HPDE/Open
Track
High
Performance Driving Experience/Open Track
Provided
by NASA Mid West Chapter
Drive
your car on
You have always wanted to know what "she could do", but you know the
streets and highways are not the place. NASA gives you and your car an easy,
safe, and affordable way to get on the track! No speed limits, no pedestrians,
but best of all-no tickets. The NASA HPDE provide you with an experienced racer
to help guide you through the event, one on one, as you learn how to handle
your car at the limit. You set your own goals and go as fast as you feel
comfortable going. You can progress as far as you want, even get a competition
license.
How?
Basically, all you need is a safe car and a helmet.The car does not have to be
fancy or fast. Students bring everything from a Hyundai to a Ferrari. Read the
requirements for the other miscellaneous items required.
Who?
Anyone who is a member of NASA (or a NASA sanctioned car club, such as INEX)
may participate. Minimum age is 18 (16 with parental consent). Many different
types of people enter our events. The number of women who are taking our
courses has steadily increased and most are very eager to enhance their driving
skills. A lot of husbands and wives also team up and use only one car which
makes it a little bit more convenient. There are many teenagers and young
adults who receive a school entry compliments of their parents who want to
teach their kids to be safer drivers.
Accidents:
Body damage to cars very rarely occurs, however you are encouraged to check
with your insurance company regarding coverage. Most insurance companies cover
damages to your car during the school (HPDE) portion of the event. Be careful
if they tell that it is not covered. Agents have been wrong before. Ask them
for a list of "exclusions" in YOUR policy and consult an expert.
Full
Course:
The student participants are separated according to their experience level into
four basic groups: One, Two, Three, and Four. There are no speed limits in any
of the groups, and the novice drivers are assigned instructors for safety
reasons. personal attention is paid to every student.
Run
Group Explanation:
Group
one (1)
This is where you begin. This is one on one guidance from experienced racers,
as you learn to control your car and yourself. Your mentor will provide you
with guidance as you learn to drive at the limit. You will address how to
approach a turn, the fast way around it, what gear should you be in, how to
brake, and how to exit. The session generally includes a lead-follow session.
Passing is very limited in the Group 1 Sessions.
Group
two (2)
Your instructor has determined you can drive on your own and with less
supervision. You apply what you learned in the Group 1 sessions to get more
practice. Group 2 is often mixed with Group 1 and is for those drivers that
want some more Group 1 seat-time, but do not need an instructor.
Group
three (3)
You have progressed to the world of high performance driving. The passing rules
in group 3 are not as strict. You must learn to share the track at high speeds
with others.
Group
four (4)
Congratulations! You have made it, no passing restriction except those of good
judgment and rules of the road etiquette. You and your peers are now
experiencing the joys of doing it right in a safe environment! You can now
enjoy high performance driving at its finest. Those that wish to can petition
to apply for a competition license.
Time
Trial
Time Trial Program- Compete for fastest time agaist other cars in your class.
More information can be found here.
- Membership in NASA or a NASA sanctioned club
- Any car in safe operating condition (from Ferrari
to Hyundai)
- Mufflers. Different tracks have different sound
policies
- Roll bars in convertible autos
- Seat belts in good working order
- State driver's license
- Long sleeve shirt and pants (cotton is great)
- A helmet
- Knowledge of the Club Codes and Regulations
- At least 18 years of age (16 w/parental consent)