One-Day High Performance Driving Experience
Our fundamental one-day experience introduces the principles of high performance driving in the classroom and on the track.
- PREREQUISITE No Prior experience required.
Presenting the starting line for every ProFormance driver: concise chalk talk combined with guided hands-on driving exercises, all designed to equip you to survive on the street and control a car in all circumstances. The One-Day High Performance Driving Experience (HPDE) is our foundational course, offering advanced techniques and real-world scenarios to refine your skills behind the wheel.
HPDE is where professional race drivers begin their journey to the checkered flag, and where everyday drivers learn how to stay safe on their daily commute. Any kind of mastery starts with fundamentals, and they’re all covered. Where you go from here — to Indy or Interstate is up to you.
What to Expect
HPDE has both time in a classroom and time behind the wheel. You will learn about the skills required for high performance sport driving and then put the skills into action. Sport driving takes a lot of energy, and ProFormance provides a variety of snacks and a box lunch to keep you fueled.
AM Skills Clinic
The clinic begins with a 60-minute classroom session to establish the fundamentals of high performance driving: vehicle dynamics, skid control, brake application, vision skills, and more. You’ll then take to the track for a series of hands-on-wheel exercises that test and improve your skills in a variety of driving situations.
The AM Skills Clinic will teach you to think faster than you drive, see more than the car in front of you, and utilize your car’s active and passive safety systems while driving with advanced skill and confidence.
- NOTE AM Skills Clinic is offered as a stand-alone option on our calendar, but it alone does not qualify you for other ProFormance courses and activities. If you want to take further instruction and enjoy sport lapping at Pacific Raceways, you must do the One-Day High Performance Driving Experience. The HPDE Certificate of Graduation allows you to continue your sport driving journey.
Introduction to Sport Driving
Following the lunch break, you will use the techniques and skills you acquired in the morning session to experience the thrill of sport driving during a series of 20-minute lapping sessions with a qualified instructor accompanying you in your car.
High performance sport lapping continually develops your control over your vehicle, making you a more confident and capable driver on and off the track. If you find yourself wanting to further polish your driving skills, earn your High Performance Sport Driving License to continue sport lapping on your own!
- NOTE High Performance Sport Lapping events on our calendar are available to drivers who have earned their solo High Performance Sport Driving License in Step 2 of your sport driving journey.
Come Prepared
We recommend that you drive your own car to develop a closer relationship with it. However, track cars are available to rent.
- NOTE If you have a special, modified, or kit car please contact ProFormance to determine if your car meets the safety requirements for use on the racetrack.
- If you use your car, ensure your car is ready to drive when you arrive:
- Brakes must be in excellent condition with a minimum of 50% brake pad remaining.
- Tires must be in good condition, with adequate tread depth and no amateur plug repair to punctures. Repairs by professionals, such as Les Schwab or your dealership, are acceptable.
- Tire pressure should be set to the manufacturer’s specs. No air is on site at Pacific Raceways, so please check and fill tire pressure in advance.
- Fuel up in advance. No fuel is available on site at Pacific Raceways. Time to refill is available during the lunch hour.
- Seat belts must be present and functional for both driver and passenger seats.
- Secure or remove loose items inside the car and the trunk. Leave valuables at home.
- Soft top cars must have some form of aftermarket installed roll over protection or later generation cars have factory installed protection. Check with your dealer or your owner’s manual.
- Get a good night’s rest. HPDE is great fun, but it’s also mentally demanding and needs full concentration.
- Wear lightweight and close-fitting clothing. Thin, soft-soled shoes are recommended for maximum pedal “feel.” Some walking over loose terrain will be required.
- All drivers at ProFormance Racing School wear helmets with Snell SA2020 or later certification. If you do not have one, ProFormance provides helmets and head socks free of charge to HPDE participants.
- Review and sign the adult or minor waiver release form. A PDF will be sent with your registration confirmation and must be signed and returned 48 hours prior to your HPDE. Signing a release of liability waiver is standard practice for driving on all racetracks in the United States.
Next Step on your Driving Journey
Upon completion of HPDE, participants receive a Certificate of Graduation.
With this accomplishment you are prepared to continue your sport driving journey.
The next step is to sign up for a Lapping Session with Coaching.
Once you have earned your High Performance Sport Driving License, you are qualified to register for any Solo Sport Lapping Session at ProFormance Racing School.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Schedule
Please email or text us to request a new date, and we will move your reservation to the date of your choice, provided it falls within the same calendar year as your original booking. Reservations may be moved a maximum of two times; after that, we will process a refund, and a new reservation will be required.
We require 8 days notice for cancellation either by email or text. Failure to notify our office prior to 8 days before your scheduled date will result in forfeiture of tuition. No refunds, exchanges, or credits are given for cancellations less than 8 days from the scheduled date.
