Yes, but you cannot drive it on track. We would love to have lots of racecars at Track Nights for people to check out, talk about, and (with your permission) let their kids sit in. However, the track time at Track Night is for street cars only. If you have any questions about what constitutes a racecar and if your car is or isn’t, please visit our Vehicle Eligibility Section or fill out the Vehicle Waiver Form for guidance.
track night in america
Driven by
What is it?
Only have a few hours to spare but want to drive on a racetrack? SCCA®’s Track Night in America® Driven by Tire Rack (a friend of the SCCA and its members for 30+ years) is your ticket to fun! Track Nights are laid back, affordable and an amazing opportunity to experience racetracks in a no-pressure environment.
All you need is a mechanically-sound (street!) car and a helmet… making Track Night undeniably the fastest way to get on a racetrack. Never done it before? That’s great! Because Track Night offers the Hawk Performance Novice Experience, where you’ll learn driving etiquette to ensure you (and everyone else) get the most out of your time at the track. With Track Nights at 30+ racetracks across the country, finding an event near you is a breeze.
Getting your car ready for Track Night? As a friend to Track Night and its drivers, Tire Rack is ready to help with tires, wheels and brakes.
Get Ready.
Track Night Tracks
Virginia International Raceway
1245 Pinetree Rd
Thunderhill Raceway Park
5250 State Highway 162
Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
205 E Thompson Rd
Sebring International Raceway
113 Midway Dr
Road America
N7390 State Road 67
Ridge Motorsports Park
1060 W Eells Hill RD
Portland International Raceway
1940 N Victory Blvd
Pocono Raceway
1234 Long Pond RD
Palmer Motorsports Park (Whiskey Hill Raceway)
58 W Ware ST
NOLA Motorsports Park
11075 Nicolle Blvd
New Jersey Motorsports Park
47 Warbird Dr
Nashville Superspeedway
4847-F McCrary Rd
MotorSport Ranch Cresson
9012 Performance CT
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
7721 Lexington Steam Corners Rd
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
5300 Winder Hwy
Lime Rock Park
497 Lime Rock RD
High Plains Raceway
93301 US Highway 36
Hedge Hollow Raceway
9289 NE State Route T
Harris Hill Raceway
2840 Harris Hill Rd
Gingerman Raceway
61414 County Road 388
Eagles Canyon Raceway
7629 North FM-51
Dominion Raceway & Entertainment
6501 Dominion Raceway Ave
Daytona International Speedway
1801 W International Speedway Blvd
Dakota County Technical College
1300 145Th St E
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S
Carolina Motorsports Park
PO BOX 366
Blackhawk Farms Raceway
PO BOX 347
Autobahn Circuit Joliet
3795 Centerpoint Way
Atlanta Motorsport Park
20 Duck Thurmond Rd
Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
59901 E 5500 Rd
Brainerd International Raceway
5523 Birchdale Rd
Virginia International Raceway
1245 Pinetree Rd
Thunderhill Raceway Park
Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
Sebring International Raceway
Road America
Ridge Motorsports Park
1060 W Eells Hill RD
Portland International Raceway
1940 N Victory Blvd
Pocono Raceway
1234 Long Pond RD
Palmer Motorsports Park (Whiskey Hill Raceway)
58 W Ware ST
NOLA Motorsports Park
11075 Nicolle Blvd
New Jersey Motorsports Park
Nashville Superspeedway
MotorSport Ranch Cresson
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Lime Rock Park
High Plains Raceway
Hedge Hollow Raceway
9289 NE State Route T
Harris Hill Raceway
2840 Harris Hill Rd
Gingerman Raceway
61414 County Road 388
Eagles Canyon Raceway
Dominion Raceway & Entertainment
Daytona International Speedway
Dakota County Technical College
1300 145Th St E
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S
Carolina Motorsports Park
Blackhawk Farms Raceway
Autobahn Circuit Joliet
Atlanta Motorsport Park
Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
Brainerd International Raceway
Whether you have signed up for a Track Night, or you are just considering, it’s never a bad idea to get the skinny on who needs to be where and when. There are exceptions to what is below, but in general, here is what you can expect from your track night and what Track Night will expect from you.
Each event will have its schedule included on its event page (the same page you’ll go to register). You can also learn about any track-specific rules on the track page for that racetrack.
