How Can I Race at High Plains Raceway?

Updated

You can race at High Plains Raceway (HPR) by entering wheel-to-wheel competition through the amateur clubs that host events at the track. HPR states that there is an event for you regardless of skill level, vehicle choice, or budget, and it points prospective racers to a "How to Race at HPR" guidance page. The track itself is a facility that hosts clubs; the clubs run the competition, so your entry path runs through them rather than through a single HPR racing school.

Start With the Right Entry Point

HPR describes its season as running virtually every weekend from April through October, with amateur clubs hosting everything from track days and driving schools to wheel-to-wheel racing. That progression matters: if you have never been on a track, a track day or driving school is the normal first step before wheel-to-wheel racing.

  • Never driven on track: begin with a track day or driving school hosted by a club at HPR.
  • Some track experience: ask clubs about their novice or intermediate competition licensing path.
  • Ready to race wheel-to-wheel: enter a club race event in an eligible class for your car or motorcycle.

HPR also runs its own Open Lapping Days, which it describes as a safe and legal environment to explore the performance envelope of your vehicle. These are lapping sessions, not races, but they are a practical way to learn the layout and build seat time.

Choose an Event That Fits Your Vehicle and Budget

HPR explicitly frames its racing as open to all vehicle choices and budget levels, and notes that events cover all types of cars and motorcycles. In practice, your decision comes down to three matching questions:

Question What to check
What do you want to drive or ride? Whether the hosting club runs car or motorcycle classes, and which class your vehicle fits
What is your experience level? Whether the event is a school, track day, or wheel-to-wheel race, and whether novices are accepted
What can you spend? Entry fees, required safety equipment, and club membership costs for the event you are considering

Because clubs set their own classes, fees, and equipment rules, confirm these details with the specific host club before committing.

Use the HPR Calendar and Guidance Pages

The HPR site is the starting point for finding events and understanding the process:

  1. Open the Upcoming Calendar Events section to see which clubs are running events and on which dates.
  2. Read the How to Race at HPR page for the track's own guidance on entering competition.
  3. Contact the hosting club listed for an event to confirm eligibility, class, and entry requirements.

The calendar also shows closures, so check it before planning a visit. For example, the posted calendar lists a closure for maintenance from October 26 through December 31, with the reopening date to be determined, plus closures around December 24–25 and December 31–January 1. HPR asks that people not contact the track asking when it will reopen; the date will be posted when known.

Watch First If You Are Unsure

HPR states that virtually all of its events are free to watch and open to the public, and it provides a "How to Watch at HPR" page. Attending an event as a spectator is a low-risk way to see how clubs run race weekends, talk to competitors, and decide which class and club suit you before you enter.

Practical Checks Before You Enter

  • Confirm the event is a race, not a track day or school, if wheel-to-wheel competition is your goal.
  • Verify your vehicle or motorcycle meets the host club's class rules.
  • Ask the club what safety equipment and licensing or novice requirements apply.
  • Check the HPR calendar for the event date and any scheduled closures.
  • Expect the season to run roughly April through October, with limited activity outside it.