Getting Started Racing the Right Way on a Budget

One of the best things about racing is the privilege and the responsibility of "giving back." The way racers give back is to help teach new drivers in such a way that they will enjoy their experience. Each driver that gets started will have different needs as to what they want racing to do for them. The best way as in any sport is to learn to walk before you run but believe me, you will never feel like you are walking as every experience on a race course is exciting. There is an old adage amongst doctors when they are in med school… Watch one, do one, teach one. The reference is to learning how to perform a surgery and then teaching the next person in line. This same method works with drivers working their way up the ladder as they eventually become grassroots or even professional race car drivers.

As is the case in any other sport, new drivers will have many questions and some will have doubts which is not unexpected. Is my car fast enough? Will I screw up and crash? How can I do this, have fun and not screw up? What kind of car will I be driving? What if an instructor ask me to do something I don’t think I’m ready for? These and many other questions will go right out the window once you get your feet wet. The day you start things will begin to happen that will put you completely in control and at no time will an instructor ask you to do something you can’t handle.

One of the things I like best about getting started in High Performance Driving Events (HPDE) is any car will work perfectly and there is no need for a high dollar race car to get started. In retrospect I remember what a great feeling it was when I first began getting the hang of things and found myself passing high dollar cars with low budget cars. Even though I owned Shelbys, Vipers and more I became more fond of driving my 1st generation  RX7’s than anything else. Very affordable, easy to build and WOW are they fast and handle like a…. Well, the truth is they are one of the best race cars for the buck that money can buy. (or build).

Now let’s get started and let’s see how we can get YOU driving your car on America’s most famous road courses! Before you know it, you will be instructing someone and giving back. If you want to know more drop me an email.

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 against other cars in your class. More information can be found here.

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

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)

Editor’s note: If you missed it last week, be sure to ready Gary’s blog on street racing!