As we continue to take a look at ‘Behind the Gates’, our sixth installment of this new segment allowed us to sit down with Dave Kizerian of NASA Utah. A popular program at UMC, NASA Utah has evolved as much as the track has to bring new racers and competitive gearheads into motorsports.
UMC: How long have you been a garage tenant at the Utah Motorsports Campus and what does the Campus provide you to aid in the successful operation of your business?
NASA Utah: We’ve been a tenant at UMC since it became UMC in 2016. Prior to that, NASA Utah was a tenant since it started in 2012. Before NASA Utah, we’ve been garage tenants back as far as 2008. The facility is great and that shows by us being here on site for nearly fifteen years.
UMC: Your company has a large presence trackside. How did you get your start, how long have you been involved in motorsports and what are your future plans?
NASA Utah: NASA Utah started in 2012 to replace the existing MPRA (Miller Park Race Association). A structured program with NASA (National Auto Sport Association), a national sanctioning body that helped provide a consistent set of rules and programs offered by many regions throughout the USA.
NASA Utah is Cheri Miller, Matt Guiver, and Dave Kizerian. We also receive lots of additional assistance from family, friends, and dedicated volunteers.
Matt and Dave both started in autocross in the late 90’s and have participated in a wide range of motorsports ever since. Both raced in MPRA when the track opened, and both managed successful series from the administration side as well; Matt with Lap Battle, a time attack series, and Dave with SCCA, hosting road racing and PDX. Matt has raced GT4 in SRO, as well as many other series on both two and four-wheels.
Cheri was the owner of a professional race team that ran in IMSA and World Challenge and has competed in the Silver State Classic.
UMC: Why did you choose UMC as your home base?
NASA Utah: Being located at our home track just makes sense for us. Our events are all held at UMC, and having a known facility for participants makes things easy.
UMC: For people that do not know about NASA Utah, can you tell us what you do and where your focus is?
NASA Utah: NASA Utah hosts track-based automotive events. Get started in HPDE (High Performance Driving Event), then drivers can progress to Time Trials and door-to-door racing with experience.
UMC: Can you tell us a little about your customer base and your programs?
NASA Utah: We have a wide range of customers from drivers experiencing their first time on track, all the way to racers with decades of experience.
The HPDE program is a ladder system with new track drivers starting in HPDE 1, where they receive lots of classroom time, and in-car instruction from one of our dedicated instructors. After a driver graduates from HPDE 1, they will progress through HPDE 2, 3, and 4 with track time, experience, and increasing skills.
Our Time Trial program pits drivers against the clock in a fastest-lap competition format.
Our HPDE and Time Trial program can be done in most street cars with the minimal additional investment needed.
And our racing program offers true door-to-door racing experience in fully race-prepared cars.
UMC: Anything else you want to share with our readers?
NASA Utah: You can find out more about our events and get registered by visiting www.nasautah.com or looking for us on Instagram @nasautah.
UMC: Thank you for taking the time to sit down with UMC and all of this information.
NASA Utah: Thank You!
Rich Jellerson