2010 Mid-Atlantic HPDE and Track Day Schedule list in case anyone wants to, you know, learn to drive.

http://www.rightfootdown.com/?page_id=28

 

I'll probably be working the Feb. and March events at VIR with NASA, then doing HPDE2 @ Summit Point in April with NASA.

Don't know about the rest of the year yet, we'll see. I usually run with NASA and love driving at Summit.

 

You mean as in getting paid? Or do they "comp" you with track time?

 

Many clubs have deals setup where if you work X amount of days, you get a free track day. It may be 2 days, it may be 4 or 5.

 

How much does it cost? I've never done a HPDE before. Is one event enough or is there a curriculum?

 

With NASA you work 2 events you get a free one.


Typically when you pay outright you will pay between $330 - $360, however, you get an hour of track time per day and you get a personal instructor, with classroom sessions. It is an excellent deal, considering an Auto-X is about 10 minutes of driving for $40.

There are 4 levels of HPDE. 1-4, 1 being for beginners and is generally slower, easier, less stressful. 4 is open passing with a pointby, very fast, requires a lot out of the driver. I just started so I am in 2, but feel confident in the progress I have made so far. Start out in 1 and your instructor will tell you flat out whether or not you should move up.

 

My plan so far for this year is to run VIR full course twice and Summit Point and CMP at least once each. I would love to see some of you MidA out at HPDE

 

^If you wanna meet some Mid-A folks, track events usually get more hits when it's 1/4 mile.

 

Good prices. I've seen some HDPE at close to and over $1K.

Typically how long for each levels? For example, 2 days for level 1; 3 days for level 2..

If I do a NASA HDPE at Summit point then ViR will I have the same instructor? Does it matter? If there a certification at the end of level 4?

Sorry for throwing so many questions but I've never done a HDPE and it's something I'm genuinely interested in.

I'm always up for driving advice and improvement.

 

Your driving skill will determine how long you are in each level. Typically, they say 2-4 weekends in HPDE1 (and seriously, some people need A LOT more than that), and about 10 weekends to go from HPDE2 to 3. 2 is a lot like 1, just a lot faster because more people are more comfortable with what they are doing, all passing rules are the same though so you can only pass in certain areas, and everyone has an instructor still. HPDE3 there is open passing with a pointby and you are not required to have an instructor. Its a big jump, and NASA has to certify you to go from 2 to 3.

I have done one HPDE1 and my instructor certified me to go solo. He also recommended next time I sign up for HPDE2. So, it is possible to get out of HPDE1 in one weekend, but what you learn is invaluable. You just have to be open to learning and be smart about what you are doing, oh, and have fun.

You can have the same instructor if you like, you just have to request him/her when you sign up.

I know there is a certification to go from 2 to 3, but after 4 the only thing left is actual racing. You can apply for your license, but the car you are driving has to meet certain requirements (roll cage, etc.) but I'm not sure what those are since I just started.

It is A LOT of fun, like driving on backroads but legal You won't regret it, even if your car breaks haha. I lost an idler pulley towards the end of the day on day 2, but was able to drive it home, and I still rave about how awesome the whole weekend was. Of course, my other Z friend there did not have an issue, and neither did the 3 other cars we were with.

I'm always open to helping out with this kind of stuff, I'd love to get more people out there!

And its even better when its free

 

If you look around you can find individual track days for a little over $150. Northern Virginia Corvette Club, for example (and it's always fun to whip up on Corvette's). NASA is generally about $300-350 for the entire weekend, which really isn't bad. Trackdaze is another good one, pricing is similar. SCCA events tend to be quite expensive, from my understanding.

Also take in mind the cost of food, fuel, etc. You'll probably go through two tanks while on track over the course of a weekend. Wear and tear on your tires and brakes depend a lot on the track and your driving style. If you're on stock pads, plan on bringing another set just in case (I recommend Ferodo DS2500's for street and track). You won't wear out your street tires nearly as fast as you may suspect, and probably won't even be able to measure it.

 

Meet up in a Parking Lot, stand around, and point at stuff in the engine bay Thread: 10+ pages | XXXX views
Meet up at the Drag Strip Thread: 5+ pages | XXX Views
HPDE Thread: 1 page | XX views? ........... *bows head down in shame*

One day... er.... year.. (century?) we're going to see more than 3 Z's at these events (where you actually drive your car... hMmMm... no chit?) I swear!!!

 

Meet: Free
Drag Strip: $25
Drift: $75
Track: $350

Tracking your car gets as expensive as mods I have a feeling thats why its not as big. I do want to try it though this coming season once I upgrade my brakes

 

Meet: technically no seat time except to drive to meet
Drag: 13sec or lower x 10= less then 5 minutes
Drift: 1min x 10=10 minutes seat time
Track: 20min session x 6= ***** ton of time on the track

I'm not saying that one is better then other so I don't wanna get that started but just saying. It might cost a lot of money to play but you do get the drive the frak outa your car... a lot. I have always had a good time at VIR.

 

^^ agreed just my thought on why many people dont do it.

Its one of the reasons I havent yet

 

MrKaira and OP, thanks for the info. I hope to see you guys at the track.

 

Meet: Free - technically no seat time except to drive to meet
Drag Strip: $25 - 3 minutes of drive time - $8.33 per minute
Drift: $75 - 10 minutes drive time - $7.50 per minute
Autox: $40 - 10 minutes drive time - $4 per minute
Track: $350 - 120 minutes drive time - $2.92 per minute

Not really that expensive compared to others. You don't HAVE to have crazy mods to do an HPDE. In fact, the more mods you have the worse you will do probably, unless you buy them after you get better. Really all you need to HPDE is race brake pads to start out.

Autox is about the same as track, but even then your brakes don't get that hot, so you don't need them either really.

Drifting requires at least another set of tires, if nothing else.

Meeting up is free and allows you to hang out with other enthusiasts, and there is value there, however, if you want to really learn to drive you can't beat driving on a track - you won't get a ticket, you aren't endangering other people and yourself... you really can't beat it.

I welcome with open arms anyone that wants to come and learn! You don't have to have a race prepped car to come out. There was an '80-something corolla there last time I went, and I bet the guy had a blast.

justsayin

 

^^ i will hit you up when I get my brakes changed no less upgraded lol I really want to drive on a track with a instructor soo I can see how bad of a driver I really am lol

 

Invidia G200
AAM TP
Cusco F&R Sway Bars
Megan Coilovers
Motordyne Plenum Spacer
JWT POP Charger
ACT Lighten Flywheel
Exedy Stg2 Clutch
Uprev Osiris Tune (needs a tune)
Work Emotion XD9
Sparco Seats

These are my mods and as you can see I really dont have too many power mods. By the time the next event come around at best I will have some brand new tires (Star Spec or RE-11) and maybe a tune. I wouldn't worry too much about mods. Mr. Kaira (I forgot your name) which events are you planning on doing first this season?

 

Nice list of simple mods. Have you tracked with the Megan coilovers on the car? How did you feel about the dampening?

BTW, I think one of the best track mods any Z/G owner can do is get a set of adjustable front a-arms. If I had just one suspension mod it would be a good adjustable a-arm, like the Cusco's or SPL. You'll be able to keep proper suspension geometry while having optimal camber, not to mention the benefit of increased tire life from even tread wear.