What to Expect
Whether you have signed up for a Track Night, or you are just considering, it's never a bad idea to get the skinny on who needs to be where and when. There are exceptions to what is below, but in general, here is what you can expect from your track night and what Track Night will expect from you.
Before going any further here, we HIGHLY recommend going to the Tracks Page, finding your track, and reading through the specific track rules and schedule.
COVID-19 Considerations
Just like your safety on track has always been our highest priority here at Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack, now with COVID-19 in the world, we're taking your safety in the paddock just as seriously. We have implemented some new procedures to make sure that our participants and staff are as safe as possible at our events.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to assess the risk to you, both on-track and off, and to make the decision on whether or not to participate, but it is all of our responsibility to ensure that we hold this event in a manner that allows everyone who attends to feel comfortable on and off the track.
Here are some things you can do to ensure we have a successful event:
- Take the “same team” approach - if you have been to a Track Night in the past, you have likely heard us talk about Track Night participants being on the “same team,” – which means we are all here to enjoy motorsports. We will be most successful if we work together to make sure everyone has a chance to do so. COVID-19 does not change this mentality. It is now more important than ever. We understand that not everyone may be concerned about the risk; we understand that some may not feel they need to wear a mask, however, we ask that you be mindful that your fellow track mates may have differing opinions and needs. Please help us to maximize everyone’s comfort by wearing a mask any time you are out of your car or personal parking space (more on this in point 5).
- Bring what you need - typically, we bring things like water and pens, and we often see folks borrowing tools and things in the paddock. Please do not count on this at this event. Bring your own pen to sign the waiver and your own water as we will not be providing water or have a cooler on hand for everyone's use. Print out and bring your completed tech sheet.
- Help us to reduce contact - under normal circumstances, Track Night is a great time to bring friends and family to the track. For this one, however, we would ask that you do what you can to help us reduce the headcount on the property during the event. No spectators, please.
- Assess yourself - if you are not feeling well or are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please stay home. If you have been in contact with someone who has been experiencing these symptoms in the last two weeks or who has tested positive, please stay home. Our typical cancellation policy will not apply to this event if this applies to you. If you or anyone you have been in contact with are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact Jack Track(jack@tracknightinamerica.com).
- Take this seriously (for everyone else) - while on-site please take the health and safety of your fellow participants, volunteers, and staff into consideration and practice social distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands, and/or use hand sanitizer frequently. All attendees and staff will be required to wear a face-covering (mask, bandana, balaclava, etc.) any time they are outside of their own vehicle and personal parking space. To maximize your comfort during the event, we request that you please bring your own face covering. If you have your own hand sanitizer, please bring it as well and use it frequently.
Check-In: Many of our check-in steps are similar to what they were pre-COVID, but we've made some adjustments to ensure everyone's safety. Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of what you can expect when you get to the track and check-in.
- Hand Sanitizer - We will have hand sanitizer at the check-in area. Before you touch anything, please use it.
- Sign the Waiver - You'll need to sign our printed waiver, and for this, we highly recommend that you bring your own pen.
- Show your Drivers License - We just need to do a visual check of this as we check you into the system.
- Pick up your packet - Inside you'll find helpful info about the event and our partners as well as a copy of our tech sheet if you haven't already printed one out and completed it. Your group wristband will also be inside. Make sure to take it out and put it on your left wrist.
- Helmet Check - If your helmet doesn't already have a Track Night 2020 helmet sticker, we'll need to visually check its safety certification rating, so bring it with you to check-in. Here is a list of all of our approved helmet certifications. The certification sticker may be tricky to find under the padding inside your helmet, so it's a good idea to find it before you get to the event so it's easy to show it to us. Pro-Tip: In many helmets, the sticker can be found under the flap of padding that usually sits above and behind your right ear.
- Tech - We will be collecting tech sheets on-site, and your check-in process will be much faster if you have already printed your tech sheet, which you can find here, and filled it out before the event. Make sure that you've completed the form and signed it before you hand it in. You'll receive a tech sticker to be placed on the upper right hand corner of your windshield.
- All Done - Once you've got your wristband, helmet sticker, and tech sticker, you should be all set!
What to Expect Next
Track Tour Laps: If you signed up for Track Tour Laps they will take place at roughly in the middle of the event. Check the event schedule on the event page
KONI Novice Experience: If this is your first track event, or if you want a little extra guidance, fear not, we have you taken care of. The KONI Novice Experience begins when the gates open. You will be directed to the Novice Paddock where you will be greeted by the Novice Coach. Try to arrive as early as you can to allow plenty of time to unload and inspect your car before the first Novice briefing. After a quick run-through of dos and don’ts, it's on to the session of novice paced laps. From there, your Novice Coach will facilitate the experience and make sure you have everything you need to have a safe and fun evening at the track. Expect 3 un-paced sessions, a few debriefs
Be sure to check out the What to Bring as well as the How to Prepare article. These will go a long way toward ensuring your novice experience is positive.
Advanced and Intermediate: For those who signed up in the Advanced and Intermediate Groups, everything has been streamlined for your Track Night experience. Before coming to the track, you can (and should) do your Online Driver’s Meeting. You can also download your Tech Sheet, though we will provide you with one at the event (just in case your printer is out of ink, your dog was hungry, or your kid decided to color yours). There is a short
Run/Work: If you signed up for Run/Work, you can expect to spend a couple of hours flagging, helping in
Volunteer: Don’t want to run, but still willing to help out? Man, do we love you! Same expectations as Run/Work, without the pesky running part. Please be at the track in time for the worker meeting listed on the event schedule unless specifically contacted and asked otherwise. We can almost always use help with check-in, paddock management, or on grid, and at some of our events, you may be able to help flag. Reach out to Jack@TrackNightinAmerica.com if you want to learn more about specific volunteer opportunities at each event.
BUT WHAT IF I AM GOING TO BE LATE!?!
We understand that life does happen and we will do our best to work with you. If you have the opportunity to let us know in advance, email Jack Track (jack@tracknightinamerica.com). When you arrive
Helpful Links:
VIRginia International Raceway
Vehicle Eligibility Guidelines
How to Prepare for Track Night
