With an eye on bringing car enthusiasts to the race track to drive, shine and show, meet with car clubs or just hang out, the SCCA’s Track Night in America driven by Tire Rack opens up 20 tracks across the country once a month, on weeknights, beginning in April.
At its heart, Track Night in America is a gathering place for people to share their passion for cars with other community members. The program features an affordable after-work, weeknight lapping program for street cars and drivers ranging from track rookies to veterans.
“Track Night in America is, simply, about fun with cars,” Heyward Wagner, SCCA Director of Experiential Programs, said. “Traditional road courses have always been a bit of a secret society. This program is all about removing the mystery, eliminating hurdles and opening the doors so everyone can come play. Whether you’re a driver, friend or just hanging out, there is an experience for you at Track Night.
Track Night in America will run once a month at the designated tracks, with the schedule typically beginning at 4 p.m. Track nights at the NCM Motorsports Park will run 3-9pm CT. Participants will get three 20-minute sessions for a $150 entry fee. Paced laps will be open and free to all attendees each Track Night.
Track Night in America driven by Tire Rack is open to the general public over the age of 18, with a valid driver’s license.
The fastest way to get on track, Track Night in America is split into three experiences based upon a driver’s comfort and skill level. Rookies will get extra attention from the gate through their on-track sessions in the Novice Experience, ranging from help removing loose items in the car (like floor mats and unsecured tire jacks) to coaching and follow the leader paced laps during their sessions.
Intermediate and Advanced participants can skip much of the pre-track minutiae by going online in advance to fill out tech sheets and complete a drivers’ meeting that reviews Track Night basics. Those participants will also have access to top-flight SCCA instructors and event staff for additional on-site questions and help.
Track Night dates at the NCM Motorsports Park are May 19, June 16, July 21 and August 18, 2015.
“We at Tire Rack are extremely excited,” Matt Edmonds, Tire Rack Vice President, said. “Track Night in America is that opportunity to take automotive enthusiasts and ignite them, making them true driving enthusiasts like we are. Let them see that they can enjoy their cars performance in a safe environment. This is the chance get on a track and experience their vehicle and improve their driving skills. For years many drivers have asked the question, ‘I wonder what it would be like to put on a helmet and feel the thrill of driving on the pavement reserved for racers?’
“This is the answer to the question. Taking place around the country, at 20 dedicated tracks; not once in a while, but once a month, for four to five months or more during the year. This frequency of the events will allow you to come back and bring someone to share this adventure with you. This will have an exponential effect on the growth of driving enthusiasts, making it a wonderful opportunity for the SCCA. From the Tire Rack family, we’re very excited to be a part of generating new driving enthusiasm, and anxious to get launch this program.”
The launch of Track Night in America driven by Tire Rack is supported by the FIA Sport Grant Programme and Grassroots Motorsports. Each Track Night participant will receive a complimentary six-month subscription to Grassroots Motorsports magazine.
“The reception we’ve gotten from partners to this program has been great, and our friends at Tire Rack answered that bell in a big way,” Wagner said. “This partnership will allow SCCA, Tire Rack and our participants in the program to see a real and tangible benefit.”
More information on the program, including a full list of tracks and dates, is available at www.TrackNightInAmerica.com.
