02-07-2012, 11:56 AM
So you want to HPDE! (High Performance Driving Event)
You have always wanted to know what "she could do", but you know the streets and highways are not the place. NASA gives you and your car an easy, safe, and affordable way to get on the track! No speed limits, no pedestrians, but best of all-no tickets. The NASA HPDE provide you with an experienced racer to help guide you through the event, one on one, as you learn how to handle your car at the limit. You set your own goals and go as fast as you feel comfortable going.
There's two ways to get involved in HPDE with NASA, one is with a standard HPDE, the other is a "Hyperdrive". We'll talk about the Hyperdrive first.
HYPERDRIVE
A Hyperdrive is a single, short on-track session with an instructor. You'll be driving on a real racetrack, at speed, with a trained instructor right by your side. You'll also get some classroom instruction. The Hyperdrive has the same "pre-flight" requirements as an Autocross. So go through that checklist, and your "hardware" will be fine. Your "software" however, has to be a little different. HPDE's are not timed, and you're not competing. It's Education, not Competition. That doesn't mean it isnt' fun, on the contrary, it's awesome. but you'll need to keep that in mind as you participate.
HPDE 1-4
The "next" level up from that is a proper HPDE. This is going to be more punishing on you, your car, and your mind than any autocross. You're looking at a 2 days of classroom instruction, multiple track sessions. You'll get one on one guidance from experienced racers, as you learn to control your car and yourself. Your mentor will provide you with guidance as you learn to drive at the limit. You will address how to approach a turn, the fast way around it, what gear should you be in, how to brake, and how to exit. The session generally includes a lead-follow session. Passing is very limited in the Group 1 Sessions.
With the extra punishment on the car, it's probably worth doing a more thorough checkout but don't get intimidated. This kind of list will flow pretty quickly once you get started.
![[Image: HighIntensityInspection1.png]](http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g271/MMRex/Madison%20Motorsports%20Stuff/HighIntensityInspection1.png)
![[Image: HighIntensityInspection2.png]](http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g271/MMRex/Madison%20Motorsports%20Stuff/HighIntensityInspection2.png)
![[Image: HighIntensityInspection3.png]](http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g271/MMRex/Madison%20Motorsports%20Stuff/HighIntensityInspection3.png)
![[Image: HighIntensityInspection4.png]](http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g271/MMRex/Madison%20Motorsports%20Stuff/HighIntensityInspection4.png)
You have always wanted to know what "she could do", but you know the streets and highways are not the place. NASA gives you and your car an easy, safe, and affordable way to get on the track! No speed limits, no pedestrians, but best of all-no tickets. The NASA HPDE provide you with an experienced racer to help guide you through the event, one on one, as you learn how to handle your car at the limit. You set your own goals and go as fast as you feel comfortable going.
There's two ways to get involved in HPDE with NASA, one is with a standard HPDE, the other is a "Hyperdrive". We'll talk about the Hyperdrive first.
HYPERDRIVE
A Hyperdrive is a single, short on-track session with an instructor. You'll be driving on a real racetrack, at speed, with a trained instructor right by your side. You'll also get some classroom instruction. The Hyperdrive has the same "pre-flight" requirements as an Autocross. So go through that checklist, and your "hardware" will be fine. Your "software" however, has to be a little different. HPDE's are not timed, and you're not competing. It's Education, not Competition. That doesn't mean it isnt' fun, on the contrary, it's awesome. but you'll need to keep that in mind as you participate.
HPDE 1-4
The "next" level up from that is a proper HPDE. This is going to be more punishing on you, your car, and your mind than any autocross. You're looking at a 2 days of classroom instruction, multiple track sessions. You'll get one on one guidance from experienced racers, as you learn to control your car and yourself. Your mentor will provide you with guidance as you learn to drive at the limit. You will address how to approach a turn, the fast way around it, what gear should you be in, how to brake, and how to exit. The session generally includes a lead-follow session. Passing is very limited in the Group 1 Sessions.
With the extra punishment on the car, it's probably worth doing a more thorough checkout but don't get intimidated. This kind of list will flow pretty quickly once you get started.
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442