Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

At last the hunt is over and a 996C4S sits in the garage. However, it was quickly apparent that to get the best out of this great car some tuition was needed. I found a few sources, but at my first TIPEC meeting with the SYND Group, Rich Simpson suggested a guy called Big John, who operates "DRIVETRAIN", and is based near the Cherwell services on the M40. I gave him a call, liked what I heard and had my "Performance Driving " day last Wed.

There is no doubt that it was the course I needed as a new 911 owner. It helped that I had done some ROSPA training in the past, so was au fait with the theory. Big John is inspiring: his knowledge of roadcraft and all allied subjects is vast but he puts it over in a laid back, often humorous style. He relaxed me betveen drives but worked me hard when out on the road. His sense and feel for the 911 (he has a 997) is first class and he got me using the car properly but with a strong emphasis on safety at all times. By the end of the day I was driving in a different way and the only thing that slowed the 996's acceleration was the drag from my broad grin.

I know Big John's course has been reviewed and recommended on this site before. I can heartily endorse that. I am also very pleased that I picked up such a good tip at my first TIPEC meeting.

Glad you enjoyed it, I've done 3 of them now and learnt more each time.

Great course, great bloke!