New NASA northern Nevada division!

[lmoorefx]

Yup one of the best clubs around is coming back to the Reno area! First event will be oct 15th at RFR for HPDE and at least 3 events scheduled for next year including race groups! You can get more info here http://www.nasaproracing.com/2011/08...ern-nevad.html

Hope to see you all there!

[sperry]

Wow, that's cool, and a little surprising. It will be interesting to see what they do differently than the SCCA here, since SCCA is struggling with attendance due to everyone being broke. I wouldn't have thought Northern Nevada would be a logical place for NASA to expand to right now. But it does sound like good news for RFR if it means running 3 more races each year.

[Kevin M]

Damn. Now I need a race car.

[A1337STI]

"and there was much rejoicing"

[silversuby]

Fun!

[lmoorefx]

NASA allows passengers in thier HPDE program provided you get signed off by an instructor (group 1) and the class room downloads and instruction are top notch. They also have hot tows which allows the session to continue if a car breaks down on track as opposed to black flagging the entire session.

[A1337STI]

looks like a lot of fun. track day with a passenger, Yeah!

[lmoorefx]

Alright the event is posted here! there are great discounts for signing up early
https://www.nasaproracing.com/event/1310

[cody]

So, I keep getting girls that want to come "racing" with me, but autocross leaves a bit to be desired for this purpose. With my experience level (6 years autocross, 3 PDX's), what level of HDPE would I sign up for with this purpose in mind (bringing a friend to be a passenger for a track day) and would she definitely be allowed to be my passenger all day?

[Dean]

Nasa web site has a HPDE level quiz/qualifications list. Follow Larry's link

[sperry]

Originally Posted by cody

So, I keep getting girls that want to come "racing" with me, but autocross leaves a bit to be desired for this purpose. With my experience level (6 years autocross, 3 PDX's), what level of HDPE would I sign up for with this purpose in mind (bringing a friend to be a passenger for a track day) and would she definitely be allowed to be my passenger all day?

It's probably not going to work out for you Cody. It says all passengers must be 18 or older, sorry bud.

[cody]

Originally Posted by sperry

It's probably not going to work out for you Cody. It says all passengers must be 18 or older, sorry bud.

Not an issue, but you got jokes.

[Dean]

I caution anyone wanting to give their friends rides that the temptation to show off is almost overwhelming. Even as an instructor with a student in the right seat it is difficult. I have to focus on putting the car exactly where I want it and being smooth rather than fast.

I have seen/heard of far more incidents/infractions with friends in the car than without at HPDE type events.

I would also assume you have to be approved to "Solo" before you can have anybody other than an instructor in the car. Cody, based on your excursion last time you were out, not sure you qualify for "Solo" status.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by Dean

Nasa web site has a HPDE level quiz/qualifications list. Follow Larry's link

So, I can't find what you're talking about on Larry's link. Care to post the direct URL?

[cody]

Originally Posted by Dean

I caution anyone wanting to give their friends rides that the temptation to show off is almost overwhelming. Even as an instructor with a student in the right seat it is difficult. I have to focus on putting the car exactly where I want it and being smooth rather than fast.

I have seen/heard of far more incidents/infractions with friends in the car than without at HPDE type events.

I would also assume you have to be approved to "Solo" before you can have anybody other than an instructor in the car. Cody, based on your excursion last time you were out, not sure you qualify for "Solo" status.

That wasn't the "last time I was out." That was the first time I was out (had never autocrossed or been on any road coarse, no motorsports experience whatsoever). I was told I'd get an instructor for the first part of the day but then at the last minute, none were available despite my attempt to secure one all morning long. That spin occurred in the 2nd session. While I take responsibility for the spin, it was irresponsible to let me (or any absolute noob) out there without an instructor when I clearly needed one and made that need as clear to the organizers as possible. Just an FYI, in case you weren't aware.

[cody]

Originally Posted by sperry

So, I can't find what you're talking about on Larry's link. Care to post the direct URL?

He might be talking about the prerequisites page: http://www.nasaproracing.com/norcal/...erquisites.pdf

How can I confirm I'd be allowed to have a passenger before I sign up?

[A1337STI]

Wayne found a group that allows passengers and they allowed his passenger to drive 1 session with him as the passenger. You're taking a bit more of car risk, as there are other people maybe tempted to show off for their passengers, or their lesser experienced passengers making a mistake trying to copy what the car owner did.

