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I began 2026 with a commitment to challenge myself and do things that scare me. That mindset led me to the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto (PEC) for the Experience for HER event, a full day on its 20-acre driving facility , where I could push the two-kilometre handling circuit to its limits. I honestly didn't realize the adrenaline rush I was in for. The day began with a warm welcome over breakfast at PEC located at 356 Porsche Drive in Pickering, Ont. (which opened in June 2025 after a round of delays ). This was followed by a panel discussion featuring four phenomenal women from the automotive industry, including Ottawa race car driver Erica Hoffman. The conversation revolved around the evolving landscape of motorsport and automotive leadership, and how women are at the forefront of this change. Hearing them speak was truly inspiring. The mellow vibes, though, quickly shifted into high gear as we headed to the racetracks for the much-anticipated on-track driving across three dynamic modules. Photo: Sandeep Panesar I stepped onto the tarmac in awe of the gorgeous Porsche race cars lined up, ready for us to take to the track. I mean, who wouldn't drool over the 911 GTS T-Hybrid RWD, standing in a beautiful pale yellow, just waiting for me to take the driver's seat? My nerves were high, and the rainy weather wasn't helping — hello, slippery roads! Still, there I was, slipping into the driver's seat. I felt super snug thanks to the Adaptive Sports Seat, which adjusts to provide ideal lumbar support for a rigorous drive. Ready to hit the track, I was paired with my Porsche driving instructor, Jonathan, an absolute godsend. Photo: Sandeep Panesar The first module was a low-traction exercise that challenged me to handle slippery conditions, mastering how to drift and adapt to the road's unpredictability. If it wasn't for Jonathan's constant encouragement, I might have spent the entire session driving around in circles. His trust in my ability to "floor the accelerator and crank the wheel all the way to the left" never seemed to waver. I did as I was told, almost closing my eyes on my first attempt — something I don't recommend, for obvious safety reasons. My initial reaction to drifting on slippery tarmac in a car boasting 532 hp/391 kW? "EEE!" But, would I do it again? Absolutely. Next up was the driver development module, taking on the two-kilometre circuit at full throttle. Reaching speeds of 140 km/h in a race car is no joke. The track is designed to mimic some of the best racetracks in the world — like the Laguna Seca Corkscrew, Daytona, and Nürburgring's Karussell — and blend in other iconic elements to create a world-class experience right here in Ontario. And PEC certainly delivered. Off the track, the adrenaline didn't stop. A simulator session in a Porsche GT3 RS, put me virtually on a famed Laguna Seca Raceway. The experience felt incredibly real. Coming hot off the track in an actual race car, I can honestly say it felt close to the real thing. Photo: Sandeep Panesar Aside from the urge to jump back in and do it all over again, the experience may have even triggered a bit of arthritis pain in my wrists... We don't have to get into that, though. To balance the day's intensity and offer a moment of calm, luxury skincare brand Aesop hosted a fragrance masterclass, encouraging us to slow down and reset through scent, which felt especially important after such an adrenaline high. After that, we had lunch and the chance to network and chat with other attendees. Before I knew it, it was time to head home, but not before a bit of shopping at the Porsche Lifestyle Shop on-site. That wrapped up my day at PEC, but you can experience it for yourself! The Experience for HER event takes place on the last Thursday of every month, with bookings now open for April 30 and May 28. While I was incredibly grateful to live the life of a race car driver for a few hours, there was something deeply comforting about zipping down the highway back home in my Mini Cooper Convertible, lovingly nicknamed Blush, in all its 1.6L engine and 121 hp glory.
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