Driver's Education

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FAQ’s: Cimarron PCA Fast Events

What are FAST events?

Cimarron region PCA FAST events are for drivers to learn and improve high-performance driving in a safe environment on a closed course. Please note these events are not racing and have rules that must be followed to ensure the safety of all participants.

What are driver requirements?

Entrant must be aged 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license.

Are helmets required?

Yes! All car occupants must wear a Snell approved helmet, which has the current available Snell Safety certified SA rating or the one previous Snell Safety certified SA rating. Currently that is SA2015 or newer certification.

Are helmets available for rent?

Cimarron PCA does not have helmets available for rent. However, our home track, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, does have a limited number available. If you are planning to rent, you should contact the track staff early to make sure one is available for you.

What are footwear and clothing requirements?

Footwear must be enclosed (not open toe), non-slip, with a relatively smooth sole. Hiking-type deep lugged soles are not acceptable. You should also check the weather just before the event and plan accordingly.

I have a convertible is it allowed on track?

Any make of car delivered with factory installed roll over protection meets the minimum standards for PCA DE events. In these cars, we recommend the soft-top be in the up position or the hard top installed. If the top is in the down position, an SFI and/or FIA approved arm restraint system must be used.

If a car does not have factory installed roll over protection, a roll bar or roll cage must be installed, which meets the "broomstick" rule (the driver's helmeted head is below a bar placed on top of the roll bar and windshield). Design, installation and materials of roll bars or cages and their installation must meet PCA Club Racing specifications, contained in Appendix A-Roll Cage Specifications of the PCA Club Racing Rules. All Targa tops must be installed unless there is additional roll over protection. All sunroofs must be in the closed position. The windshield alone is not considered to be factory roll over protection.

What if it rains?

Cimarron region FAST events are outdoors. We run on the track rain or shine. No refunds are given due to weather.

How will I learn to drive FAST?

You will start your event with a mandatory all drivers meeting followed by a classroom training session for all new drivers. This classroom session lasts about 1-2 hours and is mandatory for all new drivers, or drivers we are unable to verify their high-performance driving experience. Our classroom instructor will discuss and review: track safety including flags and corner station locations, track rules, passing rules, how driving on track is different than driving on the street, offer venue specific tips on breaking, cornering, driver inputs, entering and exiting the course and more.

Next you will transition from the classroom to driving on track. You will be assigned a driving instructor to ride with you and coach you around the track. Helping you learn and improve at high-performance driving.

How many driving sessions will I have on track?

We aim for a minimum of 5 track sessions per entrant. Each session lasts between 15-20 minutes. Depending on turnout and group size we may combine certain groups to allow more sessions.

Why are sessions limited to 15-20 minutes?

High-performance driving requires a high level of concentration to be done safely. Most drivers, who have not trained for racing, simply cannot maintain consistent focus and concentration for multiple long driving sessions. Additionally, most cars driven at FAST events are not race prepared vehicles. Long sessions give the opportunity for brakes and tires to overheat and become less effective on street vehicles. Limiting sessions lengths helps to ensure your car can perform at its best. Safety is very important.

What is the typical schedule at FAST events?

Depending on the time of year (sunset and sunrise) gates will open about 6:45AM. Registration, track tech inspection, and the mandatory all drivers meeting will take place between gate open time and 8:00 AM. New drivers will leave the meeting and go directly to their classroom session. 

We will have advance and intermediate track sessions starting about 8:15AM with new drivers on track following their class. We normally have 5 run groups. Each group will alternate track sessions in order until we break for a one-hour lunch around noon. Following lunch, we will continue track sessions in order until approximately 5:00 PM.

Can I take a passenger for a ride on track?

To be compliant with our PCA insurance, no more than two people may be in a car; one must be an approved event instructor and the other must be a registered Entrant in the event. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Both the driver Entrant and passenger Entrant must have and use the same type of restraint system. For instance, if a harness is used on the driver’s seat, a harness must be used in the passenger seat. The harness manufacturer and number of attachment points do not need to match; five, six or seven point systems are considered equal.

What do I need to do to my car before the event?

A safe well-maintained vehicle is what you need to bring. Prior to each event we will send out a tech form to be completed and brought with you. This form is a checklist covering basic safety and things that must be checked before you can drive the vehicle on track. Once you are at the track there will be another tech inspection by our staff to accept your form and review the vehicle. 

What should I bring to the track?

In addition to yourself and your car bring your COMPLETED TECH FORM, helmet, closed toe shoes, numbers for your car (or tape to create temporary numbers), and your DRIVERS LICENSE.

Other not required suggestions: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, cooler with water and snacks, air gauge, phone charger, towels and spray for cleaning your windshield, extra automotive fluids, basic tools (if you don’t have, some on site will be willing to share if you are in need).

Is Alcohol allowed?

NO ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES MAY BE CONSUMED BY ANY ENTRANT DURING THE HOURS OF EVENT OPERATION, OR BY ANY PERSON AT THE SITE OF THE EVENT DURING THE HOURS OF EVENT OPERATION. This is not intended to prevent Entrants from taking medication as long as it does NOT have an effect upon the person's ability to control a vehicle at speed.

Hallett Motor Racing Circuit:

Hallett is our home track and where most of our FAST events will be held. Hallett LOVES to eat brakes! Make sure to follow the tech inspection form we will send you and have your brake pads and fluids checked. Flushing your system and using a high-performance fluid will have great benefits. If your brake system overheats, it will limit the amount of fun you can have on track.

Hallett’s Finish Line Café serves breakfast and lunch from 7AM to 4:30PM. It’s a grill type menu offering eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, pancakes, fruit, etc. for breakfast. Lunch offerings are typically salads, burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, etc. Beverages include water, soda’s, energy and sport drinks, coffee.

Fuel is available at the track. 93 unleaded, 100 unleaded race and 110 leaded fuel is available. Air is also available.

Raceports, garages and RV spots are available. If you are interested, you will need to call Hallett direct to inquire about costs and reservations 918.356.4814.