Originally, I had planned to make my first HPDE at Watkins Glen over the last weekend of September, but I will be unable to go because of prior commitments.

Anyway.


That leaves me Lime Rock in November. November 6th (saturday) is a PDA event, and November 8th is an NASA event.

I have autocrossed a few times, never done an HPDE, looking to get involved in an event before the end of '04 and then attend a bunch in '05.

Because of work signing up for both events saturday and monday might be impossible.

I did not find any real information on the differences between PDA and NASA. There is a wealth of info on the NASA and I've read alot about it and I am familiar with how its structured. But I have no idea on how a PDA event is handled.

So my question is, as a n00b, which event would be better for me? Saturday (PDA) or Monday (NASA)? Which would you rather attend?

 

Not to bash one organization over another, because it is great that organizations allow us the opportunity for track time. However, I would go over to http://www.nasaforums.com and read about the most recent Northeast event at Pocono. Students appeared to be very pleased.

I "hear" that PDA is not as great in their instruction. If you are a seasoned HPDE'er (which you are not) then PDA is ok. But, for a brand new beginner, I would choose NASA.

 

I have not run PDA.

Assuming NASA-NE runs its events similarly to NASA-VA, I highly recommend them.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crack Monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have not run PDA.

Assuming NASA-NE runs its events similarly to NASA-VA, I highly recommend them.</TD></TR></TABLE>

We do, but we don't run races, so the HPDE track time is maximized.

 

I have run both NASA and PDA quite a bit. Both groups do a great job and I would not hesitate to go to either. As far as instructors go I think it can be hit or miss either way. It depends on who you end up getting. You can track your progress with NASA however with there "passport" program. It can be a helpful tool as you can see what things you need to work on.

#81 H4 Hankook Tire Acura Integra

 

There is no question, do the NASA event. I instruct for both groups, and NASA is much better organized, and much more instruction focused. PDA wastes the first session on leap frog laps at low speed which have little value, and have all beginners run solo at the end of their first day regardless of their ability. PDA also doesn't utilize flags well, if at all. NASA is safer, and will improve your skills more.

Matt

 

I too instruct with both groups. Both you get equal seat time with both groups. However NASA's class room sessions are far more informative and in depth than those of PDA. NASA's Passport system also is helpful for you as a driver being that it will set goals for you to achieve at the next event you attened.

Either way I'll see you at one of the events as I'll be at both of them.

Z

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by El Pollo Diablo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We do, but we don't run races, so the HPDE track time is maximized. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you using the same passport/logbook for students that NASA-VA uses?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crack Monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Are you using the same passport/logbook for students that NASA-VA uses?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yesh we are.

 

not sure if their rates have come down recently, but when I last looked at PDA a couple years ago the events were extremely expensive

 

I've been considering both NASA and PDA, but I've only done FATTs and other local venue track days, so how do both of these compare to FATT?

Danke'

 

what is FATT?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Evil Nick M &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what is FATT?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Friday At The Track. It is run by BSR at Summit Point raceway. A bit pricey, but VERY good instruction...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by speedracer33 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> but VERY good instruction...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Personally, I really dont agree at all, and not related the quality of the intructors themselves, but due to the format of the event itself.
It is impossible to recieve good, consistent instruction when the student gets a new instructor every session. Its impossible to work on things over the course of the day.
As an instructor, often times it takes a whole day for a student and I to sync up, for me to identify their learning style (and driving style), and to really establish a "curriculum" for them to work on (aside from the basics of course)
I encourage beginners and intermediate drivers to attend weekend events, because it allows them to estabilsh consistency and practice what they learned over and over more than just a single day event.