The Complete HPDE Track and Resource Guide: Best Resources, Racetracks, and Organizers (2025)
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Your Ultimate Resource for High-Performance Driver Education Events (see comprehensive table with links below)
Ready to take your car to the track but don’t know where to start? This comprehensive guide covers the best High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) tracks across America, top organizing bodies, essential tools, resources, and everything you need to start your track day journey safely and confidently.
What is HPDE?
High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) provides a safe, controlled environment for drivers to experience their vehicles' capabilities on professional racetracks. Unlike racing, HPDE focuses on education, skill development, and fun without wheel-to-wheel safety concerns, car preparation, or competition.
Motorsport Media and Community
Stay connected with the track day community through:
- Grassroots Motorsports - Magazine focused on sports car enthusiasts
- Motorsport.com - Comprehensive motorsport news and information
- Track day forums - Communities on platforms like Rennlist, Bimmerpost, FT86Club, social media, and dedicated track day forums
Top HPDE Organizing Bodies
National Organizations
Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) The SCCA offers comprehensive programs from "Track Night in America" for beginners to advanced HPDE levels. Their events emphasize safety and skill development across all experience levels.
National Auto Sport Association (NASA) NASA provides structured HPDE programs with clear progression paths from HPDE1 (beginners) through HPDE4 (advanced). They also offer time trials and racing opportunities.
Dedicated Track Day Organizers
Chin Track Days Known for high-quality events with maximum track time at premier circuits. Chin emphasizes small run groups and personalized instruction.
Hooked on Driving (HOD) A popular national organizer focused on safe, fun track experiences with excellent instructor programs and beginner-friendly events.
Car Club Programs
BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA) Runs extensive HPDE programs often open to non-BMW owners. Known for excellent organization and safety standards.
Porsche Club of America (PCA) Operates one of the most comprehensive HPDE programs in the country, welcoming non-Porsche owners at most events.
HPDE Tools and Technology
Data Acquisition and Analysis
RaceChrono (compare with others online) - Versatile lap timing and data logging app with video overlay capabilities
Harry's LapTimer (love this app; Harry is awesome) - Hands-free operation with predictive timing and analysis features
Fire Laps (really cool) - AI-powered telemetry analysis with coaching insights
Autosport Labs RaceCapture (plug and play!) - Professional-grade open-source data acquisition systems
VBOX Motorsport - High-end camera and data systems used in professional racing
AiM – Sportline (our favorite) - High-end camera and data systems used in professional racing
Online Event Registration
MotorsportReg - The most comprehensive platform for finding and registering for HPDE events across North America
Track Rabbit - Modern event registration and member management platform for motorsports events
Training and Coaching Resources (all super helpful)
Blayze - Professional coaching platform making expert instruction accessible to all skill levels
Speed Secrets (Ross Bentley) - Comprehensive resources and coaching for performance driving
Driver61 - Educational content covering F1, motorsport, and driving techniques
Ken Hill Motorsports Coaching - Fundamental motorsport performance methodology
YourDataDriven - Race-proven insights and setup tutorials
Track Day Insurance Options
Protecting your investment is crucial for HPDE participation. Several companies specialize in motorsports insurance:
- Lockton Motorsports - Comprehensive HPDE and track day coverage
- Hagerty Motorsports - Affordable options tailored to track usage patterns
- RLI Insurance - Single-event HPDE coverage
- OpenTrack - Flexible policies from single events to unlimited annual coverage
Getting Started with HPDE
See our other blog posts:
Let's Get You to the Track! Getting Started with HPDE Events
Driving Techniques to Review for Your First Track Day and Beyond!
Choose Your First Event
Begin with beginner-friendly organizers like SCCA's Track Night in America or local car club events. Look for events that provide:
· Classroom instruction
· On-track coaching
· Small run groups
· Tech inspection assistance
Essential Preparation
· Vehicle inspection - Ensure brakes, tires, fluids, and safety systems are in good condition
· Helmet - Snell SA2015 or newer required at most events (check requirements)
· Registration - Book early as popular events sell out quickly, same for accommodations if needed
· Insurance - Consider track day insurance for added protection
What to Expect as a Beginner
· Tech inspection - Mandatory safety check of your vehicle
· Classroom sessions - Learn track layout, safety procedures, and driving techniques
· Run groups - Organized by experience level with appropriate passing rules
· Instruction - Most events provide experienced instructors for beginners
Explore our recommended gear to help you prepare for your next HPDE event.