Once registered, you will receive a welcome email with all the details regarding your fun day with us. A final reminder will be sent a few days prior to your event.
Rain is a great learning environment, and the school operates rain or shine. Clients are always amazed at how much they learn driving in wet weather and how much fun they have. We do not cancel an event for rain.
During the winter months, ProFormance may cancel an event up to 3 days prior due to forecasted snow, ice, or flooding. Our first and foremost priority is safety. If the circuit is not usable, we will offer you dates to reschedule or issue a full refund if you are unable to select a suitable date.
Students must be 15.5 years of age with a valid state learner’s permit. Parental consent is required for drivers under 18. Having at least 3 – 6 months of driving experience will enhance students learning comprehension. ProFormance does not conduct a curriculum in basic motor vehicle operation – our focus is on developing street survival skills and proactive driving techniques. Teens receive special emphasis on areas that affect teen drivers, such as situational awareness, concentration levels, and, of course, impaired driving.
Typically, HPDE is conducted on Wednesdays or Thursdays, but we do schedule some weekends for your convenience. Sign up early, as weekend dates fill quickly. Check out the calendar in October through April for weekend dates.
As an Avants member, you receive a one-time discount of 10% off HPDE. When registering, please include your full name and membership number in the “Additional Notes” section. We will verify your membership with the Avants team and issue your discount as a refund after your scheduled program date. Please note that the discount applies only to the member listed on the membership card, is limited to one discount per member, and is not transferable to family members.
Safety and Driving Concerns
At ProFormance, safety is our top priority. Our instructors are dedicated to providing a fun, educational, and safe experience. Failure is not an option. Since our opening day in 1994 — training thousands of drivers — we have never had two cars make contact with each other.
However, motorsports carry inherent risks. Any driver involved in an incident is responsible for the costs of damage to the track surface, track facilities, towing, fire/rescue services, and cleanup, including dry sweep.
While this will vary from vehicle to vehicle and driving style, most participants will not even know their car was at a racetrack.
Insurance policies vary, and the best approach is to read your policy. You will probably find a section that deals with training and events conducted at a racing facility. Please note that ProFormance’s High Performance Driving Experience is non-timed and considered advanced driver education. Check your specific policy for details or contact your auto insurance agent. Additional options for on-track coverage are Hagerty, Lockton Affinity, or On-Track.
We start with a variety of driving exercises geared to teach you the basics of car control. Only after you have established a solid foundation will you be driving at higher speeds. While we encourage participants to find their limits, every student is coached at their comfort level based on their personal goals for their driving.
Most of the day will be practical experience behind the wheel. Classroom work is held to a minimum.
We average 15 to 24 participants per course, with a ratio of 1 instructor to 2 participants.
During your day with us, we will discuss the steps for earning your High Performance Sport Driving License, which permits you to enjoy recreational sport lapping at Pacific Raceways.
In short, as soon as possible after HPDE, we recommend you schedule a coaching session offered during most lapping sessions. You will be assigned a driving instructor who will be with you for your first 45 minutes on track. Following that session, the instructor will put you under observation for the balance of the day and will be available to you for consultation.
Upon successful participation in the day’s drive, you earn solo status and receive your High Performance Sport Driving License, a Driver’s Logbook, and you are eligible to register for a solo lapping session at ProFormance.
If you desire to take the next step and join competition race driving, ProFormance Racing School offers a Two-Day Accredited Competition Race Licensing course.
Sharing the Fun
Yes, we welcome family and friends and will make them feel a part of the day. However, we are not equipped to handle dogs or young children.
The afternoon sport lapping sessions are prime viewing. Bring a camera to record the thrills and capture the smiles!
ProFormance does not allow passengers on the track. This is a national safety standard driven by our insurance carrier and our professional approach.
Yes, two participants can share one car for HPDE. Both drivers will have equal experience. Just remember to purchase two tickets for the One-Day High Performance Driving Experience and include both names on your order.
Out-of-Town Participants
Hampton Inn at the Landing. Twenty minutes from Pacific Raceways. Located off I-405, opposite Lake Washington, minutes from Gene Coulon Park. The Landing is less than a mile away, home to shopping, dining, and entertainment like theatres and Top Golf. Lake views, indoor swimming, free WiFi, secure underground parking, and free breakfast are included. ProFormance has a partnership discount with the hotel. Contact Larry, and he will be happy to assist you.
Muckleshoot Casino Resort. Fifteen minutes from Pacific Raceways. Located in Auburn, this upscale resort offers a blend of luxury and entertainment. Enjoy a variety of dining options, a full-service spa, and a state-of-the-art casino. Guests can unwind in modern, well-appointed rooms and suites or take advantage of live entertainment and nightlife. Free WiFi, complimentary parking, and access to a fitness center are included.
Following the motorsports theme, there are top-notch museums in the area. Visit LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, The Museum of Flight in Seattle, or Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in Kent.