your extreme adventures with ease. It comes complete with a helmet front mount, head strap, and two adhesive mounts, and a waterproof housing so it’s ready for all the fun indoors or out.

Features: The HD HERO 960 features a 170-degree wide-angle lens and HD resolutions 960p (1280 x 960) and 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second. It also snaps 5MP still shots, and can be set in time lapse mode shooting a photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds so you grab that insane split second moment of awesomeness.

• 5MP still camera can be set in single shot mode, self timer, 3 photo burst or time lapse mode
• Ultra-durable housing construction lets you go for a swim down to 180 feet (60m) deep
• A head strap allows you to wear the camera like a headlamp; you can also pull this strap over helmets for easy camera sharing between friends
• Flat and curved surface adhesive baseplates easily adhere onto a surface with simple click on and quick release mounting
• Helmet front mount is a curved extension arm that makes it easy to mount the HD HERO 960 on the front of a helmet like a miner’s light or headlamp; also allows for the camera to be extended out in front of the helmet and pointed back at the wearer, allowing for incredible self portrait videos and photos of the action

The GoPro Camera produces fantastic HD in-car videos and is very popular in the track day community. Register early for the July 4th event and become eligible to win a GoPro HD Camera of your own.

 

Instructors Corner…....by Mark Aisbett, PDC Instructor

A man’s passion

My breath caught in my throat. I swallowed hard, fighting back my unreasonable urge to flee. My age-old battle between longing and fear. Why did I always react like this when we had been apart, even if only for a short time?
My friend has always, and probable will always, have this effect on me. She seemed so demure just sitting there. A beautiful princess waiting to go to the ball. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. I walked up and said hello in my own, silent way. She purred her hello back. I would have said she smiled, gave me that special look that only she can give, the one that said, let’s go! What are we waiting for? Life, experience, pleasure, all are just around a corner, waiting for us. All we have to do is grasp them. Grab hold and squeeze all we can out this small part of life that is us. That pure and simple part of us that we love and need. Now I knew why I loved her so much. She allowed me to be the free and wild spirit that is so much of who I am, and so much of what I truly need.
That one beautiful look of hers conveyed all of this, and more to me. How long had we known each other? A lifetime, possibly more. We seemed so; connected. So made for each other. Our communication having reached an almost spiritual level.
I looked at her again. God! She was beautiful. I simply loved her every curve and the way she carried herself. As I take in this incredible picture I am gripped by the presence of her power.  Raw, untethered, and irrepressible. Equally at home with either royalty or assassins, I thought.
Finally I heeded her look, went over to her. She took me in her loving embrace. I turned the key, gripped her wheel and we drove off as one.

On with the fun,
Mark. Aisbett
PDC Instructor

*Check out some stunt driving videos on my blog at prostuntdrivers.com

Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 


From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

E-newsletter April 2011

By Michael Provenzano on Apr 29, 2011 at 04:52PM in
Permalink | 0 Comments

E-newsletter for April 2011.

PDC Newsletter – April 2011


PDC’s First Event was Awesome

Our first event of the season took place on a day full of sunshine, horsepower and smiling faces. There is no better way to shake off the grey of winter than once again enjoy the pure and simple joy of driving fast on a racetrack. An engine roaring to the redline and the pull of hard cornering lap after lap is spine tingling and never fails to put a smile on one’s face.

Special Guests were the Stig’s two cousins…....Blue Stig and Black & White Stig

For this event, we played with the composition of the groups a little and were able to give everyone close to three hours of track time through five sessions of 35 minutes apiece. Compare that to the 10 or so minutes you get at a long day of cone dodging (sometimes called autocross) and you will appreciate why lapping or track days are the best value per dollar for anyone looking to fill their ‘need for speed’ and enjoy their vehicle driving it like it was meant to be driven.

Next Event…....Wednesday, May 18th

Some of our members tell us that events held on Monday are not good for them so we are holding our next event on a Wednesday. What better way can there be to break up a week than taking off to the track for a day of the sounds and feel of track driving?

Whether you bring a daily driver or a track-bred sports car, you’re bound to have fun

Vehicle Registration is now open.
We think quite a number of PDC members will like a mid-week break, so please be sure to register early to avoid missing out. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Vehicle Inspections Explained

Safety is PDC’s primary goal. We are driving our own cars in these events, and not a race car paid for by a rich sponsor. Since we are using our own cars, paid for with our own money, we want to drive them home in the same condition as when we arrived for the event, with just some tire and brake wear to evidence our day at the track.

While accidents can happen, PDC tries to ensure that they don’t happen due to the failure of something on your vehicle. That is why all participants (other than those participating in their very first PDC event ever) must have an annual safety inspection carried out on their car and bring the completed Vehicle Inspection Form, signed by and bearing the stamp of the inspection facility to PDC’s first Mission event of each year. The completed form confirms that your vehicle meets the essential requirements to go on the track. If this is your first PDC event ever, a vehicle inspection is not mandatory but it is recommended.

