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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Weekend Expectations

Drivers should plan on being in class or on track for most of the weekend.
There will not be time to participate in other run groups.

For active Time Trial competitors, the schedule will allow at least one TT session per day to maintain season points.

Drivers are expected to read and understand the NASA CCRs before attending.