Driver's Education from a First Time Teenager

By Stephanie Ambrus

My introduction to the Porsche world came on a trip to Florida many years ago when my
Dad purchased a basket case 924. It took several years to restore proving the time worn
adage that there is no such thing as a cheap Porsche. Dad got it on the road sometime in
1998 and naturally got the bug to try the Driver's Education program from the region.

My mom and dad signed up for the September 1998 Driver's Education at Waterford with
Mom in her Turbo Ford Probe and Dad in the 924. After the day they were both hooked.
Dad has gone on to be involved not only in the region’s DE program but has become a
licensed PCA Club Racer in the 924 since 2001. Whenever she can, Mom does a DE at
the races Dad attends.

With that background it was eventual that I would try my hand at a DE. From the time I
got my drivers license, Mom and Dad kept reminding that I would do a DE in the future.
From the time I was sixteen I came up with any excuse you can image why I wasn’t
when I turned 18. Fortunately the last DE for 2003 was before I turned 18 so I was off the
hook till 2004. The May DE I got out of because I was going on a trip with Mom and in
June I was working. Dad made it emphatic that I was going to make time for the August
DE. Some encouragement from Patti Door also helped me to try this unknown adventure
I was going to embark on. With Dad mailing in the application and check after Gingerman
Club Race there was no backing out.

Dad made sure I would be ready as possible. Weeks in advance he gave me several books
to review on performance driving. Apex, oversteer, understeer became new words in my
vocabulary. We covered what the flags meant. Gee, I learned that the white flag does not
mean last lap after following NASCAR. Wonder what Dale Jr. would think!!! The
Saturday before the DE we took the car to Munks for the tech inspection. Not a real chick
experience but I survived. With Waterford so close to Munks we went for a track walk.
Got my exercise in for the day along with an idea what the track looked like. Hilltop,
Archers, and Swap came to life and not turns I heard about.

Wednesday night before the DE was get the car ready. Since I was using Mom’s daily drive,
a 2004 Mustang, we had to change street tires over to a set of performance ones. Floor jacks
are heavy and impact guns are an unique experience. Glad I am not a pit crew member on a
NASCAR team or pit stops would be hours with my use of the gun. Dad was having fun
taking pictures of me using the impact and torque wrench. Did not realize how much work
90 foot pounds is. At least I didn’t break a nail!!! Setting tire pressures was another fun
experience.

DE day finally came!!! What does Dad mean I’ve got to be ready by 6:30am!!! This is my
summer break. Girls need their beauty sleep. Fortunately Dad drove so I got to sleep the
50 miles to Waterford Hills, since I didn’t get my usual nap for the day.

Got to the track and now the unknown fun begins. Drove the car onto the Pit Lane for grid
inspection along with going through registration. The Mustang passed and now the wait till
drivers' meeting. Found from roll call I was not the only female thank goodness!!! Jeff Amos
conducted the meeting giving us the basics involved of the day from being on time, what the
flag means and most important who my instructor was going to be.

After the drivers meeting all us beginners attended a class session. Our instructor went over
the basics of proper seating, passing a slower car, driving techniques, etc.… A lot to
remember for a newbie. No turning back now as it was time go on the track. Go get the car
and put it on the pit lane to await my instructor.

My instructor for the day was John Oscherwitz a long time SEM/PCA region instructor
from the BMW Club. Found out he even instructed Dad several years ago. My first session
was conducted under parade laps with no helmets so we get a feel for the track and the
proper line around it. After ten minutes the black flag was displayed and all of us came to
put on our helmets and now go at it. For the first time in my life I got to drive as fast as I
felt comfortable. The session was over before I knew and now I am HOOKED. Mom and
Dad were right. This was fun!!!!

After parking the car in the paddock I found Dad and sheepishly asked can I do DE next
May when I am out of school??

I had three more on track sessions with my instructor. Each session I got more comfortable
being on the track. Even getting passed was fun. The best time was the last session where
the cars were spread out and I had a clear track. Following the session Dad met me in the
paddock and gave me his usual Dad hug. I had a successful day, did not crash Mom’s car,
and even my instructor did not throw up.

As a young teenage driver I came away with a better respect for driving at speed and car
control which hopefully will make me a better driver of my street car.

(Stephanie is the daughter of Gary and Pat Ambrus, Safety Chairman and Charity Chairman
respectively, of SEM/PCA. webmaster)