Changing of the guard: Luke Youlden becomes Chief Instructor at Porsche Track Experience Australia

07/10/2024

For the first time in 20 years, the Porsche Track Experience, one of Australia’s most coveted driver training programs, has a new Chief Instructor.

Skilled duo

Luke Youlden and Tomas Mezera are two of Australia’s most accomplished racing drivers and driver training instructors.

Both drivers have had remarkably similar top-flight racing careers, winning Australia’s Bathurst 1000 endurance race in single seat racing cars.

“The contribution from both drivers to Australian motorsport and Porsche Track Experience respectively is nothing short of amazing,” said Daniel Schmollinger, CEO and Managing Director of Porsche Cars Australia.

“With Luke Youlden taking the helm as the new Chief Instructor at Porsche Track Experience Australia, I’m excited for the incredible driving experiences that await eager Porsche owners and enthusiasts alike.”

Mezera has been the Chief Instructor at Porsche Track Experience Australia for more than 20 years. Hundreds of drivers and Porsche enthusiasts have benefitted from his knowledge and instruction, with his rare mix of motorsport-honed driving skills and engaging communication style making him a favourite with guests and instructors.

But after two decades at the helm of Porsche Track Experience Australia, Mezera has decided to call time on his remarkable career in motorsports. It was at his final Track Experience session, which was held recently at the RACQ Mobility Centre at Mount Cotton, Queensland, that he handed the Chief Instructor baton over to Luke Youlden.

“It’s been a memorable journey with Porsche,” said Mezera. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chief Instructor. I take great pride in the years I’ve spent guiding a professional team whose careful touch has steered many people’s driving aspirations.”

A new leader

Youlden, 46, has earned an enviable motorsport and instructing CV. His racing career began in Formula Ford in 1995, and in just five short years, he would go on to win the Australian championship in 2000. He made his Bathurst 1000 race debut that very same year-an event he would go on to win in 2017-representing one of the many highlights during his 20-plus year driving career in Australian touring car racing.

His career as a certified driver training instructor with Porsche began in 2005. His professional approach, organisational skills and easy manner made him a natural fit for the Chief Instructor role.

Youlden, 46, has earned an enviable motorsport and instructing CV.

“It is a big privilege to step into such an important position,” Youlden said. “The Porsche Track Experience spans a wide spectrum because it accommodates first-time track drivers all the way to motorsport-level driver coaching.”

He also knows it takes a village to raise the best drivers.

“The backbone of Porsche Track Experience is the collection of skills underpinning our high-quality instructing team. They are the best in this business, and I’m honoured to lead them.”

Porsche Track Experience Australia

Porsche Track Experience is one of the most popular events on the Porsche Experience menu. Its driving instruction programs are conducted in controlled environments on selected closed circuits in various locations across Australia throughout the year. The program follows the simple philosophy of ‘you tell us your driving goal and we ensure that you achieve it.’

Porsche Track Experience Australia comprises five separate driver training levels, each a full-day course where participants can progress from one level to the next. The levels are Precision, Precision Plus, Performance, Master and GT3 Cup-the final level placing drivers behind the wheel of a factory-built 911 GT3 Cup racing car with personalised driver coaching.

“The Porsche Track Experience is a fun, engaging and exhilarating experience like no other, designed so guests can achieve their driving goals no matter their skill level,” adds Schmollinger.

Central to the success of Porsche Track Experience Australia is the team of certified Porsche driver training instructors. This group comprises a roster of Australia’s top racing drivers and driver trainers, all of whom are schooled in the Porsche Drive Experience methods and curricula.

Porsche Track Experience Australia is open to Porsche owners and non-owners.