What is an HPCCC?
by Jarrod Igou
All those who like to drive fast, please raise your hands. Have you ever
wanted to drive on a road track?
Okay, gather around. Have a Helmet? Car in good repair? Decent tires?
You're set!!
Keep your eyes open for a registration form for the July 20-21 High
Performance Car Control Clinic (HPCCC), being organized by the Kaw Valley
Race Group (KVRG), and sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America at
Heartland Park in Topeka, Kansas.
So, what do all those letters in HPCCC mean? Well, the HPCCC is exactly
what it sounds like. High Performance Car Control Clinic. Okay, its not 100%
what it sounds like; High Performance is a description of the driving taking
place, not necessarily the car. Car Control is what the event is all about -
learning car control in a controlled environment: on a real road course,
under rules that greatly minimize the risk to both driver and vehicle. The
Clinic part? Yep, itbs a school. You'll be paired up with an instructor (a
licensed competition driver) who will work with you to understand the
concepts behind controlling a car on a race track. As you learn the required
skills and your instructor becomes comfortable with your performance, you may
even be "signed off" to drive without an instructor.
Is it safe? Probably safer than your drive to work in the morning! All
vehicles must pass a basic safety inspection to make it onto the course. Once
on the course, speeds are limited to 85 miles per hour max ... which is still
plenty fast when those stretches are connected by 30 mph corners.
Passing is only allowed in designated areas, and only when the car being
overtaken acknowledges the passing vehicle and waves them on.
Further promoting safety, drivers are split into two groups based on
their experience with similar open track events, actual racing, autocrossing
... whatever might make them quicker than someone else. Itbs also not
unusual
for students to be shuffled between those two groups to help even out the
numbers and speeds of the groups on track.
So, now you know what an HPCCC is, who is sponsoring one in the area,
where itbs gonna be and when it is. Cost? Past events at Heartland Park
Topeka typically cost in the neighborhood of $150 for the weekend (2-day),
and you'll usually end up on the track for around 2 hours over the two days
of the event, in four 30 minute sessions.
CAR PREPARATION
Preparing your car for an HPCCC is similar to prepping it for an
autocross, although there are some differences. Because of the higher speeds
and more intense braking zones, itbs highly recommended that you look into a
set of high performance brake pads. Changing the brake fluid is also
recommended, particularly if the fluid in your car is more than two years
old. Arriving at the Track before your sessions with a full tank of gas. Of
course, the corner workers will be there to assist you should you have a need
to stop out around the course. But they may give you a hard time though if
you run out of gas.
Mechanically, make sure that all routine maintenance has been performed.
Change the oil, check the spark plugs, make sure the battery is securely
mounted, ensure the coolant hoses are in good condition. Generally, make sure
the car is as ready as possible for the event.
In particular, make sure the tires are up to the task. "Race" tires are
not necessary, although they are allowed. A good set of high performance
street tires will work, as long as they have enough tread to last through the
weekend. Tires that are corded or worn to the treadwear bars will not be
allowed.
While not required, roll bars or cages in the car are recommend, as are
5-point safety harnesses. Regular seat belts will work just fine, especially
for your first event. Those driving convertibles or cars with T-tops are
required to remove (T-tops) or open their cars and wear eye protection,
either in the form of a full-face helmet or goggles with an open-face helmet.
Oh yeah - and make sure you take all of the loose stuff out of your car.
You don't want that empty pop can banging around between your feet as you
start braking for the first turn at the end of the 2,200 foot-long front
straight at 85 mph.
PERSON PREPARATION
Just as important as preparing your car, YOU must be prepared for the
event. You'll need a helmet, and unlike our autocross events, loaners are not
available. The helmet must meet Snell 90 specs, and either M90 or SA90 (or
newer) will pass. Read another way: if you can use it in autocross, it will
work for the HPCCC.
Drivers must wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when on track, preferably
cotton or denim. (Synthetic clothing, like nylon, does nasty things in dire
cases, like fires.) Shoes that cover the entire foot are also required. Note
that shoes (or boots) that are too heavy/thick can make it difficult to
drive.
Other things to bring include rain gear (we play in wet or dry weather),
a sweatshirt or two (because if you don't, it WILL be cold), sunscreen
(because if you don't, the SUN will be out), and anything else you might need
to be comfortable when you're not driving (like a folding chair, a cooler
with snacks, etc.)
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW
If you've never been to a club racing event, take some time to look
around. Visit with the drivers there, and look the cars over. Find yourself a
spot, and watch some of the racing action. Remember, this is an amateur event
- all of the drivers are members of the SCCA just like you are, and most are
more than happy to tell you about their experiences and their cars.
There's a definite social aspect tot he club race weekend as well.
Saturday night, after all of the racing is done for the day, there is a meal
and a participant party. You, as an HPCCC participant, are definitely
invited! Itbs a great chance to talk with other HPCCC folks and drivers.
Of course, I canbt let this go without mentioning the workers at the
track. Everywhere you go, from registration when you first reach the track,
to your safety inspection, to the grid, to the corners on the track,
volunteers are making the event happen. While some specialized knowledge may
be needed for those jobs, no one was born with the knowledge to do the jobs
theybve volunteered for - they learned it from scratch, just like you can.
Feel free to talk to the workers at the event. If theybre busy at the
moment,
stop back or look for them at the party on Saturday night. Talk to them about
what it takes to become a volunteer. Theybll be more than happy to tell you
about their specialty, as well as introduce you to folks in other specialties
if youbre interested.
WHATbS NEXT?
More details about the KVRG HPCCC at Heartland Park Topeka can be gotten
from the following locations. From the Kansas City Region Checkpoint. From
the KCR SCCA website, www.kcrscca.org for more details, including official
rules and entry forms, as well as a schedule and cost information.
You can also feel free to contact Jo - 785-843-8769 (Lawrence); Linda -
816-795-8520 (Kansas City); or Randy - 785-733-4156 (Topeka) with any
questions you might have. Directions to the track, car preparation,
registration information ... feel free to ask anything. If any of those
listed above donbt have the answer, they will know the person to ask, and
will get you an answer quickly.
Donbt delay, call today or visit the website for your entry form.
See you at the TRACK!
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