High Performance Driver Education. Master your Porsche.
High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) is a safe, strictly controlled, non-racing environment where you can legally experience the absolute limits of your car on a closed track. Your Porsche was engineered to handle dynamics you simply cannot explore on public roads; our certified right-seat instructors will give you the skills and confidence to finally drive it the way it was meant to be driven.
Not a Race. An Education.
It is completely normal to feel nervous about taking your Porsche on the track for the first time. That is why HPDE is built entirely around safety and instruction, not lap times.
When you register as a novice, you are assigned a dedicated, experienced PCA instructor who will be in the passenger seat with you for the entire weekend. They will teach you the racing line, advanced braking techniques, and visual awareness. There is no wheel-to-wheel racing, and passing is strictly controlled by point-bys. You set your own pace, and you only push as hard as you and your instructor feel comfortable.
The Safety Ladder: HPDE Run Groups
Drivers are divided into specific run groups based on their verified track experience. You will only ever share the track with drivers of a similar skill level.
Designed for first-timers and beginners. A PCA-certified instructor is mandatory in the passenger seat at all times. Passing is restricted to designated straightaways and only permitted when the lead car points the passing car by.
For drivers who have been signed off by instructors to drive solo, although some may still have instructors riding with them. The pace increases, but safety remains paramount. Passing is still strictly point-by only, though passing zones may be slightly expanded compared to the Novice group.
For experienced track drivers. The pace is fast, and situational awareness is critical. Point-by passing is typically allowed anywhere on the track.
Red run group is the most advanced tier on the track, typically reserved for highly experienced solo drivers and amatuer racers. It may have point-by passing protocols anywhere on the track and demands elite situational awareness and traffic management from all participants.
Reserved exclusively for our certified PCA instructors.
Preparation & Tech Inspection
Safety starts long before you arrive at the grid. All vehicles must pass a rigorous tech inspection.
Pre-Event Shop Tech
Unlike Autocross, HPDE requires a formal technical inspection completed by a qualified mechanic prior to the event. This ensures your brake pads, high-temperature brake fluid, and tires are fully capable of handling track conditions.
Helmet Requirements
All drivers and instructors must wear an approved, closed or open-faced helmet bearing the current Snell SA certification sticker (currently SA2020 or newer). Motorcycle (M-rated) helmets are not permitted.
The Tech Form
You must bring your completed, stamped Tech Form to the grid on the morning of the event. You will not be allowed on track without it.
Schnell Fest at COTA
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is one of the premier Formula 1 tracks in the world, and it sits right in our backyard. To host HPDE weekends at such a massive venue, Hill Country Region PCA partners with the Lone Star Region PCA and the BMW Car Club of America to host Schnell Fest.
When you see Schnell Fest on the calendar, know that it is our official, premier HPDE event. Registration fills up incredibly fast, so keep an eye on our weekly newsletters for registration dates!
Track Maps & Resources
Study the track before you arrive. Download our high-resolution track maps detailing corner numbers, passing zones, and flag station locations.
