Skip to main content

This page was created to assist current and potential track event participants with preparing their vehicles for one of our road course events.

Read all rules and make sure your vehicle is qualified and that you have adequate safety equipment because all fees are strictly non-refundable as per our Refund Policy & Terms of Purchase.

If you have any questions about your vehicle or safety equipment meeting requirements, email events@autointerests.com PRIOR to registering for an event!

DISCLAIMER:

First and foremost it is important to make it clear that it is solely the participant's responsibility to adequately prepare their vehicle for safe operation.  The vehicle prep guidelines we prepare are just that, they are not intended to be comprehensive or any type of certification or guarantee of safe performance.  That being said, the sections below explain some of these general guidelines.

It is important to note that the AutoInterests tech inspection at an event will serve only as a basic "spot check" of these items: helmet, seat belts/harnesses, roll protection (if applicable), no loose items inside the vehicle, battery is secure, no obvious leaks or loose body panels, and proper attire.  Please review the Tech Inspection section below for more detailed information on requirements.

Are motorcycles permitted?

No, motorcycles are not permitted on track at our events. We only hold events for cars.

Is my car permitted?

Production chassis/unibody:

Production chassis/unibody cars are generally permitted if it is safe and in good condition. Please review the vehicle prep and tech inspection sections below. If you have any doubt whether your vehicle is permitted please email us at events@autointerests.com.

NON-production chassis/unibody:
ie: kit cars, open wheel race cars, dune buggies, etc.
SPECIAL APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR VEHICLES THAT DO NOT HAVE A PRODUCTION CHASSIS/UNIBODY!

For approval, email events@autointerests.com and include the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. Your on-track driving experience
  3. How much of your on-track experience was done using this vehicle
  4. Your driver class: first timer, novice, intermediate, or advanced
  5. Vehicle description
  6. Vehicle photo(s)

 

Are trucks or SUVs permitted?

Trucks and SUVs are typically NOT permitted on track at our events.

SPECIAL APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR TRUCKS AND SUVs

For approval, email events@autointerests.com and include the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. Your on-track driving experience
  3. How much of your on-track experience was done using this vehicle
  4. Your driver class: first timer, novice, intermediate, or advanced
  5. Vehicle description
  6. Vehicle modifications (if applicable)
  7. Vehicle photo(s)

Are fully prepped / race cars permitted?

NON-production chassis/unibody:
ie: kit cars, open wheel race cars, dune buggies, etc.
SPECIAL APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR VEHICLES THAT DO NOT HAVE A PRODUCTION CHASSIS/UNIBODY!

For approval, email events@autointerests.com and include the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. Your on-track driving experience
  3. How much of your on-track experience was done using this vehicle
  4. Your driver class: first timer, novice, intermediate, or advanced
  5. Vehicle description
  6. Vehicle photo(s)

Are convertibles permitted?

There is not a simple yes or no answer to this question. It really depends on your vehicle and its safety equipment. 

Factory rollover protection (including pop-up or active) is acceptable in Acclimation, First-Time, Novice & Intermediate run groups.  Aftermarket roll bars are HIGHLY recommended for the Advanced group.

Hard tops & “style bars” DO NOT count as structural roll protection!

Convertibles without roll protection are NOT permitted. 

Please note, not all convertibles are equipped with factory roll protection.  The driver has the burden of proof that their vehicle/model has sufficient roll protection. 

If you are unsure of your specific vehicle’s roll protection, we suggest taking a look in the owner’s manual, checking forums, or contacting the manufacturer directly.  We DO NOT maintain a comprehensive list of approved/unapproved convertibles, and our tech inspectors on-site have the final say in your vehicle's approval to go on track.

ACCLIMATION / FIRST-TIME / NOVICE DRIVERS please note: even though your vehicle may be permitted to go on track, in some cases your instructor will choose NOT to ride with you due to his/her own safety concerns. If this is the case, you will be instructed through other means such as classroom, lead/follow, etc.

Broomstick Test - We do not actively enforce the broomstick test, however, it is in your best interest that you can pass this simple test!  While sitting in the driver’s seat with your helmet on, setting a broomstick or similar device atop the windshield frame and roll bar, your helmet must have clearance under the broomstick.

Not sure?

If you are unsure of your specific vehicle’s roll protection, we suggest taking a look in the owner’s manual, checking forums, or contacting the manufacturer directly.  We DO NOT maintain a comprehensive list of approved/unapproved convertibles, and our tech inspectors on-site have the final say in your vehicle's approval to go on track, however here are some examples:

The following cars are known to have factory rollover protection and are approved to run:

Audi TT, A4, S4, A5, S5 & R8
Aston Martin 1998-present
Bentley Continental
BMW Z4 & Z3, 3 series, 6 series, M series 1998-present
Bugatti Veyron
Dodge Viper SRT-10 2004-present
Ferrari 360, 430 & California
Fiat 124 Spider (2016 to present)
Jaguar 1998-present
Honda S2000 & NSX
Lamborghini Gallardo, Murcielago, Diablo, LP560, LP640 roadsters, Performante
Mazda Miata 2006‐present
Mercedes S, SLK and CLK Convertible
Mercedes SLS Roadster
Mini & S
Nissan 350/370Z
Porsche - all convertibles 996/986 and later
Volkswagen Eos & Beetle

The following cars do NOT have factory roll over protection and would be required to install aftermarket roll bars:

BMW Z3 1996-97 without factory roll over hoops (1998 and newer are approved)
Camaro Convertible, all models
Corvette Convertible, all models
Dodge Viper RT Convertible 1992-2003 (SRT 2004 and newer are approved)
Firebird Convertible
Mazda Miata 1990‐2005 (2006 and newer are approved)
Mustang/Shelby Convertibles, all models
Lexus SC 430 Convertible
Porsche - all convertibles pre-996/986 generation
Pontiac Solstice & GXP
Saturn Sky
Toyota Solaris

Does my auto insurance policy protect my car during an HPDE event?

