Pinnacle Advanced Driving Academy (PADA) - 2017 Track School Dates
 

Hi everyone!

I know it'll feel weird to be talking about track days in a Canadian forum in December but Pinnacle Advanced Driving Academy (http://www.pinnacledriving.com/) has officially inked their dates with Toronto Motorsports Park for the 2017 Track School events!

Full Disclaimer: I am an instructor with them.

Right now, we're offering a discount if you sign up before the end of 2016! $350 for a full day (INCLUDES TAXES!) at TMP with in-class and on-track personalized one-to-one training!

One of the reasons why I like our curriculum over others is that we focus on the training part and we will actually build a repository of student information so that we remember what you've been taught and follow up on it so that it's not a semi-reboot everytime you come back. We want you back! If you've dabbled in autocross and other track days, you'll notice our instructor lineup are a consistent group of folks who attend things like PITL, Hanson, ILR, etc. and we're a fun and open group to anyone and everyone.

Really looking forward to seeing y'all at the track!

https://s12.postimg.org/hfatmkbf1/PA...chool_Days.jpg

UPDATE:
To showcase the benefits of track school and to show how the average Joe... or in this case, Thomas, can get into track events - PADA and T.H. Reviews have teamed up to produce a season long series that follows Thomas' journey through Ontario Time Attack with the help of instruction from PADA. Keep watching to follow up on Thomas' journey from prep, execution to lessons learnt! I will post up the new videos here as we go along. I might even make a cameo!

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDXlNyroPmc"]ROAD TO TIME ATTACK // Ep. 1 // StopTech Brake Install and Simulator Training // BMW track car prep - YouTube[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06rfCdK63Ao[/ame]

Interested!

how much track time can we expect?

About 4-5 hours of on track time broken in various segments (ie: NOT 4-5 straight).

That's A LOT of time on track, is that actually how much people are getting?

For comparison, the SPDA/ATTS days typically give people 8 15 minute sessions (2 hours total), and most people are burned out before the day is over.

4-5 hour is actual time on the track but keep in mind it a good chunk of it will be going at low to mid speed working on basics and not lapping day speeds. We're focusing on fundamentals first and working up throughout the day. This is NOT a lapping day - want to be very clear on that! This is an intro to performance driving at the track only.

I haven't been to an ATTS day (hopefully to change next year) but our course is similar in model to the Ian Law course. They get around the same amount at DDT but I'd say a good 2.5 hours is at half speed getting the vision, line and braking habits in.

Would we be training in out own cars? When I went to your site there was mention of training in different cars and then 30 minutes in your own. I doubt I would fit in most of them listed.

Also, are helmets a requirement? Same thing, height issue.

You will be using your own vehicles but will get a chance to sit in with instructors for a full hot lap run. You can sit in with Colin's Alfa Romeo, Jay's Exige or Focus RS, etc. etc. to see what they do.

As for helmets, you will need to bring your own helmet.

I'm 99% sure you were at an ATTS day in 2015 (joined with the OTA Shootout)? :D

https://photos.smugmug.com/Automotiv...-2546x1728.jpg

Whoops yes, you are correct - for some reason thought you said ATTS school.

Definitely signing up for the OTA school next year. Roll bar will be on order soon!

UPDATE: There are a LIMITED number of loaner helmets thanks to the Push-it-to-the-Limit autocross series (an official partner of PADA).

It is still strongly suggested you have your own helmet but we will have emergency loaners in case.

I'm really interested in this, part of the reason why I decided to go get a FRS was to be able to participate in events like these (since I've never really done it before).

Is there a minimum safety standard or SA rating requirement in the helmet I bring? Also, if I sign up to participate and pay, only to realize I'm not able to make it to an of these days. What is the refund policy?

Regarding the helmet: Snell 2005 SA or newer will be fine.

Refund policy is typically no refund. What most schools will do is allow you to find someone else to take your place and they can pay you what you paid the school. From an accounting perspective and attendance perspective for the school it is easiest or else the whole event is run on shaky attendance and it costs us a lot of money and time from various folks to keep this afloat.

