The Panther

I was thinking about going to a NASA event, but I have zero experience. I have read a lot about it on the forum and website. Is this something worth doing even if I am a novice? If there are topics about this already please give me the links.

Thanks

MattB

Very much so, the NASA HPDE program is designed for the novice. I started last year as a complete novice, had never even ran a 1/4 mile or Autox. Its a blast. NASA has you with an instructor in YOUR car in goup 1, down load sessions after each run and time for the instructor to spend one-on-one with you. Also, you can usually talk the instructor into taking you for a ride so you can see what the track looks like at speed and how it actually feels.

I'm sure some one on the board here is in your region and can give you more specifics.

Do it sooner than latter, because you will have a blast

JLMounce

Don't hesitate to get on-board with NASA. They're organization is safety oriented and most people will tell you they are not nearly as hard headed as the SCCA.

This is my second season with NASA and it's by far the greatest enthusiest activity I've ever involved myself in.

Akcelr8 N VA

NASA Southeast (NASA-SE) has a fantastic group of folks and an excellent program. I HIGHLY recommend joining. You'll be amazed at how much you learn after just one weekend. That's the good news...the bad news is that you'll probably be "hooked' and your life will never be the same!!!

As an added benefit, you'll be able to drive some great tracks and the membership includes a free subscription to "Grassroots Motorsports" magazine.

See you on the track!!

varkwso

There are quite a few of us here on this forum who run and/or instruct for NASA-SE.

Great organization. It is pretty hectic with all the sessions and races - but well worth it.

We were at Road Atlanta last weekend...

Z06cool

Very true....happened to me. Got started and hooked on road coursing from another club but NASA allowed me to get into it even deeper with great instruction...and you get to meet a great bunch of folks who share your enthusiasm about cars.

Now the calendar revolves around DE weekends....

DoingOK

Started doing my first HPDE last year with Cobra4B (I had an Infiniti G35 Coupe)..........now I have a 500rwhp C6 Z06, new trailer and new CCW C10's with GoodYear slicks. Yeah, it's addicting.

rustyguns

oh my God! good thing you don't do drugs!

varkwso

Drugs are cheaper I think - drug addiction only costs you your money, job, family and life....

jpasterjak

You know, I was going to mention that your NASA membership includes a Grassroots Motorsports sub, but someone beat me to it. We're glad you see this as a plus. NASA is a great organazation and we're really proud to be on board with them. As a racer, independent of where my paycheck happens to come from, I'd happily recommend NASA membership to anyone interested in this hobby.

J.G. Pasterjak
Grassroots Motorsports
Classic Motorsports

DoingOK

I know..........I couldn't afford them with this car habit.

rustyguns

Grassroots Motorsports sub, : what's that? sub?

rustyguns

hard headed in what way?

I'm kinda hard headed too

jpasterjak

Yes, everyone who joins NASA gets a free GRM submarine. The only part we can't figure out is the screen doors.

J.G. Pasterjak
Grassroots Motorsports
Classic Motorsports

MungoZ06

$40 a year to join NASA; gets you a subscription to Grass Roots Motorsports (GRM) ~ 8 issues a year.

varkwso

Now if GRM and Classic can just sort out there are 2 members at my address (and that kid of mine won't share his copy) - I guess I need to talk to your very pleasant subscription department, again...

rustyguns

that's too funny! check the mail before your kid does! hahahahah

fcarga

Join, you won't regret it. You will get excellent training and meet a great bunch fun loving and laid back people.

jpasterjak

Ah yes, our fatal flaw. Between making the deal with NASA and switching to completely different fulfillment software, we've had out share of screw ups. We're also one of the few magazines in exastance that actually does circulation in house, too (most use fulfillment or data services).

The downside is there's a lot of painful screw ups. Th eupside is whenever you call to have those corrected, you get to talk to someone who actually has the power to solve your problem. Heck, sometimes I get bored and answer the phone, too.

J.G. Pasterjak
Grassroots Motorsports
Classic Motorsports

rustyguns

i want your job! boring rules!