My local HPDE guy is near impossible to reach for information so hopefully someone here can answer this for me:

On the NASA website, it states there are 4 different HPDE classes and it states what each class is. My question is this; do you move through all 4 classes in one weekend or do you have to go to 4 separate HPDE events to move through all 4 classes?

Thanks

 

The 4 levels are:

- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Competition School

Advancement through the first 3 is based on your progress. You could spend 1 weekend in beginner and 5 in intermediate before moving to Advanced. There is no set time limit but you probably won't make it to Advanced in the same weekend you start as a Novice unless you lie on your entry form.

The Competition School requires a minimum of 4 NASA schools, including 1 at the Advanced level AND a full competition prepared car with driver suit etc.

 

I'm guessing you've never done a track event before? Given that assumption, you will spend at least 1 weekend in beginner (novice) group, and you will move up through the groups as your skill allows. Some people progress very quickly through the groups, some go more slowly. I recommend you simply show up and have a good time; the group you run in will be consistent with your level of experience.

 

For anyone who just likes HPDE, you can stay at the level you are most comfortable. Some just love the mellow groups. You do not have to advance.

 

Isn't that such a value-laden label? "You don't have to 'advance'." Aren't we all taught to advance ourselves? <grin> Hehe...okie, I like semantic humor... -Andie

 

When the "advance"ing is toward the machine guns, there's a great incentive not to do it.

 

When the advancing is towards machine guns, I was programmed to do so on command. 2x2 cover and move tactics,

 

Don't move up too soon. You won't be doing yourself any favors by moving up early. The problem with moving up too quickly is that it reinforces bad habits & techniques.

 

Just come out
Have fun
Get track time
And learn
Thats what it's all about

Don't worry about what group your in, you'll know when it's time to move on

 

I have done three events and have noticed when you are out there driving with the intention to advance you drive like ****. If you go out there and concentrate on driving driving the course your chances are a lot better. I know I am in competition with everyone else out there. I want to pass everyone I can I think everybody is like that, but you have to concentrate on your driving more so than that car in front of you or your going to make small mistakes that just set you back from a pass. I know I've done it.

 

HPDE Groups 1,2 & 3 is not about passing or competing with the other cars/drivers. It is about learning the line. It is about learning car control. It is not a race.

 

I know its not a race, but when there is a car in front of you do you not want to catch and pass it? It seems this basically a school to learn to drive fast. And for some this school is just working up to a racing lisence. I am not to that point nor will I be in the near future, but I do want to be fast and if you don't want to catch and pass that car in front of you your not going to. Also, If you don't push yourself your not going to learn. When you don't push the car hard enough to get on the edge then your not going to have to learn to much car control because you will never be near losing control. I think it's good to get loose here and there. It helps you learn to counter the car. If you never begin to loose control you never being to learn. Just my theory. Also, touching on the line. The line takes a session or two if you haven't already been to the track and if you have been to the track it is a lap or so. Now if the instructor would teach a different line then, things would be different, but I have yet to find an instructor that holds me to a different line. One instructor told me the racing line around turn 5 at SP, but thats all.

 

Tony I didn't know you were into Haiku.

 

So true. Once you get up into the higher groups, you will not be given an instructor unless you request one or got one to ride with you for a session or two. Get as much instructor time as you can before you move up to the solo groups, it will pay you back many times down the road.

I don't have a 2nd seat in the race car anymore, and boy have I missed it sometimes.

 

I am speechless.