What I suggest is that you book the date you like in advance and treat it like a vacation day. Book time off and commit financially that way, you are in. Like taking a turn, partial commitment just won't end well - so take the time to consider it and hopefully, we'll see you out there!

Most groups allow Snell M as well, but not sure if your insurance is different. Typically you only need an SA helmet for a caged car.

UPDATE: On the cancellation policy, we will allow you to cancel prior to the event and in return, we will provide you with a voucher valid for 12 months for the next track school event. This is of course assuming you registered and paid for the event already.

That's great, thank you so much for the quick reply.

I looked briefly at the forums and did a few quick google searches, but I was wondering if you can recommend a couple places where I can find a helmet in the GTA?

If the Snell M is enough, I may be able to get one from a relative for the day.

DISCLAIMER: JRP and PADA are partners.

That being said, JRP does have a good selection with some of the better brands like HJC and they carry stock usually. They are located in Mississauga at 2344 South Sheridan Way, Mississauga.

I also suggest Riders Choice and see if they still carry M and SA rated helmets. They used to have helmets that were rated for both for quite a decent price ($200 out the door roughly).

Make sure you size your helmet properly! A great video guide on how to pick the right helmet can be found here:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRmWBp65gbo"]The Helmet Center on proper helmet fit - TheHelmetCenter.com - YouTube[/ame]

We're almost halfway through December - only 17 more days to sign up for our Christmas special!

Thanks to everyone who signed up - we really appreciate your business! Look forward to seeing everyone in April!

Only 11 days before the end of 2016!

We saw a nice spike in signups and are very grateful for all the early birds - thank you for your business and we look forward to taking everyone out to the track the right way next year!

Stay safe and merry Christmas!

This sounds great like a beginner like myself!

Agh, how did I miss this? What is the non-early bird rate? I'd love to get some track time in right after the April thaw.

Hi there unhappymeal!

I just spoke to da boss and we're happy to extend the Christmas offer to you so long as you sign up BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH!

Sign up here:
http://www.pinnacledriving.com/regis...tml#DriveIntro

Go go go! Hope to see you out there!

Got a girlfriend/boyfriend interested in hitting up the track but too gun-shy about it? Do it with the PADA team - we're offering a Valentine's day special for couples right now!

https://s23.postimg.org/ov9tbb40b/16...06476936_o.jpg

Sign up here: http://www.pinnacledriving.com/regis...tml#DriveIntro

Wow. Met some really nice people had a great time and will be looking forward to doing it again. Highly recommend it to anyone.

Thanks for coming out Flyfishr! It was really fun to duke it out with someone who knows what they're doing.

Hope you can come out to the rest of the series!

Cheers.

Frost

Long time no see -
Winter blah's - I take it you were using a kart ? :burnrubber:

He was and he was hot on my heels!

Yea left the subie at home and did my laps in the karts. It was a lot of fun to mix it up on the track (all be it a small one) again :burnrubber:
Looking forward to spring so we can get together and chat again. Winter break is too long.

https://scontent.fyyz1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...ec&oe=59571264

Hey everyone! A HUGE round of thanks to everyone from the FT86 community who have signed up for the April introduction to performance driving course. It was sold out well ahead of schedule. From all the folks at PADA, we thank you all for showing your support and are happy to see owners of twins let their cars roam in their natural habitat!

:burnrubber:

That being said, our next course is in July 5th and we currently have a promotion for it! $375 nets you a full 8 hour day at Toronto Motorsports Park (TMP) with a catered lunch, in car instruction, in class instruction and a chance to get out on the track with the instructors!

Hurry up and sign up at: http://www.pinnacledriving.com/regis...tml#DriveIntro

This deal only lasts till April 22nd after which it will go back to the normal $395 plus taxes.

Cheers and hope to see more folks come out.

Kevin aka: LemonJus

A quick update folks!

PADA and T.H. Reviews have teamed up to produce a new series called "Road to Time Attack" which will document our everyday-man prepping for track days with Ontario Time Attack.

