Production chassis/unibody:
Production chassis/unibody cars are generally permitted if it is safe and in good condition. Please review the vehicle prep and tech inspection sections below. If you have any doubt whether your vehicle is permitted please email us at hpde@calabogiemotorsports.com.
*Please see the separate section for convertible vehicles if applicable.

NON-production chassis/unibody:
ie: kit cars, open wheel race cars, dune buggies, etc.
SPECIAL APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR VEHICLES THAT DO NOT HAVE A PRODUCTION CHASSIS/UNIBODY!
For approval, email hpde@calabogiemotorsports.com and include the following information:

• Your name
• Your on-track driving experience
• How much of your on-track experience was done using this vehicle
• Your driver class: first timer, novice, intermediate, or advanced
• Vehicle description
• Vehicle photo(s)

Trucks and SUVs are typically NOT permitted on track at our events due to their vulnerability to roll over.

During our novice events some exceptions can be made for smaller, car based SUVs to participate.

There is not a simple yes or no answer to this question. It really depends on your vehicle and its safety equipment. 
Factory rollover protection (including pop-up or active) is acceptable in First-Time, Novice & Intermediate run groups. Aftermarket roll bars are HIGHLY recommended for the Advanced group.

Hard tops & “style bars” DO NOT count as structural roll protection!

Please note, not all convertibles are equipped with factory roll protection.  The driver has the burden of proof that their vehicle/model has sufficient roll protection. 

If you are unsure of your specific vehicle’s roll protection, we suggest taking a look in the owner’s manual, checking forums, or contacting the manufacturer directly.  We DO NOT maintain a comprehensive list of approved/unapproved convertibles, and our coaches on-site have the final say in your vehicle's approval to go on track.

FIRST-TIME / NOVICE DRIVERS please note: even though your vehicle may be permitted to go on track, in some cases your instructor will choose NOT to ride with you due to his/her own safety concerns. If this is the case, we will endeavor to instructed you through other means such as classroom, lead/follow, etc.

Broomstick Test:  While sitting in the driver’s seat with your helmet on, setting a broomstick or similar device atop the windshield frame and roll bar, your helmet must have clearance under the broomstick.

Not sure?
If you are unsure of your specific vehicle’s roll protection, we suggest taking a look in the owner’s manual, checking forums, or contacting the manufacturer directly.  We DO NOT maintain a comprehensive list of approved/unapproved convertibles, and our coaches on-site have the final say in your vehicle's approval to go on track, however here are some examples:

The following cars are known to have factory rollover protection and are approved to run:

Audi TT, A4, S4, A5, S5 & R8
Aston Martin 1998-present
Bentley Continental
BMW Z4 & Z3, 3 series, 6 series, M series 1998-present
Bugatti Veyron
Dodge Viper SRT-10 2004-present
Ferrari 360, 430 & California
Fiat 124 Spider (2016 to present)
Jaguar 1998-present
Honda S2000 & NSX
Lamborghini Gallardo, Murcielago, Diablo, LP560, LP640 roadsters, Performante
Mazda Miata 2006‐present
Mercedes S, SLK and CLK Convertible
Mercedes SLS Roadster
Mini & S
Nissan 350/370Z
Porsche - all convertibles 996/986 and later
Volkswagen Eos & Beetle

The following cars do NOT have factory roll over protection and would be required to install aftermarket roll bars:

BMW Z3 1996-97 without factory roll over hoops (1998 and newer are approved)
Camaro Convertible, all models
Corvette Convertible, all models
Dodge Viper RT Convertible 1992-2003 (SRT 2004 and newer are approved)
Firebird Convertible
Mazda Miata 1990‐2005 (2006 and newer are approved)
Mustang/Shelby Convertibles, all models
Lexus SC 430 Convertible
Porsche - all convertibles pre-996/986 generation
Pontiac Solstice & GXP
Saturn Sky
Toyota Solaris

We are not responsible for you or your vehicle. Your auto insurance coverage at HPDE events can vary widely between different carriers. Some insurance carriers provide zero coverage whatsoever at any "race track facility". Some will provide coverage when participating in non-competitive, non-timed, driver educational events such as ours in accordance with your normal "street" policy. Some provide coverage for events at race tracks only with a rider or additional charge.

It is your responsibility to check with your individual agent or insurance company in advance of participating in any event to be sure you are satisfied with the level of coverage you will have while participating.

Many drivers are very handy and capable of handling track preparation in their own garage and others prefer to leave the hands-on work to professionals.  There are often many performance oriented dealerships selling performance lines of production vehicles that are quite experienced at working with drivers for track event preparation.  Independent performance and tuning shops can be of assistance as well.

It is up to each individual driver to determine the appropriate qualified person to prepare their vehicle or perform any changes or upgrades for use on the street or on the track.

The amount and type of vehicle preparation required can vary dramatically per vehicle and per driver.  It is possible for participants to be both very harsh and very easy on their vehicles during a road course event.  Drivers can push the limits of their skill and vehicle as much or as little as they are comfortable with.

Varying driving techniques will cause different amounts and areas of wear on a vehicle.  Harsh, erratic driving can be harder on ball joints, suspension components and bushings while smoother drivers might simply experience wear on brakes, tires or engine components.

A key theme to vehicle preparation is good overall general maintenance such as fresh fluids, checking belts, good condition spark plugs/wires, tires, brakes and any type of wear items.  These basics are often sufficient for novice drivers or those that are conservative road course drivers.

As mentioned in our disclaimer, tech inspection is not all-inclusive and should not be considered any type of certification or guarantee of safe operation.  All drivers are required to sign our tech sheet/waiver acknowledging their sole responsibility for the preparation of his or her vehicle.

Prior to going on track for your first session of the day your driving coach or other on-site staff may perform a basic inspection of your vehicle.

It is important to note that these inspection at an event will serve only as a basic "spot check" of these items:

HELMET

• All participants must wear a helmet
• Helmet must be SA2015 or newer
• No M-only or DOT-only ratings
• You are required to select and use an appropriate helmet that fits you correctly
• Tech Inspection will check that your helmet carries the SA2015+ rating, they will not check for fitment

SEAT BELTS/HARNESSES

• 3-point seat belts (factory) or multi-point harnesses are required for all drivers and passengers
• Lap belts are not acceptable and will NOT pass tech inspection
• Driver seat & restraint matches the passenger seat & restraint (if mismatched, passengers will not be permitted - this includes instructors for First-Timers & Novices)
• Harnesses must be properly mounted in accordance to the harness manufacturer's instructions.
• Racing seats must be properly secured with no movement.

CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES & ROLL PROTECTION

• See "Are convertibles permitted?" section above.

OTHER

• Vehicle number: exists/meets requirements
• Vehicle has been emptied of any loose items
• Battery is securely tied down
• No obvious fluid leaks or loose body panels
• Clothing: 100% cotton shirt, long pants (cotton recommended), close-toe lace up shoes
• LONG PANTS AND CLOSE-TOE SHOES ARE REQUIRED!

As mentioned in our disclaimer this inspection is not all-inclusive and should not be considered any type of certification or guarantee of safe operation.  All drivers are required to sign our tech sheet/waiver form acknowledging their sole responsibility for the preparation of his or her vehicle.