Regional Considerations and Track Notes
When choosing tracks, consider:
- Sound restrictions - Some tracks (like Laguna Seca) have strict car noise limits
- Weather patterns - Plan around seasonal conditions
- Amenities - Consider facilities for spectators, food, accommodations, and vehicle service
Top HPDE Tracks by Region
Midwest: Home to Racing Legends
The Midwest hosts some of America's most iconic motorsport venues, perfect for both beginners and experienced track enthusiasts.
Wisconsin
- Road America - This legendary 4-mile circuit in Elkhart Lake features high-speed straights and sweeping corners that have challenged drivers since 1955. Known for its elevation changes and the famous "Carousel" turn.
- Milwaukee Mile - While primarily an oval, this historic track occasionally hosts road course HPDE events.
Illinois
- Autobahn Country Club - This private facility offers two distinct road course layouts and regularly hosts public HPDE events with excellent facilities.
- Blackhawk Farms Raceway - A compact but technical 1.8-mile circuit that's perfect for skill development.
Indiana
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course - Experience the hallowed grounds of the "Racing Capital of the World" on this challenging infield road course.
- Putnam Park Road Course - A well-regarded 1.8-mile track that's become a Midwest HPDE favorite.
Michigan
- GingerMan Raceway - Known for its flowing 2.14-mile layout and welcoming atmosphere for new track drivers.
- Grattan Raceway - Features significant elevation changes and the famous "Jump" that makes this track memorable.
Ohio
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - This technical 2.4-mile track offers significant elevation changes and challenging corners.
Minnesota
- Brainerd International Raceway - Features multiple configurations including a challenging 2.5-mile road course.
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic: Technical Challenges
The Northeast corridor offers some of America's most historic and technically demanding circuits.
Connecticut
- Lime Rock Park - This historic 1.5-mile track has been continuously operating since 1957, featuring unique elevation changes and the famous "Big Bend."
- Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park - A multi-purpose facility offering both oval and road course experiences.
New York
- Watkins Glen International - Known as "America's Racing Circuit," this 3.4-mile track features the famous "esses" section and high-speed "bus stop" chicane.
- Monticello Motor Club - An exclusive private club that occasionally hosts public HPDE events with multiple track configurations.
New Jersey
- New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) - Features two distinct road courses: the technical 1.9-mile "Lightning" circuit and the faster 2.25-mile "Thunderbolt" configuration.
Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh International Race Complex (PittRace) - A challenging 2.8-mile circuit with 19 turns and significant elevation changes.
- Pocono Raceway Road Course - The "Tricky Triangle" offers a unique road course experience combining parts of the famous NASCAR oval.
Maryland
- Summit Point Motorsports Park - Offers three different track configurations: Main Circuit, Shenandoah Circuit, and Jefferson Circuit.
Virginia
- Virginia International Raceway (VIR) - Consistently rated among America's best tracks, offering multiple configurations including the challenging "Full Course" and technical "Patriot Course."
Southeast: Year-Round Racing Weather
The Southeast's favorable climate makes it perfect for year-round track activities.
Georgia
- Road Atlanta - This fast, flowing 2.54-mile track features significant elevation changes and the iconic downhill "esses" section.
- Atlanta Motorsports Park - A modern facility with excellent amenities and a challenging 2-mile road course.
- Roebling Road Raceway - A flat, high-speed 2.02-mile track near Savannah that's perfect for learning race craft.
South Carolina
- Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP) - A challenging 2.27-mile circuit that tests both driver skill and vehicle setup.
Florida
- Sebring International Raceway - This legendary 3.74-mile former airfield circuit is famous for its bumpy surface and rich racing heritage.
- Daytona International Speedway Road Course - Experience driving on parts of the famous NASCAR oval combined with the technical infield section.
- Homestead-Miami Speedway Road Course - Features a unique infield road course within the NASCAR oval.
North Carolina
- Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course - Combines sections of the NASCAR oval with technical infield portions.
