[Rtrorkt]

Originally Posted by berettafan

Looking at doing an HPDE at Summit Point with my new GTI. Have ax'd in the past (different cars) but no real track time. I know the track via iRacing

My thinking is if I fall for track time I'd spend the winter months searching out an already prepped track car for HPDE days in the future. I suffer from a tall torso so Miata probably out but spec 944 might be a good option.

Track insurance runs about $450 for the weekend. That's a pretty stiff fee but I guess would seem cheap if I managed to find a tree or wall. I see conflicting reports on the risk level with HPDE 1 groups. Higher groups reportedly more likely to bend metal.

So my questions for the experienced guys here-
1- How reasonable is the pace with NASA HPDE1 classes?
2- Is Summit rough on brakes such that I would need to do high temp fluid and pads?
3- Is a two day event a good way to start or is that biting off too much?

Any other advice?

For about 10 years I was chief steward for Potomac DE. Stopped around 2000, now am safety chair for AZ DE. Summit Point was our track. If you are driving the original, it is a fun track with lots of interest. If you are a green group driver, you will most likely start with someone in the right seat. Take it easy, listen to your instructor and you will have a great time. Remember you are learning and it is not a race. Be aware of the flag stations and what they may be telling you.

The insurance is your call. I have not run with NASA but did with a couple of non-PCA groups. If passing is not well controlled, then my advice is complain to the organizers. All passing needs to be done with a point by. My biggest issue with the non-PCA organizers were there lack of attention to driver behavior.