There are race tracks throughout the country that offer lapping day track events for novice,
intermediate and advanced
amateur drivers through professional driving schools and non-profit
car clubs. These organizations typically sponsor the events and rent
the tracks for the various events. The schools and clubs sometimes offer high performance driving instruction referred to as High Performance
Drivers Ed (HPDE or DE for short). Lapping days and track days are typically non-competitive, non-timed events track events
that take place on road courses, paved ovals and other types race tracks. These schools and clubs sometimes also offer time trial
events and club races.
Before entering timed events and race events it is best to first enter a school or club event to gain the necessary proficiency in high performance
driving. The basic difference between most driving schools and
car clubs is that
the former offers instruction in their cars, and the latter offers instruction in your car. Instruction usually involves some classroom education, and
then driving laps on the race track with an instructor driving, riding in the passenger seat, or leading around the track in "lead-follow" formation.
Next you will want to do some real racing. If you do not own a race car, entry-level 'Arrive & Drive' endurance racing is possible
with Rent a Crapcan.
You and three or more other drivers will arrive at the track and climb into the cockpit of a fully prepped "$500" race car
to go wheel-to-wheel endurance racing all weekend long with 24 Hours of LeMons or
ChumpCar World Series. Everything is included except the gas.
It's easy to get started. If you already have a sports car suitable for the track, check to see if there is a local
car club in your area. If you do not have a car of your own, or if there is no local car club chapter,
check to see if there is a driving school scheduled for your area. You can also fly across the country
to a driving school at a famous race track and spend a few hours or a few days learning how to drive a
high performance race car on a real racetrack.
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