The Road to Racing
A key goal of the American Racing Club is to safely bring drivers up from novice, through experienced "track day drivers" and ultimately into the ARC racing series. Many drivers have asked us specifically what the steps are in this progression while still maintaining the high degree of quality training. These steps are provided through the NCRC, and described below. If racing is a possibility in your future, read on.
The Standard Way
The sequence of events we normally recommend and support is described in the graphic here, showing the steps from novice, to intermediate and advanced, to race ready driver. In the green bubbles are the types of activities these drivers will typically participate in, and the blue squares show the collateral material and training we provide along the way
The Fast Track
NCRC can accelerate the progression of training for drivers particularly interested in racing soon.
Novice drivers interested in racing need to register for several NCRC Driver's Ed/Open Track events within six months, and request "Fast Track Instruction." We'll notify your instructor that you're interested in moving to racing as quickly as possible, and that you're on a specific curriculum. You�ll receive specific instruction regarding your training needs, from a race-experienced instructor, and you will find out exactly what you need to do to reach a racing level. Keeping in mind that we don't want anyone put into a race environment before s/he's ready, we'll tell you exactly what gaps you have, and how to fill them. Our intention will be to set you up to be ready for the ARC Race School on completion of a few short track days.
Intermediate and Advanced drivers should register for any NCRC even and request an ARC Checkout for that event. You will be evaluated for your track awareness and knowledge of track protocol, and possibly be certified on the spot for ARC if you meet the required expectations. You can also register for any of ARC's Race Schools, where you will be given specific race-level instruction, and virtually guaranteed of receiving certification.
Common Questions
How safe is racing?
The safety concerns are certainly valid, and should be understood by anyone considering driving on the track, let alone racing. There are two factors to consider:
The driver is most important, safety including not only proper equipment (driving suit, helmet, head & neck support) but also the knowledge to be aware of what track conditions and driver actions may be unsafe.
The other concern is the car, which must be race prepared. This is not an environment where a normal street car is acceptable, as the result of car contact at high speeds is extremely hazardous. A race car must have a roll cage, harness, fire suppression, and meet a technical inspection. For a driver just starting out, there are several options here, from modifying a street car, to purchasing a low-cost race car, to renting a race car. ARC can help with suggestions or contacts in this area, if desired.
Am I going to be the slowest guy on the track?
Well possibly, but ARC is a bit flexible in its car classifications. If it's clear that you belong in a slower group, we'll move you there. You'll have fun racing with them, and really where you'll find the excitement of racing.
Why should I race, I'm having fun running laps in open track sessions?
Sure, we all have run in an open track session, perhaps time trialed, with racing being the highest logical progression on the track. Racing adds an enormous amount to the total experience: learning is accelerated, timing is critical, and the fun factor is off the scale. Simply adding a component of competition makes the drive much more intense, and you'll be surprised at how much more you learn about driving with other cars, that you may have never considered.
What are the chances of me or my car getting hurt while racing?
Higher than in a NCRC session. Racing with the ARC is intense, but we've purposely structured the rules to allow competitive racing without the contact. While contact isn't supposed to happen (and hasn't to date), it probably will sometime in the future. We minimize the threat to contact by carefully screening all drivers for the requisite skills to race, the right attitude, and review their track history looking for unwanted patterns of behavior. The safety equipment required for your car will help protect you in case of an accident, which is why we're so strict. We have the best fire-rescue personnel available, in addition to EMT trained flaggers, and equipment - we use the same crews that work the pro races. This isn't a pleasant topic to discuss, but it's good to know in the back of your mind the infrastructure is looking after your well being, and the well being of your car.
The American Racing Club's Racing School is a great way to see if this is a path you want to pursue. It's a two day class teaching racecraft, but it's controlled, and much more like a NCRC day. You car doesn't need to be specially modified to participate. Let us know if you'd like to take part in one of the upcoming classes or just have more questions on racing in general.
Please contact us, dave@ncracing.org or luc@ncracing.org if you have any questions.