Primitive Performance Driving Rally Schools



                 Next school is coming in AUGUST. Sign up for August 22-24th!!



 

Updated 5/5/08

Rally School Gift Certificates ...
now available!
The Perfect gift for rally enthusiast!

$326  buys your loved one an entry into Primitive's existing 2.5 day Rally School Program.  The school includes an information-packed classroom session, with discussion of driving lines, braking points, and the secrets of speed on dirt, then two action-packed days of instructional and rallycross driving. The next scheduled school is coming up .  Find further information for ordering below.  
Order your gift instruction today!!
 

  Frequently Asked Questions
 -
See below -        

Pay for Rally School Gift Certificate by PayPal ... just click on the logo on the left.
The fee is $326, including the PayPal fee.  ($316 if you mail a check)
In your e-mail order, please include exact name to be written on the Certificate.  Good for 2 years

Pay for August Rally School by PayPal ... just click on the logo on the left to
pay for Early Registration.  The  fee is $310, including the PayPal fee. ($305 if you mail a check)
In your e-mail order, please include your address and phone number. Regular Price: $325 
Pay for October 3-5th Rally School by PayPal ... just click on the logo on the left to
pay for Early Registration.  The  fee is $310, including the PayPal fee. ($305 if you mail a check by 7/22) In your e-mail order, please include your address and phone number. Regular Price: $325 

Pay for Any 2008 Co-Drivers School by PayPal ... just click on the logo on the left pay for Regular Registration. The fee is $78, including the PayPal fee.  ($75 if you mail a check)
In your e-mail order, please include your address and phone number.
     
           Rent a rally school car -- see FAQ below!
Print this out:
View Rally School Flyer
  --
NEXT Basic RALLY DRIVING School:  August 22-24th, 2008! Hillsboro, Oregon  (Washington County Fair Complex)  See FLYER BUTTON above. Returning students are granted a substantial discount.  Please inquire.

NEXT Basic RALLY DRIVING School after that is:  Oct3-5th, 2008! Also in Hillsboro, Oregon  (Washington County Fair Complex).  Returning students are granted a substantial discount. More discount for early entry.   Please inquire.

2008 Rally Driving School Schedule

March 28-30th, 2008 (Hillsboro, Oregon)   Another fine, muddy March class and lots of happy faces

May 2-4th, 2008 (Hillsboro, Oregon) A very nice school with LOTS of seat time and great fun! 16 happy graduates.

August 22-24th, 2008  Likely at WA County Fairplex (as usual) but maybe elsewhere

October 3-5th, 2008  Likely at WA County Fairplex

ADVANCED RALLY DRIVING SCHOOLS.  Am am TRYING to get with the Pacific Rally Group to put one on the day BEFORE the Brooklyn Bash in Washington.  We are still trying.  Contact me for the latest:  Paul Eklund

Driving Sports magazine article,
Learning those Primitive driving skills
by Ryan Douthit. posted July 6, 2005.

A students-eye view of the June Primitive Rally School, written by an experienced auto racing journalist.  Douthit is the publisher of SubieSport magazine, a sister publication of DrivingSports.  As explained in the article, he was one of the students in the June school.


DrivingSports has also made a video, so readers can view the school racing action from within the race car.  Viewing this exciting and informative video requires paid-up Driving Sport membership access. Click HERE to visit.

 
The Friday Classroom Session for August 2008 is TENTATIVELY planned to be at the FARMHOUSE Restaurant at the Red Lion Hillsboro, and starts PROMPTLY at 5pm, be there early to register.

TYPICAL AGENDA --  Primitive BASIC Rally Driving School

Who:   Open to all licensed drivers, at all levels of rally and driving experience, with emphasis on 
                BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE  levels.

What:  Three days of instruction starting with 5-6 hours of classroom training on Friday night     (approx 5pm-10:15pm)  with short breaks.  TSD (Time/Speed/Distance) and DRIVING exercises on Saturday with a full RallyCross  competition on Sunday.  All driving in a large, open, safe field.

When:  Friday          (4:45-10:15pm)  CLASSROOM GROUND SCHOOL -Red Lion
                 Saturday     (7:45am-5:20pm) Driving School at WA CO FAIRGROUNDS
                 Sunday        (8am-5pm)     RALLYCROSS Competition EVENT in same field

Where: HEADQUARTERS at Red Lion Hotel,  3500 NE Cornell Rd in Hillsboro, OR
                  (~ 15 miles west of Portland) across from Hillsboro Airport.  This is next door to the
                   Washington  COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS where we run the DRIVING SCHOOL.
 

