2023 Intro to Performance Driving Course Dates Now Available!

Pinnacle Advanced Driving Academy
Pinnacle Advanced Driving Academy
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  • Offerings
  • About Us
  • PADA Auto Slalom Series
  • F.A.Q
  • Winter Karting Results

who is team pada?

Click Here For Instructor Profiles

About us

Pinnacle Advanced Driving Academy (PADA) was created to help introduce car enthusiasts to the world of performance driving and motorsports.


We know performance driving can be intimidating, so our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment to develop the potential of your driving skills.


Community is a key pillar of our philosophy at PADA as we aim to bring together like minded car enthusiasts to build and share experiences with; as we like to say: "It's just better driving with friends"

Our Approach

Best of Breed Curriculum

Best of Breed Curriculum

Best of Breed Curriculum

 Our curriculum is a continuously evolving compilation of the best techniques and methodologies currently available. It has been developed with input from professional educators to facilitate the highest retention and application of knowledge and skills in the way the content is delivered and most importantly, received by the students. We focus on breaking down complex theories and skills into small consumable sections that can be focused on and applied in the shortest amount of time

Evaluation system

Best of Breed Curriculum

Best of Breed Curriculum

 Our evaluation system works in conjunction with our best of breed curriculum to re-enforce the skills necessary to become a more proficient performance driver. By allowing students to clearly understand their progress they can easily identify specific areas they can focus on with an instructor or on their own. This provides a platform for the continuous improvement of skills and a method to track progress over the short and long term

consistent experience

consistent experience

consistent experience

 We believe in delivering a consistent experience to customers when it comes to the way our events are run, delivery of the curriculum and in-car instruction. We certify our instructors to ensure that we are delivering the same content in the same way to maximize our customer experience. The last thing we want is for our students to have a disparate experience with different instructors as this leads to confusion and frustration which is a common experience with other driving schools

value for money

consistent experience

consistent experience

 We understand that it can be a large commitment to invest in performance driving instruction and that is why we are devoted to providing the absolute best value for money. We strive to deliver our programs with precise attention to detail to ensure each minute is focused on delivering value rather than standing around waiting. Our pricing is also the most competitive in the industry to allow for an economical way into the performance driving world

Instructor Profiles

Colin Caissie - head Instruct./ co-founder

Colin Caissie - head Instruct./ co-founder

Colin Caissie - head Instruct./ co-founder

Colin Caissie Head Instructor

 Over 10 years in grassroots motorsports competing and instructing with various driving schools. Over 20 years in martial arts instruction with an educational background in teaching and psychology.


Accomplishments: 4 Series Championships, 10 Class Championships in Auto Slalom and 9 podiums


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series, Ontario Time Attack, CSCS Time Attack


Claim to Fame: Ability to set hot laps in any car, often running them completely out of fuel in the process


Drives: 2019 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE

Jay Tsang - Co-Founder / instructor

Colin Caissie - head Instruct./ co-founder

Colin Caissie - head Instruct./ co-founder

Jay Tsang Sr. Instructor

Over 7 years of grassroots motorsports experience competing in Auto Slalom and lapping. Representing the business side of PADA, Jay has over 20 years of professional business experience in the Technology Industry.


Accomplishments: 2018 Runner Up in Push It To The Limit C Mod Class, 2020 Ontario Time Attack SGT1 Class Winner (TMP) and SGT2 Runner Up (DDT) 


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series, Ontario Time Attack


Claim to Fame: Using a "Moneypult" in the pursuit of better lap times


Drives: 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4, 2020 Honda Civic Type R

amanda tsang - photos / instructor

Colin Caissie - head Instruct./ co-founder

amanda tsang - photos / instructor

Amanda Tsang Sr. Instructor

 With a passion for cars that started at a young age, Amanda has participated in grassroots motorsports for over 6 years. She also has a keen eye and creative flair which she puts to good use as our resident photographer.


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series


Claim to Fame: Occasionally deploying the "Hammer" to move people out of the way during karting


Drives: 2020 Toyota GR Supra 

Val dipietro ----- instructor

Val dipietro ----- instructor

amanda tsang - photos / instructor

Val DiPietro Sr. Instructor

Known locally as simply the Auto Slalom driving god, Val has been slinging cars around for over 10 years. After a brief stint of time attack, he graduated from the AISA Race Academy and now enjoys endurance road races with ChumpCar Canada.


