PCA Chicago Region

The Porsche Club of America – Chicago Region presents RADE, our annual Road America Drivers Education event, with a focus on novice drivers. Year over year this premier racetrack in Elkhart Lake, WI draws us north to continue our growth and expand our driving skills. This year’s event is Friday May 22rd – Sunday May 24th.

The Road America team of coordinators have been working hard to consider your feedback and provide the most track time for drivers during the three days, while maintaining a safe place for all skill levels to enjoy and learn the 4.048 miles and 14 turns of the track. Due to continued increases in track rental fees and associated expenses, we are tasked with maximizing the fun of each participant while maintaining our ability to run this event each year. As a result, there are some changes this year to RADE:

• Friday will be dedicated to experienced only drivers, featuring 15 on-track sessions. Drivers who register will have the opportunity to drive as many sessions as they would like. Guidance will be provided to alternate between two suggested groups based on driver experience and pace. All sessions will have the same passing rules/zones and use Chicago Region White group safety requirements (factory seats/seat belts acceptable). All drivers are expected to have prior experience in DE events at Road America.
• The excellent novice program at RADE will continue on-track Saturday and Sunday shifting to a 4-run group schedule, with sessions for novices, instructors, and experienced drivers. All students will be provided with an in-car instructor, and mandatory classroom sessions will be held both in advance of the event virtually and during the event.
• On Saturday and Sunday, there will be two experienced run groups, with a limited, additional cost option to run in both run groups for even more on-track opportunities.

Other important notes about RADE 2026:

The RADE novice program was developed to teach novice drivers ages 18+ the skills necessary to drive a sports Porsche (no SUVs or E-cars) at its limits in a safe and controlled environment. In-car instructors will show you the proper line around the track, teach how the principles of accel- and deceleration impact your vehicle, and coach proper car awareness. Novice drivers are encouraged, if possible (not required), to attend the Novice Day DE at Blackhawk prior to coming to this event. If you are on the fence about attending Road America as a novice, rest assured driving this track in a Porsche is one of the most fun experiences you may ever have!

All drivers who have not driven Road America previously must attend the MANDATORY virtual novice driver’s orientation meeting in advance of the event. Additional classroom sessions and in-car instruction will be provided throughout the weekend to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

By popular demand, the Saturday evening pizza party and social will be returning for the second year! Please plan to join the fun at the end of an exciting track day to discuss with peers and enjoy some pizza and a cold beverage or two. Bring your family and crew, and let’s give a warm PCA Chicago welcome to our novices!

Payment via club registration is required in full prior to event confirmation. Note that entry fees will increase May 3nd to Weather Watcher rates! Fees increase regardless of registration date for any unpaid registrants.

Online waivers are required for all participants. Your entry will not be confirmed until the e-waiver is completed, and payment is made. Be sure to opt-in for text communications to stay up to date with all event announcements.

All registered drivers must be active PCA members in good standing. Please add your PCA membership number to your clubregistration.net account.

We recommend booking your hotel room as soon as possible as this is traditionally a very popular weekend in this resort town. Mention PCA Chicago if booking at The Osthoff Resort to receive the discounted block room rate. Note: if you would like to camp at the track, please contact us for details and fees.

INSTRUCTORS: To accommodate in-car instruction for novice drivers, please indicate you are willing to instruct during registration, if you are comfortable. Instructors will receive e-vouchers/promo codes after the event which can be used toward future PCA Chicago events, in the amount of $100 per student per day. Instructors should check their registration final confirmation email to see if a student has been assigned. Thank you for your willingness to contribute to the future of driving in the club!

Note: While we are prioritizing Porsche vehicles at this event, PCA-Chicago members will be permitted to drive a comparable performance vehicle (no SUVs, no E-cars) from another marque. This allowance is at the discretion of the event team.

Questions about the event or registration? Please contact:
Cliff Horn at RoadAmerica-DE@PCA-Chicago.org
Ross Conforti at RA-DriversEd-Reg@PCA-Chicago.org