Autobahn North – 5 PM on track

Join the Chicago Region SCCA for timed runs and fun on track!  This event will be held on the North Course at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet on Saturday, May 18, 2024.  Check-in begins at 2 PM, and on-track activities are set to begin at 5 PM.

What Is TrackSprint?

We’re so glad you asked!  TrackSprint is perfect for people who are new to track events or want to take a new-to-them car out on track for the first time.  It’s also a great way to learn the twistiest part of a track and earn experience toward a Time Trials license.  If you’ve ever driven a spirited highway on- or off-ramp, TrackSprint is for you!      

What’s unique is that TrackSprint can be as relaxed or intense as you make it.  As long as you drive within your limits, TrackSprint is not as hard on your car’s brakes, tires, or temperatures as typical HPDE events, and if you’re concerned about your daily driver, track insurance is available (consider Hagerty or Lockton).  Best of all, TrackSprint brings out a wide range of participants who share your interests.  You’ll get to ask questions, share tips and experiences, and admire one other’s vehicles — all this for less than a hundred dollars! TrackSprint is a great way to have #funwithcars and other enthusiasts. 

So how does TrackSprint work?

TrackSprint uses 3/4 of Autobahn’s layout — sometimes North, sometimes South — for a time-attack run unlike any other event.  No passing allowed, no wheel-to-wheel racing:  it’s just you and your ride against the clock.  Cars are released one at a time, with dedicated intervals to get you maximum seat time without traffic interference. 

TrackSprint is about driving the track.  Because “the racing line” is typically the swiftest and the safest, the Chicago Region SCCA does not add cones mid-track; instead, we focus on letting you learn and drive the racing line.  There will be a classroom session before you go out on track, and there are mentors available throughout the event to answer your questions and offer advice.

Drivers are grouped by experience.  When your group is called, you’ll bring your car to the grid and have your wristband and helmet re-verified.  When released to the track, you will proceed in single file to the pit lane, where you will slowly roll up to the start line. At the starter’s signal, you will initiate your run by passing through a pair of timing beam lights to start the clock (like in autocross), and you will drive the course as quickly as you feel comfortable doing.  Many participants start out slowly and get faster during the event as they learn the course and their car. This is the way!  About 3/4 of the way through the track (after Turn 6 on North track and after Turn 10 on South track), you will see pennant flags marking the timing beam:  this is your flying finish!  After crossing the finish beam, you will cruise gently through the cooldown portion of the track — cooling your brakes and perhaps running your fans — before you enter pit lane to re-stage for your next run.

Due to the possibility of weather and/or on-track incidents, we are not able to guarantee a set number of runs or time on track — but we always aim to provide a great experience, and previous participants usually enjoyed five to six runs, sometimes more.