Thread: Trackday discussion/questions

I thought we should have a thread about the trackday to answer questions,etc.

I will start by asking a question,because I am gonna have to fly up and not have my car to go on the track.
I am not sure if I want to track a rental for my first track experience.

So my question is this...and I hope its not a dumb one.
If someone is willing to let me ride shotgun for a lap or two,do I need to register as a driver?
Maybe I can register as a driver of the rental anyway,but then do "ride alongs"if I wuss out with the rental.
It breaks my heart to not be able to take my car up,but I still want to come up for the convention,and hang out for the track day.

Obviously this is all dependent on whether someone will let me ride along or not

I'm sure you can find somebody to give you a ride. I took a couple people around in Chicago. I'm not sure if I can get my car there too.

I rode with happynole around a small local track in FL one time when he was down here,so I hope he will oblige again

My question is...do I have to register for the trackday as if I was a driver.I am gonna bring my helmet for sure
Theres a small chance I will get froggy in the rental car,but not likely.:o

That's actually a pretty good way to learn especially since it's taking one more thing out of the equation... shifting. Usually a rental will be automatic so you can focuse on the line and braking points and not be worrying about shifting too.



No, if you just want to come to the track and catch rides, that is fine and you do not need to register... only if you are planning on driving.



If you register to drive, you might as well. As we get closer, you'll get less and less money back if you decide to cancel.



Ride alongs will be different from past rules since this will be a NASA run event. To give a ride, the driver must be an instructor. There are plenty of instructors amongst us and there will be plenty more instructors at the track; just not in SE-Rs. If you are there and have long sleeves, long pants, no sandals, a proper helmet, and you have signed the waiver, we will find a car for you to ride in.

Doesn't say that in the rules...is that a new thing?

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.)

Different NASA regions have different policies on it. here in Great Lakes it's 3/4/TT only. None allowed in 1/2.

Gotcha.

Yes, as Blair said, it's different region to region. I think publicly it is instructors only but technically it is HPDE 4 & 5 that we allow passengers. There are rare occassions though that they make an exception and allow a passenger in an HPDE3 car but they have to know the person pretty well and know that the person isn't going to do something stupid to show off. Me, personally, I'm usually much more conservative when I have a passenger

Thanks for all the info guys.Really appreciate it.

So bring a helmet,longsleeves,pants,and shoes....got it!
Still wish I was bringing the car too.

If I was going to take the se-r out on the track, what all would I need? This would be a first for me. I know I would need a helmet, but what minimum rating? What are the rules and such?

Edit: Oops. Nevermind. lol. Got confused...thought it was track based. :o I still wouldn't mind giving it a shot.