NASA Racing comming to NW in 2013

[UrQ]

So NASA has decided it was time to come to the NW, so they will be here next year with their HPDE program and their Time Trials program. These programs are for the folks that don't want to do wheel to wheel racing but yet have a competitive time on the track. I have been through the NASA 4 level HPDE program and the Time Trial program and it is well structured.

NASA HPDE Program


More info on NASA NW ands the schedule of events NASA NW

[Blue Cobra]

Tony,

How long did it take you to get to NASA Level 4?
How much is the membership?
What does a NASA driving event typically cost?


Thanks for bringing this into the group.

Regards,
BC Kevin

[UrQ]

To get to level 4 depends, some folks can skip levels 2 & 3 and go to level 4 others it may take a full season or more. I gather since NASA is just starting up in the NW they may be a little cautious and thus put the folks through a little more that usual. Once your done level 4 you can go on and get you Time Trial license and run that in pretty much a street car, and that is pretty much open passing but not wheel to wheel (they will black flag you if they find you racing another car, if you hit traffic you are to pull into hot pits and let the other cars pass or back off).

The cost in Texas was about $280 for the weekend (2 days) as the HPDE and Time Trials run in between the normal race weekend, sometimes they run HPDE groups 1-3 together and group 4 and TT together, this will depend on the directors.

To join NASA (a requirement) is $45

It should be a fun program this summer. The schedule has a few conflicts with ICSCC league and thus I will miss some of the NASA events but should be there for the majority of them.

The will be accepting ICSCC and SCCA race licenses as equal but you will have to submit that evidence for a NASA license and that is about $95, I wish they would just allow ICSCC license holders to run NASA events using ICSCC license.

Looking forward to seeing you all out there!

[UrQ]

So I imagine that for the first level and until the HPDE Director can see you drive you will require an instructor (even if it is just one time) and instructors will not get in a roadster w/o protection, so a dual hoop will be the minimum required.

if your helmet (must SA 2005 or SA 2010 full face for roadster) hits the hoops then you will need SFI padding.

Arm restraints are a good thing to use (required), they are cheap ($20) and will save your arms if in a roll over, I would not go on the track w/o them (I can't but if I had the choice I would always use them).

A HANS (or equivalent device) is optional and are expensive ($500), I have mixed feelings about this, I use one even though its optional in ICSCC and mandatory in SCCA and NASA. These things are a pain to use but do provide great protection.

If you have seat belts that SFI or FIA approved then the date must be valid, so 2 years on SFI and 5 years on FIA.

Sound level, you will be bound by the different track db levels, the lowest is Mission @ 95 but NASA is not running there in year 1 so you will have the lowest limit of 98 db so you will need to make sure that you are under this level.

Other than that you should be good to go, given that you go through the safety check (brakes, lose items out, mirrors, etc.)

[WardL]

Tony, i signed up to be on the mailing list. Thanks for the info!

[UrQ]

There is a $50 discount code for HPDE so use NWNewYear--50PV27VC78 when registering at National Auto Sport Association - nasaproracing.com

There are also 4 20 minute HPDE and TT sessions each day sat/sun. 8 sessions total per weekend. Hope to see many of you at the first NASA event in the NW.

[Blue Cobra]

My wife and I joined NASA in November. See you there. Likely in a Z-06 until I can pilot my Cobra without a NASA co-rider along, since they won't ride in a car with a drivers side single hoop roll bar.

BC

[UrQ]

Karen Salvaggio, has been announced by NASA to become the director of the Northwest Region High Performance Driving Experience.

You all are in for a treat here with Karen running the HPDE program, bring that Cobra out and she will teach you how to drive the beast.

[Blue Cobra]

FaceBook: Karen Salvaggio:
https://www.facebook.com/karen.salvaggio.1

[Blue Cobra]

Hey All,

Thought I let the whole premier Club Cobra Forum members know that the newly formed NW NASA racing organization is seeking volunteers for races as officials. I'm already in.

Here is the link if your interested in volunteering.
NASA NorthWest | Officials

Hope to see ya there!

Kevin

[UrQ]

The NASA NW inaugural weekend is coming up on the 5/4 and 5/5 at Pacific Raceways, hope to see some of you out in the HPDE sessions or just stopping by to check NASA out.