HPDE-1 or Hyperdrive ?
 

...that is the question I am bumbling around with. I am thinking about going in April to Summit (28th and 29th) but no way will I have an oil cooler and brakes installed by then so am leaning towards the Hyperdrive. On the other hand, HPDE-1 seems like it would be more fun, and I figure if I take it real easy (which I will) then I would guess my oil temp would be an issue (prompting limpy mode) way before I would have any issue with brakes ? Is this faulty logic ?

What's your experience level? I would say you can get by in HPDE1 without any mods especially if it's cool out. Hyperdrive seems like such a tease to me. :P They just get one session right?

I definitely would get some better brake pads and do a fluid flush before either though.

For peace of mind and safety I'd upgrade the brake pads as well as brake fluid and clutch fluid. You'll have to consider limp mode if your runs are hot ones, but at least you won't have to worry about having no brakes or clutch. Hyperdrive at Summit with NASA is one class just prior to the run and an instructor in the vehicle with you during a 25 minute session, thats it.

I am just going to do the Hyperdrive thing ... car only has 6,000 miles on it so I figure the brakes will be good for a 30 minute session.

Going to wing it with the stock brakes for the Hyperdrive. I will be the slow guy at the end of the line. :tup:

It's not about pad material it's about heat! IIRC Hyperdrive just runs in the same HPDE1/2 session as everyone else so... :)

Hmmm lady I been emailing back and forth from NASA made it sound like Hyperdrive is it's own session ... guess I will find out I am all signed up pending my car number is all. :tup:

See you there!
 

I have run a bunch of events with NASA at Summit Point. Hyperdrive never runs with group 2. That would create traffic jams that rival I95 at rush hour. You will be running with group one on their second session of the day.

You should be fine with everything stock unless the weather is really hot. Last year I saw a guy with a bone stock G37 run in hyperdrive with no issues. Just let your instructor know about the overheating problem with our cars. That way he (or she…you may get lucky and get the grey wolf as your instructor) will keep an eye on your oil temp gauge. You will be too busy focusing on the proper line and the sensory overload of driving on a track.

You may also want to let your instructor know of the brake issues our cars have. Your instructor will know if you are working the brakes hard enough to be of concern. However, I would not use the term “ice mode”. Just let him know that the aerodynamics of the 370Z is such as no air gets to the brake rotors and we boil our fluid easily. Your instructor can easily smell if you are really working the brakes.

I will see you at Summit Point on April 28th. I am in the 370Z covered with stickers and sporting a crude (but fully functional…I might say) splitter and rear diffuser. Your hyperdrive will either be an experience you relish for the rest of your driving career or the start of an obsession where your calendar revolves around the next time you can get on the track. I hope it is the latter for you!

thank you greatly for the input ... least I know I will not be the only Z there. I will be the nervous old fat guy just hoping it leaves the track in the same shape it arrived. :tup:

Interesting. At Mid-Ohio HPDE 1&2 run together and 3&4 run together. Makes for a bit of a big jump from 2 to 3&4... 1&2 can be huge trains and only a few good laps/session.

Have fun! It's like heroin for me... always looking for my next fix.

I was waiting for confirmation from NASA. I have been approved for group 3. That means if you arrive before your Hyperdive you can ride along with me if you wan't.

Just keep in mind, this is my first time in group 3, my first time with my upgraded suspension, and my first time running with R-Comps.

And I am sure your parents told you to never get into a car with a stranger!

Congratulations, ResIpsa. I'm going to sign up for HPDE3 next NASA event I go to. Will be interesting going to open passing.

I'm sorry that I won't see you guys up at Summit on the 28th. I'll be there for at least one hyperdrive in June for Hyperfest. Hopefully bring a few others up as well. Sixpax, you're in for one heck of a time. Enjoy!

Thanks dude ! I am looking forward to it, I fear I am going to get sucked in and will be signing up for HPDE before I even leave Saturday. Driver entry list is updated today, kind of cool they even put the Hyperdrive guys on there ... I am sadly the only 370Z :(

Hoping the #95 Old Fat Basturd Motorsports 370Z can hang for 30 minutes and leave with no scratches. :tup:

You might want to do HPDE-1 at Hyperfest ... I read on the NASA forums that Hyperdrive for that weekend will not be on the big track.

Are you asking me or sig ? I'm a retired military guy who lived through Panama, Grenada and two tours in Iraq. I'll get in anything. :tup:

I must have missed it the first time, I was the only 370Z on the entry list but I see you on there now ... sweetness !

hmmm, thanks for that bit of intel. I'll have to look into that for sure. I liked the big track running clockwise. Turn one will get your attention that first time!

I was offering you sixpax. If you do not have helmet, make sure you secure one before the group 3 session. Good times!

I'm all in, and thank you very much for the kind offer. I might go down to OG Racing in VA to grab a helmet this weekend though I still have some stuff to do to the car so not sure if I will make it down there. NASA said they have helmets, just have to turn in my driver's liscense to sign one out so might go that route. I would rather get my own.

FYI I purchased my helmet at Summit Point at OG Racings store. They have all kinds from not too expensive to crazy expensive.

Thanks dude ... Was nice meeting you and the wife today. Bring that Abarth to Summit in June !

The schedule has been posted. Group 3 will grid (line up in the pit lanes waiting to be sent out on track) starting at 9:40 a.m. Try to find me in the paddock before 9:30 a.m.

FYI--If my personality seems a little distant, just remember I am getting ready to run in the advanced group for the first time. I will probably be in the zone. I experienced this phenomenon when I went to Hyper Fest last year as a spectator. I tried to introduce my wife to one of my best friends before he went out on the track. But he acted as if he did not even see me.

Hyperdrive classroom session is at 10:00 so I won't be able to go out with you until after that.

Next HPDE-3 is right after Hyperdrive ends so not sure how that would work out either. Guess we can play it by ear...and no worries on the "keyed up" thing, I understand.