Blog

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!