So you have a sportY car and want to race it.

• Where do you go?

• How much will it cost?

• What about my car?

• How will it hold up?

Which Type of Racing Do you want to do?

1. Autocross - See our full Autocross Guide Here

• 30-70 second test of driver skill and cars handling ability through a cone course (5-8 passes)

• Speeds usually do not exceed 70-85mph

• Locations range from parking lots, Airport runways, to on real race tracks

• Low cost of entry $35-55

• Low risk of damaging your car

• Minimal wear on your car with the exception of tires

• Must pass basic safety inspection (car has to be in good working order)

• Helmet needed (clubs usually offer spares for free)

• You must work part of the day (picking up cones etc)

• Any car will do but small cars usually excel (Miata, Lotus, BRZ/FRS etc)

Autocross Websites

Find an Sports Car Club of America Region (Largest Autocross club)

http://www.scca.com/events?categories=solo

Find other Autocross Events (also might include SCCA events)

http://www.motorsportreg.com/

2. Drag racing Events

• Straight line test of acceleration

• Low cost of entry $10-35

• Can be hard on your drive train the more sticky your tires are

• Usually at least 5 passes depending on turn out and incidents

• Minimal safety inspections and requirements

• Usually NOT covered by insurance if you crash

• If you crash you crash into another car or wall

Drag Racing Websites

WannaGoFast - 1/2 Mile Drag Racing. Expensive but very fun

http://wannagofast.com/

National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) 1/4 or 1/8mile racing

Use the NHRAs track finder to find a drag strip near you.

http://www.nhra.com/nhra101/membertracks.aspx

3. Track Days

• Test of driver skill, car power and handling ability

• Depending on type of event it can range from 90mins (High Performance Driving Event) to 36hours (World Racing League)

• Expensive: $90-600 (avg $200) and beyond

• Best value for racing seat time

• Potential Loss of car with no coverage, even if its not your fault. Insurance ranges form $300 and up for a single track day

• Very hard on your car. Brake/Tire Wear. Potential of bumping.

Track Day Websites

Recommend you start with a High Performance Driving Event or an event with an Instructor. Usually this is required anyway.

http://www.motorsportreg.com/

https://www.nasaproracing.com/

4. Drift

• An event where style and technique is key. More Angle & Smoke = More Cool

• Need a Rear Wheel Drive Car

• Most events have 3 classes, A, B ,C. C is for beginners and is solo only. You wont hurt your car!

• Low Event Cost

• Better to use new cheap tires designed for Drift, like Federal RSR or Kenda Kaiser. Free take offs can work too but tire mounting costs can add up as take offs dont last long

5. OPTIMA

• Combination of multiple types of events.

• Autocross/Track Day/Car Show/Start Stop Drag Race

• Streetable Cars only

• High cost of entry

• No working

• Events are throughout the USA

http://driveusca.com/events/

6. OTHER MISC TYPES

Here are a few other types that are a bit less common but still worth looking into for amateur racing.

• Rallycross - Offroad racing with small cars

• Texas Mile - Mile Drag race. You need huge power for this

• Tail of the Dragon - Similar to Autocross. Its a point to point race in the Appalachian mountains