Attending Your First High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) Track Day:
What You Need to Know
If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ve probably dreamed of taking your car out on a real racetrack. There’s something uniquely thrilling about the idea of pushing your car to its limits, cornering at high speeds, and hearing that engine roar on a closed circuit—without worrying about traffic or speed limits. Whether you drive a performance car, a sporty daily driver, or even a classic, a track day is the ultimate way to experience the thrill of motorsport in a safe and controlled environment.
What is a HPDE Track Day?
At its core, a track day is an organized event where car enthusiasts get the opportunity to drive their cars on a racetrack. These events are not about racing; they’re focused on education, improving your driving skills, learning about your car’s capabilities, and—most importantly—having fun. Track days involve several classroom and driving sessions during which you’ll have the chance to learn track etiquette, safety, and basic performance driving techniques such as cornering, braking, and acceleration.
Do I Need Special Driving Skills?
No. The best part about track days is that you don’t need to be a racing expert to attend. Run groups are split into different skill sets: novice, intermediate, and advanced. If it’s your first time, you’ll be placed in the Novice group where you’ll be assigned to an instructor that will help you throughout the day. Intermediate and Advanced groups are composed of drivers that can drive on their own with minimal to no guidance.
Is this Safe?
Racetracks are specifically designed for high-speed driving with proper safety measures in place (barriers, runoff areas, etc.). Additionally, you’ll be required to wear appropriate safety gear like a helmet and have a tech inspection done on your car to make sure it is safe for track use. And, while it’s tempting to think of it like a race, HPDE is not about competition. There are no timed laps, no passing without permission, and no one is “competing” for a win. The focus is purely on learning, improving, and refining your skills.
What Are the Benefits of Track Days?
- Learn car control & improve your driving: Track days offer a unique opportunity to significantly improve your driving skills. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, understanding how your car responds in different situations —like braking hard, going through turns, and throttle control— will make you a safer and more confident driver on both the track and the street.
- Expert coaching: At SCDA we pride ourselves on the knowledge and skillset of our instructors. Our instructors will give personalized feedback and guidance throughout the day. Whether it’s refining your cornering technique or improving your braking zones, you’ll get real-time advice that can make a huge difference in your driving performance.
- Meet fellow enthusiasts: Track days are a great way to meet like-minded car enthusiasts. You’ll bond over shared experiences and gain insights from more experienced drivers. There’s a great sense of camaraderie in the paddock and many people build lifelong friendships.
- Have fun: Of course, the most obvious benefit is sheer fun. The thrill of driving your car at high speeds, mastering new skills, and experiencing the rush of being on a racetrack is an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. It’s an exciting day that combines passion, challenge, and enjoyment.
Attending a track day is an incredible experience that every car enthusiast should try at least once. It’s a chance to improve your driving, learn more about your car, and most importantly, have a blast on a racetrack. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience behind the wheel, track days offer something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Check out SCDA1.com for an event near you and get ready to experience the thrill on track with SCDA!
For more info, visit: www.scda1.com