Fee:  Early Registration is $305 (paid by check)  ($310 by paypal)

 Regular registration:    $320 by check or $325 by paypal  

     Send checks to:  Primitive Enterprises
8425 SW Ashford St
Tigard, OR 97224-7501
Phone: (503) 624-2139

Send PayPal payments to:

PaulEklund@aol.com Add $5 for PayPal fee 
(e.g., $325 for regular registration)

Plan to bring:

  • Notebook and Pen and small CALCULATOR                    o  Old towels (feet, windshields, etc.)

  • Digital Watch or clock (TSD exercise)                              o  Helmet (Snell 1995 or later) if you have one, we have loaners

  • Bottle of Water and a snack bar                                      o  Rain Slicker (depending on weather)

  • Shoes that can get muddy                                               o  Extra pair of socks if wet and shirt if hot

  • Waterproof box or duffle to keep stuff dry while driving if raining  (tarp?)

  • Questions you have always had about driving, navigating, rally or car control

  • Willingness to listen and learn

Nearby hotels:
  •  Headquarters: Red Lion Hillsboro (on north edge of Washington County Fairgrounds closest to the site) $64  (503) 648-3500 Ask for the "RALLY SCHOOL" rate of $64/winter (single) and $72/summer rate
  •  Candlewood Suites 

  •  Extended Stay America

  •  Hillsboro Airport Travelodge

FAQs:

Is there an ENTRY CAP?
Yes, we will be limiting the school to about 30 students to maintain a good student/teacher ratio and physical space limitations.  We will offer schools later in the year and ADVANCED schools when we can secure roads.

Can I bring my street car?
Yes, any safe car can be used. No raised trucks or raised SUVs please (small rollover possibility). Rally prepared cars are fine if not too loud -- we are in the city. Car will get  muddy, but not damaged. Lowered cars will probably scrape the front bumper or underside of engine bay as some ruts develop. Be warned. Flat tires most common car issue (only if too low of air pressure-keep above 25psi). We run in a large open field on GRASS, with no fixed obstacles.  It is a safe learning environment with low risk.

Can I SHARE a car?
Yes, we work with shared cars.   It works out pretty well, but you must sometimes hustle to switch between drivers in some exercises.    Please let us know in advance that you will be sharing a car.

I took your school before, do I get a discounted entry?
Yes, returning students now get a substantial discount off the class price.  Call or email me for details.  Registration should still be made early to guarantee a spot.

Do you offer a CO-DRIVER (navigator) School?
Yes, it is held in conjunction with the driving school and shares some of the exercises.  For a fee of $75, students sit for the Friday night classroom session and receive the comprehensive text book.  Then on Saturday they sit with 2 experienced co-drivers, and receive comprehensive navigating information and training.  They also participate in the infamous "lunch TSD" for some real-life experience.


Can I RENT a car?
Yes, there are a rental cars available for the  school:  (note you will likely be sharing this car with another student during the day)

    1. Yellow 2004 Subaru 2.5RS  full rally prepped (rollcage, rally tires, rally suspension, etc) with 35" waist
           max to fit driver's seat -- $270 (for school, lunch TSD, and one race session on Sunday)

    2. Gold 2004 Subaru Forester XT-- $280  Easy to drive, very fast, snow tires and modified
          290hp engine.  Stock seats fits all people.  (for school, lunch TSD, and one race session on Sunday)

    3.  Red 1996 Nissan 200SX FWD coupe.  Great beginner car,  reliable an prepared with rally tires
          (for school, lunch TSD, and one  race session on Sunday)  --$225

    4. Silver Legacy Turbo Sedan, Rally Prepared  $250  Fast and fun.  Easy to drive fast

    5. Impreza Sedan 1.8 liter AWD   $225  RallyCross prepped.  Holds fast times.

    6. Legacy Sedan 2.2l AWD  $225 RallyCross prepped. Prepared 4WD Class. 4th overall in points for 2007

     7. Subaru AWD with auto tranny.  Fast and easy to drive!  COMING SOON (I hope).

     Other cars available (FWD, RWD or AWD), CALL for DETAILS.

Call Paul (503-624-2139) to reserve.  If line through one of the above, it is already rented....    You agree to rinse car (quarter car wash) and bring back with full tank of gas.  Great for those flying into town. Please note: some cars are under subcontract with local racers and may have specific restrictions for use.  Price includes the one paid session for the Sunday competition, if you plan to run a "time only" extra session, arrangements must be made in advance with the car owner.  Cars are to remain at the school overnight and cannot be used for personal transportation.

