High Performance Driver Education

What is "High Performance Driver Education"?

High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) is for drivers to learn and improve at high-performance driving in a safe environment on a closed course. These are typically called a "Track Day." 

Helpful link:

 Driving Your Porsche On A Race Track With PCA 

What are driver requirements?

Each entrant must be 18 years old 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.

What if I don't have a helmet?

Cimarron PCA conducts our Track Day events Hallett Motor Racing Circuit. Hallett  does have a limited number of helmets available. If you are planning to rent, you should contact the Hallett 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 HPDE 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?

HPDE events are outdoors. We run on the track rain or shine. No refunds are given due to weather. A wet track actually provides a great circumstance to learn how to operate your car in a low friction environment. Of course the speeds on track are much slower and more care is needed while learning to master this skill.

What can I expect?

You will start your event with a mandatory all drivers meeting followed by a classroom training session for all novice drivers and drivers new to Hallett. The 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. You may also learn tips specific to Hallett 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. The instructor will help 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 and correctly. Most drivers, who have not trained for high speed driving, simply cannot maintain consistent focus and concentration for multiple long driving sessions. Additionally, most cars driven at HPDE events are not track-prepared vehicles. Street vehicles, operated for long sessions on track, may cause brakes and tires to overheat and become less effective. Limiting session duration helps to ensure your car can perform at its best. Driver safety our most important consideration.

What is the typical schedule at HPDE events?

Depending on the time of year, Hallett will open about 6:45AM. Registration, mandatory tech inspection, and the mandatory all drivers meeting will take place between gate open time and 8:00 AM. Following the all driver's meeting, novice and new drivers will attend their novice and new driver classroom session. 

We normally have 5 run groups. Each group will be called for their track session in order until we break for a one-hour lunch around noon.

Track sessions for advanced and intermediate drivers will start about 8:15AM with new drivers on track following their novice class.  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 a registered entrant and the other must be an approved event instructor. There are no exceptions to this rule.

The driver and instructor 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 well-maintained vehicle is essential for your safety, the safety of an instructor, and other drivers on the track. Prior to each event we 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. You, the registrant/driver, are ultimately responsible for the condition of your car, however, we highly recommend you to have a competent mechanic conduct the inspection of your car if you have any reservations about your ability to do so. Once you are at the track there will be another tech inspection by our staff to accept your form and review the vehicle. 

CRPCA reserves the right to deny any car/driver access to the track if we deem the car is unsafe, or not ready for operation on the track.

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.

Not required, but strongly suggested: 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.

Notes on Hallett Motor Racing Circuit:

Hallett is our home track and where most of our HPDE 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 can be dangerous to you, your car, and other participants, and 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, hash browns, 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.

Covered race ports, 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.