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Thursday , November , 21 2024
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What is NASA?

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) was formed in 1991 to deliver high quality motorsports events to enthusiasts at major racing venues throughout the nation. NASA has created programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their cars in a safe and controlled environment. NASA offers many different programs that will allow you to enjoy motorsports on a number of different levels, including our High Performance Driving Events (HPDE), Rally Sport, Time Trial, NASA-X and Competition Racing programs.  HPDE is not timed, racing or a competitive event.  HPDE is a driver educaiton program.
 

How can I participate?

Whether your interest lies in high performance driving, competing for the fastest lap, racing wheel to wheel or just being close to the action, NASA has a place for you. To get started, explore the different topics in this section. NASA relies heavily on its corp of volunteers. Earn track time for yourself or someone else by volunteering. Take a look at the "Getting Started" video series below.

NASA Great Lakes HPDE 1 Introduction
NASA Great Lakes HPDE System | HPDE 1 through HPDE 4

Driver Groups Overview

NASA-X (NX)
NASA Cross is our most entry level form of motorsports. NASA Cross is our Autocross division of NASA. Autocross is typically comprised of 1 day events hosted at large parking lots in major metropolitan areas. Attendees arrive in their car and navigate through a predefined course outlined with cones. Drivers then compete for the fastest time through the course. With NASA-X, the emphasis is on car control and driving technique. Each course is designed for the drivers to reach a maximum of 60mph and be completed around 1 minute. Drivers can expect to have 6 runs in a 9 hour period of time. This is a low risk, low cost way to enter the Motorsport industry.
High Performance Driving Event (HPDE)
Our High Performance Driving Event is our first tier in our track events. The HPDE program 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. Our HPDE program teaches you the skills necessary to move into our competitive classes. Once you get to HPDE 4, you have the option of taking the certification for the TT or Race groups or stay in HPDE 4. Drivers can expect to have 5-6 lapping sessions per day with classroom sessions and instructor feedback after every session. HPDE is an Education event. We do not time, race or compete for prizes or trophies.
Time Trial (TT)
NASA's Time Trial (TT) program offers drivers a chance to compete against the clock to knock down the quickest lap time on many of the country's best racetracks. TT classes are determined using a system that assigns a base class to a car and then moves the car into a different class based on the modifications done by the owner. This format allows enthusiasts to enjoy a wide range of aftermarket upgrades while still being able to compete in a fair environment. Drivers can expect one practice session followed by the fastest flying lapping sessions of any other group..
Competition Racing
When you are ready to push yourself and your car to the limit in head to head matches against other drivers, our competition racing series is for you. NASA's racing programs accommodates all sorts of popular vehicles with rules that encourage aftermarket modification. NASA has a class for almost any type of vehicle ranging from Production Sedans, Stock Cars, and Formula Cars. If you do not posses a competition license, NASA has programs that will allow you to participate in a racing school to become qualified to race. If you are currently racing with another recognized organization, NASA welcomes you to our program and accepts competition licenses from many different sanctioning bodies. Drivers can expect a practice, qualifying and race session at least once per day on the weekend. Not only do drivers compete for the race win, but they are also battling it out for the season championship

So what driving series is right for you?

That all depends on you interest skill level. We have different classes for all of your ambitions and experience. Most of our Drivers start in NASA Cross or HPDE and work their way up. One of NASA's strongest benefits is that we offer a ladder system to match your skill level.

WHAT ARE DRIVERS SAYING ABOUT NASA?

  • "I just wanted to give you a little feedback about the weekend at MO. Overall, I think NASA, you and everyone involved did an outstanding job. The weather absolutely sucked, yet the NASA folks handled it without any problems. At least none that were noticed by my HPDE fellow students. I really liked the HPDE format of requiring students to be at the debriefing in order to get a ticket for the next session. I think this helps keep the HPDE group aware of changing rules/environment. Jim was an outstanding classroom instructor. Easy to listen to without being boring. I'm looking forward to more of his instruction. As for my instructor, Cliff "The Stig" Ching, he was superb! Easy to chit-chat with but not a chatterbox, calm on the track but providing great feedback. Plus his wealth of racing experience made it a pleasure to hear how he has handled certain driving situations. He has great, "no pressure" attitude that makes it very relaxing on the track. I've had other instructors who get frustrated over small things and make you feel inferior. Cliff was just the opposite. He made things very comfortable for me, which in turn, allowed me to concentrate on getting smoother on the track, which I did. Please let your staff know that they made my first NASA experience a fantastic one and I look forward to seeing everyone at my next NASA event." Todd J

  • "Thanks for a great weekend of meeting new drivers and the challenge of on-track HPDE. Your program is the best and funest..!!"

  • "You made me discover a new passion that I am sure is going to change my life forever"

  • "I had a blast this weekend at RA (Road America)!!! Thanks for the food Saturday. This was my first NASA event with limited previous driving experience under my belt. I ran HPDE 2 and I was very impressed with the download sessions making sure me and my peers are at the appropriate level, and staying safe." – Robert

  • "The weekend was a blast. It was well organized and professional ..thanks to you and Linda...I look forward to seeing you at Road America in Aug. and Putnam again in Oct. [My Wife] will be volunteering again at both events.. Let me know if we can do any thing to help." AS,MO

  • "Three of us made the trip down to Ohio from upper Michigan for the two day HPDE event and had a blast. On top of all the driving activity I won the free track weekend at the Saturday night raffle, it was a great weekend." Steve L, MI

  • "Great event, I actually enjoyed having more cars on the track. Excellent weekend, excellent leadership." Paul M

  • "Just wanted to let you know what a great weekend I had at Autobahn! This was the first time on the track for both the car and me. The event was way over my expectations. Dan Fargo was my instructor who also drives a SM. It was a perfect fit for my needs. Dan is incredible instructor. He got me to levels I never expected in one weekend." Scott D

  • "My Brother Brian and I just completed the three day weekend at Mid-Ohio in HDPE 3, and I wanted to let you know we had an absolute blast. My Brother's comment to my parents that also came to see us was that this was his best weekend of racing with NASA ever, and I have to agree." Eric K

  • "The Rat Racing Graphics numbers were awesome. They looked great, stayed on the car for the whole weekend, came off with ease leaving no residue, and were very reasonably priced." Eric K

  • "It (Comp School) was definitely not a walk in the park but it also wasn't so daunting as to make it unenjoyable. Bottom line is I learned a lot from Chuck, Dave and yourself and I am already applying it..." Dave F

  • "...first time I had tried road racing. I was in HPDE1. I was there and stayed all 3 days. What a great experience!!"

  • "...my instructor, he did an absolutely GREAT job, super helpful, very polite, a pleasure to work with."

  • "The infrastructure was impressive and the sessions were well organized and, for the most part, on-time. Better than some Pro Rally weekends which are much more dependent on time!"

  • "Delivery on what is promised. I had certain expectations for the weekend based on conversations beforehand. Even though nothing was guaranteed, all my expectations were fulfilled.(and beyond)"

  • "Many organizations are willing to 'look the other way' so as to not anger members. I don't see that with NASA...If I break the rule, I (can) expect the punishment as stated in the CCR."

  • "...your 'ladder' system is fair and allows all types of drivers and all types of cars to 'compete' at the level the driver feels comfortable."

  • "Haven't raced for almost 30 years but although not exactly like riding a bike, this HPDE deal is GREAT!"


 


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