Alabama
- Barber Motorsports Park - Renowned for its challenging 2.3-mile layout, elevation changes, and beautifully manicured grounds.
- Talladega Superspeedway Road Course - While primarily known for NASCAR, the infield road course occasionally hosts HPDE events.
Kentucky
- NCM Motorsports Park - Located adjacent to the National Corvette Museum, this 3.2-mile track is extremely popular for HPDE events.
Southwest & Texas: Everything's Bigger
Texas and the Southwest offer some of America's most modern and challenging circuits.
Texas
- Circuit of the Americas (COTA) - This Formula 1-grade 3.4-mile circuit features dramatic elevation changes and world-class facilities.
- Motorsport Ranch Cresson - Offers multiple road course configurations with excellent facilities for track day events.
- MSR Houston - A popular 1.7-mile track serving the Houston metropolitan area.
- Harris Hill Raceway - A technical 1.8-mile circuit with good elevation changes and challenging corners.
Arizona
- Firebird Motorsports Park - Offers multiple track configurations (Main, East, West) and frequently hosts HPDE events.
- Inde Motorsports Ranch - An exclusive private facility that occasionally hosts club events.
Colorado
- High Plains Raceway - Features excellent run-off areas and regularly hosts open lapping days.
- Pueblo Motorsports Park - A multi-purpose facility with road course, drag strip, and karting options.
- Pikes Peak International Raceway - Combines road course and oval configurations.
West Coast: Scenic and Technical
The West Coast offers stunning scenery combined with technically challenging layouts.
California
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca - Home to the world-famous "Corkscrew" turn, this 2.2-mile track is a bucket-list destination for track enthusiasts.
- Sonoma Raceway - A technical 2.5-mile circuit with elevation changes set in beautiful wine country.
- Thunderhill Raceway Park - Offers multiple configurations including East, West, Bypass, and the epic 5-mile course.
- Buttonwillow Raceway Park - Extremely popular for track days with various configurations and frequent events.
- Willow Springs International Raceway - "Big Willow" is known for high-speed corners, while "Streets of Willow" offers technical challenges.
- Chuckwalla Valley Raceway - A 2.68-mile track designed for both clockwise and counterclockwise operation.
Oregon
- Portland International Raceway - A flat but technical 1.9-mile circuit popular with local clubs.
- Oregon Raceway Park - Known for elevation changes and scenic views in a challenging 2.3-mile layout.
Washington
- The Ridge Motorsports Park - A flowing 2.47-mile track with elevation changes and beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery.
- Pacific Raceways - A historic 2.25-mile track with a challenging, technical layout.
Utah
- Utah Motorsports Campus - A large facility with multiple configurations, famous for "Wide Open Wednesdays."
Conclusion
HPDE offers an incredible opportunity to safely explore your vehicle's capabilities while developing advanced driving skills. With tracks and events available nationwide, there's never been a better time to experience the thrill of performance driving. Start with a beginner-friendly event at a local track, invest in proper safety equipment and instruction, and prepare for an addictive (and expensive) hobby that will enhance both your driving skills and automotive passion.
Remember: the track is the only safe and legal place to explore your vehicle's true performance potential. Whether you're driving a sports car, sedan, or even a well-prepared SUV, most HPDE events welcome all vehicle types and driver experience levels.
Ready to begin your track day journey? Research events in your area, connect with local car clubs, and take that first step onto the track. The racing community is welcoming, safety-focused, and eager to help newcomers discover the joy of high-performance driving education.
