On-Track High Performance Driver Education
The Indpendent Motorsports Group's High Performance Driver Education
(HPDE) program
is designed for motorsports enthusiasts with a safe, well-maintained street or
race car to enjoy the thrills of high speed track driving in a controlled
environment.
Event Format
IMG HPDE participants drive in three run groups, based on their experience level:
- Novice Group
Drivers in the Novice Group are those just beginning to develop high performance
driving skills on road courses. New novice group drivers are assigned an experienced
instructor while they build their skill sets and gain experience. Novice drivers
who demonstrate sufficient awareness, safety, and proficiency will be signed off to drive
solo in the Novice Group.
- Intermediate Group
Intermediate Group drivers have significant
HPDE or track day experience and have
a strong command of all major high performance driving techniques. Drivers in the
intermediate group typically have over 8-10 days of HPDE / track day experience on
multiple different tracks.
- Advanced Group
Advanced Group drivers consistently demonstrate a mastery of high performance driving
techniques, significant pace, and have substantial road course experience. Advanced
group drivers have years of track experience and may be certified driving instructors.
Classroom instruction is provided for Novice and Intermediate group drivers between
sessions to discuss safety, driving theory, and to hone each driver's skills. In-car
instruction is available for Intermediate and Advanced group drivers as well, pending
instructor availability.
In order to make sure you get the most out of your track time, we restrict our entries
to keep our groups as small as possible. For that reason, we recommend that you
register as early as possible to save your spot on the entry list.
Vehicle Prep
Generally, any well-maintained street car or racecar is eligible to participate
in IMG HPDE and TT events. Convertibles must have a fixed roll bar that is taller
than the driver's head with his/her helmet on, and any glass headlights or moonroofs
must be covered with tape.
You will also need to apply car numbers (in a visible contrasting color) to the
sides of your car before heading out on track. These numbers can be vinyl, magnetic,
or removable tape (masking tape or painter's tape). You may choose your car number
at Registration time.
Driver Gear
In addition to a safe, well maintained street or race car, all drivers participating
in an IMG HPDE event must have the following equipment:
- A proper fitting full-face motor racing helmet with one or more of the following
certifications:
Snell M2005, SA2005, M2010, or SA2010
FIA 8860-2004
SFI 31.1/2005
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Closed Toe Shoes
Typical DE day attire may include jeans or khakis with a long-sleeve shirt and tennis
shoes or driving shoes. However, we encourage all participants to make full use
of any safety equipment that exceeds these minimum requirements. A Nomex driving
suit, head and neck restraint, or a full set of Nomex underwear are all good ideas,
even if you never plan to use them.
Safety First
Remember, IMG HPDE events are for having fun and learning how to drive in the safest
environment possible. They are non-competitive and are NOT racing. For the safety
of everybody, passing is restricted to designated passing zones, and drivers must
adhere to all flags and directions from corner workers. Over-aggressive driving,
body contact, or any dangerous behavior is strictly forbidden.
Will I damage my car?
On-track accidents are extremely rare, but there is always an element of risk involved
in any high performance driving event. If you would like to have that extra safety
net for your car, On Track Insurance.com offers an insurance policy specifically
for Driver's Education events.
To find out more, visit www.OnTrackInsurance.com
or call 1-866-638-0505.
Rules, Guides, and Forms
Find out everything you need to know about our Driver's Education program and download
any forms you might need at the links below:
Register Now
Registration is open for our events on the Schedule and Registration
page.
Click here to Register Online >