If I bring my (driver/co-driver) do we get a discounted price?
Yes and no.  Registration for the complete school is $325 (during early registration it is $310) per person.  But those wishing to just attend the Friday classroom session and get the valuable manual and information and the sit through a comprehensive CO-driving class or simply watch during  the DRIVING day,  can sign up for $75.  We will also set you up with a seasoned co-driving instructor to answer navigator specific questions.  Friends and family are welcome to come WATCH  on the DRIVING DAY.  They must sign the insurance waiver though. 

I don't plan to do stage rally, is this still for me?
Yes, although we will go over a broad spectrum of rally topics, we will always get back to "controlling a car at speed on slippery surfaces."  I plan for this school to be enjoyed by driving enthusiasts, autocrossers, rally fanatics, new drivers, and Club Rallyists (new and experienced).  I can put in contact with former students if you want a customer opinion.  But everyone seems to leave with a BIG GRIN and increased driving skills.

Does this school help me towards a Rally License?
Yes, it is granted 1 coefficient for NASA and we get 2 coefficients from RA (you need 18 coefficient points for an unrestricted Rally America Stage Rally license.

Do I need to be a member of a car club to enter?
No, this school is open to anyone. Advanced schools may be limited to SCCA, RA, or NASA members in the future. We do hope to do an advanced school soon and private lessons are available on request.

I am only 16 years old, can I attend? 
Yes, but all students must have a valid driver's license, current car insurance, and those under the age of 18 must have a MINOR WAIVER signed by both parents (or guardians) in advance of the school.

Do I have to bring a helmet?
No, we will have loaner helmets, but it is  recommended that you bring your own (SA1995+ or M rated) if possible because helmets will be at an extreme premium on the Saturday driving day and we don't want you to lose any seat time waiting for a loaner helmet.  I offer a good deal for students wishing to ORDER a helmet in advance. I can deliver a white, open face PYROTECT SA2005 helmet (complete with removable inner liner) for $139 to any student or an M2005 rated helmet for $99 (exactly the same, except not fire-proof lining)  Order at least 2 weeks ahead of class to insure it arrives before the school.  S, M, L, XL, XXL   Medium = 7 1/8" to 7 1/4" hat size.  Call if you have questions.

I have rally experience, but am looking to get more, should I come?
It depends. Email me at: PaulEklund@msn.com and we can discuss best alternatives, or call 503-624-2139. Primitive Performance Driving plans to put on Advanced schools later in the year, but that is still tentative.

Are there nearby hotels?
Yes, the Red Lion is at the Washington County Fairgrounds site (3500 NE Cornell Rd in Hillsboro, OR) across street from Hillsboro Airport. Their number is (503) 648-3500 and have a BLOCK of rooms under "RALLY SCHOOL" for $64/night or $72/night (single).  MAX light rail runs from the PDX Airport to very near the hotel (1.5 hr ride for $2.10)  Other motels are nearby along with Starbucks, Albertsons and McDonalds. Use cheaptickets.com or similar to score other inexpensive lodging, but the Red Lion is very convenient.  We also have BLACK SUN RACING SERVICES at the school selling COFFEE, WATER, RED BULL etc and snacks as well and providing car supplies and tire services (air is free, but other services do cost)

Will lunch be provided?
No, you will be directed to a restaurant as part of the TSD Lunch exercise on Saturday, but you do not have to eat there. Several other places are within a .5 mile of that spot.

Friday night seems like a long time in the classroom (4:45pm- 10:15pm), will we get a break?
Yes, there will be 2 short breaks, but plan to bring a snack if we are not scheduled at the hotel restaurant.  If we are at the RESTAURANT, you can order dinner (like Caesar salad or burger/fries) for about $8.50

Does my school entry cover my entry fee for Sunday RallyCross event?
Yes. It covers your school, printed materials, personal instruction and seat time, and entry for Sunday's event. It does not include meals, snacks, or a car. 

What about tires, do I do anything special?
Make sure that your tires have 30-40psi and good tread.  Clean out loose items from inside your car and trunk, and be sure that your battery is securely held down into place.  Why not check the oil level and coolant while you are at it ...  Rally-type tires are not needed, nor even recommended.  You will learn the most on street tires.

What about refunds?     Your entry is completely refundable up until 2 weeks before the event and if the event gets cancelled or postponed.  Try to give us as much notice as possible and we will work to do the same.  If you do have to cancel within that last week, contact me to work out a refund plan (move to next event or refund less a processing fee, etc)  I will work with you.