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HPDE Organizing Bodies and Resources (with Links) |
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Category |
Name |
Description |
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Car Clubs |
BMW's official club, often hosts excellent HPDE events for BMW owners and other platforms. |
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Porsche's official club, known for its extensive and well-run HPDE program for Porche owners and other platforms. |
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Data / Analytics |
A world leader in data acquisition and analysis systems for motorsports. They provide electronic systems and hardware, including data loggers, lap timers, on-board cameras, and various sensors, all of which are used by professional and amateur racers to improve performance and strategy. |
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Passionate about developing world-class open-source technology for motorsport and street applications. Plug and play products are easy to use for beginners yet offer powerful features when you’re ready to unlock them. |
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Fire Laps uses AI to make your motorsports telemetry data accessible, letting you visualize, analyze, and learn from it with ease. They offer advanced analytics, AI-based coaching, a real-time data acquisition system, and a social platform to optimize your driving, learn from others, and enhance your track performance. |
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Works while you drive. No touch operation, predictive lap timing, win / loss analysis and more. Developed by drivers, for drivers, you can expect a great solution- and get first class support. |
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RaceChrono is a versatile lap timer, data logging and data analysis app designed especially for use in motorsports, replacing your traditional lap timers and data loggers. The RaceChrono Pro app also enables you to record videos and overlay them with the logged data. |
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Designs and manufactures race car camera and data systems trusted at every level of motorsport. With years of hands-on racing experience, they’ve used our own products to win championships, set fastest laps, and secure multiple pole positions.
See their products here: RaceLogic Vbox
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General Info |
Track Walkthrough Videos |
Search tracks/events/organizers for websites and drivers that record and upload videos of laps, which can be useful for learning track layouts. Most often found on YouTube. |
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Track Day Forums/Communities |
Online forums like those on Rennlist (Porsche), Bimmerpost, FT86Club, or dedicated track day forums are great for advice and event info. There are also many social media groups you can join. Use caution for car-set up/mods advice (see our other blog posts). |
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HPDE Organizers |
Known for high-quality, high-track-time HPDE events at many premier tracks. |
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Another popular national HPDE organizer focused on safe and fun track experiences. |
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Local Resources |
Local Car Club Websites |
Many regional car clubs (e.g., Alfa Romeo, Audi Club, Mercedes-Benz Club, Corvette Clubs, etc.) host their own HPDE (and other) events. Search for clubs in your area. |
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National Sanctioning Bodies |
A large national organization offering various levels of HPDE, time trials, and racing. |
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Offers a range of programs including "Track Night in America" for beginners and experienced drivers, as well as autocross and road racing. |
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Online Event Portals |
The most comprehensive platform for finding and registering for motorsports events, including HPDEs, across North America. |
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Track Rabbit™ is a marketing-based event registration, member management, and administrative e-commerce platform for automotive enthusiasts and the motorsport industry. Through modern technology and features, the platform is designed to keep users engaged and connected, increase revenue and decrease costs for leading tracks, clubs, schools, and others who run events or manage memberships. |
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Tips and Coaching |
The mission at Blayze is for anyone, regardless of age, skill level, economic status, or background, to have access to the life-changing knowledge that comes with professional coaching. |
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Creates content, training. and guides for people who love F1, Motorsport, sim racing and the engineering that makes it all happen. |
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Whether you drive cars or ride motorcycles, learn how to stay safe and get faster with Ken Hill’s Order of the Sport: motorsports fundamentals and performance methodology. |
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Resources and coaching to help you be an even better driver by providing the most complete and focused resources for performance, sim, and race drivers. |
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Race-proven insights, insider secrets, set-up tips, and practical tutorials. |
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Track Day Insurance |
HPDE, Track Day and Off-Track |
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Affordable motorsports insurance options that fit how and when you hit the track so you can focus on what lies ahead. |
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Provides single-event coverage for high-performance driver's education (HPDE) events. |
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Flexible track insurance solutions allow drivers to do what they love and spend more time behind the wheel and on track. From single-event policies to unlimited annual coverage, get the protection you need when you need it. |
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Magazines |
Covers various motorsport series, including Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, IndyCar, and WRC. It provides news articles, race results, standings, photo galleries, and videos. The site also features information on drivers, teams, and upcoming events. |
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Built for the true sports car enthusiast, Grassroots Motorsports has one mission: Be your personal guide to the sports car world. |
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HPDE Racetracks by State (with Links) |
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State |
Track Name |
Notes/Highlights |
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Alabama |
Renowned for its challenging layout, elevation changes, and beautiful grounds. Hosts many major events. |
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Alabama |
Primarily an oval but has an infield road course that sometimes hosts HPDEs. |
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Alabama |
A smaller, tighter road course, good for developing skills. |
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Arizona |
