Getting Started In 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 by helping to teach new drivers in such a way that they will enjoy their experience. The best way, as in any sport, is to learn to walk before you run–but believe me, in racing there isn’t a whole lot that feels like walking. And as with any sport, new drivers will  have a lot of questions, and many will have doubts. Is my car  fast enough? Will I screw up and crash? What if an instructor ask me to do something I don’t think I’m ready for? These and many other questions tend to go right out the window once you get your feet wet.

The day you start, a lot of things will fall into place, and it’ll become clear that no one’s ever going to ask you to do something you can’t handle. One of the best things about getting started in  High Performance Driving Events (HPDE) is that any car will work fine–there’s 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 my budget-built ones. Even though I’ve owned Shelbys and Vipers, I’ve become 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 they’re on rails: one of the best race cars for the buck that money can buy (or build).

So as you can see, you don’t need much. So let’s get started on putting you and your ride on some of America’s most famous road courses! Before you know it, you will be instructing someone and giving back. Continue reading…

You have always wanted to know what your car 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 can bring anything from a Hyundai to a Ferrari. Read the requirements for the other miscellaneous items you’ll need.

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 lot of husband-and-wife teams pair up so they can race and work on a shared car. There  are many teenagers and young adults whose parents, eager to see them improve their driving skills, srping for a school entry as a gift. 

Accidents:

Body damage occurs only very rarely. However, you’re 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 sure to double-check if they say your ride isn’t covered, because agents have been wrong before. Ask them for a list of "exclusions" on 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, with one-on-one guidance and mentorship from experienced racers as you learn to control your car and yourself, gradually becoming accustomed to driving your car at the limit. You will address how to approach a turn, the fast way around it, what gear you should be in, how to brake, and how to exit. The session generally  includes a lead-follow session, and passing is very limited.

Group two (2)

Your instructor has determined that 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 who want some more Group 1 seat-time, but who don’t 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, because you must now learn to share the track at high speeds with others.

Group four (4)

Congratulations, you’ve 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, and you are now free to enjoy high performance driving at its finest. At this stage, those who wish can petition to apply for a competition license.

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
    *   Mufflers. Different tracks have different sound policies
    *   Roll bars in convertible autos
    *   Seat belts in good working order
    *   State driver’s license
    *   Long-sleeved 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)

Got questions? Check out the NASA site, and if you’re still stumped, get in touch.