Grassroots Motorsports

JUN 2015

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Q&A; WITH SCCA After putting the frst three Track Night in America events in the books, we talked with SCCA Director of Experiential Programs Heyward Wagner. GRM: How many SCCA National staff members will future events have on the ground? Heyward Wagner: Offce staff? Very few. Field staff? Three or four: an event manager, a driver coach who deals with all pit lane issues, a novice coach and, when needed, a worker coordinator. GRM: What have you learned one week into the program? HW: One, it's fun. We knew it would be for the participants, but as organizers it is tough to know what the workload will be, especially when troubleshooting the frst few events. There is a workload, don't get me wrong, but being around people who are having fun is infectious and energizing. We are having almost as much fun as they are. Two, it works. The development of this program is far from done–we can and will get better–but the basic functions, schedul- ing and game plan produce the event we want. That's a big win three events in. GRM: Did the debut meet your expectations? HW: This program is pretty far outside of the box, especially for the SCCA, so we really did not know what to expect. Right now we are averaging 43 drivers per event, and we have been able to attract strong non-driving numbers at each event with people who just want to check it out, ask questions, or hang out with friends. I am very pleased with that as a starting point. GRM: What tweaks do you foresee? HW: Growth, promotion and experience development. There are plans underway for a cookout at the next Atlanta event; look for a promotion at Palm Beach that gives you an 8x10 print of your car on track from the event. GRM: Anything else our readers should know? HW: Come do it. Come in early, work through lunch, take off at 2:30, be on track at 4:30 and home by 9. Weekdays, Not Weekends: Traditionally track events are held on weekends, with some stretching into Friday to ft in tech and registration. We love track time, but with only 52 (or so) weekends per year, we realize that sometimes it's hard to fnd a clear one. Track Night in America takes place on weekday evenings. Evenings, Too: Did someone say evenings? Yes, these are evening events, meaning you can still put in a good chunk of the 9-5 and, assuming you live near the track, be home at a reasonable hour. Figure the frst Track Night in America session goes green at 4 p.m. and that everyone will be off course by 8 p.m. Streamlined Procedures: The drill for the experienced participants is rather simple, as the drivers meeting happens online before the event. Once you're at the track, sign the appropriate waivers and trade the self-tech sheet for the all-important tech sticker. Then, head to grid. It's effciency that even Amazon would appreciate. Want to sign up at the event? Do it all on your smartphone. Focus on Beginners: By design these are beginner- friendly events. In fact, real race cars aren't invited in order to keep the vibe a bit less intimidating. The novices start their evenings with paced laps, followed by a drivers meeting–at PBIR it was a sit-down affair that welcomed back-and-forth discussion. More meetings follow each session, and a Novice Experience Coach is on hand. Adding to the camplike atmosphere, novice drivers are paddocked together. Campfires, s'mores and panty raids are optional. Intermediate and experienced groups exist, too. Locations and Costs: Right now some 20 tracks are hosting these events on a monthly basis. Entry fee is a fat $150 per event, although active military and SCCA SafeRacer First Gear members pay just $125. A run/work option is available for those looking to save some bucks. Event entry can also be paired with a brand-new Bell Racing helmet: $275 for the open-face Sport Mag and $350 for the full-face Sport helmet. At those prices, you're pretty much getting the event entry for just a few bucks. Full program details, including registration, can be found at tracknightinamerica.com. photosbyjuha.com photosbyjuha.com Grassroots Motorsports 65

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