There are weekends that just stand out, and Maverick PCA’s High Performance Driver Education at Eagles Canyon Raceway was one of them. Two full days of seat time, instruction, and camaraderie left me smiling from start to finish.
The Eagles have landed 🏁 Three track warriors lined up and ready to hunt at Eagles Canyon Raceway. Red. Green. Orange. Which one would you take for a lap?
For those who may not be familiar, HPDE is all about giving drivers the opportunity to learn performance driving in a safe and structured environment. It’s not about racing, it’s about building skill, awareness, and confidence behind the wheel. Classroom sessions are paired with in-car instruction, so you get both the theory and the hands-on practice that brings it to life. What makes PCA’s program special is how well-organized and welcoming it is. The instructors genuinely care about making you a better driver, and the whole weekend runs like clockwork.
Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, was the perfect setting for this event. The track is 2.7 miles long with 15 turns, plenty of elevation changes, and long straights that let you really stretch the legs of your car. It’s a driver’s track, challenging in all the right ways and rewarding when you start to connect the corners. There is nothing quite like flying down a straight, setting up for a tricky section, and nailing it lap after lap.
I was driving the Lizard, which is my Lizard Green Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. This 992.1 model is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six putting out 443 horsepower through a PDK transmission. With all-wheel drive and launch control, it sprints from zero to sixty in around 3.4 seconds and tops out just shy of 190 mph. On the track the balance, grip, and braking power make it a weapon, and yet it’s still comfortable enough to drive home afterward without feeling beat up. Car number 270 was an absolute joy to pilot around ECR all weekend.
Day one was a mix of learning and fun. John, our classroom instructor, did a great job breaking down concepts, while Wade, my in-car instructor, gave me tips lap after lap that made an immediate difference. I picked up a ton of new skills, met some awesome people, and had a blast every time I got back out on track. I also enjoyed reconnecting with friends both new and old, which is one of the best parts of any PCA event.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Dallacasa
On the tech side, I brought along a few GoPros to document the experience. The Hero 12 was mounted inside the cabin, and the Hero 13 was attached to the front tow hook using a Rennline mount. On the second day, I added another camera on the rear windshield facing aft, so I would have a have front, inside, and chase views to review later. For now, I put together a five-minute compilation video using GoPro’s Quick app. It’s nothing fancy, just a quick highlight reel, but it captures the spirit of the weekend.
What struck me most was how seamless everything felt compared to another track day I tried earlier this year. PCA events are professional, supportive, and fun all at the same time. From the check-in process to the schedule, to the instructors, everything was dialed in. By the end of the weekend I was tired but grinning ear to ear, already looking forward to the next event.
Eagles Canyon Raceway, Maverick PCA, and the Lizard made this weekend one to remember. Between the driving, the friendships, and the learning, it was the perfect reminder of why I love this community. Scroll through the photos, check out the video, and share in the experience. I can’t wait for the next one.
Specs at a Glance: The Lizard 🦎
Model: 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (992.1)
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 443 horsepower
Torque: 390 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed PDK dual-clutch
Drive: All-wheel drive
0–60 mph: ~3.4 seconds
Top Speed: ~190 mph
Color: Lizard Green
Track Number: 270