Some think the annual inspection is unnecessary but my belief in them was reconfirmed this year when my mechanic found a bad ball joint in one of my car’s lower connecting rods. It was not exhibiting any effects in regular driving. But had it failed in a high speed corner, an ugly crash could have occurred.

Since many of us participate in a number of track events over the course of a year, the condition of our vehicle will change from the time we have the annual shop inspection done at the beginning of the year carried out. That is why a team of PDC volunteers also carry out a fundamental inspection of brakes, tires and various safety gear before each and every event. They have found a wide range of defects such as bad tires, worn out brake pads, cracked brake rotors and batteries held down with only a bungee cord. Any of such defects could have easily caused a crash.

Even though PDC does the best it can to keep unsafe vehicles off of the track, the final responsibility rests with you to ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and capable of being used on the track. Remember it is not only your safety but the safety of your friends and fellow PDCers that you are protecting.

Instructors Corner…....by Mark Aisbett, PDC Instructor

Wanna drive fast? Too bad you’re human!

Whoever made us, then allowed us to make cars, must have had a warped sense of humour. It seems that whatever comes naturally to us….. is slow.
There are all these crazy rules that don’t make any sense to a human, like:
• We want to go fast, but we must move slow…..
• We just want to drive flat out, but we must concentrate on doing it within our limits….
• Our vision naturally wants to be near, but it has to be far….
• The more erratic the car is, the more smooth we have to be.
• The car is moving very fast, but the driver has to move very slow….
• Our survival instincts say to get on the brakes NOW… but we have to WAIT.
• Our minds are moving at lightning speed, but our bodies have to move in a controlled and orderly fashion.
• We go too fast and the back end starts sliding and we have to apply…..throttle!
It’s all messed up. Maybe that’s why we like it. Maybe drivers as a group are just a little masochistic. We buy fast cars, and THEN spend our days moving as slowly as we can inside them! Kind of sounds like something we should spend $200 an hour talking to a professional about…..
Maybe that would help…. But I doubt it.

On with the fun,
Mark. Aisbett
PDC Instructor

*Check out some stunt driving videos on my blog at prostuntdrivers.com

Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 


From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

E-newsletter March 2011

By Michael Provenzano on Mar 11, 2011 at 05:11PM in
Permalink | 3 Comments

E-newsletter for March 2011

PDC Newsletter – March 2011


Next Happy New Year, Happy Chinese New Year (and Gung Hay Fat Choy) & Happy Norooz

All the signs that another track is just around the corner are starting to show. Christmas, Hanukkah and Festivus (for those of us attending the Church of Jerry Seinfeld) have been celebrated. We have experienced two new year celebrations (Gregorian-Western and Chinese) and have one left (Persian) to go. The weather is getting warmer and we are washing and readying our rides for another year.
I hope that everyone had a great holiday season. But now it is time to get serious. That is, serious about having some great fun at the track!

First Event - Monday, April 18th

This is it PDCers - our first event of the season!
Beautiful spring weather, two hours of track time for each run group, race trained instructors from Driving Unlimited complimented by our own fine instructors and a delicious catered lunch. How can anyone resist that?
Following the long cold winter, our April event has traditionally sold out very quickly. So don’t be left out because you were too slow to register and have to wait until our next event to fulfill your ‘need for speed’, register for the event now and put a smile on your face - guaranteed!

Registration details are available on the website .

Reminder: If this is your first PDC event this year, remember that you need to have an annual safety inspection carried out on your car and bring your completed Vehicle Inspection Form
signed by and bearing the stamp of the inspection facility to confirm that your vehicle meets the requirements to go on the track.



Yes, even a Spyker Aileron needs a Vehicle Inspection….......is this it?

I look forward to seeing you there.

How much ‘driving skill’ do you have in the Bank?

Here’s something to think about. How much of your overall driving skill do you use when you’re driving day to day? 50%?, 20%?, 80%?

We’ve ALL seen some people that are using the full 100% of their driving skill just getting to work!

So we all have what could be called a ‘reserve fund’ of driving skill that we rely on to get us out of whatever situation comes up on the road. The more of a reserve fund we have, the safer we are out on the street. AND…. the faster we can go on track days!

This reserve fund is really just the set of habits you’ve incorporated into your driving, how far, and how much you’ve pushed those habits. It’s the reason the PDC instructors harped on us so much about seemingly ultra-basic things like holding the wheel properly, sitting correctly, and looking farther ahead.

The Buddhist saying of “A journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first step” could be translated for us as “The road to a harmonious balancing between oversteer and understeer in every corner begins with 9 & 3.”

