This NASA FL HPDE Group Selection Guideline is intended to covey important information to help first time driving participants make an informed decision on Group placement. In the interest of safety it is highly important that drivers are registered in the appropriate group that best fits their track driving experience & knowledge of HPDE rules in the NASA CCR. Drivers signing up for a higher group than what they are qualified for is a serious matter that can create an endangerment to themselves as well as other drivers. For this reason NASA FL assists first time participants in the HPDE program with group placement decisions.  Those driving with NASA FL for the first time who want to register for any HPDE group other than HPDE 1 are requested to email nasafl@drivenasa.com . Include a summary of road course track driving experience inlcuding schools, FL tracks driven in the past year & number of track days as a "solo" driver.

NASA FL HPDE Group Guidelines & Driver classification:
Drivers are assigned to the HPDE group based on their experience, however NASA FL reserves the right to require first time participants seeking placement in HPDE 2 or higher to complete a "check ride" evaluation at the track.

New for 2012: HyperDrives™ are an introduction to the world of high performance driving on the racetrack for only $75. Your classroom session will teach the basics you will need when you are at speed and then it’s off to the track where your personal instructor will strap into your passenger seat and coach you. HyperDrives™ are offered at every NASA Florida track weekend and a NASA membership is not required. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or ID. Every car must pass a basic technical inspection for safety reasons. Loaner helmets may be available. Hyperdrives are effectively one HPDE1 equivalent session (i.e. one-eighth of a weekend in HPDE Group 1.)

Group 1 :
This is where the fun and excitement of driving on track with NASA begins. Group 1 is designed for beginners and novices to learn the fundamentals of high performance driving in a controlled environment with the guidance of an in-car instructor. Classroom training and in-car instructor is included with the HPDE 1 entry fee. Passing is restricted to  designated "straights" with a point by.  Advancement to HPDE 2 is based on individual achievement, but beginners may require up to 4-5 track days in Grp 1 to learn and practice the fundamentals under the guidance of an in-car instructor. 

Group 2 :
Group 2 is designed for recent graduates of Grp 1 or equivalent program. Group 2 drivers must posess the car control skills to safely drive at speed without the aid of an in-car instructor. Group 2 drivers must be familiar with HPDE rules in the NASA CCR rule book, the passing rules of the group and be able to respond properly to all flags. Classroom briefing session included before the first track session. Passing is allowed on designated straights only.  Registered passengers are allowed. Group 1 & Group 2 drivers share the same track sessions. 

Group 3 :
The next step in the HPDE ladder system is for competent, pre-qualified solo drivers with a higher number of track days on a road course and who can demonstrate the driving skills and knowledge of rules covered in Groups 1 & 2 or equivalent. Drivers in this group will experience extensive controlled passing sharing the road course with others at a pace quicker than conditions in HPDE 2.  There are fewer passing restrictions including "passing in corners" with a point-by.  Properly registered passengers are allowed during HPDE 3 track sessions. 

Group 4:
This is the top rung on the HPDE ladder for highly experienced drivers who have gone through all previous HPDE levels or equivalent, and who have been evaluated at the track and approved to participate. Group 4 is the ideal format for highly experienced drivers with years of road course driving experience to enjoy their sports car on track with few restrictions other than those of good judgment and courtesy toward fellow drivers. Group 4 drivers will engage in open passing format where there are no restrictions on when or where a pass can be safely completed on the paved course. A VERY high level of skill and "situation awareness" is required.  Passengers are allowed during HPDE 4 track sessions.  Inappropriate conduct may result in loss of HPDE 4 driving approval.

HPDE Instructors:
NASA FL Instructors have the most important role in the HPDE program....that of teaching newcomers to get started on track safely and to ensure that their students have an enjoyable learning experience.  Most instructors participate for the love of the sport and enjoyment of sharing their knowledge.  Many instructors for NASA FL have advanced through the NASA FL HPDE program themselves and can identify with the needs of a newcomer.  NASA FL instructors are either graduates of the comprehensive NASA FL Instructor Candidate School or are highly experienced instructors that have been approved via application and evaluation of the NASA FL Chief Instructor..  See Instructor criteria.

HPDE group upgrades & driver advancement:
-Advancement from each level of HPDE is based on individual achievement, not the number of days spent in each Group.
-A "check ride" for evaluation of driver skills and quiz for knowledge of the NASA HPDE rules as per the current NASA CCR must be successfully completed in order to upgrade to the next HPDE group. 
-The HPDE Group Leader will assist their drivers in request for an upgrade evaluation & check ride at the track.  
-Evaluations and check rides are set by appointment & should be requested early the day to allow ample scheduling time.

Other notes in regard to NASA FL HPDE:
*Each HPDE group is assigned a Group Leader to monitor the conduct of their group, answer questions and offer help.
* Download Meetings (group debriefings)  under the direction of each HPDE Group Leader are held immediately after the first 3 track session per day for Groups 1,2,3 & 4. Attendance is mandatory. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss and resolve any group issues before the next track session.
*HPDE Groups 1, 2, 3, 4 receive 4 track sessions per day (conditions permitting).
*Track sessions are approximately 20-25 minutes in length (conditions permitting).
*In the situation that HPDE Group 2 & 3 or Group 3 & 4 would need to be combined in the same track sessions, the passing rules of the lower group will apply.
* All HPDE Groups are non-competitive and no official track timing is offered.
* For complete info on HPDE rules and requirments to participate check the current NASA Club Codes and Regulations (CCR).