[cgnahc]

I'm thinking of joining NASA series of HPDE training. I think with NASA I'm able to visit more tracks and is pretty cost effect for a one day outting. Any impressions about how they operate? Thanks

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by cgnahc

I'm thinking of joining NASA series of HPDE training. I think with NASA I'm able to visit more tracks and is pretty cost effect for a one day outting. Any impressions about how they operate? Thanks

I am an instructor for NASA NorCal. It is relatively cheap...but sometimes kinda crowded...depends on the track/time of year/etc. Group 1 runs with Group 2..Group 1 having instructors in the car...Group 2 not having instructors. Group 3 is experienced folks...but sorta the most hectic group..because people arent truthful about their experience..and get in Group 3 when they have no business being there. Group 4 is where the instructors and advanced folks play...sometimes as much as 1/3 the group might be race cars.

I would definitely suggest you try it out...and let us know what you think.

[therealm3]

I have not been on track with NASA in about 4+ years, and there is a reason for that. (Disclaimer: things may have improved, but from the post above maybe not.) At any rate, its cheap, and easy to get on track with NASA, but be careful. It seems that any idiot with a helmet can go out there with little to no supervision. (see comments on group 3 from above). In one session of group 3 at Sears Point, 2 Porsche's were crashed because the guys were driving way over their ability and no one seemed to do anything about it till they crashed. People passing in randomn places and not doing it well. And all in all just bad driving. Also NASA's priority is the racing, and I found a couple times my track time was cut short because they were behind schedule and had to give the racers their time. In short, I would stick to some BMWCCA driving schools for good safe education and once you have worked your way up and been signed off from the A group a few times, then go find a group that does Open lapping days. These are great as the cost is low and the track is open all day for as much as you and your machine can handle.

Again one person's experieince and it may not be the case anymore.

[BMWdrmz]

I completed a NASA (North East Region) HPDE the beginning of June. My observations were as follow:
1) I found the atmoshpere to be encouraging and tolerant, regardless of track ability
2) I found the classroom sessions to be informative, but not as structured as I would have liked
3) The instructors were a mix bag. Some were absolutely amazing and a few were awful. For example, the first instructor (although genuinely a nice guy) was more interested in talking to me about the interior of my car as opposed to giving me proper instruction on braking zones, negotiating curves (turn in, apex, and track out points), and the concept of weight transfer. However, my second instructor was great. He actually brought his race car (E30 M3), and was vey technical. Consequently, my learning curve was very short and I learned so much, not only about the aforementioned items, but more advance techniques like double clutching, some heel and toe (off track), and overall driving smooth and confidently. Probably, the most important thing I learned from this guy is my own limitations in my driving ability and how to focus on discrete techniques to improve those items
4) I found the overall event to be very well run. Even when it came to disciplining bad behavior. For example there was a student in the green group (where I started the day) that would not only pass with out a point by, but would pass in corners. He and his instructor was reprimanded and warned that if he did it again his day would be over. So in my mind that said they were really trying to maintain a safe environment. There was also a case of a HPDE 3 guy who was bumped down to HPDE 2 because he clearly didn't belong in HPDE 3.
I think for the money its a good value (please take that comment for what its worth, I haven't completed a ton of track days with multiple clubs to truly qualify that statement), based on the research I've done. I've been told that the BMW CCA HPDEs are more technical and structured ( the instructor mentioned above also instructs in the BMW CCA events). All in all I would attend another NASA event in a heart beat:rocks:
My 2 cents

[S4to335]

One thing to consider...what happens or doesnt happen in one region..doesnt mean it happens or doesnt happen in another. I have friend that are chief instructors for NASA SoCal, NASA NorCal, and NASA Rocky Mtn....you cant rate one group ..but the performance or lack of performance of another. Try it out and see for yourself. My experience is only the teaching in NorCal and SoCal.

[flyga3]

NASA is a great organization to get track time! I do it every month and love it. I do agree that it can get bogged down with cars (sometimes 30 per run group here in AZ), but if you have racetracks with some decent straight-aways and everyone hot pits every once in awhile, then it works.
The track is the only place for fast safe driving—at least in the US. After track days, I usually drive slower on the highways—as I get all my adrenaline out.
Leave the illegal street-racing stuff to the fools who are not serious enough to take it to the track!

