2023 Track Day/Time Trial Events
All Track Day events include a Time Trial run group.
2023 Time Trial in a Race Weekend Events
SCCA TrackNight in America
The following events are operated by SCCA and usually staffed by Chicago Region SCCA members.
Track Days
Track Days are also known as High Performance Drivers Events (HPDE), which are non competition instructional events that take place at race tracks.
Back roads, late night drives on the highway, and the one off ramp that you take faster than the posted speed limit. If you relate to the items listed above, then you are a perfect candidate to sign up for a Performance Driving Experience.
Ever noticed the phrase “Professional Driver on a Closed Course” at the bottom of your TV screen during an ad? We have a closed course; come be the driver!
A Track Day event provides the unique opportunity to bring your car on a real racetrack. Do you want to improve your driving skills? Do you want to learn how to better control your car at a higher rate of speed than is legal on public roads? All you need to participate in a Track Day event is a registered streetcar, valid drivers license, and a helmet.
You Will Be A Better Driver
First and foremost, a Track Day event is about you driving your car. Our primary focus is the safety of you and your car. Getting you as much seat time as possible with instruction is our next goal, so you can become more comfortable behind the wheel of your car at speed.
*If you bring people along, be sure to remind them to ask about “Instructor Ride Along” opportunities available to them for a small fee while they are on site.
What is the schedule at one of the Track Day Events?
First you would make sure that you and your car qualify for a Track Day event. You must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver license. Convertibles, unless they are equipped with a hard top or an approved roll bar/hoop, are not allowed***. Vehicles with other removable tops (t-tops, targa tops, etc.) must meet appropriate safety regulations. Be sure to check this link to Track Day Rules. Next, register by following this link on this page to the MotorsportsReg website.
Once you arrive at the track, you will check in, park, unload your vehicle, and prepare it for the track. Next you will need to get your car inspected, and then report to the classroom for a drivers briefing. Once that briefing is over, usually no more than 30 minutes time, the rest of the event should be spent behind the wheel of your car, or riding along with your instructor to gain a better understanding of the track, the proper line, and driving tips. These tips are provided by qualified instructors, most of whom have years of actual racing experience.
Should I do anything before I arrive at a Track Day?
Car and Driver magazine has recently published an excellent guide to preparing for a track day: How To: Go to a Track Day – Feature
If you are not sure your car is ready for the use it will see on a racetrack, we suggest you take your vehicle to a technician who is skilled enough to evaluate your vehicle for track use. Please follow the link to the “Pre-Event Car Tech Inspection” document. You should also plan to bring appropriate “Gear” to the Track Day event. Items like extra oil, coolant, tire pressure gauge, sunscreen, umbrella, hat, camera, storage bin or bag, lawn chair, etc. Please follow the link to “Track Day Gear Check List” document. You may also want to familiarize yourself with some of the common “Flags” you might see while on track. These will be covered during your classroom instruction time as well.
In addition to getting you and your vehicle prepared for the Track Day event, before you arrive at the track, please review the other “Track Day” related pages on this website.
Save time by printing out your own self-tech Tech Sheet to bring to the event.
If you have your own helmet, make sure it’s got the correct SNELL or FIA helmet certification. NOTE: DOT is NOT an approved Helmet certification.
2022 Track Day/Time Trial Events
All Track Day events include a Time Trial run group.
2022 Time Trial in a Race Weekend Events
In addition to a Time Trials run group at all our regular track events, a Time Trials run group will be offered as part of the following Road Racing events.
