The program
Four run groups split by experience, lead/follow instruction on track, classroom sessions for new drivers, and six sessions a day for everyone.
HPDE is split into four groups. Events have run with a cap of 80 drivers — 20 in each group.
This group is for everyone new to HPDE, as well as drivers running a specific track for the first time. Highly experienced lead instructors are on site to teach the ins and outs of HPDE: line, speed, how to approach a turn, what gear you should be in, the proper way to brake.
Passing is very limited. Classroom sessions and post-session debriefs are mandatory for this group.
For drivers who are newer to HPDE — two or more track events — and who have driven the track we are attending before. The same experienced lead instructors work with this group on line, speed, turn-in, gear selection and braking.
Passing is very limited. Classroom sessions and post-session debriefs are mandatory for this group.
For drivers who have done a number of events with Stacked On Track and other clubs, and who have been soloed. You must be able to demonstrate that you can keep pace, stay on line, stay consistent and show good situational awareness — meaning proactive point-bys.
Passing is limited to the specified zones and point-bys are required. It is the passing driver's responsibility to make sure every pass is safe and controlled. Coaching is available on request, in a lead/follow format with a follow-up debrief.
For experienced HPDE attendees, current and former race-car participants, and instructors. You must be able to keep pace, stay on line, stay consistent and show good situational awareness.
There are no passing restrictions, but point-bys are still required and passing still needs extreme caution and proper track etiquette. This event is not a race — leave a clear passing lane and do not force a pass to be made late. This is the highest level of driving in HPDE we offer.
“The best classroom of all time was about two car lengths behind Juan Manuel Fangio.”
— Stirling Moss
At Stacked On Track we approach instruction via a lead/follow format in addition to classroom sessions. We have had great success with this format and have seen drivers learn new skills and improve their on-track performance over the course of a single event. The lead/follow sessions let drivers see exactly what instructors are doing from a line, braking and acceleration perspective — something in-car instruction does not offer.
Once drivers arrive at the track and complete driver registration, they immediately meet their assigned instructor to discuss the day's schedule and activities. Each on-track instructor leads a group of three to four drivers, and any questions about our instruction process or about the track can be asked and answered at this point.
After the instructor meet-up, all Intro and Novice drivers head to Classroom Session 1, beginning at 8:30am and running until 9:00am for Novice drivers and 9:20am for Intro drivers. Once the classroom session is complete, drivers line up at pit out for their session, starting five minutes in advance.
The first two sessions for both Intro and Novice drivers include lead/follow instruction. Classroom Session 2 starts in the afternoon, and all on-track and one-on-one instruction after that session is on a request basis.
Following each on-track session there are debriefs — we call them download sessions — between instructors and students, to review on-track technique and answer questions.
Instructors are present at the drivers' meeting and at Classroom Session 1 for introductions. They take part in download sessions after on-track driving to review and discuss the session. Downloads happen after driving sessions 1 and 2, and after every one-on-one lead/follow is completed. Instructors are assigned three vehicles in each group, depending on the total number of instructors available, and run in the first two on-track sessions of the day.
These signals are used during on-track sessions to communicate with other drivers.
This is the schedule we have run at a typical two-day Pocono event. Exact times are emailed to participants the week of the event. Expect a 6am load-in, a 9am go-live and a 5–6pm finish depending on sundown.
Sessions are subject to ending early depending on sundown. On a two-day event, a duplicate schedule runs on the second day. All drivers are required to attend the drivers meeting each day of the event.
The tech form is emailed to all registered drivers before the event. Print it and complete it before technical inspection — it is collected and reviewed during tech on the morning of the event.
Etiquette and conduct are covered in the rulebook. Please familiarise yourself with it before you arrive. Stacked On Track and track staff operate a zero tolerance policy for participants who break the rules or disrespect the venue.