Embark on the next step of the NASA HPDE ladder. This group is designed for novice drivers with previous track day experience and can successfully demonstrate the learned concepts of the HPDE 1 curriculum. Group 2 drivers must possess this basic knowledge plus be very comfortable driving with and without an instructor. Group 2 drivers are very familiar with grid procedures, passing rules, and flags. Group 2 uses a combination of some classroom, some instruction and some solo driving. You’ll use the same little blue NASA Passport used in HPDE 1, 3 and 4. HPDE has more liberal passing than HDPE 1 with faster speeds and exercises that support driver skillset growth. Building upon the solid foundation of HPDE 1, Group 2 introduces car dynamics, track maps, visual training and cooperation with fellow drivers on track. Sign up for Group 2 and hone your skills today. If you are new to NASA you may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of HPDE 1 driving skills via a brief checkout ride. Drivers causing “trains” will asked to be moved back to HPDE 1. NASA HPDE 2 runs by itself. NASA Great Lakes region HPDE is not a competitive, timed or racing event.  HPDE is High Performance Driver Education

THE INTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT IS TO CONVEY IMPORTANT INFORMATION SO THAT A PARTICIPANT CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT WHICH GROUP TO CHOOSE. IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFE, SERIOUS, FUN, DRIVERS SIGNING UP FOR A GROUP FOR WHICH THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED WILL BE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES, INCLUDING A 1 YEAR SUSPENSION OR FORFEITURE OF NASA MEMBERSHIP. WHEN IN DOUBT, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE LOWER GROUP. DRIVERS CAUSING “TRAINS” WILL BE ASKED TO MOVE BACK TO A LOWER RUN GROUP.

NASA Group 3 allows the experienced Driver to catapult their skills gained in NASA Groups 1 and 2. HPDE 3 is not a lapping group. Our far reaching program is heavily based on drills and close proximity driving. You will learn how to quickly and confidently navigate small and large groups of traffic in close proximity, off-line at speed all while being aware of flag stations and those around you. The goal of HPDE 3 is greatly increased situational awareness. Our other group objective is to work with drivers individually to help them learn how to drive more quickly. Group 3 is staffed by advanced instructors who have specialized skills in all types of cars and are experts in Time-Trails, Racing, helping drivers lower lap times and Instructor development. New to 3 drivers are required to have an instructor with them for one of the first two sessions on Saturday. This is to bring the driver quickly to speed and help identify areas that they can begin working on. We are a "group" and act as a group. We hold a mandatory attendance classroom environment covering advanced driving topics. Safety, suspension, the art and science of driving fast and an open forum to ask questions and share challenges. HPDE 3 drivers must spend a MINIMUM of 5 NASA Great Lakes events in group 3 in order to request a check out ride to group 4. Out of region or new to Great Lakes region group 3 drivers will be required to have an instructor ride with them on one of the first two sessions on Saturday. Group 3 is the perfect spot for those individuals seeking to become much better, much faster and much safer Drivers. A second seat is required in HPDE 3 if your goal is to advance to HPDE 4. NASA Great Lakes region HPDE is not a competitive, timed or racing event.  HPDE is High Performance Driver Event Education

EXPERIENCED Drivers from other Clubs, Groups, Regions, etc. are always welcome and encouraged to join the fun!

THE INTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT IS TO CONVEY IMPORTANT INFORMATION SO THAT A PARTICIPANT CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT WHICH GROUP TO CHOOSE. IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFE, SERIOUS, FUN, DRIVERS SIGNING UP FOR A GROUP FOR WHICH THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED WILL BE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES, INCLUDING A 1 YEAR SUSPENSION OR FORFEITURE OF NASA MEMBERSHIP. WHEN IN DOUBT, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE LOWER GROUP. DRIVERS CAUSING “TRAINS” WILL BE ASKED TO MOVE BACK TO A LOWER RUN GROUP.

Welcome to the top rung of the NASA HPDE ladder. Group 4 drivers have passed through all previous NASA HPDE levels or equivalent, have obtained an Official Signed NASA Passport, and understand the HPDE rules as described in the CCR. They can successfully navigate the road course both on-line and off-line and are comfortable passing and being passed just about anywhere on track. It is essential they have a heightened situational awareness and understanding of common passing situations such as ‘leap frog’ or ‘side by side’ exercises as experience passing and being passed is an absolute must in this run group.

