ok this is really noob question
but how do i get my car on a track? i know i would need a helmet .. but what else do i need to do inorder to get it on a track? do i need just go to a race track and say i want to drive on your track? or is there a registration process? i dont care to race other people .. just want to get on a track and drive my own pace

 

where are you located?

NASA is the only nationwide track day club around, but there are hundreds of smaller groups that host track days all over the place.
http://nasaproracing.com/

Check out Panoz Racing School too...
http://panozracingschool.com/TrackDays/TrackDays.aspx

 

im in northern virginia

 

Lots and lots of possiblities, but all require some effort on your part. First, be prepared to accept that you have a LOT to learn about driving in general and high performance driving specifically. I instruct at both high driver education days, and race schools, and the best thing you can bring to the track with you is a brain like a sponge and a lack of ego! Not surprisingly, racetracks don't allow people on who are LIKELY to hurt themselves, damage their property, or endanger the tracks facilities and insurance. Therfore, almost any place you want to go is going to require you to put in some time as a student and be eveluated as a "good risk" before they let you do much on track. In my part of the country joining a performance oriented auto club is probably the best way to reach the track. BMW CCA, Porsche club, Mustang club, Corvette club, Alfa club, FIVE different race clubs, several race schools, and even some local perfomance oriented businesses all hold track days with varying amounts of experience to attend. Plan on locating a novice skills day in your area, and an instructor is likely to ride around with you all day doing drills and assessing your skills. Most clubs then require that instructor to sign you off for the next level where you will get an opportunity to get on track (with an instructor, or course) for some more development at limited speeds. As you show better car control and awareness, you will be signed off to do more and go faster until at some point you will get to go and run solo in a faster group. Pasing is typically limited in nearly all lapping environments so you should be able to develop your car control skills with a minimum of risk to yourself and your vehicle. As for general requirements - you will usually be required to have your car teched to insure that it is safe for the demands that racetrack driving places on the car, and you will need a helmet that meets the requirements of the group you are running with. Where are you located - maybe i can get you some good leads if you are really interested.

 

look one reply up

 

http://www.nasaracing.net/

They run events at VIR and other tracks. I'm not sure whats close to you.

 

You could also find your local tracks website. Find their event calender and see what groups are holding events there.

 

rescueranger,

The easiest thing to do is to find the closest track to you (or the one you are planning to drive on). Contact them and get a schedule of events (i.e. you just can't show up with your car and a helmet and say "here I am").

Take a look at the groups holding events, most of the groups like Boswoj listed (BMW CCA, Porsche Clubs, Audi Clubs, etc) will have registrations for drivers. Also, SCCA usually has Test Days for their drivers which they allow non-SCCA racers to attend for some (restricted) track time.

In a nutshell, find a club that is holding an event at the track you want to drive on, and register with them (if they are taking registrations that is).

 

alright thanks guys ill continue reading the vir website

 

You'll need to do some work on your brakes. Track day pads (Hawk HP+ is what I have) and new, high temp fluid is a must (Ford DOT 3 is a good, cheap high temp fluid).

I've been to two BMWCCA schools and they were fantastic, although they are run by the regional chapters, so they vary somewhat.

The FC, in good condition, is a perfect learner car.

 

Since you're in Northern VA, look at the Friday at the Track (FATT) program run by Summit Point. Sounds right up your alley, and is give or take 3 hours closer to you than VIR.

http://www.summitpoint-raceway.com/

 

Lots of good info in this thread already. I just did my first track day at VIR, so i'll tell you what I've done. I got my car in 5/04 and did 2 seasons of autocross first to learn basic car control and to more importantly to learn my car. I then joined the audi club of north america because a friend told me of the Fall VIR event. I prepped the car with Porterfield R4 pads and super blue fluid, did the mandatory tech inspection and then just went to the track.

Be careful following this desire though, you'll get addicted immediately! I'm already planning my next event at VIR in the spring and an event at Summit point sometime next season as well.

your best bet as mentioned eariler is to check the track websites, see what clubs has scheduled track days and then contact those clubs about registering.

Good luck and have fun!

 

Mazda Drivers also runs good track weekends at VIR and summit point, they're generally 2 days, good instruction, safe, and lots of rx-7's. I'd highly recommend it.

Their site is currently down, but for future reference...
http://www.mazdadrivers.com/