I'm looking at that option, driving with Jeana in the car, and giving her a chance to drive as well ...

but they are out there if you feel the risk/reward situation is the right fit for you. (god bless America)

[cody]

Originally Posted by A1337STI

Wayne found a group that allows passengers and they allowed his passenger to drive 1 session with him as the passenger. You're taking a bit more of car risk, as there are other people maybe tempted to show off for their passengers, or their lesser experienced passengers making a mistake trying to copy what the car owner did.

I'm looking at that option, driving with Jeana in the car, and giving her a chance to drive as well ...

but they are out there if you feel the risk/reward situation is the right fit for you. (god bless America)

Cool. I'd definitely be interested in that. Keep me in the loop please.

[cody]

Looks like I'd be good to go with a passenger. Guess I'll be signing up for the October HDPE.

4.6 HPDE Passenger Privileges
A passenger is defined as any participant possessing the proper wristband or credential,
riding in a moving vehicle while on track, yet is not in physical control of that vehicle.
NASA Instructors are not considered passengers for the purposes of this section. All
passengers must be at least 18 years old. Minors that are participants in the event
should not be a passenger, unless riding with an instructor, for the purposes of
instruction.
1. The ability to take a passenger on-track is a revocable privilege, not a right.
2. Passengers may be allowed in all HPDE groups, unless otherwise specified.
3. Group 1 (“School” or Beginner) participants must get specific permission from their
Instructor before a passenger may be allowed in the vehicle.
4. Passengers must use the same safety equipment and attire as required of the
driver.
5. Passengers should not be allowed in vehicles where they are sitting near or below
obstructions (i.e. “Petty bar”) that may pin or trap them, or cause other possible
harm.
6. Passengers are not allowed to possess a camera of any type while on-track.
7. Anyone that is involved in a spin or off track excursion with a passenger in the car
may lose his or her passenger privileges for the day.
8. Only one (1) passenger is allowed at any given time, in any car, unless an Instructor
is driving.
9. Passengers should not commit any action as to cause interference or distraction of
the driver or any other drivers.
10. Passengers should keep their arms and hands inside the vehicle at all times.
11. Passengers are not permitted to place any part of their bodies, such as their hands,
in any area that is between any roll bar/cage tubing and the body panels of the
interior. Doing so may result in crushed limbs. Enforcement of this rule is the
responsibility of the driver.
12. Passengers are not allowed in open-top cars that do not provide adequate roll bar
protection for the passenger side of the car (e.g. an original Shelby Cobra.)

Source: http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf

[A1337STI]

Yay ! RTFRB FTW! ... LOL

[cody]

I just hope they won't try to charge the passenger anything (except for lunch).

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by A1337STI

Wayne found a group that allows passengers and they allowed his passenger to drive 1 session with him as the passenger.

That is the worst idea I have ever heard. I would be seriously angry if I was driving at a track day and I discovered that one of the other cars had someone driving who wasn't the person who signed up for the event.

[A1337STI]

Here's their site http://www.ncracing.org/events.php

I asked my friend Wayne for some info and he told me he paid for 1 person, and that he was allowed to have his passenger drive one of his sessions.

But I haven't read through it to see how it works. I'm assuming / hoping that both people sign up for 1 car and you get pre-approval for your passenger to drive a session.

I can see some added risk here, if the 2nd driver isn't as skillful and / or they are trying to out do the first driver it adds to the danger of driving on a track. and with how easy it would be for the duo to time each other, egg each other on, etc, the risk only goes up.

on the other hand anytime you go to the track, you can't control who else is allowed to sign up. there could be a brand new driver who you have never heard of. on his 2nd session (no instructor) he makes a mistake and crashes into your car, that could possibly kill you.

I personally feel the chance of accident, injury, and/or death is increased with passengers, and increased with a 2 driver car. But both Jeana and I are Okay with what we feel the risk level is, and as adults we want to make said decision. (I should point out I have the luxury of having fire suits, Hans devices, and either 4 or 5 point harnesses, my decision would be different with less safety gear)

But if its not disclosed up front (before you sign up) I do see a huge problem. You should be able to make the same decision for yourself, fully aware of the exact situation. If its not disclosed at sign up, not only should you be angry, I would think that's grounds for a law suit, or at least a kick to the nuts.

[A1337STI]

A quick look at their rules and i don't see anything about allowing a passenger to be a driver, so I have no idea how the situation was handled.

*speculation* maybe they both signed up and only Wayne paid? If both drivers are signed up and one sits out half the day. rides a session as a passenger, then drives the final session (and Wayne sits as a passenger) it seems to be completely with in the rules.

[Dean]

I went to the event details: http://www.nasaproracing.com/event/1310

Then there was:

HPDE Description & Classes:
http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html

And a HPDE "Wizard":
http://survey.constantcontact.com/su...5vkgh/greeting