In classic Buddhist irony it’s also a fact that the more we concentrate on the fundamentals of driving, and not on speed - the faster we will go. Better fundamentals, equals better habits, equals MORE SPEED.

On with the fun,
Mark. Aisbett
PDC Instructor

*Check out some stunt driving videos on my blog at prostuntdrivers.com

Congratulations to Kai Wang

One of PDC’s former Co-Event Directors, Kai Wang, and his lovely wife Hayley, recently became proud parents of a beautiful baby girl. Congratulations and our best wishes to them both. Our intrepid PDC staff photographer managed to capture this photo of Kai celebrating the upcoming event…..


Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 


From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

E-newsletter August 2010

By Michael Provenzano on Sep 29, 2010 at 02:26PM in
Permalink | 30 Comments

PDC E-Newsletter for August 2010

PDC Newsletter - August 2010


Next Event - Tuesday, September 21st

This is it PDCers - our last event of the season!
Beautiful fall weather, two hours of track time for each run group, race trained instructors from Driving Unlimited and a delicious catered lunch - all for the same low price as an event in 2009. How can anyone not love that? I couldn’t and have already signed up.

Following our very successful August event, we expect this event to fill up quickly. September is always a great month - cool, crisp air, colourful leaves and sunshine - just perfect for a day at the track. So don’t be left out because you were too slow to register and have to wait until next year to fulfill your ‘need for speed’, register for the event now and put a smile on your face - guaranteed!

Register Now:http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/events/details/mrp-2009-09-21

 

Reminder: If this is your first PDC event this year, remember that you need to have an annual safety inspection carried out on your car and bring your completed Vehicle Inspection Form
signed by and bearing the stamp of the inspection facility to confirm that your vehicle meets the requirements to go on the track.

Instructors Corner…....by Mark Aisbett, PDC Instructor

Building a skyscraper and driving a car fast have a lot in common

Everyone knows how to build a skyscraper, right? Yeah, me neither, but I DO know that you first have to dig a big hole and then you start slowly building from the bottom up. Eventually you’ll have this mega story building that stands there, even in the worst of storms. I also know that it’s the depth of the hole that dictates how high you can build the building….
Driving a car at the edge of control is very similar. First you have to lay a solid foundation of the proper skills (digging the hole), then you have to start building your skill level brick by brick. In the driving world, these bricks are good habits.
Habits are cool. It’s like, once you learn them, they’re there. You take something from being a conscious effort and make it unconscious. And when your habits become so ingrained that they are a part of you, it’s called ‘instinctual.’
So when you start to learn a new skill in driving, you are forming a new habit, that will eventually become an instinct. Since most driving happens on an unconscious or instinctual level, the better your habits, and the more ingrained they are, the better driver you become.
When you are out for a track day, it’s like you’re doing an intensive course on instilling proper habits. The real payoff for you and your friends and family is if a ‘situation’ comes up on the road. It’s the skills you’ve converted to habits that are now instinct, that will get you out of it. Bad habits equals smash, crash, and burn. Good habits means that your heart beats a little faster for a couple minutes….. BIG DIFFERENCE!
So start digging, and keep building, the construction is a blast!
On with the fun,
Mark. Aisbett
PDC Instructor

*Check out some stunt driving videos on my new blog at prostuntdrivers.com


August Event was Awesome!

After a great opener with our Lapping Day on July 4th, our August event was all that we had hoped for. Great weather, fast corners and faster straights, a catered lunch and professional instruction from the highly trained instructors of Driving Unlimited and PDC. It was awesome.
It was also great to see a couple of famous brother teams at the event, namely:
• Alex and Kris Klimek - also known as the Audi Boys - back for more high speed fun in our Intermediate Group.
• Duncan Lee, brother of our Membership Registrar, Edwin Lee, come from his home in Hong Kong where he races on various supertracks, including Shanghai’s Formula 1 race track, to share his skills and enthusiasm with us. Duncan told us he found Mission’s track to be very technical and challenging, but he failed to mention that it could fit within the turn 4-7 complex of Shanghai!
Thanks goes to all of the Tech Team members and other selfless volunteers that worked so hard to make the event a great success.

Congratulations to Phil Boznik

One of PDC’s Tech Team Chairs, Phil Boznik, recently became a married man. Being a confirmed PDCer, however, meant that Phil attended our August event on a Tuesday and then got married on a Friday. No word whether the honeymoon was near a race track but if I had to guess…....


Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/


Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 
From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

E-newsletter July 2010

By Michael Provenzano on Jul 27, 2010 at 03:09PM in
Permalink | 6 Comments

E-newsletter for July 2010

PDC Newsletter - July 2010


Next Event - Tuesday, August 24th…... Don’t miss it!