We are not responsible for you or your vehicle.  Your auto insurance coverage at HPDE events can vary widely between different carriers.  Some insurance carriers provide zero coverage whatsoever at any "race track facility".  Some will provide coverage when participating in non-competitive educational events such as ours in accordance with your normal "street" policy.  Some provide coverage for events at race tracks only with a rider or additional charge.

It is your responsibility to check with your individual agent or insurance company in advance of participating in any event to be sure you are satisfied with the level of coverage you will have while participating.

AutoInterests is partnered with Lockton Affinity for HPDE Insurance coverage. If you are at all concerned about your level of insurance coverage at the track we strongly suggest you consider purchasing a policy that guarantees your coverage.

Learn more here about HPDE coverage through Lockton Affinity

Does my vehicle need to have a passenger seat?

Acclimation, First-Time & Novice drivers must have a passenger seat in order for their instructor to ride with them. In addition, the driver seat & restraint must match the passenger seat & restraint.

Passenger seats are not required for Intermediate & Advanced drivers.

VEHICLE PREP GUIDELINES (pre-event)

Many drivers are very handy and capable of handling track preparation in their own garage and others prefer to leave the hands-on work to professionals.  There are often many performance oriented dealerships selling performance lines of production vehicles that are quite experienced at working with drivers for track event preparation.  Independent performance and tuning shops can be of assistance as well.

It is up to each individual driver to determine the appropriate qualified person to prepare their vehicle or perform any changes or upgrades for use on the street or on the track.

The amount and type of vehicle preparation required can vary dramatically per vehicle and per driver.  It is possible for participants to be both very harsh and very easy on their vehicles during a road course event.  Drivers can push the limits of their skill and vehicle as much or as little as they are comfortable with.

Varying driving techniques will cause different amounts and areas of wear on a vehicle.  Harsh, erratic driving can be harder on ball joints, suspension components and bushings while smoother drivers might simply experience wear on brakes, tires or engine components.

A key theme to vehicle preparation is good overall general maintenance such as fresh fluids, checking belts, good condition spark plugs/wires, tires, brakes and any type of wear items.  These basics are often sufficient for novice drivers or those that are conservative road course drivers.

As mentioned in our disclaimer, tech inspection is not all-inclusive and should not be considered any type of certification or guarantee of safe operation.  All drivers are required to sign our tech sheet/waiver acknowledging their sole responsibility for the preparation of his or her vehicle.


Read all rules and make sure your vehicle is qualified and that you have adequate safety equipment because all fees are strictly non-refundable as per our Refund Policy & Terms of Purchase.

If you have any questions about your vehicle or safety equipment meeting requirements, email events@autointerests.com PRIOR to registering for an event!

TECH INSPECTION (at event)

Drivers are required to go through tech inspection the morning of the event.  
If you are driving at a multi-day event, you only need to go through tech inspection on the first day of a multi-day event.
It is important to note that the AutoInterests tech inspection at an event will serve only as a basic "spot check" of these items:

HELMET

  • All participants must wear a helmet
  • Helmet must be SA2015 or newer
  • No M-only or DOT-only ratings
  • You are required to select and use an appropriate helmet that fits you correctly
  • Tech Inspection will check that your helmet carries the SA2010+ rating, they will not check for fitment

SEAT BELTS/HARNESSES

  • 3-point seat belts (factory) or multi-point harnesses are required for all drivers and passengers
  • Lap belts are not acceptable and will NOT pass tech inspection
  • Driver seat & restraint matches the passenger seat & restraint (if mismatched, passengers will not be permitted - this includes instructors for First-Timers & Novices)
  • Harnesses must be properly mounted in accordance to the harness manufacturer's instructions.
  • Racing seats must be properly secured with no movement.

CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES & ROLL PROTECTION

  • See "Are convertibles permitted?" section above.

OTHER

  • Vehicle number: exists/meets requirements
  • Vehicle has been emptied of any loose items
  • Battery is securely tied down
  • No obvious fluid leaks or loose body panels
  • Clothing: 100% cotton shirt, long pants (cotton recommended), close-toe lace up shoes
  • LONG PANTS AND CLOSE-TOE SHOES ARE REQUIRED!

As mentioned in our disclaimer this inspection is not all-inclusive and should not be considered any type of certification or guarantee of safe operation.  All drivers are required to sign our tech sheet/waiver form acknowledging their sole responsibility for the preparation of his or her vehicle.


Read all rules and make sure your vehicle is qualified and that you have adequate safety equipment because all fees are strictly non-refundable as per our Refund Policy & Terms of Purchase.

If you have any questions about your vehicle or safety equipment meeting requirements, email events@autointerests.com PRIOR to registering for an event!

TECH FORM (sample)

Here is a copy of the tech form; there is no need to print this. Complete your tech form by going to My Account, My Events, View & Manage, Pre Check-in.


Image
DIGITAL GENERAL VEHICLE PREPARATION GUIDE AND WAIVER 2024

 

 

 

VEHICLE NUMBERS ARE REQUIRED

Numbers are required on all vehicles driving on track!

Numbers are required on vehicles to help corner workers and other drivers identify vehicles.  As events grow, so do the number of similar vehicles and differentiating them becomes increasingly important to report driver issues or offenses on-track.  This also provides a tracking mechanism for our safety staff to record driver safety records and incidents.

View number specifications and purchase numbers.