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Ohio Enthusiast · 05-07-2023, 08:19 PM

Overall I really like TNiA events as they are low commitment, convenient hours and fairly cheap. They can be a great intro into track driving.

So long as you're reasonable on track and try to remember the novice paced lap you should be okay. I started with a couple of non-instructed days followed by school-instruction format without in-car instruction. I'm sure in-car instruction is better for developing as a driver, but I doubt you'd really be able to learn much in the first few days anyway. Plus instructors can be hit-and-miss, especially volunteers.
Despite the common mantra of "do you have a $10 head? Then buy a $10 helmet", all helmets that pass Snell certification are safe. Paying more typically gets you lighter weight and some amenities that you don't need for HPDE (water straw hookup, cutouts for headset, better aero for open cockpit cars, etc.), not more safety. Head shapes do matter so if you can find a shop and try out different manufacturers, that would be ideal. I threw the dice on measuring my head and buying a Zamp RZ-59 online and it fit fine. Make sure to buy Snell SA2020 certified.
I did a couple of TNiA and they didn't ask for a tow hook. I did put the tow hook from the trunk in the front. No need for a fancy aftermarket one.

05-07-2023, 08:19 PM	#2
Ohio Enthusiast Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Drives: 2018 BRZ Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 1,045 Thanks: 1,477 Thanked 878 Times in 507 Posts Mentioned: 13 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Overall I really like TNiA events as they are low commitment, convenient hours and fairly cheap. They can be a great intro into track driving. So long as you're reasonable on track and try to remember the novice paced lap you should be okay. I started with a couple of non-instructed days followed by school-instruction format without in-car instruction. I'm sure in-car instruction is better for developing as a driver, but I doubt you'd really be able to learn much in the first few days anyway. Plus instructors can be hit-and-miss, especially volunteers. Despite the common mantra of "do you have a $10 head? Then buy a $10 helmet", all helmets that pass Snell certification are safe. Paying more typically gets you lighter weight and some amenities that you don't need for HPDE (water straw hookup, cutouts for headset, better aero for open cockpit cars, etc.), not more safety. Head shapes do matter so if you can find a shop and try out different manufacturers, that would be ideal. I threw the dice on measuring my head and buying a Zamp RZ-59 online and it fit fine. Make sure to buy Snell SA2020 certified. I did a couple of TNiA and they didn't ask for a tow hook. I did put the tow hook from the trunk in the front. No need for a fancy aftermarket one.