PDC’s next event is on Tuesday, August 24th, at Mission Raceway Park. This will be our first ‘school’ event with a full complement of instructors and our usual four run groups.


If you have not participated in a high performance driving event before, this is the one you want to attend. And if you have attended events before, you know how much fun they are. Satisfy your need for speed and sign up soon at:  http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/events/details/mrp-2009-08-31

Reminder: If this is your first PDC event this year, remember that you need to have an annual safety inspection carried out on your car and bring your completed Vehicle Inspection Form
signed by and bearing the stamp of the inspection facility to confirm that your vehicle meets the requirements to go on the track.

How much ‘driving skill’ do you have in the Bank?

Here’s something to think about. How much of your overall driving skill do you use when you’re driving day to day? 50%?, 20%?, 80%?

We’ve ALL seen some people that are using the full 100% of their driving skill just getting to work!

So we all have what could be called a ‘reserve fund’ of driving skill that we rely on to get us out of whatever situation comes up on the road. The more of a reserve fund we have, the safer we are out on the street. AND…. the faster we can go on track days!

This reserve fund is really just the set of habits you’ve incorporated into your driving, how far, and how much you’ve pushed those habits. It’s the reason the PDC instructors harped on us so much about seemingly ultra-basic things like holding the wheel properly, sitting correctly, and looking farther ahead.

The Buddhist saying of “A journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first step” could be translated for us as “The road to a harmonious balancing between oversteer and understeer in every corner begins with 9 & 3.”

In classic Buddhist irony it’s also a fact that the more we concentrate on the fundamentals of driving, and not on speed - the faster we will go. Better fundamentals, equals better habits, equals MORE SPEED.

On with the fun,
Mark. Aisbett
PDC Instructor

*Check out some stunt driving videos on my new blog at prostuntdrivers.com


Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/


Volunteers are Also Welcomed

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Captains, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC supports BC Rehab [bcrehab.com]. 
From each participation fee paid by a member for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected thousands of dollars for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org

 

E-newsletter June 2010

By Michael Provenzano on Jun 26, 2010 at 09:11AM in
Permalink | 1 Comments

E-newsletter for June 2010

PDC Newsletter - June 2010




First Event is Just Around the Corner - FInally!


Yes, finally, we have a PDC event to fulfill our 'need for speed'. Our next event is only two weeks away. If Monday, July 5th is not circled on your calendar as your next PDC Lapping Day - it should be.





It has been a struggle to coordinate the event but it is now organized and ready to happen. All it needs is a few clicks to complete your sign-up........So if you have not yet registered don't waste another moment - the weather is going to be great and the event is filling quickly. Don't be stuck in holiday traffic - sign up and drive at the track where the traffic is always going with you - at full throttle.



Don't forget to have your vehicle inspected and the inspection form completed and stamped. Drivers must also provide their own helmets. All the details are on the website.


And Two More Events are Coming


Some members may have already noticed that we have scheduled two more track events for this year - August 24th and September 21st. These will be full school days with all four run groups and a full complement of instructors. Event registration will start soon.







Michael Provenzano



President


Performance Drivers Club
www.performancedriversclub.org



E-newsletter May 2010

By Michael Provenzano on May 17, 2010 at 09:47AM in Happenings
Permalink

E-newsletter for May 2010

PDC Newsletter - May 2010


Slow In, Fast Out

We have all heard that expression applied to cornering technique.  This   year, it also describes the launch of PDC’s 2010 season. Fortunately, it   appears   that our much delayed season will be underway soon.


This delay arose from a series of events beyond our control that   started   with ProFormance Racing being put up for sale and ceasing operations in   late   2009. Since PDC’s first year of putting on track events, its smooth   operations   have been anchored with ProFormance providing logistical support.


While ProFormance’s loss has proven to be a significant issue,  PDC’s   executives have been working steadily to find a replacement provider of   logistical support. After a few promising alternatives failed to come to   fruition, viable alternatives are now forming and we are optimistic that   we will   continue to provide our unique type of high performance fun. As progress   is   made, e-newsletters like this one will be sent out to keep our members   up-to-date. The e-newsletters will also be posted on the website.


So please stay tuned - more track days are just around the corner!



Volunteers are Needed


We all enjoy track days. That is why we joined PDC. But too often   PDC’s   executives are told by members that they are ‘too busy’ to help with the   operations that make our track days so enjoyable. In short, the current   executive needs new blood and an infusion of energy - and we need it   now!


If PDC is to continue as a successful Club then more of our members   are   going to have to find some time to give back to the Club. Some clubs   insist that   all members participate in operations if they want to drive in the   events. While   that may be too much to ask at this time, I am urging any member with an   interest in helping this great Club to step forward.


