So you’ve finally purchased your dream sports car. Whether its a Chevy Corvette, a Porsche 911, a Mazda Miata, or any of the countless other sports/performance-oriented cars available on the market today, purchasing a car that’s capable of quick acceleration, tight cornering, and unprecedented top speeds affords it owners a driving experience that is second-to-none. Unfortunately, for many new (and even many experienced) owners/drivers, there are few venues available to fully experience the full performance and potential of these cars.
Fortunately, the NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky has the answer.
Later this month, the NCM MSP will host another of its HPDE (High Performance Driver Education) programs. Open to anyone who has ever dreamed of driving their car on a bonafide racetrack, this two-day event promises an experience that attendees are not soon to forget. What’s more, this HPDE program will help drivers discover and develop performance driving skills on the racetrack they may not even realize they possess!
About HPDE
If you own a sports car, regardless of make/model, you owe it to yourself to learn how to drive it to your (and maybe even its) potential. The NCM HPDE class gives owners that opportunity while surrounding students with other, like-minded enthusiasts in a program that has been tailored to educate drivers of all skill levels. Whether your first-ever outing on the track, or your second-, third-, or even fifth-HPDE program, you’ll be introduced to driving coaches and classroom instructors that will help you further refine your skills behind the wheel of your car. What’s more, this program has the backing of several incredible partners including Michelin, Mobil 1, Hagerty, and Holley Performance.
The HPDE program at the Motorsports Park provides participants with a generous amount of track time while also providing students with the advanced skills training they need to master the MSP’s 3.2-mile, 23-turn race track. While the intent of any HPDE program is to advance driver’s skill in performance driving, the skills learned throughout this event are tailored to ensure that drivers at every skill level are learning while they have FUN! Entry-level drivers should expect to receive high-quality instruction on the important fundamentals of track driving and then transfer that knowledge to the racetrack. More seasoned participants can advance skills previously learned and continue to dial down their lap times as they continue to improve on past knowledge while learning additional driving skills. Ultimately, the NCM HPDE helps students refine, implement, and practice techniques of performance driving to help them maximize their driving experience on the racetrack.
For the 2024 HPDE season, the NCM Motorsports Park has made some exciting changes to their program….the biggest of which is a new, 3-run group driving format. What does that mean to prospective students? More track time in each of the three available driving classes – Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Requirements and Recommendations
First and foremost, this is a BRING-YOUR-OWN-VEHICLE event. Despite the occasional misconception that events at the NCM Motorsports Park are limited to Corvettes, almost any modern street car with OEM equipment that is in sound mechanical condition can be used for this HPDE program. Convertibles are also welcome at this event. A convertible waiver must be filled out prior and presented at the track prior to the event. That form is available here: convertible waiver.
It is strongly encouraged that participants have their vehicles inspected by a qualified mechanic ahead of attending this course. There is a list of recommended inspection items available to would-be participants at the time of registration. Most inspections take less than an hour to complete and will ensure your vehicle is in proper operating condition for this program. You can also download the NCM Tech Inspection form here: NCM_Tech_Inspection. Said form will need to be completed ahead of event participation.
PLEASE NOTE: All vehicles must have a muffler, and pass a 103 @ 50ft maximum sound reading. Violating these requirements could lead to vehicle exclusion from the event. Additionally, all registered participants (and their guests) must follow the Policies and Procedures of the NCM Motorsports Park facility.
All participants are required to use either an SA2015 or SA2020-rated helmet (SA2010 helmets are no longer acceptable for use at this event). Although participants may elect to purchase their own helmet (a good investment if you plan on participating in future HPD events), the NCM Motorsports Park does have helmets available for rent at their facility. In addition to helmets, long pants and close-toed shoes are also required. For more information on helmet requirements for this event, please download this helmet form Helmet Form 2023
Participant pricing is $500 for Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Drivers, and $50 for Instructors. Given the cost associated with getting on this (or any racetrack) for most driving events, this price is an exceptional value, especially given the amount of track time and the level of driving instruction that will be provided as part of this event.
It is strongly recommended that participants consider purchasing track insurance for this event. Hagerty offers affordable track insurance for this event. Given that most automotive insurance policies specifically exclude track events, this recommendation is solely intended to help protect your car in the unlikely event that an accident were to occur on the track.
Make sure you are signed up with www.Motorsportreg.com for updates to this event.
