Slipstream - October 2020

HPDE Track Days: Stress Reliever
by Irene Kieweg
photos provided by author
On a random day at work, my co-worker said,
“Hey you like cars and speed - why don’t you
come out to the track with the Porsche Club?”
I thought to myself, this is too good to be true
. . . I get to drive my car as fast as I want, be
around amazing cars, and have coaches help
me become an even better driver? I’m all in!
That was my first PCA HPDE
event seven years ago. Shortly after
that, I purchased my first Porsche,
a 2012 Cayman R in black, and I
love that car to this day. I have met
so many wonderful people through
these events over the years! Everyone
is so welcoming and fun - it’s
definitely a place where I feel at home.
I also learned to really drive and
understand the dynamics
and outer limits of my
cars. In the last couple
years, I became a HPDE
driving coach, which
allows me to ride in the
right seat and help others
to enjoy this sport. It’s
such a rewarding feeling
when they get the corner
just right, accelerating
through the turn and
closing in on the cars in front.
I also had the opportunity to put
my marketing skills from my day
job to work, helping to enhance the
Maverick Region HPDE program and
drawing more participants. It’s been
such an amazing journey and I would
love to have every Porsche owner to
come out to the track and try it out.
It’s very safe, fun, and fast!
About a year ago, I took on the
next challenge and purchased a Spec
Boxster so I can compete in Club
Racing. Racecraft and strategy takes
driving around the track to a whole
new level. This sport continues to
challenge me, there is always
something new to learn and improve
my skills. The Porsche Club has given
me a place of belonging, a break from
my stressful job, and like-minded
friends for life.
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