At this time, we need someone with some artistic inclination to   take over   from Justina Lee as Editor of The Challenge. Justina has just delivered   the   tenth anniversary edition and, as she always has, she has delivered a   terrific   document. Now someone (or a team of two or more members) needs to take   over and   continue our flagship production. Don’t be shy - Justina will walk you   through   all of the aspects of The Challenge. With the assistance of our graphic   designers, Metaphase, it is easier than you would think.


We also need someone to join the executive team as a director and   Vice   President. The position does not involve a significant time commitment   other   than our regular meetings.


Both positions will involve one meeting every four to six weeks   with the   rest of the executives. Our meetings are held at the White Spot   restaurant   across from the Bayshore - so besides enjoying the company of some of   your   fellow PDCers, you will also be treated to a delicious meal.


Please contact me or Justina if you have an interest in helping.  Our email   addresses are on the website.



Michael Provenzano

President


Performance Drivers Club
  www.performancedriversclub.org

 

E-newsletter September 2009

By Michael Provenzano on Sep 28, 2009 at 05:33PM in
Permalink | 3 Comments

E-newsletter for September 2009

PDC September E-Newsletter

Final Track Event in PDC’s Celebration of a ‘Decade of Performance’

This year has been PDC’s tenth year of operations and with five track events completed and only one left for Monday, September 28th it has been a fantastic year of high speed fun!


  Smiles abound at all PDC events - Here Skip Yeng and instructor Tony Riddel get ready to savour another session.

Ride with an Instructor

The ‘Ride with an Instructor’ program is still a huge success. First Time participants ride for some fast laps with their instructor. The experience is often an epiphany for most participants when they find out how fast and smoothly a skilled instructor can pilot a car around the track.


  PDC member and contributing photographer, Goran Srekovic,  enjoys a ride with PDC’s Chief Driving Instructor, Dennis Lee, in Dennis’  awesome R8.

Line up a ride at our next event and you will never regret it.

PDC to Wrap Up its ‘Decade of Performance’ Celebration with a Party

What better way to wrap up a great year than with a great party? Last year PDC held a party at the Point Grey Golf Club and the food was great, the door prizes were great, the people were great and the Master of Ceremonies was…..well, let’s just say he even managed to avoid any embarrassing jokes -  and that was great. What could be better?

This year’s party will be better - it is guaranteed! There will be more door prizes,  including a set of custom wheels. The banquet will be awesome -no rubber chicken for PDC -the caterer has promised to surpass last year’s gourmet treats with even better delicacies. And the MC promises to leave the tasteless jokes in his back pocket for another year.

Mark your calendars. The time and location of PDC’s year-end, decade-ending wrap-up party are

When:   Saturday, November 7th
Where: Point Grey Golf & Country Club

Don’t miss it. We won’t celebrate with another Decade Party until 2019.

Track Tip from a PDC Instructor

Here’s something to think about. How much of your overall driving skill do you use when you’re driving day to day - 50%?,  20%?, 80%? We’ve ALL seen some people that are using the full 100% of their driving skill just getting to work!

So we all have what could be called a ‘reserve fund’ of driving skill that we rely on to get us out of whatever situation comes up on the road. The more of a reserve fund we have, the safer we are out on the street. AND…. the faster we can go on track days!

This reserve fund is really just the set of habits you’ve incorporated into your driving, how far, and how much you’ve pushed those habits. It’s the reason the PDC instructors harped on us so much about seemingly ultra-basic things like holding the wheel properly, sitting correctly, and looking farther ahead.

The Buddhist saying of “A journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step” could be translated for us as “The road to a harmonious balancing between oversteer and understeer in every corner begins with 9&3.” In classic Buddhist irony it’s also a fact that the more we concentrate on the fundamentals of driving, and not on speed - the faster we will go.

Better fundamentals, equals better habits, equals MORE SPEED.

On with the fun,
  Mark.

*Check out some stunt driving videos on my new blog at www.prostuntdrivers.com

 
  Mark Aisbett heads out on the track in his BMW E36 M3.

Mark has been a professional Stunt Driver since 1987. Check out his book “The Secret Art of Stunt Driving- All the insider tricks of driving at the edge” at www.extremedrivers.com.

  PDC Vice-President Married!

Congratulations to PDC’s Vice-President, Brian Yeung, and his beautiful bride, Hyemee, on their wedding this summer. The happy couple spent their slightly delayed (so that Brian could participate in PDC’s track event in August) honeymoon in Europe which coincided with the Frankfurt Auto Show.  Sounds like Hyemee allows Brian to indulge in his passion for cars - lucky guy!
 

Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other   motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

  http://performancedriversclub.org/img/Newsletter-PDC-09-2009-image06-small.jpg” alt=”” align=“baseline” />
Any and all articles you may wish to submit for the year-end issue of The   Challenge are welcomed. E-mail your submissions to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

How Can   You Get Involved with the PDC?

