Misplaced Pages

#638361

8-545: Founded in 1991, NASA hosts High Performance Driving Events ( HPDE ), automotive rallies , Time Trial, autocross and amateur, club-level automotive racing, divided amongst regionally based chapters within the United States . In September 2006, NASA held its first-ever National Championships at Mid-Ohio . The NASA National Championships are open to any driver who earns points in a minimum of five regional races (in any NASA region or combination of regions). Since 2021,

16-403: A ride-along instructor . Mandatory classroom instruction contributes to the overall learning experience and allows peer-group discussions of event logistics, on-track performance and track characteristics. HPDE events are not racing. Cars on-track operate under strict "rules of engagement" which minimize the likelihood of dangerous encounters with other cars. Occasional off-track excursions into

24-727: The NASA National Championships have been held at Daytona International Speedway . Racing in the time trial classes allows drivers to compete against each other for the fastest lap. It is currently NASA's mid-level offering, fitting between the HPDE and road racing series. NASA currently offers the following Road Racing series: HPDE High Performance Driver Education ( HPDE ) refers to driving schools held on dedicated race tracks designed to teach drivers proper high-speed driving techniques. HPDE events are held by various automobile enthusiasts' clubs at some of

32-628: The grass are normally controlled stops, with track personnel and on-board instructors supervising a safe re-entry onto the track. Passing among participants is facilitated only within defined "passing zones", and then only with clear hand signals and instructor confirmation. Many organizations increase the number of passing zones or eliminate the requirement for signals in groups with more experienced students to reduce traffic on track. HPDEs encourage participants to drive within their ability and improve their car-control skills with each event. Instructors and staff evaluate each student's progress throughout

40-428: The majority of participants utilize a performance vehicle, students are allowed to drive virtually any vehicle that has been deemed safe by a qualified mechanic and is known to have adequate handling characteristics for track use. Most schools require convertibles to have an approved rollbar . Some factory installed rollbars are not approved for track use. Factory-installed 3-point seatbelts and approved helmets are

48-526: The minimum safety restraint system allowed. Safety Helmets with a Snell Memorial Foundation rating of "M" ( motorcycle - not fire retardant ) are required for some schools but most will require "SA" (speciality application - fire retardant) ratings, with the helmet specification being no older than 10 years (example: Rating SA-2000 helmets would normally be valid for HPDE events through the year 2010). The Snell Foundation normally releases upgraded helmet standards every five years. Some HPDE events also include

56-407: The most renowned road-course tracks around the world. Participants include both students and instructors. Students are grouped according to their ability and experience, with "Novice Group" students being the least experienced, "Intermediate Group" being more experienced and "Advanced Group" drivers being the most experienced. Some organizations permit advanced students to drive the racetrack without

64-499: The weekend, and make recommendations on the student 's advancement through successively higher skilled driver groups. It is extremely important for Novice drivers to learn the basic safety measures of the sport first such as entering the track, flags, corner worker functions and emergency procedures. It is also important to master basic car control skills and the racing line before worrying about how fast you are going. Some basic things for all novice drivers to learn include: Although

#638361