Stay calm, don’t restart until you’ve assessed traffic, and get moving again only when it’s safe — corner workers will help guide you. Head to pit lane afterward for a quick chat with your coach; it’s a normal part of learning, not a big deal.
Track Days
(AND NIGHTS)
What is it
Many of us have seen the disclaimer at the bottom of a TV ad saying, “professional driver, closed course” and imagined what it’s like to drive on track. With the Sports Car Club of America™ Track Days Program, you don’t have to imagine anymore.
The program offers two ways to get on track. SCCA® Track Night in America® powered by Tire Rack is our nationwide, beginner-friendly track day series and the fastest way to get started — no annual SCCA membership required. Regional Track Days, hosted by SCCA Regions, offer a deeper club experience for drivers who want to keep building their skills with a local community.
These aren’t races. There’s no high-pressure stakes to “win” here. The goal is to provide an environment where drivers can experience the thrill of driving their personal vehicles on premier racetracks, then go home with some great stories to share.
Overview
Track Night events are short-format sessions held at more than 30 tracks nationwide. Regional Track Days, which are hosted by SCCA Regions, may be single-day events, evening sessions or entire weekends. Because these are not races, any on-track passes are limited to specific passing zones and only with a signal known as a “point-by.”
You will receive some instruction while you’re there. That instruction often comes in the form of how to safely enjoy yourself, rather than how to drive at the limit. Think etiquette, how to learn a driving line, passing zones and general techniques, which may allow you to move from a novice to intermediate or advanced group as you feel comfortable.
Announcements
- Posted: August 27, 2026
- Posted: August 25, 2026
- Posted: July 28, 2026
- Posted: June 30, 2026
- Posted: May 26, 2026
- Posted: April 28, 2026
For most drivers, the simple answer is a driver’s license, a working car, and a helmet. Then pick a date, pay the entry fee and show up! There are no additional licenses, no hidden fees, no pre-event qualifications.
Don’t have a helmet? We can point you to a recommended retailer, like Summit Racing Equipment or our Track Night Safety Store. Many Regional track day events can loan you a helmet, but you’re going to love this so much, a purchase for you and you alone is a much better option.
There are a few other basic recommendations on what to bring along (a few simple tools, snacks, water and sunscreen) and items to leave at home (that full back seat of hamburger wrappers and empty energy drink cans, unsupervised children or pets, the bowling ball that rolls around your trunk and thumps every time you turn).
Photos
We can’t make this any simpler – choosing the right car for a Track Day is literally almost any car you have. As long as it’s not dripping oil and is safe for you to be in, you can probably bring it.
Too slow? There’s no such thing. Too fast? Well, now you’re just being silly.
Yes, there are some exceptions, but they are truly exceptions. The car must be wider than it is tall, so lifted vehicles and some SUVs and trucks are out. Convertibles must have roll over protection, though most newer cars come from the factory with this installed.
Track Days are intentionally designed for drivers of all levels to have a great time on track in their street cars. Part of that includes grouping cars and drivers based on their experience levels.
For most Track Day events, Run Groups are split between Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. Progression to higher level groupings is based on prior Track Day participation and observation of event officials that you have demonstrated knowledge of event rules and safety procedures.
the news
Events
Only have a few hours to spare but want to drive on a racetrack? Track Night 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 — no annual SCCA membership required — making Track Night undeniably the fastest way to get on a racetrack. Never done it before? That’s great! 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.
Track Night is a nationwide track day program that hosts events at more than 30 tracks across the country between March and December each year.
Events
- November 2, 2026
- Cresson, TX
Track Night 2026: MotorSport Ranch – November 3
- November 10, 2026
- Kershaw, SC
Track Night 2026: Carolina Motorsports Park – November 11
- November 10, 2026
- San Marcos, TX
Track Night 2026: Harris Hill Raceway – November 11
- November 11, 2026
- Sebring, FL
Track Night 2026: Sebring International Raceway – November 12
- November 12, 2026
- Buttonwillow, CA
2026 SCCA Track Day at Buttonwillow Raceway Park
- November 17, 2026
- Dawsonville, GA
Track Night 2026: Atlanta Motorsports Park – November 18
Across the country, local Regions put on their own Regional-run Track Days, giving SCCA members open track time close to home without the pressure of wheel-to-wheel competition. Because these events are organized at the Region level rather than nationally, formats vary — some are single-day sessions, some run in the evening, and others fill an entire weekend, occasionally sharing the day with SCCA Time Trials or Road Racing.
The barrier to entry is intentionally low: a street-legal car that’s safe for track use, a valid driver’s license, and an approved helmet are typically all a participant needs to get started.
Regional-run Track Days are built around learning good habits, not chasing lap times. Drivers are grouped by experience and move up through the groups as their confidence builds, with instruction focused on car control, racing lines, and on-track etiquette rather than outright speed. Passing is tightly managed, limited to designated passing zones and executed only with a “point-by” signal from the car ahead, which keeps the day low-stress for newcomers and seasoned drivers alike.
Events
- November 6, 2026
- Summit Point, WV
Washington DC Region Helmets off to Heroes 2025 Track Event
- November 13, 2026
- Cresson, TX
Texas Region Time Trials, Track Day, HPDE #8
- November 20 to 21, 2026
- Rosamond, CA
San Diego SCCA Open Track Day Nov 21-22, 2026
- January 15 to 16, 2027
- Buttonwillow, CA
Cal Club Track Day at Buttonwillow Raceway
- May 14 to 15, 2027
- Buttonwillow, CA
Cal Club Track Day
- September 24 to 25, 2027
- Buttonwillow, CA
Cal Club Track Day
FAQs
What happens if I spin?
What if I've never been on track before?
Track Day is designed for exactly that driver. You don’t need prior track experience — just a roadworthy car and a willingness to learn. Most regions are glad to walk a first-timer through registration, tech, and what to expect before you ever turn a wheel.
Can I bring a passenger?
Rules vary by region and track, so check the specific event listing. Some Track Days offer designated passenger or ride-along sessions; most do not allow passengers during regular run groups for insurance and safety reasons.
Do I need track insurance?
It’s not required to participate, but it’s worth checking your policy — most standard auto insurance excludes coverage for on-track use. Several regions offer access to affordable motorsports-specific coverage for the event.
Will my car take a beating?
Any day on track wears consumables faster than commuting does. Brake pads, tires, and sometimes fluids will need attention sooner than on a car that’s never seen a track. Track-oriented pads and a good set of tires are worth the investment if you plan to make this a regular habit.
CONTACT US
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.
