I want to drive on the Track. What do I need to know?

Going out to a track day for the first time can be an intimidating experience. Going out not knowing anyone is probably alot worse!

I'll try to fill in the blanks for anyone that wants to give it a try, let you know what you need to do , how you should conduct yourself and who you should ask or direct questions or concerns too. driving at a track day lapping event or even an autocross is one of the most enjoyable things you can do with your car and is actually very safe to do!

Register for an Event.

Follow the links in the Listings thread and get registered! You can pay by credit card or even paypal for most ASA Autocross events and Speedway Performance Stratotech lapping events. I'm going to assume Castrol's WOW lapping events will be cash at the door.
NASCC lapping may be setup the same as Speedways lapping events where you can pre-register and save a spot.
Because lapping has become so popular it's best to keep an eye on when events open for registration to reserve a spot. Don't hesitate! they fill fast.
If you follow website directions it's very easy to register and pay ahead for any local racing event!


Safety Equipment?

You need a helmet! SA2010 is the most recommended and it can be open or closed face. Stratotech lapping and NASCC will probably not have loaner helmets, ASA Autocross and RX7 club usually have helmets to lend out, if you plan on doing one of these events once send some pm's or emails off and there will be someone out there willing to lend a helmet!

Will my car pass tech? Your car will pass tech if it will pass an insurance inspection!

Main concern area's of a car:

-Battery tie downs (must be secure and not move)
-Seat belts in working order
-Clean and tidy car so no items become a distraction or become dangerous to the driver.
-Tires that have tread left on them. Showing cords will have you removed immediately.
-Leaks. If it leaves a pool of oil or any fluid it probably shouldn't go to the track. Stratotech shares events with motorcyclists and even a small amount of oil can ruin someones day.
-Working brakes. Be sure to have some brake pad left and that the brakes work properly.


What are the events like?

Autocross/rallycross/lapping have some of the most enthusiastic people you will ever meet in the car community. Every experienced driver out there will be more then happy to give you advice and spend a few minutes making you feel a little more confident and safer at any of the events you go to. There is a massive amount of knowledge on the table and you are encouraged to ask any and all questions you can.
The organizers will happily point you in the direction you need to go and what you are needed to do for any event.


All racing events have a "waiver" form for drivers and spectators to sign. If you go on the grounds to race you are required to sign it! If you haven't signed a form, ask where it is and how to get it into your hands.

At every event there is a drivers meeting where they give you a rundown of the event and how it will operate. They outline run groups and explain how scoring happens and what penalties are. If you miss the drivers meeting you will almost always not be permitted to race.

Both Autocross and Rallycross are 1 car on the track at time for small events and multiple cars spaced out with a large gap so as to keep any collisions from ever happening.

Autocross
Autocross is usually split into a minimum of 2 run groups, 3 at times for larger events. it is set up so 1 group is driving and another group is tending to the track.
When you are not driving your car you are expected to be situated on the course with a fire extinguisher, radio and flag. When a car knocks over a cone you will call in the car number , how many cones it hit and then reset the cones into a box outlined with chalk to keep the course consistent.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are highly recommended for summer events!

Rallycross
Very similar to autocross in that there are 2-3 run groups and marshalling of specific parts of the track are required. You have a radio, fire extinguisher and flags just like Autocross.


At the end of either Rallycross or Autocross it's greatly appreciated if you help with cleanup of the tracks cone markers. It's expected that you will take all your garbage and mess with you when you leave.

Lapping

Lapping may be the most overwhelming racing event you can attend. At Stratotech park there is alot of area to cover if you don't know who to talk to or have come out solo for your first time.
Lapping will have a drivers meeting and a waiver to attend and sign before getting on the track. At stratotech it's 6-8 cars on the track at a time for each run group and there can be up to 5+ rungroups matching driver skill levels and cars horsepower, they won't put an unskilled driver in a situation where 5 skilled drivers catch them immediately! Passing is allowed and is only permitted on a specific section of track and the passing car is only allowed by when the leading driver signals them to. Otherwise passing is not permitted.
New drivers are always paired up with an instructor that has experience driving a similar car, even after your first run if you want or feel you need more instruction there are alot of people who would be anxious to help so don't be afraid to ask.
Lapping track time is usually 4, 10-15 minute sessions. Your brakes will be warmed up and worked hard at the ten minute mark and thats why they shut it down so you dont have a chance to get into a dangerous braking situation. Your cars cooling system will be worked and if it's maintained well it should be okay. Feel free to exit the track via pit road if you feel your car is not going to be able to take anymore.

Out of all the events you could join this summer , lapping will have the highest speeds and give you the most track time. Dollar for Dollar it's the most cost effective and most exhilerating. Autocross offers a unique challenge where you get an ever changing course setup and only 4 attempts to get from point a to point b as fast as possible.


If you have any questions about any events post a message or send a PM and i'll answer it the best I can!

Get out and race! You've built and modded your car, time to see what it can do right.