[vhs]

I was all set to start HPDE with NASA in a couple weeks up at Sonoma. Due to a work conflict, I'll have to wait until their next session (late October). So I started looking around and found Simraceway. They have their own progressive DE school and I'm sure there are others in my area (NorCal).

My end goal is to do some shape or form of competitive racing. I told the instructors at PEC that I was going to do HPDE and had some racing experience, so they focused on that in my track sessions. The hook is set deep in my mouth, as I had so much fun. I'm also extremely competitive, so I foresee this as being where things will go (financials aside).

What is the best way to start DE with getting an education that will have the most crossover ito getting involved deeper? For example, I don't want to do Simraceway's program, only to find out I need to start all over with NASA to get their certification. Even if I can go through single sessions to progress in another organization's program, it's still over $1K for track fees, insurance, hotel, etc... plus car maintenance to do that, which seems like a waste and could be better spent.

Who do you guys recommend being the best origination as far as having credentials with other groups? I hope I'm asking this in the right way.


Thanks

 

[nineball]

i would suggest doing a couple DE events first, then progressing into racing. sort of getting your feet wet to start. if you are worried about costs now then don't even bother to think about racing. that drains your bank account faster than owning a boat. there are two sayings that always make me chuckle when it comes to racing -

how do you make a small fortune in racing? ---- start with a really big one

how do you make $1,000,00 racing? ---- start with $3,000,000

look into the requirements for NASA (https://www.nasaproracing.com/rules) and PCA club racing (https://pcaclubracing.org/licensing/) and see what they entail. if you qualify for NASA then you qualify for PCA club racing. regardless of what path you choose you are going to need some track experience before you can progress, and DE is the best way to do that.

typically there 4-6 classes per DE event and unless you are the most naturally talented racer to ever be born it takes a few events before you can move out of the beginner group.

also look around your area for tracks that offer driving schools. for example at mid-ohio you can sign up for day classes with their pro drivers, however that cost is $1,900 for 3 days with your own car - https://midohio.com/courses/high-performance/3-day-high-performance-course

 

[vhs]

look into the requirements for NASA (https://www.nasaproracing.com/rules) and PCA club racing (https://pcaclubracing.org/licensing/) and see what they entail. if you qualify for NASA then you qualify for PCA club racing.

That’s what I was asking about. I don’t want to go through one system’s DE and licensing and then find I need to do a different but similar system to qualify for PCA. Thanks.

 

[nineball]

DE events (put on by clubs) typically don't have anything to do with racing schools. they are both on a track but that's about where the similarities end. do a few DE events to get a feel for it, then look into a racing school program.

 

[Merlotsj]

That’s what I was asking about. I don’t want to go through one system’s DE and licensing and then find I need to do a different but similar system to qualify for PCA. Thanks.

To do a DE all that is required is a state drivers license. For wheel to wheel racing you need a competition license. Some Racing schools will give you a certificate that entitles you to a provisional competition license. They will advertise that if they do.

For DE days, check out hooked on driving. They have a great safety record, and run one or more events at SF Bay Area tracks per month (some are weekdays though). No affiliation, I have done several events with them though.

 

[vhs]

Thanks for the info. I decided to start with NASA and their DE program. I'm registered for Sonoma in a couple of weeks and will check out Northern California Racing Club and Hooked on Driving for other events afterward. This is the last NASA event for group 1 for the year.

My PEC instructors told me I'll be fine as I had some good hot laps and not to be intimidated.

 

[nineball]

good luck, and welcome to the slippery slope of being a track rat