About this event
Novice HPDE (High Performance Driver Education)
Learn the fundamentals of high-performance track driving in a controlled environment, and then put it to the test!
A Novice HPDE allows you to get acquainted with the broad range of your own car’s performance and learn driving techniques based on racing under the guidance of certified Pitt Race instructors. This HPDE pairs classroom sessions in the basics of high-performance driving with supportive, low-pressure driving instruction on our North Track road course. If you are a first-time track driver or have limited experience at other tracks and want to develop your skills behind the wheel, Pitt Race HPDE Group is for you! Once you master the skills of a Novice HPDE, you’ll be on your way to joining the HPDE group of your choice.
HPDE Event Outline:
2:30pm: Driver Check-in begins (unless otherwise noted in a pre-event email). Once online registration is closed, walk-ups may still be accepted at the Pitt Race Pro Shop until maximum capacity is met. Classes will be limited to 20 students in total and will be broken into two groups.
3:30pm: The event will consist of three 20-minute, on-track sessions with an instructor in the car with you.* Classroom sessions for all drivers begin in the Timing and Scoring Classroom where a certified Pitt Race instructor will cover:
- Race flags and their uses, meanings, and locations on-track
- Track etiquette
- Passing rules
- Do's and don'ts of track driving
Missing classroom sessions will affect your ability to participate in on-track sessions
HPDE sessions will be completed by approximately 7:30 pm. Once a driver masters the skills of a novice PDE, they will be ready for a full-track HPDE!
*HPDE session times are subject to adjustments and modifications. Pitt Race determines the schedule based on enrollment and changes may be made to account for weather or on–track incidents. Pitt Race reserves the right to limit the number of participants on the track.
Drivers are financially responsible for any damages that occur to the track, guardrail, or other track property and any necessary cleanup.
Tentative schedule:
Time |
Classroom |
On-Track |
| 3:30pm | Instructors meeting | None |
| 3:30pm | All to Classroom | None |
| 4:20pm | Blue Group | Green Group |
| 4:45pm | Green Group | Blue Group |
| 5:15pm | Blue Group | Green Group |
| 5:40pm | Green Group | Blue Group |
| 6:10pm | Blue Group | Green Group |
| 6:40pm | Green Group | Blue Group |
Event requirements
Car Requirements:
- This program requires all drivers to use their own vehicle.
- Vehicles with a high center of gravity and narrow track are not permitted. Most SUV's, Cross-Overs, Mini Vans, and 4WD pickup trucks are not permitted.
- Pitt Race reserves the right to refuse a vehicle access to the track for any reason.
- The Pitt Race Self-Tech Form must be completed for every car on track. The form must be surrendered to event personnel before being released onto the track. Forms are collected on the false grid (this will be explained in class and/or at driver’s meeting). Please use this link to download the form: HERE
- The car must have a passenger seat installed with safety equipment for the instructor equal to the safety equipment for the driver.
- No single seater vehicles or "formula" type open wheel cars are permitted in HPDE.
- If available, please install the factory tow hook on the front of the car.
- Convertible vehicles with operational OEM rollover protection system are allowed. This includes factory roll bars, pop up rollover protection, and reinforced a-pillars designed to provide rollover protection (Caution: Some cars are equipped with "style bars" or other devices that mimic the appearance of a roll bar, but are not true rollover protection).The car must be driven with the convertible top in the up and locked position. Arm restraints are recommended. Please call the track if you have questions about your car.
- All other convertibles require either an installed factory hard top or a four-point roll bar that protects both the drivers and passenger side of the vehicle. If a roll bar is installed, the top of the occupants helmet must be below the line from the top of the roll bar (not including padding) to the top of the windshield frame. Portions of the roll bar subject to contact by the drivers’ helmet must be padded with a non-resilient material with a minimum thickness of one-half inch. Arm restraints are recommended.
- No passengers are permitted, excluding approved instructors riding with a student.
- EV owners please see additional notes at the end of this page.
Driver Requirements:
- Drivers must be 18 years of age or older, and possess a valid state issued driver's license.
- Shoes that cover the entire foot must be worn while on track. (No sandals, heels, Crocs, etc.)
- Drivers must wear full length pants. Long sleeved shirts are highly recommended.
- Helmets Snell certified with the following ratings are accepted: SA2020, SA2015, M2020, M2015 and SFI 2015. Helmets with DOT only certifications are not accepted. .
- Instructors will complete a Student Evaluation Form. It will be available for viewing on your Motorsportreg.com profile a few days after the event.
FUEL
Sunoco Racing Fuel is the official fuel of Pitt Race. The following grades are available at the facility pay-at-the-pump station. There is a Sunoco mandated security program in place that will limit you to three transactions on the same card in one day. If you think you will need more fuel, bring more than one card.
· Leaded 110 Octane
· Unleaded 100 Octane
· Premium Unleaded 93 Octane (There are two pumps with 93 octane. They are dispensed from different tanks but are the same fuel)
Driving an EV ( Electric Vehicle )?
Pittsburgh International Race Complex welcomes your vehicle to our HPDE program. We also want to make sure you are aware of the unique circumstances that driving on track may bring. Please contact the manager for this event to discuss options.
Pitt Race cannot determine how long your vehicle battery will last during track driving. Variables including the weather, the length of sessions, speed, distance, and the driver, will affect the vehicles overall range. Please follow all the other rules listed on the tech sheet and registration information.
