Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack isn't just for people who want to get behind the wheel and go fast. It's for anyone who wants to have a great time at the racetrack and be a part of a fantastic event.
Participation means a lot of things to a lot of different people. Some of us can't imagine going to a Track Night without getting out on track. For others, the cost, wear and tear or risk to their car keep them from driving more than they'd like. (Editor's note: if the risk to your vehicle is the only hold-up, don't forget our friends at Hagerty can help!) And, believe it or not, there are plenty of people who love motorsports that would rather spend time helping out in the paddock than get behind the wheel.
Regardless of whether you want to get out on track, we've got ways you can enjoy the fun of motorsports, participate in Track Night and help bring smiles to others.
Volunteers
Volunteering at any SCCA event is an excellent opportunity for those who want to be involved with the program and be a part of helping others have a great time at the track. More importantly, very few (almost none of them!) SCCA events would even be possible without volunteers.
What does volunteering look like, you ask? There are many ways to get involved, have fun and help others enjoy their experience. Just a few are:
Check-In: You could be the first to see the smiling faces as they arrive! These folks help get drivers checked in, waivered and can help collect tech sheets and conduct helmet checks. Starting a Track Night with a friendly welcome sets the tone for a great event, so these people are crucial to having a great Track Night!
Grid: A driver's smiling face often becomes butterflies in their stomach just before they head out on track. A helpful crew on the grid helps settle everyone's pre-track nerves, and a cheerful and friendly wave onto the track sets the tone that we're all here for fun.
Flagging: You've seen it at every road racing motorsports event in the world – those people along the track waving flags to help the drivers. Did you know that Track Night uses a form of that same system?
Naturally, it's a little less complicated, but you can be a part of it. If you're an experienced flagger, you'd fit right in. If you've never flagged before but want to, this might be an excellent place for you to get your start and meet new friends.
Run/Work
Taken from autocross, Run/Work lets SCCA members get one on-track session at an exceptionally budget-friendly rate while also helping out with the event. Event support can range from corner working, to grid, to check-in and tech.
It's helpful to have prior experience working track events, but not required. If you're new to track things, run/work can be a great way to understand all of the moving parts of a track event. Help us out, and we will get you on track for a 20-minute session for less than 1/3 of the standard event price. Win-win.
This option is in only available limited quantities to current, full SCCA members. Participants taking this option should be signed up at least a week in advance of the event.
Track Tour Laps
Have you never been to the track? Want to check it out? May we recommend a few paced Track Tour Laps? Almost every Track Night will have a paced lap session called Track Tour Laps open to anyone and everyone regardless of your track experience.
Helmets are not required; multiple people can be in your car (as long as they've signed our waiver); and the laps are slow and comfortable, parade-style. They are there to give you a different perspective on the track and let you tell your friends you've been out there! It's also perfect for that classic car that you want to show off, but that probably wouldn't be so happy about 60 minutes of spirited driving.
A side note in our crazy times – many of our track locations are mandating that we have no spectators at events. To make sure you can participate in Track Touring Laps, register for the event and sign up under Track Tours. You'll be on the roster and all set to go.
Make Friends, Have Fun
Regardless of what works best for you, our goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves. We want you to have fun, make some new friends, and participate in any way that is comfortable for you – or even stretches your comfort zone.
Track Night is for track people, and that doesn't just mean drivers. If you've got a passion for motorsports and want to get involved, we'd love to have you. Pick an event near you from our Events Page and sign up as a volunteer, a run/worker, or for Track Touring Laps.
See you at the track!
