FAQs

FAQs about Track Guys Events

Q1) Are you required to purchase special insurance for the event (and how much does it cost)?

A1) No, you are not REQUIRED to purchase special insurance. Check you own insurance policy: some DO have exceptions for “driving education events conducted at a racing facility”. The key thing to remember, this IS NOT A COMPETITIVE / RACING EVENT, it is a structured performance driving education event conducted at a racing facility. Track Guys’ program has been approved by and are eligible for an affordable physical damage insurance for on-track incidents now available from Lockton Affinity. This policy covers you, a co-driver and instructor with a agreed-value policy. You will find a link to their policy information on the http://www.trackguys.motorsportreg.com once you’ve logged in and started your registration process.

Q2) What is the event’s safety record like?

A2) Track Guys has been conducting performance driving schools since May of 2002. It takes EVERYONE (students, instructors and advanced drivers) respecting the rules of the event, respecting the corner worker stations and their flags, respecting their own abilities and of course, the laws of physics. We work hard to make sure everyone is “driving by the sames rules and regs” and ultimately, the safety of the event is in the hands, feet and eyes of everyone rolling off pit road..

Q3) Are you required to purchase or wear special clothing, safety harness, etc?

A3) Our requirements are as follows: a long-sleeve, cotton shirt (long-sleeve t-shirt is fine), full-length cotton pants (jeans, dockers, etc) and leather/cotton closed-toes shoes. Your vehicles factory seat belts are adequate for our events. Installing a safety harness is something to consider down the road (safety harnesses should NOT be installed without a proper roll bar and cross brace.

Q4) What does the tech inspection consist of?

A4) You can download a .pdf of the Track Guys Tech Form here: https://www.trackguys.com/?page_id=32 . Essentially, we are looking for well-maintained vehicles: tires, brakes, brake fluid, secured battery, solid windshield, etc. The biggest violation is: NOT putting in fresh brake fluid. Hint: Brake fluid is clear, NOT coffee-colored…<ahem>

Q5) Are makes and models other than Ford and Mustangs allowed at the event?

A5) Yes. (sorry, no 4×4 SUVs or 4×4 trucks)

Q6) Are rental cars permitted at the event (sorry…I had to ask)?

A6) Yes, if that is your idea of a performance driving vehicle.

Q7) How much time do you spend in a classroom environment vs. track time?

A7) The first day (most of our schools are two day events) you will have a mandatory classroom season after each of your on-track sessions. (we run 20-minute sessions throughout the day). Thus, you should get 100 to 120 minutes on track per day.

Q8) Is there a detailed event agenda, including description of skills learned?

A8) Not per se: however, we will cover a LOT of information both in the Mandatory Driver’s Meeting and in the various classroom sessions. The amount we cover depends on how well each of you are doing on the track and direct feedback from ALL instructors. Bring a notebook.

Q9) How stressful is the event to the cars?

A9) That is ENTIRELY dependent upon you, the driver. YOU are in control of how fast you go, how hard you use the brakes and tires. A well-maintained, street-driven car SHOULD be able to stand up to what you are capable of dishing out, especially when you’re just getting started. Your in-car instructor is a second set of eyes and ears and can help you adjust your driving style to maximize your learning while minimizing the wear and tear you subject your vehicle to.

Q10) What should I expect as far as wear and tear to our vehicles during the event?  I have been told Sebring is one of the roughest tracks out there, it will wear out tires, suspension, shocks, etc. very quickly.

A10) Sebring is a physically demanding track, on both driver and car. Again, YOU and your instructor should be able to find a pace that will suit your vehicles appetite for consumables. (tires, brake pads, shocks, etc). Sebring specifically does have some rough spots – seasoned drivers call this “character”.

Q11) Should I take special precautions to protect the paint of our vehicles from high-speed stone chips, etc.?

A11) This is ENTIRELY up to you, the vehicle owner. Many do apply “painter’s tape” to the fronts of their vehicles to protect from small stones, sand and rubber that can be picked up off the track. You can also slow down and increase your following distance…

Q12) How busy or crowded does the track get (other drivers, aggressive driving, etc.)?

A12) Many tracks dictate how many cars we can have per run group. Sebring is our largest event, but we still limit the run group to 25 cars on the 3.7-mile track. If you find yourself in a large pack of cars, the best solution may be to “pit in”, allowing the other cars to move around the track while you slowly motor down pit road. The Grid Marshall will do his/her best to get you out into a less crowded section of the run group. Aggressive Driving is NOT tolerated and can be reported by any driver or corner worker. The aggressive driver will be black flagged and brought to pit road for a detailed conversation about the rules and spirit of the event. At the discretion of the Event Master, Lead Instructor or Grid Marshall, repeat offenders may be “parked” for the remainder of the session or even the day.

Q13) Are our cars driven by the instructors during the event?

A14) Only for the true Novice and Beginner groups, and then, only during the first (Orientation) session of the day. The instructor will drive your vehicle at a low, “parade” speed (no helmets required) so that YOU (the student) can see the track. After two laps, the instructor will pull onto pit road and trade places with you. Now you will be driving your car at a parade speed (no helmets) so that you’ve both seen and driven the track before coming to your first classroom session. The Orientation Laps are very valuable, so please pay attention to EVERYTHING the instructor is telling you.

Q14) Is track time following the lead only?

A14) No, the ONLY lead-follow sessions are during the Orientation Laps and during the noon parade sessions, You drive at your OWN pace and within you OWN comfort level. Passing zones and passing rules will be covered during the Mandatory Driver’s Meeting (each day) and in the classroom sessions.

Q15) Is there a speed limit during open track?

A15) No, that is up to you and your instructor (and how much you want to use your tires, brakes, etc)

Q16) How much open track time can one expect to log at the end of the event?

A16) 1 – 1.5 hrs per day, thus 2 – 3+ hrs over the course of the two-day event.

Q17) Where can you refuel at the event?  What gas brands and octane are available, what is the average price per gallon?

A17) Most of the tracks we attend do have on-site refueling. However, DO expect to pay a PREMIUM price for the convenience. Brands, octanes and prices vary per track.

Q18) Is there a program for people who do not wish to drive their cars, but would still like to attend the event?  How much does it cost?

A18) No, not at this time. All our events are “bring your own vehicle”, we do not have rentals available.

Q19) Does these events count towards fulfilling racing licensing requirements?

A19) No, because our events are NOT racing events.