Impressive Growth for SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack in Second Season
TOPEKA, Kan. (Oct. 17, 2016) – In only its second year, SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack has seen substantial program growth across the board.
From April to September in 2016, more than 6,000 automotive enthusiasts took advantage of Track Night in America to get on a racecourse in their own vehicle during a weeknight. That’s an increase of nearly 2,000 people from the inaugural season. More than 100 events were held in 2016, and the program expanded to an additional eight facilities, bringing the total number of racetracks visited to 23 this year.
In 2016, participants claimed more than 6,000 hours of on-track time. Of the people that attended Track Night in America this year, 42 percent were 35 years old or younger. Another 30 percent were between 36 and 50 years old, and 28 percent were above 51 years old. Nearly 38 percent of participants registered as “Novice” for racetrack activities, and 66 percent were not SCCA members.
As for vehicles, Mazdas and BMWs were again seen most in 2016 (14 percent and 13 percent respectively), followed by Fords and Chevrolets (12 percent and 11 percent respectively). Next came Honda/Acura (9 percent), Subaru (8 percent) and Porsche (7 percent).
Heyward Wagner, SCCA Director of Experiential Programs, said Track Night’s primary purpose is to offer a fun, safe opportunity for everyday people to get on real racetracks. And since the program has seen such fantastic growth in only its second year, it seems people are excited by the prospect.
“The SCCA is always looking for ways to share with others our passion for having fun with cars, and Track Night in America is a prized piece of the puzzle that accomplishes that mission,” Wagner said. “I’d like to thank all of our technical partners as they are absolutely essential to making this program viable. Next year we’d like to add even more tracks to our calendar and expand the social aspect of Track Night in America events.”
Created as a non-competitive, entertaining, easy and inexpensive way for nearly anyone who loves cars or motorsports to get on a race circuit in their own vehicle, participants only need be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and have access to a helmet and street car in good working condition. The cost is never greater than $150 per event, and no previous on-track experience or Sports Car Club of America membership is required.
Drivers participate in the Advanced, Intermediate or KONI Novice Experience group so on-track activities remain fun for all. Everyone gets three 20-minute sessions on course, as well as feedback from SCCA driver coaches on site. Admission is free for people who just want to stop by and watch the fun, and leisurely circuit parade laps are provided for all Track Night guests.
The Sports Car Club of America, Inc., founded in 1944, is a 67,000-member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. With headquarters in Topeka, Kansas, the SCCA annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 115 Regions and professional subsidiary. Much of the SCCA’s activities are made possible with support from the following Official Partners: Chevrolet, the Official Truck of the SCCA; Garmin VIRB, the Official Camera of SCCA; Hawk Performance, the Official Brake Products of SCCA; Mobil 1, the Official Oil of SCCA; SafeRacer, the Official Safety Provider of SCCA; Sunoco, the Official Fuel of SCCA; and Tire Rack, the Official Tire Retailer of SCCA. To learn more, please visit www.scca.com.