Can't wait to get my 335 on track and get back to RWD (from FWD). :rocks:
Only a couple more weeks…….

Anyone know if Schroth has harnesses yet for the E92s?

[cgnahc]

Well, I joined NASA SoCal. Heading for the Willow Springs HPDE 1 7/7/07. I know its a fast track, but I've had track days already there at "The Streets" and also at California Speedway. I'll be taking it easy in the 100+ heat.

[S4to335]

bring plenty of water..that is a hot place. Been there twice myself.

[cgnahc]

Had a great day at Willow Springs. It would have been better if I could have drove cleaner. Still pinching the apex, braking too late, steering too busy, waving to the corner works, AHHH! Awesome HPDE 1 instructor, Ian. Complemnetary beer and pizza was a bonus! Another bonus, rode in the E92 335 (DTC, DSC off, paddle shift) with Ian and Wow, Kick ass. Don't mess with pro drivers. BMW Club racers were great too! A few also entered the 3-hr endurance race in the evening.

Coming home was crappy, stuck on the 14 because of fire. Added about 2 hrs to an already a long day.

[S4to335]

Isnt turn 8 fun? whoa...whoa..crap..coming into turn 9 now..turn in more now..oops...pucker factor X 10.

[cgnahc]

Yeah, it's hard to judge how much to brake and where. Varying top speed entry into 9 didn't help. I was looking for marks like the beginning of those ripples into 9. But once in the turn, I learned to look through the apex and found the decreasing radius manageable and hit the apex more often. My trouble spot was turn 4-5-6 combo. Very frustrating.

[S4to335]

I really liked 6...aim for the berm and slide down to it ...huggin it on the inside edge. Five was just weird..plain and simple.

[VMRWheels]

Originally Posted by S4to335

I really liked 6...aim for the berm and slide down to it ...huggin it on the inside edge. Five was just weird..plain and simple.

Are you referring to turn 5 ("sliding down into it" i'm assuming means going down hill for the apex of 5), or 6 where you crest the hill and head for 7 and 8?

I love willow springs; only 9 turns, plenty of speed, and PLENTY of pucker factor.

Was the red 335i that was out there, on here?

[S4to335]

I guess I am talking about 5 then.....not that mini hill on 6..with the slight turn there.

I dunno about the other guy..but I have never been to Willow Springs in my 335i. Only in my Spec Miata.

[VMRWheels]

we're you in race group d? or hpde'ing it?

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

we're you in race group d? or hpde'ing it?

When I was there last..I was teaching for Tracquest..which is now called Northern California Racing Club. It was an instructor group of an HPDE.

[VMRWheels]

found this on hirevonline.com > photo gallery > NASA > July 7 & 8 2007 > High Performance Driving Experience

coming around turn 4...

[S4to335]

Where is that...streets of willow?

[VMRWheels]

nope, the same event we were talking about earlier (7/7/07 WSIR). Its the red 335 that i was wondering if the owner was on e90post.

[sblument]

someone asked about the harnesses for E9x...they're coming, but maybe not till the fall or winter.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by flyga3

NASA is a great organization to get track time! I do it every month and love it. I do agree that it can get bogged down with cars (sometimes 30 per run group here in AZ), but if you have racetracks with some decent straight-aways and everyone hot pits every once in awhile, then it works.
The track is the only place for fast safe driving—at least in the US. After track days, I usually drive slower on the highways—as I get all my adrenaline out.
Leave the illegal street-racing stuff to the fools who are not serious enough to take it to the track!

Can't wait to get my 335 on track and get back to RWD (from FWD). :rocks:
Only a couple more weeks…….

Anyone know if Schroth has harnesses yet for the E92s?

The last time I taught at Sears/Infineon with NASA..there were 55 cars in my group...and the track is only 2.1 - 2.2 miles long. it was a cluster.

[RMRC]

All this talk about Willow. Who's going to the NASA HPDE August 11-12? Think I'll go but my car will only likely last 3-4 laps before Limp mode kicks in and I'm forced to the pits.