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the   Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with   its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of   the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a   chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part   in our events.

Contact our Tech Team Chairs/Directors, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.


Tech Team members, Chris ‘gangsta rap’ Bakalar, Phil Boznik and Derrick Lee.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend   long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the   track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give   them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC   encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for   high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a   little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a   life.

Support our Sponsors

It is through the generosity of our sponsors that we are able to make PDC   the very best club we can. The sponsors provide a wide variety of products   and services. Visit their websites from http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/club/sponsors/ or by clicking their logo on the right side of this newsletter for full   details. Please consider them first when you are in the market for their   products and services.

PDC Supports BC   Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services   offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC is a proud supporter of BC Rehab http://www.bcrehab.com.  From each participation fee paid for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to   BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected   close to $10,000 for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your   day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British   Columbians.

Feedback

We want your feedback.
  Is there something that you would like to see in this Newsletter? Or some   sort of event that you would like PDC to take part in? If so, please let us   know. Send your suggestions to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
  Michael Provenzano
  President
  Performance Drivers Club

  Take it to the track!

E-newsletter July 2009

By Michael Provenzano on Aug 09, 2009 at 02:15PM in
Permalink | 2 Comments

E-newsletter for July 2009

Untitled Document

Our Celebration of a Decade of Performance Continues

This year is PDC’s tenth year of operations and while summer has just begun, it is hard to believe but our celebration of a ‘Decade of Performance’ is already half over. We have had four great track events this year, starting with our first in mid-April, followed by one in each of May,  June and July.

It was typical ‘challenging’ weather in the April and May events (adding credibility to PDC’s motto of ‘The Ultimate Driving Challenge’) and then we had absolutely fabulous weather at our June event. The July event started out slightly damp but soon dried out resulting in faster speeds and bigger grins amongst all the lucky members that attended. Others may disagree, but starting in the damp or wet and progressing to a dry and fast track (as opposed to starting dry and going wet) is always enjoyable as one experiences a diverse mix of track conditions for a full range of driving challenges.


  Showing the diversity of the cars PDC members drive, an Aston Martin leads a Mini Cooper into a corner.

The ‘Ride with an Instructor’ program continues to be a huge success with First Time participants jockeying to get in some fast laps with their instructor or in their favourite car. The experience is often an epiphany for most participants when they find out how fast and smoothly a skilled instructor can pilot a car around the track. Line up a ride at our next event and you will never regret it.

PDC’s success comes from the passion of its members for the Club and its events. But it works because of the dedication and hard work of its executives and volunteers. A sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of the executives and volunteers over the years that have worked so hard at making PDC a success we can all be proud of. And special thanks to Dennis and Justina Lee for selflessly volunteering countless time in launching the Club in 1999 and running it through the last decade. We all owe you a big debt of gratitude.   

July Lapping Event was Great, really Great!

Regularly participants at PDC events had the pleasure of attending our first Lapping Day on July 13th. The event was almost sold-out with only a few spots unfilled in one or two of the run groups.


  An E46 M3 pulls off the track for a well deserved break.

With roughly 100 minutes of track time per run group (one more session than at regular events) no one left at the end of the day wanting more - we were all exhausted from the being on the track as long as a Formula 1 driver in an F1 race (although, to be fair, our speeds were slightly slower).

Four Down, and only Two to Go—Next Event is Monday, August 31st

If you have not attended a PDC track event this year, then don’t delay any further - there are only two scheduled events left!

There is no better way to enjoy driving your car than at speed on a racetrack. Don’t be disappointed and register for PDC’s next event at http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/events/details/mrp-2009-08-31 before it is sold out.


  An S2000 rounds the corner heading for an apex. 

Participants are reminded they must have a valid PDC membership to register for this event.  As well, if this is your first event for 2009, a properly completed Vehicle Inspection Form indicating your car successfully passed the inspection is necessary to participate. Details are on our website.
 
Welcome Yokohama Canada as a New Platinum Sponsor

PDC is pleased to announce the addition of Yokohama Canada as a Platinum sponsor for 2009. There is a good reason that Yokohama tires have been the high performance choice of PDC members for 10 years - they offer the highest performance and at very competitive prices.

Yokohama is generously offering PDC members a $15 discount on each high performance street tire and a $30 discount on each street legal track tire.  This offer is only valid for a limited time, so don’t delay. Please see me at the next event, or send me an email, to receive your coupon entitling you to these savings on your purchase of Yokohama tires.

Thank you, Yokohama!

Links to all of our sponsors are found on the right hand side of this e-newsletter.

Track Tip from a PDC Instructor
There is always a lot of smoothness to be gained from the edges.
The edge is the initial turn of the steering wheel, or the first bit of brake pressure or throttle applied. One of the easiest places to overlook in our driving is the other side of that edge. Coming off the brakes or throttle or unwinding the wheel super smoothly. Cornering fast is about balance. Balance comes from smoothing out the edges.
 
