New SCCA Track Night Starting Line Program Puts People on Performance Path
TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 24, 2017) -- For four years now, the SCCA’s Starting Line school has introduced people to autocross and techniques required to excel in the sport. In 2017, the SCCA® is expanding its Starting Line school to include instruction at select Track Night in America® Driven by Tire Rack events.
Track Night in America Starting Line is a performance driving school designed to get participants up to speed on car control techniques, track driving etiquette, and preparation for track events. The program focuses on the experience of having fun with cars and encourages drivers to evolve at their own pace.
At Track Night Starting Line, drivers have a professional instructor in the car with them to practice the foundations of performance driving in a controlled environment before hitting the track. Tom O’Gorman, Track Night Starting Line lead instructor and the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge TCB Class champion, said students can expect one-on-one instruction with a focus on acceleration, braking and cornering techniques applicable to track driving. There will be helpful “Chalk Talks" to discuss performance driving and car control, as well as track driving protocol and concepts. Starting Line instructors are then available to students for an entire Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack event.
“With Track Night Starting Line, automotive enthusiasts get valuable, personalized instruction on the very same day as their Track Night in America experience," O’Gorman said. “Of course, what people learn during Starting Line will be of value on the track. But a lot of what is taught will also make people better drivers on everyday streets.”
Track Night Starting Line is priced at $325 per entrant and includes coaching, SCCA membership, subscriptions to SportsCar and Grassroots Motorsports magazines, and entry to a Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack event. Ten Track Night Starting Line events are planned for the early part of the year, and registration for those events will open Monday, Feb. 27 at 8 a.m. Central Time. An up-to-date calendar can be viewed at the Track Night Starting Line webpage. Additional sessions will be added, but the current schedule is as follows:
- April 5: Atlanta Motorsports Park; Dawsonville, Georgia
- April 11: Motorsports Ranch; Cresson, Texas
- April 13 Thunderhill Raceway Park; Willows, California
- April 13: NOLA Motorsports Park; Avondale, Louisiana
- April 19: New Jersey Motorsports Park; Millville, New Jersey
- April 20: Heartland Park Topeka; Topeka, Kansas
- April 25: Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park; Thompson, Connecticut
- May 11: Pittsburgh International Race Complex; Wampum, Pennsylvania
- May 16: Palm Beach International Raceway; Jupiter, Florida
- May 17: The Ridge Motorsports Park; Shelton, Washington
Track Night in America is a non-competitive, no-stress, entertaining, easy and inexpensive way for nearly anyone who loves cars or motorsports to get on a real racecourse in their own vehicle during weeknights. All that is required is that participants be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and have access to a helmet and street car in good working condition. No previous on-track experience or SCCA membership is required to join in the fun. Drivers participate in the Advanced, Intermediate or KONI Novice Experience group so on-track activities remain fun for all, and everyone gets three 20-minute sessions on course -- as well as feedback from SCCA driver coaches on site. Admission is free for people who just want to stop by and watch the fun, and leisurely circuit parade laps are provided for all Track Night in America guests.
For more information about Track Night Staring Line, visit https://www.scca.com/pages/sl-track. More information about SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack can be found at www.TrackNightInAmerica.com. Additional press releases can be found at the Track Night in America press page; and FAQ, logo and photos located online at the Track Night in America media kit.
Photo Credit: Daniel Cutrer
