I was checking this site out, and it seemed like it would be worthwhile. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with this organization? I have never raced on a track, and this seems like a good place to get started.

http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html

 

nasa is a good organization and great place to get started in their HPDE program. i'm a member of both nasa and scca.

 

I am also a member of NASA and they are a pretty good organization and run a safe HPDE and race. Yet, you might want to check with people in your area who are in NASA. NASA is about racing and HPDE just gives them the money to rent the track. Often they sacrafic time in the HPDE groups to ensure the race gets there exact amount of time, usually this is caused by a delay because of a crash or clean up needed during one of the practice sessions for the race group.
Yet, if you want to learn how to drive so that eventually you can race, NASA is one good choice. If you are looking to just have fun on track, than look for a group that runs HPDE only.

 

Funny how perceptions differ. I am a NASA member in the same area as MoodDude but I am a racer and not an HPDE driver. In my opinion NASA is all about HPDE. This past weekend at CMP they combined all the race groups into one race because there was a delay on track (caused by a racer, so I have no complaints).

Either way I still think there are better HPDE deals out there than NASA, but not many of those provide a bridge from your first event to some level of competition (either Time Trials or Door 2 Door racing) like NASA does.

 

I've been a SCCA racer for the majority of my career, but I've also ran events with organizations as diverse as EMRA (Eastern Motor Racing Association), SpeedTrials and Speed Ventures. For '07 I've also been granted a NASA competition license and will be actively competing in their events, as well as in SCCA competition.

It'll be interesting to compare and contrast NASA and SCCA. It does seem NASA has an emphasis on HPDEs and time trials while offering road racing as a sideline. SCCA is a more traditional road racing organization that is coming around to offering HPDEs/TTs in their race weekends. Strangely enough, I thought NASA would be the more flexible and open-minded in terms of rule making, but my direct experience thus far (with seat belt expiration rules and car classifications) is that it isn't as "progressive" as SCCA.

Look for a future 'Inside Line' column on this subject as part of Nissan Sport Magazine's grassroots motorsports coverage!

David Muramoto
Senior Editor
Nissan Sport Magazine

 

Wow - that is a big change for NASA. Yet, you and I both know who the better HPDE program is and are you going to Sebring with them in April? I will be there, and could always use some good input on how I can improve on track.
And I still think the removing the seal at the back of the hood works

 

I'm a little biased, since my club is in direct competition for drivers here in the southeast... but NASA's program definitely seems like its trying to be everything for everybody... and that usually ends up not working too well. There are only so many hours in a track day, and its amazing to see what they can cram in to one weekend. I'll be experiencing my first NASA event this March with NASA-SE at Road Atlanta, so I'll be able to speak more directly on the subject then.

I've also heard it varies WIDELY from region to region. While the rules and such are nationally recognized, it seems the enforcement of said rules and the overall event organization are greatly dependant on region.

As far as membership... you have to be a member to enter an event... but each membership comes with a subscription to NASAroots Motor... I mean Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

 

I've attended two NASA events in NorCal, and they were both fine. They are less expensive than other private clubs, but they are generally more crowded too. I would certainly sign up for more NASA organized HPDE's, but only on weekdays when the track is less crowded.

 

Mooddude - I'm going to RRR in March but don't plan to do Sebring at this time.

Stacy - I'll be at the NASA event in March. I won't have my Z with me but will be racing my SM (dark blue). That event is VERY crowded and I imagine won't be near as smooth as you would like. Are you instructing or doing the HPDE/Time Trials?

 

I'm a member of NASA & Chin Motorsports and participate in HPDE events.

I think NASA offers great opportunites. The track times are tight though. The last event I did with them in Florida there were races that happened throughout the day.

Chin offered more time per class group and I enjoyed it more. http://www.chinmotorsports.com/

 

I'm also a member of NASA, in the same region as you.

Theirs are pretty much the cheapest events out there.

You might want to consider joining the BMW club. http://buckeyebmwcca.org/
Totally HPDE oriented, the best instructors and student program I've seen yet.

 

Which do you like better?

 

Stacy and PBL - I will be at the NASA event at RA too. I will be parked with all the RX8 guys, so - come by and say hello.

 

I will certainly be taking the venue into consideration... and I promise I'll be bringing an open mind. I won't be driving my Z either... I'll be in a white E30

Since I've never run Road Atlanta before, I signed up for HPDE2 ... I'm not instructing, and I doubt I'll do any... I don't think the right seat is for me unless I'm just along for the ride

-stacy

 

We actually have quite a group going to RA. It should be a lot of fun

 

I was thinking about doing Road Atlanta in March as well. A friend of mine with a yellow twin turbo Mustang is going down.

My main concern is how well my Bridgestone RE960AS Pole Positions will hold up and not fall apart. Eeek...

 

I prefer the BMW events.

You will learn more with them than with a NASA event. The instructor standard is much higher with BMW. With NASA, you get a wide range of instructors, from the really good to the "I'm only doing this so I can race for free" type of guys...

If you do go to a NASA event, let me know. I might be able to hook you up with some good instructors I know.

 

Im a new NASA member. Im looking forward to the driving school/HPDE next month at California Speedway road course (March 16-18). I hope it is not too crowded though (although they usually are), and that there are not too many delays, and I am looking forward to learn alot of stuff. Ill be driving my yellow z.

 

PBL where were you parked at? I was their in the all blue Factory Five Cobra.

Had a blue miata one car over from where we parked the trailer for the weekend.

 

If your going too you better sign up now, I pretty sure I read hpde 2&3 were full.