On with the fun….
 
  PDC Member, Jack Price, on his way to clipping a nice apex. This kind of precision is why Jack is becoming another PDC instructor.

Mark has been a professional Stunt Driver since 1987. Check out his book “The Secret Art of Stunt Driving- All the insider tricks of driving at the edge” at www.extremedrivers.com.

Pictures   and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other   motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/

 

  Seeing double? Can you believe it - not   only is one as handsome as the other, but they have the same car too!

  Any and all articles you may wish to submit for the year-end issue of The   Challenge are welcomed. E-mail your submissions to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

How Can You Get Involved with the PDC?

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the   Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with   its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of   the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a   chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part   in our events.

  PDC Member, former executive and a   fast racer, Joel Siegel, chats with Lawrence Howlett, instructor, all ‘round great   guy and another fast racer.

  Contact our Tech Team Chairs/Directors, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.


  Tech Team members, Chris ‘gangsta rap’ Bakalar, Phil Boznik and Derrick Lee.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend   long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the   track. The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give   them a wave, as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a   little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC.  It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least,  it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a   life.

Support our Sponsors

It is through the generosity of our sponsors that we are able to make PDC   the very best club we can. The sponsors provide a wide variety of products   and services. Visit their websites from http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/club/sponsors/ or by clicking their logo on the right side of this newsletter for full   details. Please consider them first when you are in the market for their   products and services.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services   offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society.  That is why PDC is a proud supporter of BC Rehab http://www.bcrehab.com.  From each participation fee paid for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to   BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected   close to $10,000 for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your   day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British   Columbians.

Feedback

We want your feedback.

Is there something that you would like to see in this Newsletter? Or some   sort of event that you would like PDC to take part in? If so, please let us   know. Send your suggestions to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

  Michael Provenzano

  President

  Performance Drivers Club

Take it to the track!

E-newsletter June 2009

By Michael Provenzano on Jun 14, 2009 at 12:30PM in Member Articles
Permalink | 1 Comments

E-newsletter for June 2009

New Website launched for 2009

For those of you that have not seen PDC’s new website yet, you are in for a treat.  PDC member, Ramin Towfigh, and his crew have done a fabulous job of creating a new website from the ground up.

There is improved functionality throughout the new website, including an automated event registration and payment feature, which is literally saving hundreds of hours of administrative work for PDC’s hardworking but unpaid executives.  There is also a new Gallery that makes uploading pictures a breeze and many other great features.

Take a look at www.perfornancedriversclub.org to see all the changes for yourself. And while you are there, why not upload a picture or two or make a post on one of the Forums?

Celebrating a Decade of Performance

This year is PDC’s tenth year, and what a decade it has been! 

From a few events in 1999 to this year’s six local events and 17 affiliate events (plus a few special events that will be announced soon) PDC has grown and matured into a club that truly delivers on its promise to fulfil anyone’s ‘need for speed’.

In the early years, the cars driven at PDC’s events consisted primarily of Porsches and Vipers with a few BMWs for good measure. Now, our events now feature numerous marques from Japan, North America and Europe with both modern supercars and vintage sports cars sharing the track.

Our members are as varied as the cars we drive - our members range from students to retirees and from novices to seasoned track drivers.


  PDC’s Challenge Editor, Justina Lee, and Vice-President,  Brian Yeung, are two of the Club’s hardworking executives.

PDC’s success comes from the passion of its members for the Club and its events. But it works because of the dedication and hard work of its executives and volunteers. A sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of the executives and volunteers over the years that have worked so hard at making PDC a success we can all be proud of. And special thanks to Dennis and Justina Lee for selflessly volunteering countless time in launching the Club in 1999 and running it through the last decade. We all owe you a big debt of gratitude.  

Two Down, and Four to Go

If you have not attended a PDC track event this year, then don’t delay any further. It is hard to believe but we are rapidly approaching the halfway mark - PDC has already held two sold-out events this year and the third event is selling out fast.

While the weather was somewhat ‘challenging’ (in keeping, one might suppose, with PDC’s logo ‘The Ultimate Driving Challenge’) with damp and wet conditions for the first two events, PDC members are a hardy bunch and proved their skills in keeping their cars on track while still enjoying track driving.


  A little rain could not keep Jennifer Bleeza (aka ‘Adrenaline Junkie’) from smiling at her first event of the year.

The ‘Ride with an Instructor’ program continues to be a huge success with First Time participants jockeying to get in some fast laps with their instructor or in their favourite car. The experience is often an epiphany for most participants when they find out how fast and smoothly a skilled instructor can pilot a car around the track.

Next Event is Monday, June 15th

There is no better way to enjoy driving your car than at speed on a racetrack.


