John of the North Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 Hello all, Found out about NASA and HPDEs and am really looking forward to taking my 2017 Challenger Scat Pack manual to a road course. Not looking to set the track on fire, just understand what this car is capable of... A couple newbie questions. - I have 2 set of wheels (a set of 20x9 w/ 275/40r20s, and a staggered set of 20x9.5 and 20x10.5, with 275s in front and 305s in the back). Which would be better to run at Thunderhead or a road course in general? - Since I am a first timer, how can I sign up for a mentor or instructor? - Checked out the safety checklist and everything sounds/looks good. Anything else needed for car prep? I saw something about numbers? - Anything else I should know? Thunderhead is about an hour away so I will probably drive the car there. Not sure if I'll drive both days yet. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calif_Kid Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 If you've never driven on track, then you will automatically be assigned to HPDE-1 where you'll have an instructor ride along with you, and they'll have a headset so they can talk with you during the on track sessions. Don't be in a huge hurry to get signed off from HPDE-1 to HPDE-2, as the instructors may spot something you're doing wrong, so good to identify and fix those if you keep driving on track and start going faster. As far as wheels/tires, either set should be fine as long as they have sufficient tread, and haven't been plugged. When you just start out in HPDE-1, then the instructors will keep the speed fairly low, and slowly build up the speed. For car numbers, just bring a roll of blue painters tape, and use that. Also, bring a torque wrench, and check the torque of the wheel nuts before every session. If the brake fluid is over a year or two old, it can absorb moisture and lower the boiling point, so might not hurt to do a full flush and refill - like Motul RBF600. Some of the instructors drive in the HPDE-4 sessions, so if you have time, then hang out where they park with your helmet say 10' before the session, and they might let you ride along as a passenger, so you'll get a feel for the track at high speed. Also, you mentioned 'Thunderhead' - I think you mean Thunderhill. ;) - Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
427R Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 Might want to consider changing out the brake pads. Even in DE-1, you'll do some wear & tear on the pads, enough at times that they'll begin to fade. Changing brake fluid has already been mentioned. Those are probably the 2 most important for 1st day trackers, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Justin G. Posted July 2, 2019 Members Share Posted July 2, 2019 Hi John, If you have not already, please sign up for an annual NASA membership at nasaproracing.com, then you can register for HPDE 1 at the next event here: https://www.nasaproracing.com/events/3060 The NASA website has TONS of useful info so I recommend getting familiar with the site and spend some time reading. Looking forward to seeing you out there with us! Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.