NVR2L8

Hey guys -

I did my first HPDEs this year, and plan on doing many more in 2009.

I have a teenage son and would like to take him with me next summer. I hope to enroll him in a 2-3 day formal driver training school to make sure he gets a compehensive and structured program to start with.

After that, I would like to take him along to HPDEs to get as much seat time as possible for both of us.

I have both a C5 and Z06, so we could each drive a car.

Can anyone tell me what the limits are for teenage drivers?

Thanks in advance.

Bimota Guy

I imagine it is up to the organizer.

If he is of legal driving age, I would suggest some time in Solo events before going to open track events, which have far less structure than a driving school.

wallyman424

Many events allow minors with drivers licenses to attend, as long as the guardian signs the waiver form.

Just contact the organizers. Oh, and props for being an awesome dad.

carnut101

I started at 16. The first few events, I went with my dad. Once I got the hang of towing the car to the track, we went with notarized waivers so I could go alone.

CHJ In Virginia

Most of the organizers in the east coast areas require drivers to be 18 with a valid drivers license. One allows 16 year olds with parental concent. Check with the event organizer for specifics.

AU N EGL

Correct. Most HPDE clubs require the drivers to be at least 18 yeas of age.

Some clubs will allow teens to drive as long as a parent is at the event driving as well.

Contact each club. For the NCM events we do allow teens to participate as long as a parent is participating as well.

That said, I think this is a great way for teens to learn how to drive. Your a great dad

ProgGod

I think NASA allows under 16.

L98Terror

Someone allows younger drivers because I believe there was a 14 yr old racing in SM this year.

Racin Jason

Yep, I started with NASA when I was 14, and got competition license at 15. In fact Wallyman was in comp school with me iirc!

We had to get special permission from the head guys of NASA for this.
They had to see my prior experience in karts, and autocross before they let me start, and everyone was keeping a close eye on me!

But, I think regular circumstances you must be at least 16 and have a valid driver's license and parent present.

wallyman424

HEY MAN! havent seen you around in a while. whats up!

Racin Jason

Hey

I know man! It's been way to long. Plan on catching up and doing all the NASA events coming up next season though. Just been autocrossing lately.

Want to put a roll cage in my FRC and bring it out to the track, but will probably end up running the Diasio again next year.

Hope to see you out their in Feb!

wallyman424

sweeeeeeeeet

AU N EGL

You had Kart experience, that makes a big difference.

mousecatcher

Wow! Obviously min. age is dictated by each organization, but ultimately I would think this is determined by the liability insurance they carry. Does NASA not have liability coverage for participants like SCCA does?

wallyman424

they do

http://www.nasaproracing.com/insurance/summary.pdf

Joy of 6

I would strongly suggest that he does a year in autocross first. He can learn low speed car control instead of high speed (loss of ) control. He will make mistakes, as we all do, and they are very forgiving on an autocross track At an HPDE you can lose control at 120 mph and it will hurt a lot. You want him to be safe and successful and autocross is a great way to start.

good luck

wallyman424

Meh, dont worry about it. HPDE 1 is very tame. Instructors will keep him safe. Go out and have a good weekend.

Kanmer

Yeah Wally, but I am going to be instructing this year. Me and tame generally don't go well together in the same sentence. And aren't you about 15 now? See you at VIR in Feb

Bob

wallyman424

I'm 15 AND A HALF.

i see theyre letting anyone instruct now...

JohnD60

My son turned 16 in April and started HPDE with me in November. All that was required was a DL and a parent-signed waiver.

His first car is a Miata. I felt better about him starting out both on the street and on the track with a little less HP.

His instructor was a friend I met at the track who got to know him over the last couple years. I think knowing his instructor made it a little easier.

His driving improved quickly and he hasn't stopped talking about it for the last two months!

Here's a picture from his 2nd session on Sunday. Just his luck the photograher was in the right place at the right time! Thought this might dampen his spirits but he went out the next session and got back to speed quickly.

http://www.hart-photography.com/phot...ewImage=594372

Harness bar and harnesses are under the tree this year! (Car already has a roll bar.)

It really has done wonders for his driving skills as well as his self confidence both on and off the track.

John