NASA TT - how do you do it
 

I've never run with NASA, but am thinking that I might want to try out time trials with them, so what do I need to know. Assume I know nothing.

Do I sign up for just the time trial group, or an HPDE group as well. Do I need to show evidence that I know what I'm doing?

Etc.

They may not let you sign up for the HPDE4/TT group without running some HPDE3 days first, or demonstrating sufficient prior experience. Let them know which groups you've run with in the past, number of years/events ran, your lap times, etc.

Also you'll need to pay the ~$40-45 annual NASA membership fee.

http://www.nasa-tt.com/About

They want you to have at least 4 weekends of HPDE 3 or equivalent (open passing sessions) before you are allowed to sign up for TT. After that, fill out all the necessary paperwork (national membership, TT license, car classification, etc.). Then you will want to contact your region's TT director and arrange a ride along so they can sign you off. They may ask you to sign up in HPDE 3 for the ride along, you can always be bumped into TT if you are approved.

Looks like you are near VIR so you would be running with NASA Mid Atlantic (www.nasaracing.net) and you will need to start at ground zero. It's not really a bad thing at all but you'll sign up for HPDE1. Depending on your skill level, how much coatching you need, or how much you want you'll either have an instructor for every session or you'll get signed off for solo. There are also classroom sessions to teach you the basics.

As you progress to HPDE3 you'll learn more advanced techniques and you'll also learn etiquette and procedures all in an effort to make you a safe driver with other cars on track (faster and slower). Some people progress really quickly and others spend more time in HPDE2 or 3 before wanting to Time Trial or go wheel to wheel.

To go to TT you have to petition to the TT Director. They will evaluate your driving in HPDE3 during a weekend and if you look good you'll be given a check ride by a racer typically. You either pass or you don't get a TT license.

For the record it has nothing to do with how "fast" you are, its about how safely you race with other cars.

Have fun,
Phil Grabow