Late to Grid - Grassroots Racing · Bill Snow

Get On Track with NASA HPDE - Joey Pollak and Derek Mortland

·55 min·5 clips

Derek Mortland describes crashing at Gateway, getting paralyzed, and later returning to the same track for a lap.

This episode features hosts Joey Pollak and Derek Mortland from NASA Great Lakes discussing grassroots motorsports and driver education programs. Joey is a former Navy pilot and endurance racer, while Derek is a former motorcycle racer who continued track driving after a paralysis-causing accident. They explain NASA's structured High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) program, which includes four levels from beginner to advanced. Derek recounts his first track experience after his accident, driving a Pontiac Grand Prix at Gateway Motorsports Park. Joey describes his own start in a Volkswagen VR6 at Beaver Run, learning the importance of race brake pads. The HPDE 1 level involves a full weekend with classroom sessions and an instructor in every on-track session. Instructors contact students before events to ease first-time nerves and review car preparation. Progression to HPDE 2 requires demonstrating safe solo driving, typically after three to four weekends. HPDE 2 incorporates drills like passing trains and reverse grids to build comfort and situational awareness. A key program goal is teaching drivers to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable" for advanced levels. The hosts emphasize that seat time alone is insufficient without proper coaching to correct mistakes. Safety is paramount, with strict flag recognition enforced for advancement. Convertibles like Miatas require aftermarket roll bars for track use, while models like the Honda S2000 have factory-approved protection. Essential gear includes an SA-rated helmet, long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes, with fresh brake pads and fluid being critical prep. Evenings at NASA events feature organized dinners that foster a community atmosphere among drivers and instructors. The tone is conversational, educational, and encouraging, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice. This episode is ideal for listeners curious about starting track driving or seeking a structured path to improve their skills. Those solely interested in professional racing or car building without the driver development focus might find it less relevant.

As heard by us

A practical, coach-minded look at getting faster without pretending the learning curve is short.

Late to Grid treats NASA Great Lakes as a place where track driving feels learnable, not out of reach. Joey Pollack and Derek Mortlin talk through their motorsports backgrounds, and Derek's story gives the episode a human center.

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Why you'd press play

You want a straight path from wondering if you can get on track to running smoother laps.

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