Accomplishments: 3 time PITL Auto Slalom Series Champion, Regional Auto Slalom Champion


Competes In: CASC-OR/PITL Auto Slalom Series, ChumpCar Canada


Claim to Fame: Put simply, he is the Auto Slalom Driving God and the "Sultan of Sideways"


Drives: 1991 Mazda Miata, 1998 BMW M3, 1991 Honda Civic

kevin wong ----- instructor

Val dipietro ----- instructor

kevin wong ----- instructor

Kevin Wong Sr. Instructor

 From go-karting, autocross schools, various track day schools and eventually cracking into the echelons of Time Attack, Kevin has been actively participating in the grassroots motorsports for over 10 years. If he's not promoting, teaching or driving with his fellow PADA instructors, he can usually be found at the Ontario Time Attack Chief Timer's seat at one of the four tracks around the GTA.


Accomplishments: 2018: RaceOntario Outstanding Service as a Solo Official, 9th overall, 2nd overall GT3 class, Chief Timer with OTA Time Attack


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series, Ontario Time Attack, ChumpCar Canada


Claim to Fame: Top 10 finisher in OTA in a mostly stock vehicle.


Drives: 2021 Subaru BRZ

joe li ----- Instructor

Val dipietro ----- instructor

kevin wong ----- instructor

Joe Li Sr. Instructor

 Part mechanical engineer and part data junkie, Joe brings over 5+ years of performance driving experience. As the resident data expert on the team, Joe is a big believer in progressive improvements backed by data. 


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series, Ontario Time Attack, Twin Lakes Motor Club Auto Slalom


Claim to Fame: Modding a slow car to be slower every year


Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ

ginger drew ----- instructor

ginger drew ----- instructor

ginger drew ----- instructor

Ginger Drew Sr. Instructor

 Ginger started performance driving after buying her dream car. Soon after she participated in only one auto slalom and was hooked. She has been competing in the Push it to the Limit series and driving in open lapping session with various groups for over 6 years.  Having competed and coached in sports such as fencing and swimming, Ginger’s emphasis in performance driving is on technique and practice.


​Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series


Claim to Fame: When Ginger is at the track, Yummy bake goods are usually not far behind


Drives: 2020 Porsche Cayman GT4

ian drew ----- Instructor

ginger drew ----- instructor

ginger drew ----- instructor

Ian Drew Sr. Instructor

 Ian started his performance driving career in 2009 by joining the Push It To The Limit auto slalom series. Soon after he progressed to the track as a way to develop new skills and improve his ability to handle a car at higher speeds. Ian brings over 25 years of sports coaching experience. Professionally, Ian has an adult education certificate and has worked as an instructional designer and facilitator.


Accomplishments: 4 PITL Auto Slalom class championships and twice championship runner-up 


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series


Claim to Fame: Did something no one else did in 2018, beat Val in the same car at Auto Slalom


Drives: 2020 Porsche Cayman GT4

adam bezzina -----instructor

ginger drew ----- instructor

Daniel santibenez ----- instructor

Adam Bezzina Sr. Instructor

 With 10 years grassroots motorsports experience, Adam has competed in university FSAE series, Auto Slalom, Karting and lapping events all over Ontario. 8 years of experience working as a snowboard instructor allows Adam to maintain a positive atmosphere for all. 


Accomplishments: Ontario Regional Autocross Series - 2nd overall 2017, Twin Lakes Motorclub - 1st overall STX 2017, Formula SAE - Top 15 in global competition 2013 


Competes In: Ontario Regional Auto Cross Series, Twin Lakes Motor Club


Claim to Fame: Has a side hustle as a bearded woodworker 


Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ

Daniel santibenez ----- instructor

Daniel santibenez ----- instructor

Daniel santibenez ----- instructor

Daniel Santibanez Sr. Instructor

 With more than 13 years in the motorsports world between Perú and Canada, Daniel has participated in Go Karts, Open lapping, Time Attack and Autocross events. As a lead Class A Mechanic at a well known Auto mechanic franchise, Daniel is constantly teaching his crew of apprentices on a daily basis.


Accomplishments: 2017 B Mod Runner up at PITL Series, 2018 2nd place at Ontario Time Attack Novice Championship, 2018 T3 2nd place at Ontario Time Attack Series.


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series, Ontario Time Attack


Claim to Fame: Lets see how many cars he can beat with his stock underpowered Toyota Echo


Drives: 2005 Toyota Echo

jt koeman ----- instructor

Daniel santibenez ----- instructor

will hughes ----- instructor

JT Koeman Sr. Instructor

 JT started out by participating at local track days with Team PADA and eventually graduated from the Intro to Performance Driving course. That was 4 years ago and he has quickly progressed and built his experience through auto slalom and open lapping days. He has been recently promoted to a Senior instructor after a full year as an instructor in training. 


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series


Claim to Fame: Some say the hard top of his car stays on more than his shirt during the summer


Drives: 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE, 2020 Hyundai Veloster N

will hughes ----- instructor

Daniel santibenez ----- instructor

will hughes ----- instructor

Will Hughes Sr. Instructor

Will has been teaching various hobbies since he was a teenager: Chess, martial arts, music, and most recently performance driving. Teaching is something he's always loved doing, as it lets him get other people passionate about his favorite things. Will has most recently been promoted to a Senior Instructor after a year as an instructor in training. He is now putting that knowledge to good use training the University of Guelph's Formula SAE team drivers..


