What is HPDE?

High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE) or more commonly known as Drivers Education (DE) events, are opportunities for you to drive your car in a safe, controlled environment in a track setting. These are NOT racing events.

Lone Star Region PCA DE’s are instructed by a group of nationally certified, experienced, and dedicated instructors (Coaches) who are instrumental in assuring all participants and their vehicles stay safe while developing highly tuned drivers. We have one of the most sophisticated and complete DE programs in the country and are passionate about developing every driver to the highest level they desire.

DE events are run at highway speeds and faster, depending on the skill level of the student. Each driver is closely monitored, mentored, and coached to assure abilities and skills are in place to accommodate higher speeds.

As a beginner, you will have a Coach in the passenger seat at all times. Once you develop competent and consistent skills, you can be evaluated to be promoted to drive “Solo”, but a Coach will ride with you at least once every weekend to assure you continue to develop good driving skills and habits that keep you and others safe.

Beware! These are very addictive events! Once you start, you will be totally hooked on understanding every nuance of your car – its power,   handling, and grip.  Further, you will be constantly pushing yourself to be a better driver. Driving skills learned in this environment make you an exceptional street driver. Not a faster street driver, but a highly developed, competent driver keenly aware of surrounding traffic, and exactly what the car is doing dynamically at all times.

What is required for a DE?

All entrants must have a valid driver’s license (state, country or province as appropriate). The minimum age for any driving entrant is eighteen years.

A sports car is not required to participate in HPDE events (Pick-up trucks and certain SUV’s are not allowed to participate).  The car owner must certify that the car is safe to run on the track and that the car has been inspected by a regionally approved person or shop within thirty days prior of the event. A completed Tech Form signed by the driver and the approved person or shop is required to be submitted to the region at the event.

HPDE events are truly the only safe way to learn the engineering dynamics that went into the development of this famous racing marque. However, it is noted that PCA DE events are not racing, nor preparation for racing. No times or placings are recorded, and no awards or prizes are received by the participants of PCA Drivers Education events; just a lot of fun and camaraderie.

If you have any questions, please contact the LSRPCA DE Chair.