Prepare for your HPDE event

Here is some information to help you prepare for your first track day/HPDE session at a NASA SoCal event. Feel free to reach out to us or to your lead instructor before the event. We are here to help you learn and have as much fun as possible!

WHAT TO EXPECT

A very different experience! Driving on a racetrack is very different from driving on the street.

CLASSROOM & ON-TRACK INSTRUCTION

There is a mandatory drivers’ meeting in the morning. Afterwards, you will start the day in the classroom. You will return to the classroom for a download session after each track session.

IN-CAR INSTRUCTION

In HPDE 1, an instructor will work with you throughout the day. At the end, they will decide if you are ready to move up to HPDE 2.

NO PASSENGERS

If you bring a friend, they may not ride in the car with you while you are on track.

WHAT TO BRING

Blue painter’s tape, for numbers;
A helmet, if you have one. If not, you can rent one at the track;
Lots of water;
Snacks/lunch;
Sunscreen;
Eye protection; sunglasses are fine.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

CLEAR OUT CAR INTERIOR

There should be no loose objects in your car after you clean it out. This includes hand-held objects, such as cameras and cell phones. while driving on track.

REVIEW TRACK MAP

Get a track map. Once you study it, you should be able to correlate to the real thing. You should know corner numbers and their location.

START LEARNING FLAGS

Here is the link to HPDE Flags. You will be better prepared for the classroom if you learn the flags before your event. 

PREPARE YOUR CAR

Review the HPDE safety inspection form and make sure your car is ready.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE TRACK

CHECK THE SCHEDULE

Confirm session/meeting times. Do NOT rely on the schedule you printed out a few days ago.

PREPARE YOURSELF, AND YOUR CAR.

Clean out your car, including the trunk.

Make sure you have car numbers on each side of your car.

ATTEND THE DRIVERS’ MEETING.

This is where you will receive important information and instructions for the day. Don’t be late; ALL drivers’ meetings are mandatory!

The times and locations are on each day’s schedule.

After the drivers’ meeting, you will go to your first classroom session.

HPDE LEAD INSTRUCTORS

HPDE Intro, 1-2: Patrick Orozco, [email protected]

HPDE 3-4: John Matthew, [email protected]