NASA Great Lakes Region HPDE 3
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
HPDE 3 to 4 Advancement Guidelines
- Successful demonstration drills participation. Sometime during your 3rd or 4th HPDE 3 event the drills and awareness start to click and become internalized. Advanced driving in close proximity and passing anywhere becomes easier, more natural and more fun. As a senior HPDE 3 driver you are expected to be a role model to the new 3 drivers on track. You may be asked to lead a sesson or drill or series of drills. Successful traffic and drill demonstation means close driving at speed and off-line. All of the drills support these skills needed to drive in HPDE 4.
- Positive peer feedback. Successful advancement from HPDE 3 to 4 invovles peer feedback from both your fellow drivers and HPDE 3 advanced instructors. Are you unpredictable? Are you a safety concern? Peer reveiw tells us if your fellow drivers on track are comfortable around you and your driving skills. Great traffic skills are required to advance to HPDE 4.
- A minimum of 5 NASA GL region events in HPDE or approval of the Group Leader and/or Chief Instructor
The following HPDE Resources and tools can aid you in advancing:
Contact your NASA Great Lakes HPDE 3 Group Leader:
Robin Burnett
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.