Can I Rent a Rally Car for the School?     Rally-prepped cars will be available for rent at the school --  Contact me if you wish to rent one (503) 624-2139.  You can also rent a Subaru Legacy or Neon at the airport or similar,  just bring it back somewhat clean or face a cleaning charge (p.s. -- take the additional insurance). Note: their fine print usually EXCLUDES using cars for timed events or driving schools...... so you do it at your own risk.

What else should I bring?
Pen, small calculator, sense of adventure, extra shoes/socks, hat/sunscreen, rain slicker, snack, water bottle, sunglasses, digital watch, umbrella, rag or towel, possibly a clipboard, tarp or EZ up.  We will OFTEN have Black Sun Racing Services present to provide air for free and sell, tire services, minor repairs, car supplies and water, soda, snacks and all important hot coffee in the morning and cold Red Bull and Gatorade in the afternoon at...

Agenda: Basic Rally School
 

FRIDAY GROUNDSCHOOL 

Welcome and goal setting -  Terms and Glossary -  Why Navigating is Important- Car prep and safety basics -  Rally Driving Basics - 

Driver's Topics Navigator's Topics
Launches and Mental Preparation to RACE
Braking and Turning, LINES and APEX
Difficult Situations (downhill, too fast, etc)
Recovering the car
Crashing Gracefully
Control Operations
Route Book &  Notes
Controlling the Car/Driver
Calling Instructions
After a Crash

Driving Techniques -  Preparing to win -  Questions and Answers

Advanced Breakout (optional)  (10:15pm to whenever...) at a nearby pub (afterwards) Topics include BENCH RACING & 
IF the instructor is not dead tired:
Red Cross use          Advanced Setup  
Team Issues             Driving beyond the edge

Saturday Driving Exercises
Hand Positioning, is yours appropriate?
Finding an apex and the driving line, then FOLLOWING it
One-on-one rally driving instruction with seasoned instructors
Skidpad and finding limits of adhesion
Trail braking practice and performing the Scandinavian flick
Judging distance to objects and learning to turn early
Hard braking and humility of understeer, learning to UNSTEER the wheel.
Hitting an apex repeatedly and dealing with changing conditions
Graduation course runs (find out how you stack up against students and instructors)

Saturday TSD Practice
Finding the route
Following the route
Basic calculations
What to do at a checkpoint
Teamwork under pressure (more important than you think)
Making ZEROS (i.e. a PERFECT SCORE at a checkpoint)

Sunday RallyCross Competition
Car preparation, Personal Preparation (and dealing with the jitters)
Planning for victory; and living with best efforts
Recovering from setbacks, and making improvements
Dealing with the Pressure
Dealing with Tire Pressures
Course Teardown and Helping Out
 

 
Driving Instructors:
 
Paul Eklund:  long-time rallyist and both Rally and AutoCross National Champion
Jamie "Subiegal" Thomas:  accomplished Subaru driver and enthusiast, recently featured in HotRod and SubieSport magazines
Gary Cavett:  Quick rally driver, rarely puts a wheel off-line.  Knows the pendulum turn and just won the Doo Wop Rallies
Todd Lengacher:  Audi pilot and long time rallyist in both RWD and AWD, not afraid to toss the car
Andy Howe:  Subaru owner, rallycross experience and teaches autocross--good technical driving knowledge
Derek Bottles: Front Wheel Drive expert and scary fast driver
Barret Dash:  Solid AWD rallyist with good driving technique, easygoing and patient
Kala Rounds:  No-holds barred driver and teacher, and can get you to winning ways fast.
April Smith:  Quiet on the outside, hard charging driver, great to get novice drivers up to speed
Nat Stow: Wickedly fast in both AWD and FWD, and a great guy too!
Scott Kovalik:  The love of the sport shines in Scott and becoming top level RallyCross driver.
Ben Trujillo:  Natural driving talent and rally enthusiast, great for rally novices
Jeff Zurschmeide:
  Long-time motorsports enthusiast, participant and racing school instructor
Lee Shadbolt: Former PGT Champion and SAE engineer, can explain the science behind the driving
Doug Heredos: Rear wheel drive instructor, great with new studnets
Steve Carper: Former Primitive student, now teaching what he has learned


Navigator Instructors and Observers:
 
Kathryn Hansen:
  hardest working navigator in the USA with HUGE amounts of experience
Kala Rounds:  enthusiastic co-driver with driving roots.  great at calculating and brisk gravel TSD
Ben Bradley:  the center of the rally universe.  He knows almost everything and everybody in rallying 
Scott Huhn:  a true co-driver, with great natural ability on course notes and keeping a team on the road, car prep too

We will also have a half dozen plus helpers working behind the scenes to make sure the day goes well:
 Jeff Price, Steve Greer, Steve Perrett and Shadd Foster and more...