Check-in
Here’s a step-by-step of what you can expect when you get to the track for check-in. By the time you’re done, you’ll have three things you need to get on track — a wristband, a helmet sticker and a tech sticker.
- Sign the waiver. You’ll need to sign our printed waiver, unless you have a current SCCA Annual Waiver — then just have your electronic or printed membership card handy.
- Show your drivers license. We just need to do a quick visual check to check you in.
- Get a packet. Inside, you’ll find helpful info about the event and our partners as well as a copy of our tech sheet if you didn’t print one out.
- Get a group wristband. Don’t leave without getting your group wristband! They’ll look for these in grid, so make sure it ends up on your left wrist.
- Helmet check. If your helmet already has a current Track Night helmet sticker, just show us that and you’re good to go. If not, we’ll check it against our list of approved helmet certifications. Pro-tip: the sticker is often under the flap of padding that sits above and behind your right ear.
- Tech. We’ll collect your tech sheet during check-in, so it’s much faster if you’ve already printed, completed, and signed it before you arrive. You’ll get a tech sticker — place it on the upper right-hand corner of your windshield.
Driver's Meeting
Novices will have a driver’s meeting before each session with the Novice Coach. These are a great opportunity to ask questions, meet your peers, and learn more about what to expect on track.
For those signed up in the Advanced and Intermediate Groups, you should read through the online driver’s meeting. You will still have a meeting before your first session, but it’s abbreviated compared to the Hawk Performance Novice Experience.
Your Coach
You can think of your coach as your guide to getting the most out of your Track Night experience. They’re a wealth of knowledge and can help with everything from where to find information to how to handle situations during your sessions.
Your coach is NOT an instructor and will not provide you with tips to go faster.
Get Set.
What to Wear
- Helmet: You will need a helmet that meets our safety certification ratings. See approved helmet certifications here.
- Long Sleeve Shirt/Pants: Some tracks may require long sleeves and long pants, and some may not – it’s best to have one of each along with you.
- Closed-toe shoes: Full closed shoes will be required on track; no flip flops or sandals.
Essentials
- Completed Tech Sheet: This can help you speed up your check-in process. Most of our tracks use the same tech sheet, but some have track-specific rules that require unique tech sheets. Make sure you’re using the right one! If you don’t have a printer, that’s ok. We’ll have copies for you on-site.
- Torque Wrench/Lug socket: Plan to bring a torque wrench and socket that fits your wheel so that you can make sure your lugs are properly tight. Don’t forget your wheel lock key if you have one.
- Basic Tools: A simple socket set, screwdriver and pair of pliers can go a long way at the track.
- Tow Hook: Many modern cars will have a screw-in tow hook that goes into the bumper. In the event you need to have your car pulled out of a sand trap, you will want to make sure this is in the car.
- Drinks/snacks: Driving can be very hard work especially in the summer heat. Make sure you stay hydrated and energized by having drinks and snacks on hand.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: Tires will change pressure more when on track than commuting because more friction builds up more heat. Bring a tire gauge to keep track of how the track affects your tires.
Nice to haves
- Rain Gear: Track Night events run in all weather, and you may find yourself in the elements. Bring items to make sure you stay dry.
- Tub/Tarp: Because your car will need to be cleaned out while you’re on track and the chance for rain is always present, bringing a tub or tarp to protect your belongings is a good idea.
- Jack/Tire Change Tools: Though having to change a tire doesn’t happen often, it’s a good idea to have what you need on hand for the rare occasion you may need it for a tire change or to inspect brakes or suspension.
- Towels/Wet-Wipes: Paper or otherwise, always good to have something to wipe hands off, clean windshields or check the oil between runs.
- Glass Cleaner: Windshields will often become dirty from hitting bugs or track dirt – bringing glass cleaner and rags to make sure it stays clean is a great help.
- Oil and other fluids: Often when run at the higher end of performance, cars will consume more oil than they do during a daily commute. Bring a couple of spare quarts of your car’s oil in case the level drops down. If you know or suspect that your car could go through other fluids, it’s good to have them on hand as well.
- Sunscreen: Sunburn can sneak up on you and further dehydrate you, bring sunscreen to avoid the pain and other risks.
- Hats are also a great idea.
What not to bring
- Pets: Some tracks may not allow pets at all, but especially if you do not have someone to watch your pet a racetrack can be a scary and even dangerous place for a pet left alone while you’re on track.
