If you are interested in learning the basics of High Performance Driving, or simply want to drive your car on a racetrack in a controlled and professionally staffed environment, then HPDE is for you. HPDE gives drivers a chance to test their skills and learn from NASA’s cadre of experienced instructors in a venue designed for safe spirited driving far away from the risks present on the street. NASA’s HPDE program has become the standard for the “open track” industry and features multiple skill levels to ensure that drivers are able to enjoy a safe and fun day at the track.
More HPDE information.

NASA’s HPDE system is designed for all drivers at any skill level with almost any car. The drivers newest to the track environment will start out in HPDE 1 and be paired with an instructor.

HPDE 2 is essentially the same as group one, but without the Instructor in the car (you’re qualified to SOLO).

HPDE1 and HPDE2 attend classroom sessions to learn the basic skills and requirements. No passengers are allowed in HPDE1 or HPDE2 except for the instructor. Timing is not available for HPDE1 or HPDE2 and has the most limited passing zones.

HPDE 3 is the place for the driver who has some track time and knows how to “find the line” without guidance. This group has progressive passing throughout the weekend to really stretch your legs and mind.

HPDE 4 is the highest HPDE level and may be combined with TT (Time Trials). This group has open passing and and requires a good knowledge of the track and regulations. Timing is available.

(TT) is vey similar to HPDE 4, when talking about track rules. However, TT is all about getting the lap time – finding that perfect lap. As a timed event, TT is a great place to be in competition as well as a great springboard to door to door racing.

If you’re new to on-track driving, sign up for HPDE 1. If you have not been to the track and need assistance finding the line, you should sign up in HPDE 2. If you know the track, do not require any assistance in finding the line, and have several track days under your belt, sign up for HPDE 3. If you are experienced and have “open passing” or advanced driving training from another group, sign up for HPDE 4. If you are not sure what group to sign up for, please use our HPDE Selection Wizard or contact one of our HPDE Directors.
HPDE Directors e-mail

While HPDE2/3/4 do not have instructors in the car as part of the HPDE group, you can always ask to have an instructor or race car driver go with you. We will do our best to help fulfill that request. Please understand that our limited instructor pool, while focusing on the needs of the HPDE1 group, spreads itself out helping the other 3 HPDE groups, the TT Drivers and even the Race drivers.

When you sign up for a NASA HPDE event, you will receive a NASA HPDE Passport. This passport is used to help you track your event experience and to document your accomplishments. Once you have completed a run group, you can request a sign off. Once requested, and instructor will ride with you to determine if you meet the qualifications for advancement. Inside the HPDE Passport, you will find a list of driver skills for each run group. Once you have mastered each skill, you can check it off in the book. These are the same skills the instructor will be evaluating during the check ride.

Since we are focusing on developing the driver’s skills, passengers are not allowed in HPDE1 (except for the instructor in the car) or HPDE2 (when the driver is getting used to putting everything together without the instructor coaching them). Passengers are allowed in HPDE3 and HPDE4.

For safety reasons, regardless of weather, the driver and any passengers must wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and closed toe shoes. Eye protection is highly recommended.

Passing rules are different for each track and different for each HPDE group. Essentially HPDE 1 has the most restrictive passing rules. As you progress through the HPDE levels, the passing zones become more liberal as your skill level (and fellow drivers) improve. This continues all the way up to TT, where passing is open all the way around the track. Passing zones and procedures will be stated at the morning drivers meeting and classroom sessions.

The HPDE Passport is your personal journal of where you have been and the feedback you have been given. It is useful in helping decide which HPDE group to sign up for as well as provide a form of driving credentials/experience in different NASA regions. Included is a systematic, progressive check list to help you stay on track with your driving skills.

The HPDE tech form will give you a good list of what you should check on the car to make sure it is track ready. You can get a form at the link below. There is also a link to a nice article on preparing your car.
Preparing your car for HPDE
HPDE Tech form

Before participating in an event you will have to have your car tech’d. This will consist of you taking your car to the tech station at the track along with a completed self-tech form. You can get a tech form at the link below.
HPDE Tech form

Yes. This roll bar must be strong enough to withstand the forces of compression involved in supporting the full weight of the car. A factory roll bar such as those found on a Honda S2000 may fulfill this requirement, but “style bars” or “show bars” found on some other cars would not work. (If you have a question about your car, call the NASA office.) Road racing with NASA requires a full cage (defined as 6 or more mounting points).
More rollover information

Region Cancelation Policy

NASA TT utilizes a car classification system that is easy to understand, and gives HPDE-4 drivers a taste of competition by allowing them to compete for top lap times, in open passing run sessions, against similarly prepared cars for awards, prizes, and recognition. Our HPDE program, that accommodates drivers of all experience levels, is the best way for a driver to become qualified to compete in Time Trial.

Licensing depends on your experience. This experience can be with NASA or another racing organization. A solid understanding of the NASA CCR and TT rules. If you hold a current NASA Competition Race License or Provisional Race License, you do not need a TT License to compete.
See the TT rules, section 5, for complete requirements.

You can find the Time Trials rules at the link below.
Time Trials rules

You can get classification forms at the link below.
TT classification form

Get your license application at the link below
NASA TT license application

Yes! You can visit the Time Trials web site by following the link below.
NASA Time Trials web site

Region Cancelation Policy

NASA has its own designation for race classes. However, you will be able to find a classification for any closed wheel race car run with some other group.
NASA Race Classes

If you have never raced, progressing through the HPDE program is the best. If you hold a competition license with another organization, you may be able to convert it directly to a NASA license. Follow the links below to see the requirements.
How do I get my license?
Section 14 of the CCR

You will need a NASA competition license and pass a written test on the NASA CCR. Follow the links below to see the requirements.
How do I get my license?
Section 14 of the CCR

Race cars are required to have an annual safety inspection. Along with the car, you will need all of your safety apparel and helmet. This can be done at the track before the first race of the year or in advance of the season at a tech shop.
Tech Shops

Once you have your annual, you can bring your logbook, license, completed and stamped annual inspection form,completed self tech form, and completed fuel cell certification (if needed) to the tech station at the track and they will issue you your annual sticker if all is in order.
Race Tech forms

Region Cancelation Policy