What’s better than hitting the track in a fleet of new Porsche 911s that don’t belong to you, led by world-class driving instructors? Doing it all in one of Canada’s most beautiful regions.
The Porsche Track Experience (previously called Porsche Sport Driving School) expands its one-day and two-day professional driving courses out west to Area 27 – Canada’s only private motorsports club, recently opening doors to a new member clubhouse along with a badass kart track designed by Jacques Villeneuve slated for a July 2019 debut.
Related: Porsche 911s & Gnarly Roads: 4-Days Exploring The Okanagan
Offered already in eastern Canada at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (CTMP) in Bowmanville, Ontario, Porsche’s performance driving courses now head to the vineyard-laden Okanagan region in Penticton, British Columbia.
The Porsche Track Experience comprises three separate packages, each suited for those just starting out, as well as car enthusiasts looking to enhance their track abilities. There’s also a one-day Women’s Precision Training at the CTMP location, where participants drive alongside other females.
The three main Porsche courses at Area 27 include:
- Precision Training: a one-day affair developed for those with no prior track experience
- Performance Training: a two-day course for returning participants looking to improve vehicle control further
- Master Training: a two-day course for advanced participants focused on improving their sport driving abilities
A Porsche driving experience for various skill levels
Zacharie Robichon, one of the instructors (and driver of the Pfaff Motorsports GTD Porsche and current Porsche GT3 Cup Champion) explains the courses as, “Precision is an intro to high-performance driving behind the wheel of a Porsche. It caters to everyone from experienced drivers to anyone looking to refine their driving skills.”
For something on a smaller scale but equally as fun, there’s the Jacques Villeneuve-designed kart track with an anticipated opening date of July 2019.
He adds, “Performance Training is for the enthusiasts who want to continue learning how to extract the most out of their cars; it teaches you how to push the performance of Porsche machines.”
“Master’s Training is an opportunity to master skills learned in the other two levels; it is designed for those who simply love driving, passionate car fans looking to increase their track skills.”
No 911, No Problem
It’s worth noting that participants don’t use their cars. As Jennifer Cooper, Manager of Porsche Experience Canada, states, “Owning a new 911 isn’t practical for everyone. This is their way of experiencing the product and the brand, and you don’t need to own a Porsche to participate.”
This particular Precision Training session drew a mix of current 911 owners (many of whom had never driven on the track before), car enthusiasts in general, and those considering buying a new 911 but were still undecided.
The Precision Training course we participated in included existing 911 owners (many of whom had never driven on the track before), car enthusiasts in general, and several who were strongly considering buying a 911 and wanted to get a little better acquainted with the beastly 420-hp track rocket.
Ultimately, whether you’re planning to buy a new Porsche or not, the courses offered are professional, informative, and enjoyable, all taking place on arguably one of the best tracks in the country.
Area 27 expands facility with new clubhouse and upcoming KartPlex
Nestled amongst vineyards in the Okanagan Desert Region of British Columbia, Canada, the Porsche Track Experience all takes place at Area 27, spread over three glorious miles of track with 16 corners to dive into, all taking advantage of natural elevation changes.
The motorsport park is a members-only facility, but programs like the Porsche Track Experience offer the public access to its world-class facilities.
Related: Chat With F1 Champ And Area 27 Track Designer Jacques Villeneuve
Clubhouse is now open for business
The park now officially opens the doors to its new 11,000 square foot clubhouse, which includes a large Members lounge & dining area, shaded patio, classroom, locker rooms, show room, pro shop, and offices for executive staff. Think country golf club, but for motorheads.
Kart track designed by legendary racer Jacques Villeneuve
For something on a smaller scale but equally as fun, there’s the Jacques Villeneuve-designed kart track with an anticipated opening date of July 2019. The Area 27 Kartplex is an ‘open to the public’ opportunity that provides a full-service karting centre to customers of all ages and experience levels, 7 days a week; bookings are handled through an online system or can be made simply by dropping in.
Karting sessions include a fleet of state-of-the-art TB race karts, driving suits, and helmets. More info to come once the Area 27 KartPlex opens next month.