- Kids that will be unsupervised: The track is an amazing place for families to spend time together and we encourage you to bring your kids, but only if you have someone to watch them while you are on track.
- Drugs and Alcohol: Prescribed medications aside, many tracks do not allow alcohol on site. We will always encourage social interaction and enjoyed beverages after the fact, but no need to bring it with you.
- Non-Essential items in your car: Our cars tend to become miniature versions of our houses with many everyday items stashed throughout gloveboxes, spare tire wells and various storage compartments. Because you don’t want all of this in your car while on track, and removing and replacing it takes time, it’s best to prepare by leaving anything non-essential at home.
- Drones: Most tracks have banned drones, and as much as we would love to see aerial footage of Track Night events, we would advise leaving anything that flies at home.
The Basics
Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack allows the following:
- Road-legal production vehicles
- Road-legal kit cars with license plates
Restrictions
- Vehicles must be wider than they are tall. Width is the distance between the outer edges of the tire sidewalls measured across the vehicle.
- All vehicles must provide factory original (or better) seats that are securely mounted and seat belts with a minimum of 3 mounting points mounted in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations when applicable. (SFI or FIA rated are recommended).
- Racecars, vehicles that have raced or have been constructed for racing are not allowed without a waiver
- Convertibles must also meet the requirements below
Convertibles
It is highly recommended that all convertible vehicles be equipped with an aftermarket roll bar that meets or exceeds the “Safety Level 2” standards set in the SCCA Time Trials Rules. However, convertible vehicles may participate in most Track Night events provided the vehicle meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Convertible vehicles up to and including the 2005 model year must have rollover protection meeting one of the following criteria:
- Documented factory installed roll over protection. (Examples of manufacturer-documented roll over protection include hydroformed and reinforced a-pillars or windshield frame and factory installed roll bars and/or “pop-up” bars that are designated as roll over protection.)
- The convertible vehicle is equipped with an aftermarket roll bar that meets or exceeds standards set in the SCCA Time Trials Rules. (E.g., “style” bars are not acceptable.)
- Braces and portions of the main hoop subject to contact by the driver’s or passenger’s helmet, as seated normally and restrained by seatbelt and harness, must be padded with a non-resilient material such as Ethafoam® or Ensolite® or other similar material with a minimum thickness of 1/2 inch. Padding meeting SFI spec 45.1 or FIA 8857-2001 is strongly recommended.
- Convertible vehicles of the 2006 model year or later do not have to have a roll bar if:
- The vehicle is six (6) cylinders, with the OE engine and may only be naturally aspirated.
- The vehicle is four (4) cylinders or less, with the OE engine, including the stock turbo/supercharger.
Note: This means that for 2006+ vehicles, if the engine is not the original equipment model as delivered in that vehicle, aftermarket forced induction has been installed, or the vehicle has more than six (6) cylinders or six (6) cylinders and forced induction of any type, the vehicle must have aftermarket rollover protection or documented factory rollover protection. (Examples of manufacturer documented rollover protection would include hydroformed and reinforced a-pillars or windshield frames, and factory-installed roll bars and/or “pop-up” bars that are designated as rollover protection.)
- T-top/Targa cars do not count as convertibles.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Some tracks require more than the minimum standards outlined here. VIR and NJMP are two examples but it is best to check the “Track Rules” for each individual event to make sure. If there are no specific rules for convertibles on the track page – then these rules are all that needs to be met.
Still not sure?
If you still have concerns about the eligibility of your vehicle, please contact us.
Exceptions
- Vehicles that would be road legal but are not because they are missing certain equipment, such as headlights, may be given permission to participate in Track Night provided the vehicle would otherwise meet requirements.
- No vehicle will ever be excluded from Track Night due to installation of safety equipment alone.
- Kit cars without a license plate that are an example of an equivalent vehicle that has been legally plated are allowed.
- A vehicle that has been retired from racing and is now a street car or dedicated track car and would otherwise meet the requirements for Track Night may be granted a waiver.
- A racecar that would otherwise meet the requirements for Track Night may be granted a waiver only if it is being used to introduce a new participant to track driving (example- “I want to get my son/daughter/spouse/crew guy on track”). Drivers with racing licenses are strictly forbidden from operating racecars at Track Night for the purpose of testing/shaking down or other competition-related functions.
- Should a waiver vehicle have any mechanical issues during an event, that vehicle will not be allowed back on track.