Offers multiple configurations (Main, East, West) and frequently hosts HPDEs. |
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Arizona |
2.2-mile road course offers long high-speed straights combined with fast sweeping corners as well as hard braking zones leading to sharp turns. |
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Arizona |
A private, exclusive track, but some clubs host events there. |
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California |
Iconic track with the "Corkscrew." Can have strict sound limits. |
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California |
Technical track with elevation changes in wine country. |
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California |
Offers multiple configurations (East, West, Bypass, 5-mile), known for open runoff. |
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California |
Very popular for its various configurations and frequent track days. |
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California |
"Big Willow" is known for its high-speed corners. "Streets of Willow" for its technicality. |
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California |
2.68-mile track was designed to run both clockwise and counterclockwise, and to provide the safest possible motorsports experience for everyone from beginners to experienced racers. |
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Colorado |
Good run-offs, frequently hosts lapping days. |
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Colorado |
Offers a road course, drag strip, and kart track. |
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Colorado |
Features a road course alongside its oval, hosts HPDEs. |
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Connecticut |
Historic, continuously operating track with unique features. |
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Connecticut |
A multi-purpose facility with a road course, often used for HPDE. |
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Florida |
Legendary, bumpy track with rich racing heritage. |
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Florida |
Unique experience of driving on part of the famous oval and infield. |
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Florida |
Features an infield road course within the NASCAR oval. |
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Georgia |
Fast, flowing track with significant elevation changes and famous "esses." |
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Georgia |
A track with good facilities and a kart track. |
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Georgia |
A classic, flat, high-speed track near Savannah. |
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Illinois |
A private club with two distinct road course layouts, also hosts public HPDE. |
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Illinois |
A compact but challenging and fun road course. |
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Indiana |
Drive on the hallowed grounds of the "Racing Capital of the World." |
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Indiana |
A popular and well-regarded track for HPDE in the Midwest. |
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Kentucky |
Adjacent to the National Corvette Museum, very popular for HPDE. |
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Maryland |
Offers several track configurations (Main, Shenandoah, Jefferson). |
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Michigan |
Popular for its flowing layout and friendly atmosphere. |
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Michigan |
Known for its elevation changes and "The Jump." |
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Michigan |
A smaller, technical, and historic track. |
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Minnesota |
Features a challenging road course, hosts a variety of events. |
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New Jersey |
Two main road courses (Lightning and Thunderbolt), offering different challenges. |
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New York |
Historic and fast track in upstate New York, famous "esses" and "bus stop." |
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New York |
A private club that also hosts some public HPDEs, multiple configurations. |
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New York |
While primarily an oval, it has hosted road course events. Check for current HPDE activity. |
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North Carolina |
Unique experience combining parts of the oval and infield road course. |
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Ohio |
Technical track with significant elevation changes. |
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Ohio |
A historic and fast track, it is 2 miles long and consists of seven major turns. |
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Oregon |
A relatively flat but technical track, popular with local clubs. |
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Oregon |
Known for its elevation changes and scenic views, a challenging and fun track. |
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Pennsylvania |
A challenging and technical layout. |
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Pennsylvania |
Known as the "Tricky Triangle," offers a unique road course experience. |
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South Carolina |
A challenging and fun track in the Southeast. |
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Tennessee |
Primarily an oval but has an infield road course that sometimes hosts HPDEs. |
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Texas |
A Formula 1 grade track with significant elevation changes. |
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Texas |
Offers multiple road courses and good facilities for track days. |
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Texas |
A popular track in the Houston area. |
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Texas |
A fun, technical track with good elevation changes. |
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Utah |
Large facility with multiple configurations, known for "Wide Open Wednesdays." |
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Virginia |
Consistently rated among the best in the US, multiple challenging configurations, and excellent facilities. |
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Virginia |
Road course and an oval. |
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Washington |
A flowing track with good elevation changes and scenic surroundings. |
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Washington |
A historic track with a challenging layout. |
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Washington |
Features a road course, drag strip, and oval. |
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Wisconsin |
A legendary, high-speed, and challenging track with long straights and fast corners. |
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Wisconsin |
While famous for its oval, it has hosted road course events. Check for current HPDE activity. |
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Disclaimer:
For educational use only. Not a substitute for professional advice. Consult an expert before use. Track Minded HPDE, LLC is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from use.
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