Track Weekends & HPDE
There are two race tracks within a weekend trip’s driving distance from JMU – VIR in Danville and Summit Point in West Virginia. MM usually makes an appearance at most High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) events, which are hosted by the Mid-Atlantic region of the National Auto Sport Association.
Some of our alumni and more dedicated students participate in the schools, or work various positions at the track. Workers are generally coordinated by one of the current MM officers roughly three to four weeks prior to the event. Most will work a flagger station, which is a great way to earn some money and be right next to the action on track! The more experienced MMers will have the opportunity to work grid, as NASA typically leaves one grid worker spot open specifically for MM.
Workers are paid after their first event is complete – thus, you work your first event “for free” to ensure that you come back. All MM/NASA workers are put up in a hotel at no cost, and fed lunch both Saturday and Sunday. Starting with your second event, you will be paid for your time.
Students are welcome to come and spectate, photograph, get ride alongs with more advanced drivers, and participate in touring laps. There is always something to watch or someone to hang out with, and often times MM leaves JMU as a group.