Originally published September 28, 2021. Last updated May 29, 2025.
If you or someone you know has never been to an HPDE event, it can be hard to describe what goes on there. Sure, you’ll drive a fast car around a fun track, but a lot of other stuff happens before that part.
Getting ready for an HPDE event can feel like a
Originally published July 1, 2021. Last updated February 18, 2025.
For any passion or hobby that a person can pursue, there’s usually an outlook or mindset that is ideal for getting the most personal fulfillment and enjoyment out of the time you spend doing it. With HPDE, there’s a certain approach you’ll find many folks talk about that can help you get there.
Namely,
Originally published July 12, 2019. Last updated July 15, 2024.
Most people get in a car to reach a destination, but with HPDE, it’s about the journey of getting there. An HPDE experience at the track is like nothing else. You get to drive on some of the most famous tracks in motorsports history, learn the true capabilities of your own car and
Originally published August 29, 2019. Last updated April 15, 2024.
If you are new to HPDE, learning the flags is a great place to start. HPDE organizers use a variety of flags to communicate important information to drivers on the track. Each flag has a specific meaning, and some flags have multiple meanings depending on the context.
Make sure to memorize the following HPDE
Everything is ready to go for your event — you, your car and your team. But a look at the radar shows rain? Don’t let this forecast dampen your enthusiasm.
Nearly all HPDE events will continue despite rain, so be prepared. Follow these tips to stay safe on the track and actually enjoy your
Autocross is a motorsport where you compete with other drivers for the best time on a closed course. It’s a great choice for both the casual competitor and the developing racer, in part, because there’s not a lot of gear or equipment required to participate.
In fact, you can really narrow it down to just a few essentials that will help get you
Your first autocross event can be a lot of fun. New experiences, fast driving and great friends await. It’s one of the easiest competitive motorsports you can get into, and you can dramatically improve your driving skills and accuracy in a safe and welcoming environment.
There are a few things you can do that will help you enjoy the day
Autocross is one of the easiest ways to get started in competitive driving. It’s a great choice for casual participants and beginner racers alike, offering low enough barriers to entry that many drivers are able to become quite competitive. Experts also love autocross because it allows them the chance to test out the latest modifications to their competition car and constantly level
An excerpt from The HPDE 1st-Timer’s Guide, written by Ryan Staub and Ross Bentley.
Preparing your car for track days is important—you don’t want to be the one to show up unprepared. Remember that the “E” in HPDE stands for education and that track days are a learning experience. You don’t do as well on the
Whether you’re an avid HPDE participant or are just getting into the sport, here are five HPDE checklist items that can help you avoid common failures participants encounter at HPDE events:
1. Check your lug nuts
We put our cars through more abuse than they see on the street, and it’s important to make sure all four wheels stay on your car! If one