Highlights From the 2013 Car Control Clinic

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On  Sat May 25th the ARPCA held the  annual ARPCA Car Control Clinic. We used the SIX-ACRE Vehicle Dynamic Area (VDA) at PIRC to provide a complete educational experience! The Car Control Clinic is hands-on, in-car training that consists of a classroom discussion of vehicle dynamics and human dynamics followed by four hours of in-car instruction in accident avoidance and defensive driving maneuvers.

The Clinic can teaches students what typical driving schools can’t: what to do when something goes wrong in the car – and provide the opportunity to practice these maneuvers in a safe environment.

Drivers that attended learned and practiced three key skills:

  1. Smooth steering on a Slalom course – Understand how to navigate your car smoothly through a set of cones. Recognize where you want your car to go. You will learn how to drive where the cones aren’t!
  2. Threshold Braking – Learn how to control your car in an emergency breaking situation. You will understand more about your car’s capabilities and how to manage them. Learn how to successfully maneuver around obstacles (just as if you have a deer in the headlights) while slowing your car.
  3. Skid-Pad Activities – Drive on a skid pad where you will have the opportunity to experience your car breaking traction and then learn how to regain traction in a safe environment. Feel the balance and learn how to steer your car with the throttle.

All types of vehicles are welcome! Bring your special vehicle or your daily driver. In addition to Porsches, we have Audis, BMWs, Mazdas, Minis, Subarus as well as mini-vans participate. All that is required is that you have valid state inspection and valid driver license.

A bit Nervous? No worries. Our club excels in making sure your experience is safe and enjoyable. You will be paired with an experienced instructor who will be knowledgeable in driving your type of car.

This is a great opportunity for new drivers! Here’s one students take and some fun pictures from the 2012 Car Control Clinic