Drive your car on America's most famous road courses!
Have you always wanted to experience the thrill of speed and learn the limit of your vehicle?  Clearly, the streets and highways are not the place to try and find out.  NASA gives you and your car an easy, well structured and affordable way to get on the track.  No speed limits, no pedestrians, but best of all-no tickets!

What is HPDE exactly?
Our High Performance Driving Event program, commonly referred to as HPDE, is a tiered level learning program designed to give street car drivers the opportunity to get on a race track. A typical day at the track entails having your car pass a simple safety inspection, attending your morning drivers meeting, getting out on track for four 20-25 minute track sessions, and attending a download meeting after each session.  If you are novice driver, a NASA instructor is assigned to you for one on one attention and to guide you through the event.  You learn how to handle your car at its limit and set your own goals. You can progess through the skill levels, based on your experience and performance, as quickly as you feel comfortable.  Once you have completed the advanced group you can even go on to get a competition racing license or compete in the NASA Time Trial program.

How Do I Get Started?
First, you need to log on to www.DriveNASA.com, become a member and register for the event.  You can also check out the HPDE "articles" at the bottom of this page for some useful advice on preparing for your first day out.  Then, all you basically need is a safe car, a helmet and a good attitude.  Your car does not have to be fancy or fast. HPDE drivers bring everything from Hyundais to a Ferraris.

What are the HPDE Vehicle Requirements? 
As a general rule, most late model closed top vehichles in good condition will pass technical inspection.  Some convertibles with factory installed rollover protection devices or aftermarket roll bars are also allowed.  Important Note: For in depth rules for HPDE participation please download the Club Codes and Regulations (CCR) to get specifications on racing harnesses, seats, roll bar, and other safety related items. As a general rule, an "unmodified" factory vehicle will pass tech without any problems, but cars that have been modified (seats, roll bars, belts, etc) must conform to the preparation rules listed in the rulebook.

Who takes part in HPDE?
Anyone who is a member of NASA 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.  

What about Accidents?
Although body contact accidents are rare in the HPDE program, the risk of accidents can be reduced by always driving within your limits and in a matter appropriate for track and weather conditions. Some auto insurance companies do not cover damages to your car during school (HPDE) or similar driver education track events. Check the list of "exclusions" in your own personal auto insurance policy for this information.

How are the HPDE Groups Structured? 
HPDE 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 HPDE participant. First time participants in HPDE seeking entry for any HPDE group other than Group 1 are requested to provide prior track experience & number of events on their NASA member profile page. A check ride evaluation at the track may be required for those seeking advanced level HPDE group placement or upgrade requests.

Group one (1)
This is where you begin. You will learn with an in-car instructor.  Your instructor 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 turns. Passing is limited in the Group 1 Sessions.

Group two (2)
At this point a NASA check ride instructor has determined that you can drive on your own with less supervision.  Skills obtained in Group 1 are applied. Group 2 is often combined with Group 1 to provide a controlled environment for those how want more Group 1 seat-time, but do not need an in-car instructor.

Group three (3)
Your experience and practice in the novice and beginner groups has paid off-you have now progressed up the ladder in the world of high performance driving. The passing rules in group 3 are not as strict. You must learn to share the track with other drivers at high rates of speed.

Group four (4)
Congratulations! You have made it.  Group 4 drivers enjoy 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 controlled environment!  This is HPDE experience at it's finest!  If you so desire, you may apply for a TT competition license or consider the transition into NASA competition racing. If you're interested in Time Trial competitions, please visit the NASA Time Trial Website

HPDE Requirements:

• 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
• Short sleeve shirt and long pants (cotton is great)
• A helmet (Snell SA or M)
• Knowledge of the Club Codes and Regulations
• At least 18 years of age (16 w/parental consent & involvement)

ARTICLES

NASA supports the efforts of the leading safety testing and standards bodies in motorsports today and is a proud member of SFI.