  PDC Executives, Jim McAdie, Secretary (BMW) and Brian Yeung, VP (Porsche) enjoying a nice moment at Season Opening. 

Participants are reminded they must have a valid PDC membership to register for this event.  As well, if this is your first event for 2009, a properly completed Vehicle Inspection Form indicating your car successfully passed the inspection is necessary to participate. Details are on our website.

Welcome New & Returning Sponsors
  PDC is pleased to announce its sponsors for 2009, some of which are new and some of which have been sponsors for many years. This year’s sponsors are:
 
  Titanium
  McL Motor Cars (welcome back, to a long time sponsor of PDC)
  Platinum
  Driver’s Edge Autosport (a founding sponsor, Frank Micucci, is well known to many PDC members)
  Gold
  Clarkdale VW (welcome to this new sponsor for 2009)
  Designo Auto House (a familiar face, Samson Chan, is a continuing sponsor for 2009 - thank you!)
  Silver
  Autowest BMW and Mini of Richmond (welcome to this new sponsor for 2009)
  DigiTech Printing (a long time sponsor and official printer to PDC -  thank you!)
  GP F/X (well known to many PDC members, Andy Wong, is a source of fine graphics for helmets and cars and more)
  Jim KC Fraser, CA (Jim Fraser, a Chartered Accountant, a PDC member is returning as sponsor for 2009)
  Bronze
  World Insurance Services Ltd. (Bosco LI is a long-time PDC member, and is is a returning sponsor for 2009)

 

Track Tip from a PDC Instructor

Using all of the track is a basic skill of high performance driving but something not a lot of people do, whether at a PDC event or even racing. Luckily, it is an easy skill to learn.

The next time you are at the track, try lapping slightly slower and make sure you are within six inches of every turn in, apex, and exit cone. Use your first lap out and your cool down lap to get within two inches of every cone. Ask your instructor to check the distances for you. To many of us, two feet feels like six inches!

Soon you will be using the whole track, and you will also begin going faster because the track is now straighter than it used to be!
 
  PDC Member, Phil Linzey, on his way to clipping a nice apex. Fine line, Phil!

  Mark has been a professional Stunt Driver since 1987. Check out his brand new book “The Secret Art of Stunt Driving- All the insider tricks of driving at the edge” at www.extremedrivers.com

Pictures and Articles are Welcomed

Remember that we welcome your pictures from a PDC track day (or any other motorsport event) to be posted on our website. Please upload them at: http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/gallery/


  ‘Can you believe this guy - not only is he my brother, but he is a PDC member!’

  Also, any articles you may wish to submit for the year-end issue of The Challenge are welcomed. E-mail your submissions to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

How Can You Get Involved with the PDC?

We often get asked by members how they can become more involved in the Club events. One of the best ways is to assist the Tech Inspection Team with its morning inspection of cars for the event. Not only will you meet some of the executives and other volunteers and participants but you will get a chance to learn about some of the great cars and their owners that take part in our events.
 
  PDC Member, former executive and all around great guy, Jonathan Suzuki, volunteering at the morning tech inspection.

  Contact our Tech Team Chairs/Directors, Rob & Phil Boznik at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you want to assist.

Did you Thank a Turn Worker at the Last Event?

Regardless if the weather is wet or dry, hot or cold, turn workers spend long hours at their corner making sure it is safe for us to drive around the track.  The next time you are driving your cool down lap, remember to give them a wave,  as a small ‘thank you’ for doing their job so we can have fun.

Street Racing is Stupid!

PDC encourages every member to spread that message. There is only one place for high speed driving - on the racetrack. So if you know someone who needs a little education about high performance driving, encourage them to join PDC. It will definitely be the biggest favour you can do for them. At the least, it will teach them all about high performance driving. And it could save a life.

Support our Sponsors

It is through the generosity of our sponsors that we are able to make PDC the very best club we can. The sponsors provide a wide variety of products and services. Visit their websites from http://performancedriversclub.org/index.php/club/sponsors/ for full details. Please consider them first when you are in the market for their products and services.

PDC Supports BC Rehab

Many victims of serious motor vehicle accidents benefit from the services offered by BC Rehab, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit society. That is why PDC is a proud supporter of BC Rehab http://www.bcrehab.com. From each participation fee paid for a PDC track event, $5.00 is donated to BC Rehab. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but over the years, PDC has collected close to $10,000 for BC Rehab. So remember that when you are enjoying your day at the track, you are also helping a organization that is helping British Columbians.

Feedback

We want your feedback.
Is there something that you would like to see in this Newsletter? Or some sort of event that you would like PDC to take part in? If so, please let us know. Send your suggestions to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

  Michael Provenzano
  President
  Performance Drivers Club
  Take it to the track!

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