Interested In Getting Your Car Out On A Track?

Have you ever watched a road race on TV and think to yourself that if you had your life to do over you'd be a race card driver the next time around. Well.... it's not too late. There are plenty classes of NASA racing open to amateurs of every level from spec racing to unlimited classes. Don't want to race your pride and joy fender to fender? Enter a time attack competition where cars run individually for the best time of the day in each class.

OK... where to start! Find your local track and find what clubs or organizations rent the track. Get in contact with them and register for the next event. Many organizations deal with everything from novice to expert.

These track days are called HPDE (high performance driving event). You will be assigned an instructor who will drive with you and show you how things should be done to be safe. Safety is the priority, fun is a close second. In an HPDE there is no racing. Passing is by point by on straights only. There are no speed limits.

Learning your cars limits in this environment will be an eye opening experience. You will learn to drive your car faster than you ever have before and be safe about it. You will learn car balance and control, the fastest and safest line around a track. Some HPDE's provide some classroom time as well which is also a good thing.

Your car doesn't neeed to be prepared in any special way. Fresh brake fluid, good tires, a helemt and and a safety inspection is usually all that is needed.

I've learned there are two types of responses by people who get out on the track for the first time. One response is.... "this isn't for me". It can be scarry and overhwhelming pushing yourself and your car farther than you are comfortable. The other response is the "when does registration open for the next event!" This can be a very addicting sport for some people. With lots of experience some people advance to the NASA cometition classes or time attack competions and drive competetively. Usually oens decision hinges on how well their wallet is padded. This is a very expensive sport. Be forwarned.

Get out their and give it a try. You never know, there may be a race car driver in you waiting to be born.