I am about to sign up for some track time at the Mid Ohio race course thru NASA High Performance Driver Education. Has anyone else done the HPDE yet? How much track time do you get? Should I sign up for two or three days worth?

 

What's the dates and info for this event?

 

www.nasaproracing.com

 

I have been instructing with NASA in Northern California for more than 10 years (7,000 track miles on our Miata). NASA is a good group.

I have no idea how the various regions compare. For NorCal each day (for group 1) consists of an instruction session of about 30 to 45 minutes. Then you get to drive 4, 20 to 25 minute on track sessions with an instructor in your car.

One day is good. Two days are better. Three days may be too much for the first time.

One piece of advice----My trick question for my students is "What is you major goal for the day?" The ONLY answer is "To drive the car home." If you don't forget that goal you will have fun. If you think you are Mario Andretti's twin brother and decide to start racen' you may end up like Aldo. (He's dead.)

Have fun, it's a blast. Just don't bend the beast. (PS our Sunset's 350th and 351st miles were her first lap at Sears Point.)

 

I attended a NASA HPDE hosted by the Northeast region back in November. We got 4 20 minute sessions- that was just enough...

Check out pics and a write-up here:

http://imageevent.com/ethan84ae/nasahpdelimerockpark

 

Hey SunsetZ,

I too will likely be at the Mid-Ohio HPDE in April, along with Commasense. I've never run with NASA OH/IN, so I'm not sure what to expect with track time. Your track time will depend on how many cautions you have, or red / black flags, as well as the other race schedules. With NASA-VA, you get 4 25 minute sessions and 2 20 minute session over the course of the weekend. While it may not seem much, it's enough to leave you exhausted at the end of the weekend. See you then!

 

I spoke with Lawrence Mansier, organizer of the event, the other day, and he says he thinks the HPDE drivers will get a total of about 90 minutes a day. Maybe three 30-minute sessions. it will depend on the number of other sessions and the number of people signed up for all of them.

I was encouraged to hear that they're allowing about 30 cars per session, which on Mid-Ohio's 2.4-mile track will be a little more spacious than a full Friday at the Track session at Summit Point.

 

NASA :thumbsup:

I've done two trackdays so far with NASA and they've been great.

 

SunsetZ: Why not sign up for three if you have the time and money? That's what I did.

What group will you be in? I've signed up for Group 2 with the option of moving up to 3.

PM me if you would like a hotel recommendation.

See you there!

 

I signed up for April 4 and 5. I did level one since I have only autoX'd and never been on a track. Hope that wasn't a mistake.
I live less than an hour from the Mid Ohio so I am lucky in not needing a hotel.

 

SunsetZ: You signing up for Group 1 is a good idea since in autoxing you toss the car, and in road racing you have to much smoother with your steering input. You can always be bumped up if the instructor feels it is appropriate. I've signed up for April 5-6, for Group 1 since I've never driven Mid-Ohio before. Once I get the hang of the track, hopefully I'll get bumped up to Group 2.

 

Wow, that sounds great! I'd love to get up to Mid-Ohio. I'll have to seriously consider registering. If I do, I'll be Group 1 since I have no autox or racing experience. Probably Group 1, 4/5 and 4/6.

You guys who've done this before -- would you recommend going on Friday when there might be fewer people there?

 

I haven't done a NASA event before, but you're right in thinking that fewer people will be there on Friday, and that it will be more enjoyable and less intimidating to have a less crowded track on your first time out.

See you there!

 

Well, I registered for HPDE1 on April 4 and 5! I can't wait! See you guys there.

 

hey guys,

I'm in Columbus and I have a modded WRX I'm going to take there on the April 4 and 5. If you think about it stop by and say hi. I'll be in the blue car with gold Advans that's very loud

Or if you want PM me and we could cruise up together, I live in Dublin.

see ya!!

 

FWIW, 80-90 minutes on track per day is about all I like to do. Any more and I get weary and my driving goes downhill.

 

I'll be leaving DC early Friday morning (the 4th) to MidOhio, probably driving up with an ITR. I'm looking forward to it... see you there!

 

The NASA event organizer says there's still room left in all sections, so if there are any other Z-ers out there who can make it to Mid-Ohio on the first weekend in April for one, two, or three days of HPDE on this great track, please join the four of us who have already signed up! The prices are reasonable, and whether you've done a track event before or not, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

For more info go here.

See you there!

My last trip to Mid-Ohio (the April event will be in your own cars, of course):