The Chicago Region of the Porsche Club of America HPDE events are Driver Education events, NOT Racer Education events.  The road course is being made available to an entire Run Group of drivers working together to the benefit and safety of all.

Passing slower cars should not be viewed as a conquest, but rather as a serious part of your learning process.  Maintaining a free flow on the track is a prime safety consideration.  Therefore, passing is permitted only on the designated straights and only with a clear signal from the lead car.  Be kind.  An accident is when a meteor hits your car – all else is attributed to driver error…

The Chicago Region passing rules are as follows: The car being passed will remain ONLINE and the car doing the passing will move OFF-LINE to pass:

The simple rule is if the next turn goes to the right then the OFF-LINE passing lane preceding the turn is also on the right. 

If next turn is left, make off-line pass on the left.

Passing areas are detailed on the track map you are provided as part of the materials you receive when attending an event and are run-group dependent.

Passing rules and locations for all Run Groups will be discussed at the morning drivers’ meeting.  Check your mirrors often, especially at the beginning of a passing area.  Let the faster drivers pass.  If a car appears behind you and it was not there the last time you looked in your mirror, it is faster than you.  Signal the vehicle to pass at the next available opportunity.  You are responsible for coordination with the car in front and behind you. 

To Allow a Pass

• Remain ON-LINE.
• Put your ARM OUT the driver’s window, and point to the left or right (over the top) to direct the passing car around you OFF-LINE.  Point with authority.  If your car is equipped with a window net, you may point to the right from inside the vehicle using your right hand.  Make sure it is visible through the rear window.

• Back off the throttle.  Do not drag race down the straights.  Sometimes the car behind you can stay with you through the turns, but it might not have the power or momentum to pass on the straight unless you slow down.
• If you intend to allow more than one car to pass you, clearly signal each and every car.
• Initiate all passing at the beginning of the straight, not near or at the end of it.  You are responsible to allow the pass to be completed before reaching the first brake marker. 

To Pass

• If you come upon a slower car in the turns, please stay back for a comfortable distance.  Do not ride their bumper! Allow adequate spacing if their car should suddenly slow until the next passing area.
• Wait for a distinct signal from the lead car, accelerate and pass on the side indicated by the car being passed.
• The turn at the end of the straight can come up fast when you are concentrating on a pass.  Be certain that you have the time to complete the pass and get back on-line, or have the competence to negotiate the turn from the “inside of the corner” if appropriate.
• You are encouraged to gain experience and a comfort level in entering a corner from the inside or “off-line”.
• All passes must be completed prior to the first brake marker. 

Following Distances

Keep reasonable distances between cars.  Do not bunch cars on the straights.  If you are not going to pass someone, keep your distance.  Minimum distance on straights should be three car lengths, unless you are passing, and then you should not be directly behind the car in front of you.

In corners, stay three seconds behind the car in front of you.  Corners are where problems are likely to occur.  If you are approaching a turn, back off before the braking zone to maintain a safe corner.

Corner workers will be reporting unacceptable intervals and unsafe driving practices to the Starter.  Drivers will be Black Flagged and talked to.  Repeated violations will result in your disqualification from the event.  We do not want any single car incidents, much less multiple car incidents.