A PDS Experience

A PDS Experience Musings of a New POC Student Daniel Ross

At a highway gas station Saturday morning, I tore through my car for missing documents while mechanics and drivers prepped at the track. Coaches discussed qualifying strategy while I timed if I could make it back to the hotel for essential check-in paperwork. After recovering the folder, I arrived at the track, jumped out of the car and ran to sign in. I masked panic as welcoming faces greeted me. I signed in and realized the important tools for a new driver were the PDS wristband and a few enthusiastic responses. Turns out, the paperwork was unnecessary and I was early for the meeting. I was good to go.

After the driver’s meeting, I met Don Matz. We discussed my experience at Streets of Willow and the lap record he held there before “some [expletive] beat it.” I needed an instructor, so Don filled in. As we pulled up to the line for our first session, the novice confidence I gained at Streets took over. I believed there was a chance I could impress Don right away. I don’t know if it’s more frightening to be completely lost on a track, or know your driver is confused coming off a straight into a sharp turn. A couple laps in, I noticed 1A was coming up too fast. All I could do was sigh and roll past the turn in a straight line for the dirt. “Brake. Brake. Brake!.. We’re off.” A quick nervous laugh and we were back on completing the session. Don may have steered the car as much as I did, but the last laps went well.

More humbling than going off track was seeing the orange and red groups set off. I watched the drivers navigate the track in a violently graceful dance at a breathtaking pace, and I was hooked. When given the chance, I mingled with experienced drivers. I met some of Vision’s team before, but I did not expect them to be so welcoming. As a complete beginner, I felt extremely grateful to be taken under some of their wings. They were always willing to share tips and invited me to ride in a cup car sometime. Thanks Jim!

Most of my time spent in the paddock was processing Don’s informative debriefs before quietly absorbing any advice I could get from the incredible drivers, coaches and members within the POC. After session 1, Don gave me a quick classroom lesson that was immensely productive. Session 2 was a completely different experience. As I became more comfortable with my memory of the track, we gained confidence in my abilities. Braking later, accelerating harder and piecing together even one section a lap was exhilarating. After session 3, Don sent me out alone. The rest of the weekend was spent discussing laps, talking with members and enjoying every second.

I look forward to quietly absorbing everyone’s advice as I learn new tracks, cut times and grow within the club. Thanks to Don, Vision, Vali and the entire POC for getting me hooked on such an incredible sport. My goal is to make it into a Boxter Spec someday, but for now I’ll start with managing my documents.

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