Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/501675
FEATURE: YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY A NEW WAY TO GE SCCA's Track Night in America story by david s. wallens • photos as credited A lthough the SCCA is known for its bureaucracy and rules, the frst evening of its newest track pro- gram went back to basics: It was run by two guys working out of the back of a rental Ford Focus. No registration van. No ATVs. No cones. Welcome to the Sports Car Club of America's new Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack, a program that offers something new: easily accessible track events held during weekday evenings, thus preserving those precious weekends. The program debuted during the week of April 6 at three locations: Atlanta Motorsports Park, Palm Beach International Raceway and California's Thunderhill Raceway Park. The GRM staff joined 44 others at the Florida event, where participants received an hour of track time spread across three sessions. We originally planned to run in the advanced group, but once at the track we quickly switched gears to work with the beginners. It was kind of like being a camp counselor for grownups. About half of the feld contained true novices, and their enthusiasm and excitement only fueled our desire to get involved. Where some track events have become motorsports arms races–if you aren't running a Porsche GT3, prepare to drive in your mir- rors–this was truly relaxing. We found ourselves enjoying the golden hour of sunset from inside our BMW M235i. This is a new program that offers a new look at one of our favorite activities. Welcome to Track Night in America: noob- friendly track time held under cooling skies. photosbyjuha.com