NASA Northwest offers three clear pathways for drivers looking to enter wheel-to-wheel racing. Each route is designed to ensure drivers meet a consistent standard of skill, safety, and race-readiness.

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Option 1 — Traditional Progression Path

This is the most common route for drivers coming up through the NASA system.

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Drivers will:

• Progress through the full NASA HPDE ladder (HPDE1 → HPDE4).

• Accumulate 8+ days of experience in HPDE4 or receive a strong recommendation from the HPDE4 Group Leader confirming race readiness.

• Attend and successfully complete a NASA Competition School.

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This path is ideal for drivers who want a structured, skill-building journey from their first track day to their first race start.

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Option 2 — Existing Race License From Another Organization

Drivers with legitimate wheel-to-wheel experience and a current race license from another sanctioning body may apply directly for a NASA Competition License.

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Important clarifications:

• NASA will not accept drivers who have only attended a school and received an “automatic” license with limited or no real racing experience.

• Each driver is evaluated on merit, based on documentation and evidence they provide.

Examples of acceptable supporting evidence:

• Recent race results (ideally showing lap times or total time against others in the same class).

• Note: finishing position or season points alone are not sufficient.

• Proof of experience: number of races completed, years racing, or series history.

• In-car video footage demonstrating racecraft, awareness, and control.

• In some cases, high-quality video may be all that is required.

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This option is best for drivers who have already been racing competitively elsewhere and want to transition into NASA.

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Option 3 — Private Licensing Path

Designed for advanced or expert drivers who want to begin racing with NASA immediately and prefer a custom-tailored licensing experience.

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NASA will provide a private, one-on-one styled competition school, personalized to the driver’s skill level, car, and goals.

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Prerequisites include:

• Reading and understanding the NASA CCRs.

• Submitting a completed and paid Competition License application.

• Submitting and receiving approval for the Medical application (doctor exam or self-certification, depending on eligibility).

• Owning a race-ready car that has already passed a NASA Annual Tech inspection.

• Securing a unique NASA-approved race number.

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This is the most streamlined path for drivers who are already deeply experienced and simply need NASA certification.

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Competition School (“Comp School”) Details

Participants are strongly encouraged to use a fully compliant race car, though this is not strictly required as of November 2025.

A “race car” must include:

• Full roll cage

• Window nets

• Fire system

• Electrical kill switch

• Disabled steering lock

• Current SA-rated helmet

• HANS (or equivalent)

• Full fire-rated driver gear

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Medical Requirements

A NASA Medical is not required to attend Comp School.
However, drivers with a valid medical and a car that passes Annual Tech may be allowed to compete in the actual NASA race on Sunday, pending satisfactory performance in the school.

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Expiration Timeline

Drivers must enter at least one NASA sprint race within 12 months of completing Comp School. If not, they may be required to repeat the school.

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