Whether it’s your first DE or your 50th, setting goals for an upcoming event will make your experience even more fun, memorable, and rewarding. Once you have decided to attend a DE, set aside some time to jot down what you expect to achieve from the event personally. Just the act of writing it down helps you consider your goals. Your goals will obviously influence your interaction with the instructor and should be discussed with him/her before you venture onto the track. Below are a few common goals from student surveys:

• Appreciate the capabilities of my machine

This is the basis for PCA Drivers Education and is a modest goal for a first time student.

• Be a better (safer) driver on the highway

A simple by-product of any high performance driving event involving professional instruction.

• Develop high speed/track driving skills

Must be willing to accept the higher risk this entails in wear and tear and possible damage.

• Improve above skills

Be sure to let the registrar know your goals so that proper instructor matching can occur.

• Become a club instructor

Talk with your chief instructor, classroom work required.

• Transition into racing in some form

Your options are limited here since PCA does not emphasize racecraft; talk to chief instructor.

• Check out new equipment on your car

Especially applies to solo drivers, have a mechanic help if required; again not emphasized in PCA events.

• Just get out with friends in the club…

Again, these are just a few of your possible goals. Always feel free to contact anyone on the DE team to help you with ideas or suggestions. Be sure to debrief yourself after the event to see how well you did. This will set the stage for your next goal or set of goals.