06 Organizers
Although there may be other categories to consider, we will list off a few of the more common categories and the experience you can expect if attending an event hosted by the respective group. We should note up front that this really is a “to each his own” type of situation, as each group provides something unique, and as you progress in the hobby, you will likely find yourself shifting between categories as you seek out different experiences. There are also different price points that each option presents that in general, and in our experience, represents the level of curation you can expect at the day/weekend.
Car Clubs/Associations
There are manufacturer sponsored and/or endorsed car clubs that exist in the US, such as Audi Club NA, BMW Car Club of North America, and Mazda Motorsports, just to name a few. These organizations are first and foremost exactly as they appear to be, brand enthusiast groups who publish magazines, organize various social events, all focused around their respective brands and the people who love them. However, many local chapters of these national associations will also host HPDE events as part of their annual schedule of events. You will see that they generally do one or two per year, and they are often coupled with other social events, like a dinner etc., often occurring over a weekend. If you happen to be an Audi, BMW, Mazda, Porsche Club member, this can make for a great time and experience, especially as a first timer. Here are some features that set this category apart:
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A focus on all aspects of effective driving (not just track), often welcoming people who never considered driving on track, hosting skid pad car control exercises and discussing other topics focused on general driver education
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Generally more expensive, as they include lunch and sometimes dinner and act as a partial fundraiser for the respective organization
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Despite being associated with a specific brand, they are open to all makes and models
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More conservative to experienced newcomers, erring on the side of caution in assessing driving ability, meaning they would rather run you in a more novice group and promote you vs. starting you in an advanced group
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Require pre-participation safety checks using their own criteria and forms
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More social, meaning their events are recurring, so people often know each other
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Very low pressure, welcoming environment
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Extensive instruction
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Coaching is mandatory for novices
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Smaller run groups
If it is your very first time tracking your car, we would highly recommend attending an event held by an association. These groups are genuinely interested in turning you into as much of a car lover as they are, so they take the time to teach you everything they know.
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Here are a sample of a few Car Clubs to check out:
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National HPD Organizers
This category is made up of only a few organizers, grouped due to their relative size, organizational capabilities, event volumes and geographic coverage as compared to the other groups we will cover. Examples of this category include Hooked on Driving (HOD) and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), both of whom offer events at a number of tracks across the US. Here are some features that set this category apart:
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Events hosted at a multitude of tracks across the country, offering many options to attend
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Highly organized, often with full time staff to answer questions and manage event coordination
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Events are well staffed and organized, with many people around to help answer questions and engage with on what is transpiring
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Run group grid management and coordination is more robust, designed to break up the run group more than the common two lane grid configuration
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Helmet rentals are often available
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Coaching is available at an additional cost
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Welcoming to all driver experience levels
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Excellent online resources to answer questions specific to how they conduct their events and set expectations
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Average run group sizes
Costs to participate vary in this category, with HOD providing what I would categorize as a premium experience, with lunch included and extensive support throughout, whereas the SCCA is a more bare bones experience, focused more on the driving experience itself. Having attended multiple organizers track days, there is definitely a more polished and organized feel to these events. Its hard to describe exactly what it is, as other groups would argue they do the same things, but, well, it's just different. If you are looking for a highly curated and managed experience, running with one these types of groups may be your thing.
Regional Event Organizers
Regional groups may be present at only one track, or host events at two or three tracks in their proximity. Examples in Northern California include groups such as SpeedSF, Speed Ventures and Turn8. They will host events at tracks like Sonoma, Laguna Seca and Thunderhill. They tend to be more grassroots, smaller groups on a leaner budget. Their focus tends to be more on building community amongst like-minded track enthusiasts, often hosting time trial events and leaning more toward more experienced drivers. This is not to say that they do not welcome new drivers, it is just not their primary focus. Here are some features that set this category apart:
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Events tend to be local to a few tracks
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Lower priced, often offering tiered pricing based on how early you sign up for an event
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More fluid paddock organization, meaning you will need to keep your eyes and ears open for announcements, where to sign up, where and how to line up on the grid etc.
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More diverse car collection, from full race cars to older model street cars
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Helmet rentals are often not available
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Coaching available at an additional cost
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Welcoming to all driver experience levels, but leaning more toward drivers who have been to an event or two at a minimum
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Strong community - many drivers will know each other and have participated at other events together
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Average run group sizes
Unless you know someone, as a first timer who is unsure of how a track day is supposed to flow, and what is expected of you, attending an event held by a local organizer may feel a little overwhelming, as it is more self-managed. Having said this, once you have experienced a few days, you may find that you seek out local organizers, as you will likely not need the highly curated experience that the others supply.
Private Track Days
You have now entered the inner sanctum of track days. These are the “you need to know someone” type of events, where a group gets together and rents out a track for a day of fun. There is no sign-up, no run groups, no grid, no coaching, just you, your car, and the track. Here are some features that set this category apart:
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You need to know somebody
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Expensive - due to a much smaller group of drivers, the cost per driver is much higher
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Expert only - the track is “hot” all day, meaning you need to be comfortable with proper entry and exit at speed, as well as what is called “open passing”
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You can drive as much as you want over the course of the day
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Little to no paddock organizational support
This type of event is clearly not for beginners, so we won’t dwell on it. However, it is worth noting as you will inevitably get addicted to tracking your car, and likely start to feel constricted by the organization that accompanies the other event types. Private days are what all HPD enthusiasts aspire towards… just you, your car, the track, and your friends.
Head back to the Starter Guide