If you still have questions, please contact us.
Hawk Novice Experience
If this is your first track event, or if you want a little extra guidance, fear not, we have you taken care of. The Hawk Performance Novice Experience begins when the gates open. You will be directed to the Novice Paddock where you will be greeted by the Novice Coach. Try to arrive as early as you can to allow plenty of time to unload and inspect your car before the first Novice briefing. After a quick run-through of dos and don’ts, it’s on to the session of novice paced laps. From there, your Novice Coach will facilitate the experience and make sure you have everything you need to have a safe and fun evening at the track. Expect 3 un-paced sessions, a few debriefs and some new friends by night’s end. Be sure to check out What to Bring above as well as the How to Prepare article. These will go a long way toward ensuring your novice experience is positive.
Intermediate + Advanced
For those who signed up in the Advanced and Intermediate Groups, everything has been streamlined for your Track Night experience. Before coming to the track, you can (and should) do your Online Driver’s Meeting. You can also download your Tech Sheet, though we will provide you with one at the event (just in case your printer is out of ink, your dog was hungry, or your kid decided to color yours). There is a short meeting so we can have a quick run-through of passing rules, flags, and the rules of the road- 5 minutes, tops. Then it’s time to get ready to go out for your hot sessions. Please plan to be on grid 10 minutes before the start of each of your sessions.
Driver/Worker
If you signed up for Driver/Worker, you can expect to spend a couple of hours flagging, helping in grid or manning the gate, AND 20 minutes on track. The MANDATORY Worker Meeting is listed on the event schedule, please plan to be there in time to attend. Typically Driver/Worker drivers run in either one of the first or last sessions. Please dress and pack to be standing and in the sun for some portion of the evening, bringing water and sunscreen is highly encouraged.
Track Touring Laps
If you signed up for Track Tour Laps, they will usually take place roughly in the middle of the event but will occasionally get moved to the end of the event if delays occur on track. Check the event schedule on the event page for the expected time.
Plan to be there at least 15-20 minutes prior to sign the appropriate waivers. You are also welcome to arrive early or stick around after to check out cars, talk to people, and get a feel for Track Night.
Note: Minors 12 or older (and who have signed the appropriate waiver) and properly fit in restraint systems (if they need a booster, they need a booster) may also ride along during Track Tour Laps provided they have the proper minor waiver signed.
Volunteer
Don’t want to run, but still willing to help out? Man, do we love you! Same expectations as Driver/Worker, without the pesky running part. Please be at the track in time for the worker meeting listed on the event schedule unless specifically contacted and asked otherwise. We can almost always use help with check-in, paddock management, or on grid, and at some of our events, you may be able to help flag. Reach out to [email protected] if you want to learn more about specific volunteer opportunities at each event.
Ready?
Stock up on Track Night must-haves
Get your required gear and more through the official Track Night in America Safety Store. From helmets to shoes, camera mounts to tire pressure gauges, we have what you need to make a great event possible.
Latest news
TRACK NIGHT IS THANKS TO...
PRESENTING PARTNER
Show Details
Track Night in America is Driven by Tire Rack — and has been since the very first event at Atlanta Motorsports Park on April 7, 2015. Tire Rack helped the Sports Car Club of America™ (SCCA®) launch the program around a simple idea: anyone who loves driving should have an approachable, noncompetitive way to experience a racetrack.
That is what a friend of SCCA and its members does. Tire Rack’s support began in 1995 and has grown into the Club’s longest-standing partnership. It continues to open doors for newcomers, whether they are on track for the first time at Track Night in America or ready to take the next step into Time Trials, Solo® or beyond.
As the Official Tire Retailer of SCCA, Tire Rack is also where SCCA Members and Track Night drivers turn for the tires, wheels, suspension and brakes that make the track and the drive home better.
OFFICIAL INSURANCE
Show Details
Hagerty is the world’s largest membership, insurance, and media organization for collectible vehicles and owners, and an automotive brand dedicated to the love and protection of driving. In addition to providing specialty insurance for more classic vehicles than anyone else worldwide, Hagerty is home to:
- The Hagerty Valuation Tool, the gold standard for classic vehicle current values and market trend insights.
- Hagerty, the magazine, among the highest circulation car magazines in the country.
- “The Barn Find Hunter,” one of the most popular automobile focused shows on YouTube with more than 230,000 subscribers.
