Thompson HPDE Primer & Track Experience
Thompson Speedway Motorsports ParkAbout this event
NER is offering two exciting introductory programs to help you learn about HPDE and track driving. Are you interested in the track but unsure if it's for you? Are you a little nervous about taking your car on track? One of these programs might be for you.
HPDE Primer, Friday, May 23
The HPDE Primer offers a chance to drive two sessions with an instructor in the passenger seat after riding along with an instructor for one session. This primer is similar to a typical HPDE experience, except it offers a guided and gentle introduction at a lower cost, shorter day, and fewer sessions. You'll be driving your car on track with other first-time drivers, and the sessions will be a little more relaxed than a full HPDE experience. If you're uncertain whether you want to jump right into the full HPDE experience, this primer will provide a taste of what it's like in a safe, pressure-free environment. You and the others in the Primer group will be guided through the day, including classroom sessions, a group lunch, and time on the track with an experienced instructor.
Track Experience, Saturday, May 24 or Sunday, May 25
The Track Experience is a chance to get a ride on the track at speed by a National PCA Instructor. You will get to experience the thrill of the track, and the instructor will talk you through what's involved in track driving and the HPDE experience. This experience is an excellent way to see the track, meet great people, and see if HPDE is for you.
Don't have a car? No problem. You can ride in the instructor's car. It's your choice. You may also like to see what your car can do. The performance we can extract from a car when it's driven properly is truly amazing. If you bring your car, we'll do a tech inspection to ensure it's in good shape before going out on track.
Lunch is included with the HPDE Primer and the Track Experience, and the day typically runs from 9 am to 3 pm. After you register, our coordinator will reach out to help you prepare and we'll send a full schedule and information packet before the event.
Ready for the full HPDE Experience? We'd love to have you. All makes of cars are welcome. You can sign up as a novice, even if it's your first time on track. Experience drivers are welcome. Novice drivers will be paired with an instructor for the day. Sign up for the full HPDE here: NER PCA Thompson Motorsports HPDE May 2025
Event requirements
Participation Requirements
- Participants must be at least 18 and have a valid driver's license at the event.
- HPDE Primer verhicles must pass a pre-event inspection. See Tech Inspection for details.
- Track Experience vehicles must be well-maintained car that will be required to pass a technical inspection on-site the morning of the event.
- Track Experience participants can ride in your instructor's car if you prefer.
- An SA2015, SA2020, or M2020 helmet is required. You can borrow one from the club, and we'll coordinate arrangements in advance.
- No illegal or drowsiness-inducing drugs or alcohol consumption are allowed before or during the hours of the event by any person attending the event, driver, or guest.
NER reserves the right to refuse any entrant's event registration or to expel any entrant during the event.
