Group Levels:
We have four groups, which means we run four groups of cars on the track in three to four sessions each per day. Sessions last anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes, depending upon the event. Run Groups are based almost entirely on driver experience and skill, and each one contains about 15 cars per mile of track.

Group 1: "Novice" drivers are those who have driven at zero or very few track days and have never been "signed off" by an instructor for solo track driving. Signing up for Group 1 requires an instructor. Passing other cars in Group 1 is only allowed on straights and only after the driver of the lead car signals that it's safe to pass.

Group 2: "Intermediate" drivers are those who have driven at some track days on at least one track and have been "signed off" by an instructor on at least one track. Signing up for Group 2 requires an instructor. Passing other cars in Group 2 is only allowed on straights after the driver of the lead car signals.

Group 3: "Advanced" drivers are those who have participated at 10 track days on more than one track and have been "signed off" by an instructor for each track driven. Group 3 drivers can request instructors at additional cost. Passing other cars in Group 3 is only allowed after the driver of the lead car signals but may be done anywhere on the track.

Group 4: "Instructors" are those who have participated and completed Instructor Certification clinics we hold at various events each year. Passing other cars in Group 4 is only allowed after the driver of the lead car signals but may be done anywhere on the track.

“How Do I Progress up the HPDE ladder?”

Solo-ing: To “Solo” is to have the opportunity to practice the skills and lessons imparted by the NASA curriculum without having an in-car instructor present in the car. Only when a student has demonstrated an acceptable awareness, judgment and car control skill will an instructor allow a student to “solo”. How quickly a driver gets “soloed” is purely dependent upon the progress made by the individual driver

Advancing from one HPDE group to another: NASA Mid Atlantic sets certain milestones that much be reached in each HPDE level. How quickly a driver advanced to a higher HPDE level is purely dependent upon the progress made by the individual driver and the desire of the driver to advance.

Our Instructors:
NASA instructors must attend specified clinics and must follow the NASA curriculum. This standardization is the key to keeping NASA events the safest. Instructors come from such organizations as the Sports Car Club of America, BMW Car Club of America, Porsche Club of America, and more. Many are employed part-time by professional driving schools like BSR, Turn 1 Motorsports and Car Guys. Most trade their services for track time in Group 4 (aka the special Instructor group).

Instructors are required for drivers in Groups 1 and 2 because they are very effective at relaying all levels of information while showing drivers both the fastest and safest way to get around the track.

HPDE Pre-Tech Form:
Click here to download and view the HPDE Pre-Tech form. Please arrive at the track with this form filled out and signed. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. If you don't have it, get it here, it is free and easy to install.