FAQ

Credits/Refunds:

If I can’t attend an event that I’ve already registered for, can I cancel and get a credit or refund?
1. Credit/refund policy for HPDE & TT – credit towards your next event or a refund less $30 admin fee, with at least one week notice prior to the event.
2. Credit/refund policy for Race Groups – credit towards your next event or a refund less a $30 admin fee, provided that you registered at least 12 days in advance and you notify your NASA region within five days following the missed event, [email protected]. No partial refunds allowed. This policy does not apply to special events. Once the car hits the track all fees are non-refundable.
3. Garage reservation fees (Sonoma) are not refundable after the start of the event weekend.

Membership:

Do I need a NASA membership to participate in HPDE/TT/Race Groups?
1. Yes. A NASA membership is required to participate in any driving event. The cost is $69 and is good for one year from the time of purchase. It does not renew automatically. You can purchase the membership through your online member account.
What are my membership benefits?
1. For information on membership benefits, click here.

HPDE:

What HPDE group should I sign up for?
1. If this is your first track day, sign up for HPDE 1. If you have completed other track days, you can sign up for HPDE 2 or 3, at the group leader’s discretion. If you have completed many track days and are comfortable with open passing, sign up for HDPE 4. To contact any of our group leaders with questions or concerns, email them directly.
Do I need to buy a competition license?
1. No, you only need your state driver’s license to drive in HPDE.
What type of helmet do I need?
1. Use a proper fitting helmet that meets Snell 2005 (SA2005; M2005) or newer (or equivalent) standards for cars or motorcycles. ECE 22.05 helmets now permitted in HPDE. Helmets can be rented on-site at Thunderhill events through Ken at I/O Port, or rented ahead of time for Sonoma events.
Do I need a transponder?
1. No, transponders are not required for HPDE 1-4.
How do I get my car teched?
1. If your car is 10 years old or newer, use the tech form to self-tech your car. If your car is older than 10 years or has been modified, you will need to use an ASE certified mechanic to do your tech and sign your form. Click here for the HPDE tech form. Click here for a list of tech inspection shops. NOTE: Four-point belt sets that have a DOT-only certification are prohibited.
What do I need to do to prep for my first event?
1. If this is your first day at the track (or even your fortieth day!), read this post about how to prepare for your first day at the track. HPDE – First Day at the Track
Where can I find the HPDE CCRs?
1. The NASA CCRs can be found here. HPDE is covered in sections 3-11.
Is there a two-day discount for HPDE?
1. Yes. We offer a two-day discount for HPDE1-4, when you register for both Saturday and Sunday.

Time Trials:

How do I apply for a Time Trials license?
1. Apply for your TT license here. NOTE: If you have a Competition License, you do not need to also purchase a TT license.
What are the requirements for my car?
1. NASA TT utilizes a car classification system that is easy to understand. To find the requirements for your car, click here.
How do I get my car teched?
1. If your car is 10 years old or newer, use the tech form to self-tech your car. If your car is older than 10 years or has been modified, you will need to use a shop to get your tech form signed off by an ASE certified mechanic. Click here for the tech form. Click here for a list of tech inspection shops.
Do I need a transponder?
1. Yes. An AMB transponder is required in Time Trials. You can purchase one online or rent one from Ken at I/O Port at the track or ahead of the event.

Racing:

What does a Provisional Competition License mean?
1. A Provisional Competition License is issued to a new licensee and is a paper card which will be held by the race director and signed off for the driver’s first four incident-free races. Once those races are complete, the provisional license is graduated to a full competition license at which time they will receive a hard card in the mail. The new licensee remains a rookie for an additional four races.
Am I eligible for a NASA Competition License?
1. You’re eligible to apply for a provisional competition license if one or more of the following applies to you:
  1. Completed NASA’s HPDE 1-4 ladder AND successfully completed the NorCal Comp Eval session with a licensing instructor.
    1. As part of your comp eval, please submit a license and medical application. If you intend to race the same weekend as your comp eval, you MUST have a current medical on file AND a current race license.
  2. Completed a competition racing school, such as the NASA SoCal competition school.
  3. Have a rookie or full comp license from another sanctioning body such as SCCA. (If you have a full comp license and have completed more than eight road races, you may be eligible for a full comp license from NASA. If you have completed less than eight road races, you may be eligible for a provisional license.)
  4. Have sufficient road racing experience in other organizations that do not issue race licenses, such as Lucky Dog. (Must have documented proof of experience, such as race results and personal reference.)
How do I apply for a new Competition License?
1. Apply for your competition license using the online application here. Please be thorough in providing documented proof or your race history, including race results and a driver’s bio. This information is critical to determine your eligibility for a competition license. All NASA race groups require drivers to obtain a competition license.
How do I renew my Competition License?
1. If you have previously held a NASA competition license and want to renew it, log on to your online member account and purchase the current season’s license. You will need an current medical on file to be eligible to race.
How long is the competition license good for?
1. One calendar year. No matter what time of year you purchase your license, it will expire on December 31st.
Do I need a medical evaluation to race?
1. Yes! Complete your medical application here. Please note the expiration date of your medical once it is processed. If your medical is expired, you cannot race until it has been updated. If you have a completed medical exam for another race license, such as SCCA, you can use these documents for your NASA medical application. For competitive drivers age 55 and older, NASA requires a 12-lead EKG as part of the medical application.
What are the requirements for my car?
1. Review the race car safety equipment and technical requirements here.
How do I get my car teched?
1. You will need to get your race car inspected by a mechanic that is SFI certified. They will tech your car and issue you a logbook. You can find a list of SFI certified mechanics here.
Do I need a transponder?
1. Yes. An AMB transponder is required in Time Trials. You can purchase one online or rent one from Ken at I/O Port at the track or ahead of the event.
What is “supersizing”?
1. Group A racers can “supersize” into Group C for a discounted rate and run in a Group C class as well as Group A, to maximize the amount of races in a weekend. Supersizing is only for race groups, not for TT.

General:

Am I allowed to bring a friend or family member to the track with me?
1. Yes. We welcome you to bring your friends and family to our events. They are welcome to sit in on driver’s meetings, view the on-track events from areas around the track, enjoy a meal at the café, and hopefully decide to bring their own car to participate in an HPDE event, too!
Are passengers allowed in the car on track?
1. Yes! Passengers are allowed in HPDE groups. Please review the NASA CCRs for passenger privileges, section 4.5. Passengers must check in at registration and get a wristband before going on track. Passenger privileges may be revoked at any time.