VA Beach/Hampton Roads

VABAM

HPDEs are pretty safe due to the way they are run. Divers are separated into groups based on skill level, you have an instructor in the car with you, classroom instruction, no passing unless you get a point by and in an approved passing section, and the big one, no racing. IMO you have a higher chance of getting into an accident driving to the HPDE event than participating in it.

Now open track days (non-HPDE events) are very dangerous. No separation of drivers by skill level, no in car instructors, you can pass at any time any where, and people tend to race each other.

The only time I have seen people wreck at a HPDE were advanced solo drivers out driving there cars. I'm still in the beginner class and I don't feel like I'm putting my car in any undo risk. The track itself does play a huge factor. Some tracks are more forgiving than others. What I mean by forgiveness is how much room you have before hitting a barrier if you go off. Some places have a lot, others very little.

__________________