I will post videos as they come up in this thread. First video is up!

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDXlNyroPmc[/ame]

For those of you wondering what it takes to have a fun and successful track day:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06rfCdK63Ao[/ame]

https://scontent.fyyz1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...ec&oe=59571264

Just a friendly reminder that there's less than one week left to go on this deal AND we have a new date up for May 7th (Saturday).

$375 (taxes included) nets you a full 8 hour day at Toronto Motorsports Park (TMP) with a catered lunch, in car instruction, in class instruction and a chance to get out on the track with the instructors!

Hurry up and sign up at: http://www.pinnacledriving.com/regis...tml#DriveIntro

This deal only lasts till April 22nd after which it will go back to the normal $395 plus taxes.

Cheers and hope to see more folks come out.

Kevin aka: LemonJus

PS: You'll likely see me marshalling at TMP on weekends when I'm not at OTA or PITL autocross events.

Is the event still on tomorrow? I know the email says rain or shine, but the forecast calls for thunderstorms and 5 C?

Event is still on.

Forecast has actually improved now to rain in the morning and possibly clear up in the afternoon.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Cheers.

Kev

Second episode of our own Thomas going through his journey through Ontario Time Attack!

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NduvSirkc3s&t=25s[/ame]

Third episode of Thomas moving on with his journey with Ontario Time Attack!

[ame]http://youtu.be/2tD2ZN1i-4g[/ame]

Many thanks to a couple of forum members who showed up to our school this past Wednesday! I forget your forum handles (sorry was a super busy day for me... I'm STILL filling out paperwork!) but both of you guys did great!

Hope to see y'all out again at our private lapping days or whenever we're running the track.

Cheers.

Kev

NEW DATE ADDED!
 

UPDATE!

Thank you very much to all the FRZs who have attended our track school! We couldn't do it without you!

Due to overwhelming demand, we've added a new date for our 'Intro to Performance Driving' school on August 9th (Wednesday).

Sign up here: http://www.pinnacledriving.com/regis...tml#DriveIntro

Again, thanks to all who have already attended! We are in the process of launching our advanced track school and will announce that as well.

Cheers.

Kev

SPECIAL FT86 CLUB DEAL!
 

Hey guys!

As a token of appreciation to the massive show of support by the FT86club in attending our schools, Pinnacle Advanced Driving Academy is offering a special deal for any folks wanting to attend our school by offering bulk pricing on our final school date of August 9th (Wednesday), 2017.

All prices below are all inclusive (taxes).

If we get 1-4 students from FT86 signup, the cost per student is $370.
If we get 5-9 students from FT86 signup, the cost per student is $350.
If we get 10+ students from FT86 signup, the cost per student is now $325.

Keep in mind the standard price is $395 + HST ($446.35 all in)! This is over $100 savings if we get the mass!

Hurry! This deal ends on July 23rd at midnight!

If you know someone who doesn't have a FRZ but still wants in, send them my way as well - you brought them aboard so they're still good!

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?
Please PM me and I will give you the special rebate code and give you instructions on how to sign up. Do NOT go through the standard website enrollment until I give you instructions!

Let's wrap the year up with one final awesome track school day!

There will be water, lunch, professional photos and possibly drone footage (if weather permits) from the day of for ALL students!

As a sneak peek of what you can expect from our school:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phn2-O7lMRU[/ame]

Hey everyone! Just a reminder this deal is expiring soon!

Sign up now and use the code above to take advantage of this fantastic deal!

Kevin

Hey guys!

We're almost full and want to finish off the last class of the 2017 year with a BANG (metaphorical, not a literal crash).

To top up the class, we're offering a ONE time only deal of $325 (all inclusive) price for the August 9th (Wednesday) class IF YOU sign up TODAY by midnight!!!

This is a crazy offer and we're trying to fill out the rest of the class!

Let anyone you know who's been sitting on the fence about this deal!

Sign up at: http://www.pinnacledriving.com/regis...tml#DriveIntro

Cheers!

Kev