Accomplishments: WOSCA Novice Champion 2017, Founded the driver development program for Gryphon Racing


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series, WOSCA Auto Slalom 


Claim to Fame: Wearing his bright blue PADA hat with pride … EVERYWHERE!


Drives: 2002 Honda S2000

john silva ----- instructor

filisity huestis ----- instructor

filisity huestis ----- instructor

John Silva Sr. Instructor

 John has over 25 years of race experience from karting, open wheel, time attack and autocross, John has learned his craft by competing in many different forms of motor sports.  His diverse background has built a knowledge base which is adaptable to whichever motor sport option you choose. 

 

Accomplishments: 1999 Graduate of the Jim Russel Racing School , 2000 Jim Russel FF2000 Champion, 2002 3rd in rookie points Quebec FF1600 , 2018 PITL Autocross C-Mod Champion, 2010 & 2013 CSCS Time Attack Street FWD Champion,

2010 SPDA ATTS Champion


Competes In:  PITL Auto Slalom Series, CSCS Time Attack


Claim to Fame: Nobody ever remembers the silver medalist. Go for the win or throw it in the weeds. 


Drives:  1991 Miata Turbo


filisity huestis ----- instructor

filisity huestis ----- instructor

filisity huestis ----- instructor

Filisity Huestis Instructor

Filisity started her performance driving career 5 years ago by taking the PADA Intro to Performance driving course. Ever since then, she has been hooked competing in auto slalom, go karting and a number of other grassroots motorsports. As one of our first graduates of the PADA Instructor Training program, Filisity brings a youthful enthusiasm and energy to the team.


 Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series


Drives:  2019 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE 

bryan lemos ----- instructor

filisity huestis ----- instructor

desiree dionne ----- instructor

Bryan Lemos Instructor

Bryan's passion started

6-7 years ago drag racing at Cayuga with his MK5 GTI, becoming a regular at the Friday night test and tune. From there the PITL Auto Slalom series was introduced to him by a co-worker and it quickly turned into his new passion.  PITL is where he got the nickname "Haldex Killer" for making my AWD System on my car commit suicide :) Bryan has rapidly expanded his experience through lapping days and working with the PADA team the last 3 years to constantly refine his craft. 


Accomplishments: Tied for 1st place in C-Mod in the PITL Auto Slalom Series 


Competes In: PITL Auto Slalom Series


Drives: MK7 VW Golf R

desiree dionne ----- instructor

christina kelbert --- instructor

desiree dionne ----- instructor

Desiree Dionne Instructor

Desiree has always had an interest in motorsports. In 2014, she took it to the next level by competing in autocross and participating in open lapping. She was featured in the Hyundai Canada Veloster N Motorsports Experience at CTMP and autocross. Her future plans are to compete in regional autocross and time attack events in southern Ontario. She is a strong advocate for involving women in motorsport and helping others enjoy driving their car fast, but safely. She is patient, friendly and willing to share her experience in motorsport with others.    


Accomplishments: Finished 1st (PAX) at OMSC autocross event


Competes In: Push it to the Limit Auto Slalom Series, Oshawa Motor Sport Club Autocross  


Claim to Fame: The helmet matches the car.     


Drives: 2019 VW Golf R 

christina kelbert --- instructor

christina kelbert --- instructor

christina kelbert --- instructor

Christina Kelbert Instructor

Christina has been participating in various motorsports for over 10 years.  She is an accomplished motorcycle track rider with race experience in the Southern Ontario Association of Racers and more recently road course driving and auto slalom. She took the Intro To Performance Driving course with PADA in 2017 and fell in love.  When she isn’t driving her car or riding her motorcycle she is driving her 2018 Volvo VNL all over North America. She now teaches and helps others get excited about all things motorsports.     


Competes in: Push It To The Limit Auto Slalom Series 


Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ

guillermo Aristizibal-instructor

christina kelbert --- instructor

christina kelbert --- instructor

Guillermo Sr. Instructor

G has 20 years of motorsports experience and has competed in Auto Slalom, Time Attack, and Ice Racing. He has taken many advanced driver training and racing courses over the years in AWD, FWD and RWD cars. He has 19 years and over 300 days of experience instructing advanced collision avoidance, track, auto slalom and winter car control school on an ice circuit.    


Accomplishments:  3rd place overall in the 2005 Canadian SoloSprint (Time Attack) Championships.   


Claim to Fame:  Catching up to a Corvette Z06 on a race track during a Time Attack competition while driving a 76 HP Honda Insight hybrid (14 year old video still on YouTube).   


Drives: 2018 Bolt EV, and many other friends’ cars.

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