FAQ
General Questions
General Questions
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.
How do I join NASA? It’s just a few clicks away! Follow the link below, enter your information, pay the fee, and your on your way.
What is the CCR? The CCR is NASA’s Club Codes and Regulations. This document contains everything you need to know to be part of NASA. You can download a copy of the CCR at the link below.
I’m new to “racing”, what do I do first? First thing you will want to do is join NASA. Next download and read the CCR. If you still have questions, contact any of the people on the “Contact Us” page. By clicking the “Contact Us” link at the top of the page, you can find the people who can help you with specific questions. If you are racing, download the series rules and contact the series director.
How do I compete/drive my street car on the track? Basically, all you need is a safe car and a helmet. The car does not have to be fancy or fast. Students bring everything from a Hyundai to a Ferrari. Read the requirements for the other miscellaneous items required at the link below.
Where are the events in my area? You can see a list of all events for this year by clicking the link below.
How much does it cost to participate? Track fees vary depending on the track and time of year – please see registration for each track to learn the pricing.
How do I register for an event? Registration is easy and on-line. To get started, go to NASAproracing.com and create a NASA profile. Next, go to the NASAproracing.com registration page and choose the event that is of interest to you. You can sign up for a single event or all the events at one time. The events are organized by Region to make it easy for you to navigate to any area in the country.
How much track time do I get for volunteering? Volunteer Coupon Reward System. Volunteers who assist at our event collect redeemable COUPONS for time on the track. Each day volunteering, you receive one coupon. After collecting 4 coupons you can redeem them for track time.
HPDE Questions
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.
What do the different HPDE levels mean? 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. How do I know what HPDE group I belong in? 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.
If I am in HPDE 2/3/4, can I ask for an instructor to ride along? 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. How do I progress through the HPDE ranks? 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. Can I take a passenger with me? 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. What are clothing requirements? 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. What are the passing rules? 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. What is the HPDE Passport? 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. What do I need to do to get my car ready for the track? 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.
How do I get my car tech’d? 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.
Do convertibles need a roll bar installed? 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).
What is the cancellation policy for HPDE? HPDE/Time Trial/School/Open Track: Full refund less $50.00 processing fee, with at least 1 week notice prior to the event (Friday midnight one week prior), otherwise no refunds or credits. No exceptions.
Time Trials Questions
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. How do I get a TT License? 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.
Where do I find the Time Trials Rules? You can find the Time Trials rules at the link below.
Where do I find the Time Trial Classification Forms? You can get classification forms at the link below.
Where do I find a license application? Get your license application at the link below
Is there a Time Trial website? Yes! You can visit the Time Trials web site by following the link below.
What is the cancellation policy for Time Trials? HPDE/Time Trial/School/Open Track: Full refund less $50.00 processing fee, with at least 1 week notice prior to the event (Friday midnight one week prior), otherwise no refunds or credits. No exceptions.
Racing Questions
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.
How do I get my NASA Race/Comp license? 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.
I have a license from another sanctioning body, is it good for NASA? 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 annual competition inspection? 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.
How do I get my car tech’d? Once you have your annual, you can bring your logbook, license, and completed self tech form to your series director. He will check that everything is in order, sign your logbook, and give you a tech sticker. You can also accomplish the same by going to the tech station at the track.
What is the cancellation policy for Race groups? Race fees vary depending on the track and time of year. Please check the registration link for each event for actual cost. Fees are fully refundable, less a $50 processing fee provided that you registered at least 12 days in advance and you notify the NASA GL or MW region within 5 days following the missed event. No partial refunds allowed. Once the car hits the track all fees are non refundable. If a race group is full, no refunds are permitted.
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