Alpine Mountain Region Porche

HPDE 101 – How To Prepare for An HPDE with Confidence

Getting ready for your first HPDE (High Performance Driver’s Education Event)? Here are some handy tips to ensure you are prepared!

Start With

  • Choose and register for your event.
     Events are listed on Motorsports Reg (MSR) at www.motorsportsreg.com.
  • Set up your profile on MSR, including adding a car number.
     Each driver should have their own individual profile.
  • Schedule a tech inspection.
    A dealership or qualified mechanic must inspect your car to ensure it’s track-ready (especially brakes, tires, and fluids). Inspections must be done no sooner than four weeks before the event. If HPDEs are close together, a new inspection is required for each event.
  • Print the schedule and review important information.
    Each event registration includes links to details about the venue, lodging options, start and end times, and contact information if you have questions.
  • Organize your gear.
    See the “Gear” list below.
  • Optional: Watch videos of the track.
    Not required but can be helpful for familiarizing yourself with the layout.

Night Before

  • Pack your gear.
    You can even load it into your car the night before. Since everything not bolted down must be removed at the track, consider leaving items like floor mats at home to save time.
  • Confirm directions and start time.
    Gates usually open between 6:00 and 6:30 AM.
  • Get a good night’s rest.
    This is not the night for an “all-night pub crawl.” Set your alarm early!

Track Day (Finally!)

  • Pack your car if you haven’t already (a packing list can be helpful).
  • Allow extra time for travel.
    Plan for stops if needed to top off your gas tank or grab snacks.
  • Fuel up close to the track.
     Most tracks do not sell fuel; check the “Important Info” for the nearest station.
  • Arrive and park in the paddock.
    “Paddock” is the fancy track term for the parking area. This will be your home base for the day.
  • Go to registration.
     Bring your completed tech sheet and helmet to check in, receive your wristbands, run group assignment, and (if applicable) instructor information.
  • Prepare for Top Tech.
    Remove everything not bolted down: floor mats, garage door openers, items from the center console, glove box, and trunk. Open your hood, frunk, or hatch to signal that your car is ready for inspection. Once inspected, you’ll receive a tech sticker on your windshield indicating you’re cleared for track driving.
  • Torque your wheels and check tire pressures.
  • Attend the mandatory drivers’ meeting
    Usually around 8:00 AM. Meet your instructor, if assigned.

A Typical Day at an AMR HPDE

  • Arrive at the track
  • Registration
  • Prepare car for Top Tech*
  • Drivers’ meeting / Instructor meet and greet*
  • Track goes “hot” (sessions begin)
  • Advanced sessions / Novice ground school
  • Run sessions (typically 2× 20–25 min. sessions before lunch and 2× 20–25 min. sessions after lunch)
  • Track goes “cold”
  • “Beer 30” — casual debrief with drinks and storytelling!

*Note: While this is typical for AMR HPDEs, other organizations may vary slightly. This outline is meant to illustrate a typical AMR HPDE day.

Gear Checklist

Helpful Tip: Plastic bins with snap on lids (Home Depot or Walmart) work great for corralling gear. Since everything must come out of the car, this can work for storage for those items as well. It also keeps things dry, and out of the wind. Consider making a “track” box with all your gear stored and ready to go. Some bring a tarp to lay their stuff out, and cover in case of inclement weather. You can also choose to leave things at home such as floor mats, etc. It is a personal choice.

Absolutely Must Have:

  • Helmet: SNELL SA2015, SA2020, M2015, or M2020 (loaners available — please prearrange with the Event Chair)
  • Long pants, short- or long-sleeve shirt, flat-soled closed-toe shoes
  • Car numbers for both sides of your car (decals, removable vinyl, or painter’s tape)

Frequently Seen:

  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Torque wrench
  • Paper towels
  • Window cleaner
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat (sun protection)
  • Driving gloves
  • Folding chair
  • Cooler with drinks and snacks
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Cash for lunch

Optional (but helpful):

  • Specific tools for your car, comfort level
  • Quart of oil
  • Sunshade tent (e.g., pop-up 10×10; note: events can be windy!)

Important Reminders

  • Hydrate! AMR provides water, but bring extra. This is a sport, and you will become dehydrated if you do not consume enough. Being dehydrated slows down reaction time, gives you a headache and can be a bummer for the day.
  • Food Options! Most locations have a concession stand or a food truck for coffee/breakfast/lunch/snacks. This will be typical track food – burgers, fries, etc. You are still welcome to bring your own drinks/food/snacks – encouraged if you have dietary restrictions.