About our Track Events
Tidewater Sports Car Club hosts track events in the form of High Performance Driving Education (HPDE) and also Time Trial (TT) events.
These are higher speed events held on road courses and/or vehicle testing facilities and have stricter safety standards. Each type of event (HPDE or TT) also has it’s own supplemental rules which must be adhered to.
High Performance Driving Education (HPDE, or “Track Day”)
These are high speed continuous lapping events on a track with multiple cars at a time (up to about 20) with the goal being to teach and learn high speed driving techniques in a safe environment. Point-bys are given to cars that have caught up to you, and you must give a point by before anyone may pass you.
Drivers are split up into different “Run Groups” depending upon skill and experience level:
[♦] Green: This is the Novice group for anyone who has zero, or very limited, track experience. An instructor will be provided to each student to help get all members of this group up to speed. There are limited passing zones for green,
[♦] Yellow: This is the Intermediate group, which is for anyone with a few weekends of experience. Yellow drivers should have received a prior solo sign off from a previous HPDE event. This is a solo group. There are expanded passing zones in which point-bys are given.
[♦] Purple: This is the Upper Intermediate group,which is for solo drivers who have outgrown initial solo driving and are ready for a more experienced group with the same passing rules. Purple drivers should have a few events driving solo in intermediate under their belt. This is a solo group with greater experience and a faster pace than yellow and may point-by on either side.
[♦] Blue: This is the Advanced run group, which is for anyone with many track weekends You should have a solid history with numerous events completed. Blue drivers should have prior experience passing in corners (with a point by) and received an advanced sign off at a prior HPDE event. This is a solo pass-anywhere-with-a-point group.
[◊] White: This is the Instructor run group. This group follows the same Blue passing rules – point-bys required but can be done anywhere on track. We are always looking for more people to add to our instructor pool, if you are interested please email trackevents@tidewatersportscarclub.com.
Vehicle requirements: Most vehicles are perfectly fine and capable of running an HPDE. It does not matter how “fast” your car is. It must have a pre-event safety inspection performed beforehand, you can download and print the HPDE Tech Inspection Form HERE. In a nut shell you need to make sure the car has brakes, suspension, and tires in good condition, no leaks, seat and seat belts/harnesses in good condition and mounted correctly, etc. We have one of the more strict tech inspections vs many others, as safety is a top priority.
Event requirements: The latest version of our HPDE Supplemental Rules can be downloaded HERE. It contains driver requirements, event procedures and information, plus further clarification on vehicle tech inspection requirements, rollover protection standards, and harness mounting.