- Hagerty Plus, the industry’s most comprehensive roadside service.
- DriveShare, the nation’s only peer-to-peer classic vehicle rental marketplace.
Hagerty also prides itself on preserving and expanding our automotive heritage through the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA), the RPM Foundation, and numerous youth outreach programs. For more information, call (800) 922-4050 or visit http://www.hagerty.com.
NOVICE EXPERIENCE
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Offering highly-engineered friction products for nearly every type of racing, Hawk Performance is the world’s top brake pad manufacturer for street, performance, and racing applications. In 2002, Hawk Corporation and SCCA were pleased to announce an agreement naming Hawk Performance the Official Brake Products of SCCA.
FEATURED MONTH
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As a featured partner, BFGoodrich has offered Track Night drivers a chance to win a free set of its g-Force performance tires, plus a registration discount one month’s Track Night events. Whether you’re on track for the first time or building toward your next event, BFGoodrich’s street-friendly performance lineup is built for the drive to the track, on the track and home again.
SUPPORTING PARTNER
Show Details
Grassroots Motorsports magazine has been a supporter of Track Night in America and a trusted voice for amateur motorsports since 1984. Its coverage of low-cost performance cars, driving skills, tire and track tests, and do-it-yourself builds speaks directly to the drivers Track Night is made for. Grassroots Motorsports also offers SCCA® members a discounted subscription rate.
FAQs
Can I bring a racecar?
Are convertibles allowed?
Yes, but with a few caveats. Some tracks are more restrictive than others so check individual event pages, but generally, if your convertible is actually a Targa or T-Top, no problem.
If it is a true convertible it needs to meet one of the following criteria:
- The convertible vehicle is a 2006-year model or newer, does not have forced induction, is less than 8 cylinders and has not been modified meaningfully beyond factory performance potential. (Examples: Engine swaps, aftermarket forced induction.)
- The convertible vehicle is equipped with documented, factory-installed rollover protection (Examples of manufacturer documented rollover protection would include hydroformed and reinforced a-pillars or windshield frames, and factory-installed roll bars and/or “pop-up” bars that are designated as rollover protection.)
- The convertible vehicle is equipped with an aftermarket roll bar that meets or exceeds standards set in the SCCA Time Trials Rules.
Still not sure?
Do I need to be an SCCA member to participate?
Nope. If you’re not already a member, no problem. (But we’d love to have you join us as an SCCA member!)
- Ready for the full #funwithcars experience? You’ll have the option to purchase an annual National Membership during the registration process. Select this and you’re good to go for 12 months, plus you’ll have access to our Member Benefits – extra perks from our awesome partners – as well as savings at other National and Regional events across the country!
- Not ready to become a full SCCA member this go round? You’ll just add the Weekend Membership option to your cart during registration. Think of this like an event pass — it gives you the benefits of SCCA membership and insurance coverage while on site AND lets you try out our awesome program at minimal cost.
Want to know more about becoming an SCCA member? Check this out or email [email protected] with any questions!
What’s the refund policy?
Here at Track Night, we understand things happen, plans change, cars may need unexpected maintenance, and other issues do occur, creating the need to cancel occasionally.
As such, we’ve developed the following cancellation policy:
- If you cancel your entry up to ten (10) days before the event date, we’ll fully refund your payment.
- A cancellation within 10 days of the event date and up to 12:00pm Central the day before the event will net you a coupon for the full amount of your event payment. This coupon can then be used towards a future Track Night in America event registration.
- No refunds will be processed for cancellations submitted after the posted cancellation cutoff date on the registration page.
- If there are extenuating circumstances you think we should know about while helping you resolve this issue, please email [email protected]
How to Request a Cancellation? Easy!
- Log into your SCCA Member Account Portal
- Find the event on the “My Events” page under “My Account”
- Hit the “Cancel” button on the far right.
What’s the Fact, Jack?
The last thing we want to do is take someone’s money who wasn’t able to participate. Yet, the fact remains, we have obligations to facilities, staff and safety crews. This policy gives us the best chance for a fair outcome for everyone.
If a Track Night is cancelled prior to the start of the event for any reason, all entry fees will be fully refunded.
Can I bring my friends?
Guests are not only invited, they are encouraged! Bring your friends, your family, and your grandmother and show off what you do. They probably miss hanging out with you, anyway.
We’re here to help! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us using this form and you’ll get an email from us soon.
