High Performance Driving School!

Click here to sign up for the school!

Ok!  This is it.  It's play time for you too!  Come join us out at the track and drive your own car around a real race track!  You get an instructor to show you how to drive you car.   This poor helpless instructor sits in the car with you and tells you when to push the gas, turn the wheel, and brake!  Guaranteed to have a ball!

The High Performance Driving school will be held in conjunction with the race series that we are running.  Have fun, learn to drive, and cheer really loud if Dan doesn't finish last!

Click here for the NASA site with all the details and the forms.  Look further down on this page for the FAQs and some more helpful information.  The main racing page has links to the web sites for the individual tracks.

The FAQs

Is this racing?  No.  It is high performance driving school (HPDS).  The instructor will tell you when you can pass, what you can do, etc.  No one keeps score or times you.  The idea is to learn the 'line' on the track and for you to gain experience as you learn the limits of your car.

Is it safe?  This isn't a race.  You are going to drive your car around a race track that has nice, big areas for you to slide off into.  Most of the tracks are very forgiving and feature big areas to slide off into.  Occasionally, there are places where you could scratch the paint, but it would really take some doing.  Unless you already have track experience, you won't even get on the track without an instructor.  In Novice, you can't pass without the car in front of you signaling that is ok - and no one can pass you without your approval.  You will, however, sign a waiver saying that you expect to die and that it is your own damn fault if you hurt yourself.  So there.

How fast will I go?  Not as fast as you think.  These are road courses that don't have real long straight aways to get going too fast.  Unless you have something with strong, low end torque, you are going to be lucky to get to 100mph.  (If you are driving a regular street car, a straight might be long enough for you to get to 95 if you are really pushing it.)  Most of the course is filled with fun little turns.  They are neat to drive, but you can't really get a lot of speed on the course.  I think the average speed around the course is about 75 mph for some of the races.  You probably won't average that fast.  The emphasis is on driving - not on going fast.

What safety equipment do I need?  We will have a number of helmets and will be working to take care of helmets so you won't need one.  Beyond that, you have to wear long sleeve shirts and pants just for the time that you are on the track.   You will probably want sunscreen too.  We do have to put numbers on the sides of the cars so they can identify you.  Electrical tape and other low adhesive tapes work just fine and won't damage the paint.  We will have tape and will help you get your car ready.  You might want to learn the flags in advance, but they will review them in the class too.

Do I need a race car or exotic sports car?   Heavens no!  Whether you are driving that old Cutlass, a Dodge Neon, or a 1986 Ford Taurus, you are going to have fun.  Many people drive their every day cars to these events.  You can't use a convertible unless it has a hard top though.  You will see Hondas and other every day cars as well as some tricked out toy cars.  Most driving school participants - especially in the Novice class - are going to be driving the same thing you are.  You probably don't want to drive a van or truck (and they aren't allowed), but basically anything else will be fine.  Again, you aren't trying to race:  you are trying to learn you car and the track.  The car will have to be inspected for safety.  You can't have any fluids dripping from the car and the stuff in your trunk and glovebox has to be removed while you are on the track.  Harry and I will help you get through the 'tech inspection' to get you ready.

Am I going to wear out my car?  You shouldn't.  You will put a little wear on your brakes.  Expect the car to get dirty from the brake dust.  Other than that, you aren't going to wear out your tires or anything like that.

Does my insurance quit when I am on the track?   I can't pretend to know your auto owners policy, but this is just a driving school.   I haven't ever heard of a policy that had limits on driving in a school, but you can double check if it will make you feel more comfortable.

Can I bring spectators?  Yes.  Since the HPDS is in conjunction with a race, it actually is a pretty fun time for spectators.   They can get right in the pits and stand beside the cars at the start of the races.   Only Summit Point charges for admission (refundable) for spectators to the event.  As a participant, I think you are allowed to bring 4 guests and we can probably coordinate if you want to bring more.  Some of the races are broadcast on Speedvision, but I have no idea if there will be any cameras for this particular weekend.  The only thing to caution you about spectators is that you will be pretty busy.  There is a lot to look at and things for them to do, but you will be busy on the track, in the classroom, or getting ready for your session.  Tell your guests they need to entertain themselves.   You will have some time for them, but probably not a lot.  On the other hand, it can be incredibly helpful to have someone help coordinate your sessions and maybe run the stop watch to get a guess on how fast you are going.  Saturday night features a party with beer, food, and sometimes a band for everyone there.

How much track time do I get?  Our sanctioning body NASA does a really good job of helping people get track time.  Don't be surprised if you are on the track for nearly 2 hours each day (spread out over three sessions).  That's plenty .   Before each session, you will have some short classroom review/training with the head instructor.

How much does it cost?  To participate, you have to join NASA which costs $40 for the entire year.  From there, it is $159 for one day or $279 to do both days (this varies a bit depending on the track).  Compare this with a Skip Barber school that costs over $1,000 and typically involves less track time.  This is a deal.  You need to register quickly though since the price goes up and there are limted slots.  Don't wait to register.  Go ahead and send in the paperwork.

If I like it, does it count towards a license?   Yes.  This school does count towards a NASA racing license.  Click here if you want to learn more about NASA's racing series and great High Performance Driving School.

Where can I stay?  There are usually inexpensive hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby.  Some people like to camp at the race track and there are facilities to do so.

Are you going to feed us?  Usually, yes!  We like to have our friends with us so we will supply the food and drinks for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.   It will be pretty basic and think 'picnic'!