HPDE 4 is a destination for the elite performance drivers and a stepping stone for future racers and time trial drivers. This fast and skilled group is frequented by our NASA instructors and other licensed competitors who choose to get extra seat time outside their competition groups. As a prerequisite of the NASA competition school, additional, advanced passing exercises and coaching to maximize corner entry roll speed will be presented with other advanced driving techniques.

Group 4 is reserved for very experienced drivers who have extensive training within the NASA Great Lakes system and must list previous experience, events, schools attended, and licenses on the entry form to be eligible. Out of region drivers registering for 4 or new to NASA Great Lakes drivers are required to contact the group leader or Chief Instructor to drive in the group. In most cases a few sessions in HPDE 3 to access your traffic skills are required. NASA Great Lakes region HPDE is not a competitive, timed or racing event.  HPDE is High Performance Driver Education.

THE INTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT IS TO CONVEY IMPORTANT INFORMATION SO THAT A PARTICIPANT CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT WHICH GROUP TO CHOOSE. IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFE, SERIOUS, FUN, DRIVERS SIGNING UP FOR A GROUP FOR WHICH THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED WILL BE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES, INCLUDING A 1 YEAR SUSPENSION OR FORFEITURE OF NASA MEMBERSHIP. WHEN IN DOUBT, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE LOWER GROUP. DRIVERS CAUSING “TRAINS” WILL BE ASKED TO MOVE BACK TO A LOWER RUN GROUP.

Many questions come up when preparing for your first day at an event. Review the below information to make sure you are ready to drive at the track

First steps

1. Become a NASA Member.
2. Print the HPDE tech inspection form. Can be found here.
3. Inspect the car for any leaks or worn parts.
4. Review the track travel data and plan your trip accordingly. A PDF on our Track distances can be found here.

What to Bring

• Snell 2000 (minimum requirement). SA2015 or newer Helmet Recommended
• Long Pants and closed toed shoes
• Painters tape for applying car numbers. Vinyl numbers are available for purchase
• Drivers License
• HPDE Passport (Given to you at your first event)
• Bring completed HPDE Tech Inspection Form
• Plenty of Water and Food. Most Tracks do offer these amenities, however they are not guaranteed to be open.

At the Event

• Find a place to park in the Paddock (Paddock is area on grass or blacktop where you may park your car).
• Clear all loose objects from your car and leave at your spot in the paddock.
• Bring your car to tech (usually located on grid) along with your COMPLETED Tech Inspection Form.
• You will meet your instructor on grid. They will help you tech your car.
• Park back at your paddock spot and then proceed to the Drivers meeting gathering point at NASA Central.
• After the HPDE Driver's meeting you will meet your group leader and receive further more specific instructions.

NASA Event Regulation

• Anyone driving on the track must be a NASA Member.
• Helmets must be worn at all times while on track. (Orientation Laps Excluded)
• Safety belts must be properly worn at all times while on track.
• Camera mounts - Camera mounts which attach to a driver or passenger headrest are strictly prohibited. See NASA CCR for additional information regarding use and mounting of cameras.
• Late Fee of $50 is added 10 days prior to the first day of the event.
• On-Line registration will close for each event the Monday night before the event.
• Once an group is said to be “sold out”, no refunds will be permitted for anyone in that group unless the driving slot can be filled.
• HPDE & Time Trials group entry fees are fully refundable before ten days prior to the event.

HPDE Specific Regulations

• Long Sleeve Shirts are recommended.
• Passengers are allowed in Groups 3&4 ONLY.
• Passengers will need to get a special wristband from NASA Central.
• Drivers are to have a wristband and a track-pass to get on track.
• Cars are to have a tech sticker before going on track.
• You may and should have your car tech completed at any SAE Certified shop before each event. Simply have the tech shop complete your tech form and stamp it with their ASE number. If you have an SAE Certified shop perform your tech inspection you DO NOT need to bring your car to tech - simply bring your helmet and SAE stamped tech form to tech.
• Drivers should attend all scheduled meetings and download sessions for their driving group.
• Each group will be scheduled for approximately 4-20 minute track sessions each day.
• Instructors are to sign up on-line at least 30 days before an event.