HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING EVENTS (HPDE)

High-Performance Driver Events (HPDE) are non-competitive driving sessions at track events. HPDE at GRIDLIFE is an ideal environment to explore the limits of a car safely on some of the greatest racetracks in the country in a casual environment to share experience, knowledge, and the love of motorsport.

GRIDLIFE offers two introductory experiences for drivers who may just be getting started in track driving. For beginner drivers who may have never driven on track before, or have limited experience, a Beginner/Novice program will take a driver through a weekend with on-track drills and time in a classroom where the basics of driving on track are taught. For those who have never been on track and want an introductory experience, learn about the Sunday Drivers program.

EXPERIENCES FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS

AN INTRODUCTION

An introductory experience in a single on-track session. GRIDLIFE will run your vehicle through tech to ensure it is safe to be on the track. You will follow an instructor for 3-4 laps at increasing speeds, but not fast enough to require any special prep or equipment besides a helmet and standard seat belts.

-1 session on Sunday following an instructor

FOR BEGINNERS

For drivers who haven’t experienced track driving, or have limited experience. Includes classroom instruction and on-track drills before drivers are granted open track with point-by passing. Instructors around the track watch and relay feedback to drivers after each session and give suggestions for improvement.

-3 to 4 sessions per day

SOME EXPERIENCE

For drivers who are not considered beginners but are not considered “advanced” in awareness and pace. This group has no instructors and no classroom sessions or drills, so all on-track sessions are open track. Passing with a point-by.

-3 to 4 sessions per day

LOTS OF EXPERIENCE

This group is for drivers with several to many years of on-track experience, who are very comfortable in their car and demonstrate exceptional situational awareness. Open track and passing with a point-by.

-3 to 4 sessions per day

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • HPDE stands for “High Performance Driving Event”. It is a chance to drive your car on a racetrack in a safe and controlled environment away from the risks present on the street.

  • If you have never been on a racetrack before, even if you have drag raced, autocrossed, or are “fast on the backroads”, you belong in Beginner or Novice. Drivers that have done 5 or more HPDE or similar events on road courses should choose intermediate. Drivers who have competition licenses or many years of experience or training should choose Advanced.

  • Not in any Beginner or Novice level session.


    Passengers are only approved on a case-by-case basis, at the track, by the Motorsports Director in Advanced sessions or (sometimes) Intermediate.

  • YES! Even though HPDE is not competitive, there are still safety and conduct related rules that you should read through before attending GRIDLIFE. Click the button in the quick links section to read them!

  • Any safe and well-maintained vehicle is all you need - even non-sports car types on normal street tires are okay. Minivans, SUVs, and trucks, are not permitted.

  • Yes - all convertibles must have a roll bar that is able to withstand the weight of the vehicle. A factory roll bar such as that on a Honda S2000 is acceptable provided it passes the “broomstick test” between the top of the windshield and bar. Bars that are aesthetic only such as those found on some MX-5 Miatas are not acceptable. Email help@grid.life if you are not sure!

  • GRIDLIFE is an outdoor event, so rain is a possibility. We run on the track rain or shine - no refunds are given due to weather.

  • Yes, you will need a to bring a SNELL SA2015 or newer helmet to participate in any on-track activity.

  • You will need long pants and closed toed shoes for all on track activity. No jellies, birks, crocs, etc. Short sleeve shirts are allowed. If your helmet is open-faced, eye protection is highly recommended.

  • All you need is a safe and well maintained vehicle. It must have all items removed when on track - no loose change, car chargers, bags, or miscellanous items in the trunk or seats.

    DOT4 brake fluid is recommended.

  • HPDE is usually a multi-day event, but some Festival Tour events only have HPDE on Sunday, or not at all - so be sure to check individual event ticket details before purchase.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN HPDE

Driver Eligibility

  • Drivers must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license, or be 16 or older with a parent or guardian present at the event

  • Drivers must own, or have permission to operate, the vehicle they have registered to use at the event

Purchase Tickets

  • Tickets are purchased in the Driver Registration section on the TICKETS page for each event.

What Days Does HPDE Run During a GRIDLIFE Weekend?

  • Typically, HPDE runs on Friday and Saturday at Club Circuit events, and Sunday only at Festival events. Each event may be different, so be sure to read the ticket details before purchasing.

SUNDAY DRIVERS PROGRAM

Experience a taste of high performance driving without the full commitment or cost! The Sunday Drivers Program offers anyone the opportunity for a low cost, easy access, and fun way to take their car out on track for a single session. Whether you're new to motorsports or have always wanted to try out driving on a racetrack, the Sunday Drivers Program is for you!

HOW IT WORKS:

  1. Select the Sunday Drivers Program single session timeframe that works best for you. Each festival will offer 4 to 5 different timed sessions. 

  • Sunday Drivers Program single sessions do NOT include event entry. Please make sure you have a Weekend or Sunday ticket to enter the event!

  • Exact times subject to change day of in the event of weather or track delays.

  1. Bring your car to GRIDLIFE Tech 45 minutes before your session begins on Sunday. Don't know what or where tech is? Don't worry, we got you! Tech is the process of checking that your car is safe before you go on track (tighten the bolts, and no leaks please! Cars with active fluid leaks are not allowed on track). Tech is typically located in a designated GRIDLIFE garage or tech shed. We have maps for each event showing where tech will be and you can also ask our GRIDLIFE staff!

  2. Meet with an instructor. Your HPDE Beginner instructor will walk you through how to get on track, advice for driving on track, and an overview of how track operations and safety works.

  3. Line up on the Grid with the other folks in your time group (your instructor will show you exactly where to go). You will then follow a lead instructor onto track. 

  4. Each driver gets 3 to 4 laps to learn the "racing line" and work your way up to speed (but not so much speed that you need special brake pads or a heavily prepared car). 

  5. Get hyped. Sign up for a full HPDE Day. Become GRIDLIFE obsessed.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE TRACK READY:

  • Long pants

  • Closed toed shoes

  • SNELL SA2015 or newer helmet - If you don't have a helmet, you can rent one from us after you meet with your instructor.

This program is for beginners or those who have never driven on track. Sunday Drivers Program tickets do NOT include event entry. Please make sure you have a Festival Weekend or Sunday Only ticket to enter the event! Exact session times subject to change the day of in the event of weather or track delays.

2024 GRIDLIFE HPDE SCHEDULE