I just wanted to let everyone know that NASA will be holding HPDE and Time Trials events on March 11th and 12th at Pueblo Motorsports Park. This is the largest road course in Colorado, and one of the very few that are still open.
The best part is that you do not need to have prior experience to participate, but people who already have experience will be able to enjoy it too. You will be able to hit higher speeds than at Second Creek or Mead (which are both permanently closed now), but you will also be able to drive at whatever speed you are comfortable with, without pressure from other cars. People with little or no experience will even be provided with an instructor, which is a huge benefit.
There are four HPDE run groups, based on driver experience and comfort level, so that it can be a safe, fun, and educational experience for everyone. There is also a Time Trials competition available to those who are qualified to run in HPDE group 4. I will be running my Integra in Time Trials class TTA. The cost is pretty cheap for a road course event... only $115 per day or $199 for both days. This is an even better deal if you run in HPDE Group 1 and have an instructor (road course schools are normally pretty damn expensive).
You do not have to worry about doing any modifications to your car to go out there and have a lot of fun. You just need to have maintenance up to date, full oil, no leaks, and brakes in good condition. If anyone has any Integra-specific questions, let me know.
Here are some details that I got from the NASA Rocky Mountain forums...
Run Group Explanation:
HPDE Group one (1)
This is where you begin. This is 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.
HPDE Group Two (2)
Your mentor has determined you can drive on your own and with less supervision. You apply what you learned in the group 1 sessions. The pace is faster, and the passing rules are more relaxed.
HPDE Group Three (3)
You have progressed to the world of high performance driving. The passing rules in group 3 are not as strict. You must learn to share the track at high speeds with others. Typically you must have 10 or more track days under your belt to be signed off for group 3.
HPDE Group Four (4)
Congratulations! You have made it, no passing restriction except those of good judgment and rules of the road etiquette. You and your peers are now experiencing the joys of doing it right in a safe environment! You can now enjoy high performance driving at its finest. Those that wish to can petition to apply for a competition license. Typically you must have 20 or more track days under your belt to be signed off for group 4.
Time Trials
NASA TT gives HPDE drivers a taste of competition by allowing them to compete for top lap times at NASA events against similarly prepared cars.
Unlike anything you've probably seen, the NASA TT program matches you car against those of comparable speed, not just similar make and model. For example, if you've hopped up your Honda with an engine swap we won't tell you that you can't compete or you must compete in a class featuring tube-frame cars. Go to the on-line class calculator and see real time where your car is classified and what you'll be competing against. You may find yourself competing against a stock Corvette or possibly a Miata with an aftermarket turbo.
Check out the official NASA Time Trial Web page.
NASA TT doesn't require a full racing license, but you must be eligible for Group 4 HPDE. Safety equipment is the same for HPDE. The details on qualifying for Group 4 and safety rules are in the NASA CCR.
Requirements:
-Membership in NASA or a NASA sanctioned club (only $40; much cheaper than other clubs, and half the cost of SCCA)
-Any car in safe operating condition (from Ferrari to Hyundai)
-Mufflers. Different tracks have different sound policies
-Roll bars if your car is a convertible
-Seat belts in good working order
-State driver's license
-Long sleeve shirt and pants (cotton is great)
-A helmet (minimum Snell M90)
-Knowledge of the Club Codes and Regulations
-At least 18 years of age (16 w/parental consent)
Additional HPDE details can be found on the HPDE page.
For more information on events in our area, visit the NASA Rocky Mountain forums
Edit... You can sign up here.
Hope to see you out there!
The best part is that you do not need to have prior experience to participate, but people who already have experience will be able to enjoy it too. You will be able to hit higher speeds than at Second Creek or Mead (which are both permanently closed now), but you will also be able to drive at whatever speed you are comfortable with, without pressure from other cars. People with little or no experience will even be provided with an instructor, which is a huge benefit.
There are four HPDE run groups, based on driver experience and comfort level, so that it can be a safe, fun, and educational experience for everyone. There is also a Time Trials competition available to those who are qualified to run in HPDE group 4. I will be running my Integra in Time Trials class TTA. The cost is pretty cheap for a road course event... only $115 per day or $199 for both days. This is an even better deal if you run in HPDE Group 1 and have an instructor (road course schools are normally pretty damn expensive).
You do not have to worry about doing any modifications to your car to go out there and have a lot of fun. You just need to have maintenance up to date, full oil, no leaks, and brakes in good condition. If anyone has any Integra-specific questions, let me know.
Here are some details that I got from the NASA Rocky Mountain forums...
Run Group Explanation:
HPDE Group one (1)
This is where you begin. This is 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.
HPDE Group Two (2)
Your mentor has determined you can drive on your own and with less supervision. You apply what you learned in the group 1 sessions. The pace is faster, and the passing rules are more relaxed.
HPDE Group Three (3)
You have progressed to the world of high performance driving. The passing rules in group 3 are not as strict. You must learn to share the track at high speeds with others. Typically you must have 10 or more track days under your belt to be signed off for group 3.
HPDE Group Four (4)
Congratulations! You have made it, no passing restriction except those of good judgment and rules of the road etiquette. You and your peers are now experiencing the joys of doing it right in a safe environment! You can now enjoy high performance driving at its finest. Those that wish to can petition to apply for a competition license. Typically you must have 20 or more track days under your belt to be signed off for group 4.
Time Trials
NASA TT gives HPDE drivers a taste of competition by allowing them to compete for top lap times at NASA events against similarly prepared cars.
Unlike anything you've probably seen, the NASA TT program matches you car against those of comparable speed, not just similar make and model. For example, if you've hopped up your Honda with an engine swap we won't tell you that you can't compete or you must compete in a class featuring tube-frame cars. Go to the on-line class calculator and see real time where your car is classified and what you'll be competing against. You may find yourself competing against a stock Corvette or possibly a Miata with an aftermarket turbo.
Check out the official NASA Time Trial Web page.
NASA TT doesn't require a full racing license, but you must be eligible for Group 4 HPDE. Safety equipment is the same for HPDE. The details on qualifying for Group 4 and safety rules are in the NASA CCR.
Requirements:
-Membership in NASA or a NASA sanctioned club (only $40; much cheaper than other clubs, and half the cost of SCCA)
-Any car in safe operating condition (from Ferrari to Hyundai)
-Mufflers. Different tracks have different sound policies
-Roll bars if your car is a convertible
-Seat belts in good working order
-State driver's license
-Long sleeve shirt and pants (cotton is great)
-A helmet (minimum Snell M90)
-Knowledge of the Club Codes and Regulations
-At least 18 years of age (16 w/parental consent)
Additional HPDE details can be found on the HPDE page.
For more information on events in our area, visit the NASA Rocky Mountain forums
Edit... You can sign up here.
Hope to see you out there!
