(Editor’s Note: This is a cautionary tale about regret.  Thankfully, there is a very happy ending.  If you have a story to share, write it up and send it over to Jim@TrackNightinAmerica.com – and don’t forget to include a photo.)

By Kris Williams

So, I always wanted to do a track day for years and years, but something was always in the way. I never had time, no one to go with, I thought it was too expensive, etc. … . But for my birthday, I bought myself a track day for $150 through SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack. No excuses this time.

I drove an hour to GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan, by myself and didn't really know what to expect. On road to the track, I passed by a billboard for the race track and got a little nervous. I knew I'd be terrible, but I really hoped I wouldn't be embarrassing. I turned into the track and slowly crept up into the paddock to park. "Well, this spot looks as good as any..." I thought, pulling up next to a white ‘90s MR2. Upon exiting my car, I couldn't help but take in the atmosphere. It was very nice to be a car guy again. My novice group had to attend a mandatory meeting with safety guidelines and track info. As I headed up to check in, I introduced myself to the MR2 owner, Paul. It was his first time as well. Parked next to him was Joe in a Toyota FR-S who, although pretty reserved, seemed to know what he was doing.

After the meeting, we had a pace lap which was helpful considering I had never been on this (or any) race track before. We went around the course at half speed to get a feel for the track, to see the flag operators, and to pay attention to the apex cones. All of which I would promptly forget about because I had no idea what I was doing. We pulled back into the paddock and were told to get ready because our session was going to begin in a couple minutes.

Not wanting to make a complete fool of myself, I parked in one of the end spots for our run so I wouldn't get in anyone's way. A couple minutes later, they started shuffling us on to the track. I immediately forgot what was said during our briefing. At first, I tried to keep up with the car in front of me, but quickly abandoned that plan as I focused more on not dying. I completed my first lap shiny side up and a funny thing happened, I was loving this. My lap times were terrible, my line was horrible, I was being passed by pretty much everything, but for 20 minutes it was just me in my Mustang, and twelve other gearheads loving life.

The checkered flag dropped and we all pulled in to the paddock for another briefing. Me, Paul and Joe exchanged some thoughts and advice (them more than me, obviously). After another meeting, it was back out on the track for another 20-minute session. I did much better this time. I wasn't afraid to go flat out where I was instructed to do so, and although I still was terrible at corners, my lap times continued to get better.

At the end of the day, during our last 20 minutes of track time, I couldn't help but think about how stupid I was to wait this long. It felt like home. I always had some reason not to do this, but now all I could think about was a reason to do this again. We all pulled into the paddock one last time and shook hands. I thanked them for humbling me on the track and vowed to return again, as did they. What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon

I know this was long winded and romantic, but please do yourself a favor. If you haven't already, sign up for an SCCA Track Night in America. Find a reason. Don't be scared of being slow or not knowing anyone. You'll meet new friends and learn so much about your car.  Go do a Track Night, you won't regret it.

Photo Credit: Kris Williams