Club Racing/Trackdays
Here's how to get fast
Getting Started
Autocross (Solo II)
Autocross is all about precision. These are relatively low speed events (45-60mph) that take place in large paved areas (like parking lots). Rather than race against other cars, we race against the clock. The track is typically defined
by a set of cones arranged in gates that the driver must navigate to complete the course. Penalties are assigned for hitting cones, and a DNF (Did not finish) for any gate missed. These are great events to start with because they have a
very low barrier for entry. Entry fees are very cheap and put the car/driver in a minimal risk of damage.
The Tarheel Sports Car Club in NC has an excellent introduction.
Trackdays (Solo I)
Trackdays (HPDE) are becoming more popular every day. They allow you take your street car and drive it on the track with very few limits. The entry fees are very reasonable considering the track time you get and the only gear you need is
a helmet. You'll be assigned an instructor who will help you find your way around the track while saying safe, and help you get the most out of your car.
NASA is probably the biggest club doing these type of events. They are nationwide and also organize road racing.
Club Racing
Club racing is an amateur sport designed for those of us without the budget or skillset of a professional. These events allow us to go race against other drivers in similarly prepped cars. Drivers compete for a trophy and bragging rights
mostly, but with season championships and small "sponsorships" it is possible to recoup some of the costs (if you're fast enough).
The SCCA is among the oldest of these racing organizations and is both loved and hated by thousands of racers globally. They organize everything from pro races, right down to the
club level. Although not as strong in the track day market, they do offer HPDE type events.
Prep
- Autocross
- Check air pressure, you'll likely want to start with a much higher pressure than factory. This helps the tires hold their shape under extreme cornering. Read the sidewall on the tire to get the max safe pressure, and talk with some
experienced racers when you get to the event to help you fine tune.
- Check battery tie downs. Make sure your battery is securely tied down, don't want it rolling around while cornering.
- Clean out the car. Take everything out, including the floor mats. Wait until you get there to remove the spare. You don't want the excess weight holding you back, and you especially don't want junk rolling around while driving.
- Trackdays
- Not much is different from autocross in prep for these events. As you get more into it you will learn what prep can make you faster, and make things easier at the track. The autocross prep should cover you enough to get out on the
first session.
- Club Racing
- If you're in this deep, you don't need to be reading this for help. Depending on the class rules these cars may require extensive modifications. Roll cages, fuel cells, racing seats, and that's just safey gear.
Refer to your clubs page before the event. There will likely be a lot more information there. Allow yourself time to prepare. You will be expected to pass a "tech" session before going out. These quick checks will help ensure you stay
safe while competing.
Classing
It would be impossible to cover all the classes in racing today on this page. Just understand that you will be expected to follow a set of rules that define modifications allowed, or required in order to compete. Cars are classed based
on modifications allowed, and then by overall speed.
Nearly all entry level organizations have a "stock" class. This class limits modifications to things like simple strut upgrades and intake/exhaust upgrades. None of this have a dramatic impact on the performance of the car (unless you're
looking to win a championship), and allow newbs or those without much money to compete. From there things get tricky.
Many organizations run a set of rules defined by the SCCA (Typically modified for their own use). These rules set levels of modifications like Stock, Street Prepared, Street Modified, and so on. Each upward progression allows more
extreme modifications.
Each car is assigned a speed rating by the organization running the event. This ensures that Mini's will not be competing against Porsches.