About

The HPDEdriver Speed Feed was created for enthusiasts who take their car to a road course track to push it to the limit (or lower so they can drive it home).

Drag racing is for fast cars, the turns are for fast drivers. Why buy all those go fast bits when you should not use it fully on the streets? HPDE provides a safe outlet to vent out your speed desires.

“It’s not the tires screaming, it’s the asphalt.”

What is “HPDE”?

HPDE is an acronym for High Performance Driving Event/Education. Some just call it “DE”. You have always wanted to know what your car could do, but you know the streets and highways are not the place. HPDEs 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. HPDEs allow you to learn how to handle your car at the limit in a non-competitive setting. You set your own goals and go as fast as you feel comfortable going. You can progress as far as you want.

How?
Basically, all you need is a safe car and a helmet. The car does not have to be fancy or fast. Drivers bring everything from a Hyundai to a Ferrari. Read the requirements for the other miscellaneous items required.

Who?
Anyone may participate. Minimum age is usually 18 (depends on the event organizer). Many different types of people enter HPDEs.

Accidents:
Body damage to cars very rarely occurs, however you are encouraged to check with your insurance company regarding coverage. Most insurance companies cover damages to your car during the school (HPDE) portion of the event. Be careful if they tell that it is not covered. Agents have been wrong before. Ask them for a list of “exclusions” in YOUR policy and consult an expert.

Full Course:
Drivers are separated according to their experience level into three basic run groups:  Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. There are no speed limits in any of the groups. Novice drivers should be assigned instructors for safety reasons.

Run Group Explanation:

Beginner
This is where you begin. This is one on one guidance from a instructor, 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 Beginner group sessions. Passing is usually only allowed in the longest straight section of the track for Beginners.

Intermediate
You can drive on your own and with less supervision. You apply what you learned in the Beginner group sessions. The pace is faster, and the passing rules are more relaxed. Usually passing is allowed on any straight section of the track.

Advanced
You have progressed to the world of high performance driving. The passing rules are not as strict. You must learn to share the track at high speeds with others. No passing restrictions except those of good judgment (safe) and rules of the road etiquette.

Requirements:
These vary so check with your event organizer for the exact requirements for participants.

• Any car in safe operating condition (from Ferrari to Hyundai) that passes tech inspection. Most events have a self-tech policy where the driver is responsible that their vehicle meets the tech checklist.
• Mufflers. Different tracks have different sound policies. Some allow open exhausts. Laguna Seca is quick to black flag any car that is too loud.
• Roll bars in convertible autos. Some events do not require this.
• Seat belts in good working order. Some organizers are requiring four point harnesses be used (i.e. Scrothe).
• State driver’s license.
• Long sleeve shirt and pants. Cotton is better because it will burn around your skin unlike polyester that will burn to your skin.
• A helmet that meets Snell 2000 or higher safety ratings. Some events will allow M rated motorcycle helmets.
• Knowledge of the event regulations. Pay attention at the morning driver’s meeting. Remember, you are not there to race since this is not a competition.

If you have any questions regarding track days, post a comment here and I will try to answer it.