On many of the most famous motorsport circuits across the United States, the Lexus Performance Driving School (LPDS) teaches skills that translate immediately to both track application and safety on public roads alike. The courses are open to Lexus owners and anyone else who wants to hone their driving capabilities in a controlled environment, so recently attended one at Northern California’s Sonoma Raceway. It was a full day of autocross, drifting, classroom sessions, and lapping on the 2.52-mile gauntlet.
Before a breakfast buffet at Sonoma’s lavish Turn 11 facilities, Lexus split the 48 attendees into four groups. Our cadre numbered 11 out of 14 Lexus owners, a high ratio compared to other LPDS course activations. We first spent an hour practicing autocross, which provided a solid introduction to many of the techniques that we would spend the rest of the time refining in a fleet of Lexus LC500, IS 500 F Sport, and RC F models.
A bird’s-eye view of Sonoma Raceway in Northern California.
Sonoma Raceway
Next, we cooled off in the classroom while five-time Rolex 24 at Daytona winner Scott Pruett discussed track theory. Pruett walked our group through basic racing terminology, including the race line, apex and brake points, trail braking, and maintenance throttle. We were then led out onto the main track for sighting laps to provide real-life context for the theories.
Creeping along at what feels like a snail’s pace, the instructors use two-way radios to point out every challenging corner and elevation change on the racecourse. The optimal racing line is a balance of long arcing curves and as much straightaway as possible for accelerating to top speed.
The instruction fleet comprised LC500, IS 500 F Sport, and RC F models from Lexus.
Michael Van Runkle
Students take on the autocross course.
Michael Van Runkle
What we learned while drifting carry over well to three stints of lead-follow driving out on the main circuit. Our instructors once again emphasize the racing line’s braking and turn-in points, then where to ease back into the throttle without oversteering and risking a spin. And vision—always vision, as we keep our eyes on where we want to go next. The day wraps up with the pros giving us hot laps, displaying how much farther the limits of car and driver can be pushed.
Scott Pruett, IMSA Hall of Fame racer and five-time winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, signs mementos for class participants.
Michael Van Runkle
Participants hone their driving skills at the Lexus Performance Driving School.
Lexus Performance Driving School
Credit : robbreport.com