Which HPDE run group?

[motomoron]

I'm an ex-motorcycle and kart road racer and current autocrosser and HPDE enthusiast. I did my first NASA event at VIR full in March, and had an exceptionally good impression of how NASA runs their show. I was in group 1 for this event.

 

I'm registered for the HPDE during Hyperfest on Summit main. My question is: I've been soloed for Summit main and Shenandoah by the chief instructor for the SCCA WDC region, and have lots of time on main. I used to instruct motorcycle track days there. Do I stay in group 1, or do I belong in 2?

 

Thanks, and see y'all there.

[getfast]

Your prior track time is helpful but the answer is that you belong where-ever you are most comfortable in a NASA-MA HPDE setting specifically. Everyone learns and progresses at different rates but generally speaking, if you felt like you were doing well in 1 (i.e. doing more passing than being passed), had no issues and got high marks from your instructor, it may be time for 2. You may want to have Laura Cobetto ([email protected]) look up your instructor's review from March and go from there.

 

Hope it helps,

 

Jon

[dbright007]

Every person is obviously different. I am going to generalize...and this is just one man's opinion.

 

If you have been solo'd, there is no reason not to go out there and give it a run if you are familiar with the track.

Solo does have the benefit of making you really be aware of everything that is happening - flags, traffic, etc.

 

Having said that - I truly believe there is no better way to improve than to get quality instruction. Every instructor I know tries to make time to ride with another instructor every event. And listening to their conversations is great - different lines for different car types, setups, how grip is changing in different temps, etc.

 

Just don't shortcut the education you can get.

The first time you go off, or encounter rain, or are forced to take an offline turn - it is nice to learn it with an instructor.

Especially if you are familiar with this track from bikes and karts, a weekend with an instructor could really show you some things relating to a car since you don't have to go thru the basics.

 

If you do want to do solo - find some instructors. Ask em to ride a free session, or get some ride alongs. Last event I was at a student stood at grid-in with helmet in hand and a his thumb out as the instructors were headed out.

[getfast]

^ HPDE1 and HPDE2 in mid atlantic are both "instructor mandatory" run groups. That is, he would be starting out with an instructor all over again no matter which group he chose. People can't choose to go out solo in either one unless (until) their instructor for that particular event says it's ok. So he will be getting instruction either way, whether he wants it or not

[TurboShortBus]

Last event I was at a student stood at grid-in with helmet in hand and a his thumb out as the instructors were headed out.

Was that on a Saturday at Road Atlanta last March in the cold rain? Black Miata with slicks?

 

Mark

[dbright007]

Last event I was at a student stood at grid-in with helmet in hand and a his thumb out as the instructors were headed out.

Was that on a Saturday at Road Atlanta last March in the cold rain? Black Miata with slicks?

 

Mark

 

Actually was with Darkside at Roebling last month. Had to get my Roebling fix in.

Weather was much more pleasant than RA in March!

[TurboShortBus]

Weather was much more pleasant than RA in March!

Ugh, that was a mess. At least we were able to keep warm with battered and fried Oreos.

 

Mark