SCDA Track Event Run Group Criteria

NOVICE:

The Novice run group is designed for the driving enthusiast that has limited or no prior track experience. This student may have previously completed in a few track events, but this is not required. Many of the students in the Novice run group will have never been to the track. Learning the fundamentals of performance driving, with a strong emphasis placed on learning the proper “line” around the track are the top priorities for the Novice student.

Typically, the Novice student will be participating in his or her street car – and these cars are usually in stock or slightly modified configuration. If you are just starting out with performance track driving, then the most vital element that will help you become a better driver is getting track time, under the observation of our highly qualified SCDA instructors. Spending thousands of dollars on aftermarket “go-fast” parts for your car (such as racing tires, aftermarket suspension components and engine enhancements) is not as important as getting your street car out to the track and getting seat time!

Novice drivers will be paired up in small teams to work with an instructor. An SCDA instructor will lead the team around the track demonstrating the proper line, as well as other aspects of performance driving. Moreover, the SCDA will always provide highly informative classroom sessions, taught by a Professional Driver. Classroom curriculum will include:

• Explanation of the flags
• Entering and exiting the Pit Lane
• Passing zones and Point-By Etiquette
• The “Driving Line” discussion
• Dangers of an Early Apex
• Using your eyes to go faster
• Basic vehicle dynamics discussion, Understeer vs. Oversteer
• Explanation of Terms such as Turn In, Apex, Track Out
• Dropping a Wheel and Spins, What to do.
• Question and Answer session.

We will look at some in-car video footage and will provide a track specific PowerPoint presentation – answering all questions that Novice drivers typically have. For reference purposes, if you run with the BMW Club in group 4 or 3, then you would typically be in the Novice SCDA run group. If you have run with the Porsche Club, in the Green or Yellow group, then we would want to start you out in the Novice Run Group. Common Novice Run Group Cars may include : VW GTI, Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang, BMW 3 series, Mazda Miata, Honda S2000, Subaru WRX and the like.

INTERMEDIATE 1:

The Intermediate run group is the home for driving enthusiasts with prior on-track driving experience. The Intermediate student will have a basic understanding of vehicle dynamics, as well as an understanding of line theory. This student is working on improving his or her driving through the most significant commodity that we can offer – track time.

We encourage Intermediate drivers to ride with an instructor, at least for the first session. Even a person with prior track experience can learn the nuances of going faster from our SCDA Instructor pool. Once the Instructor is comfortable with the driver’s skill level then the transition to driving Solo will take place.

Intermediate students will also receive classroom instruction from our Professional Driver including:

• Getting through the Corner, a step-by-step analysis
• Smooth Downshifts and Heel/Toe footwork
• Increased Braking Levels and Threshold Braking: brake smoother, harder and later
• Advanced Driving Line: various corner approaches, entry and exit speeds, compound radius corners
• Advanced Vehicle Dynamics, Weight transfer, Changing grip levels
• Common Track-Specific Challenges
• Passing and Point-By Etiquette

The Intermediate student’s car, as a general rule, may have a few more performance modifications than the average Novice student cars, but again, this is not required. A few of the Intermediate level drivers will have made the transition from street tires to R Compound track tires. Some of the Intermediate drivers will have a fair amount of prior on-track experience, but it might be the first time that this experienced driver has visited a new race track. Track specific tips will be provided to Intermediate students during the classroom session. Intermediate Run Group cars may include : Porsche 911, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, BMW M3, Ferrari 430, Mercedes Benz AMG, Corvette, etc.

We emphasize incremental steps to our Intermediate students, in their quest to gradually find an increased amount of speed and overall comfort level. Be it at Lime Rock Park, Watkins Glen International, New Hampshire Motor Speedway or any of the other great tracks we visit, quality track time with the Sports Car Driving Association is the key to being a smoother and faster driver. For cross referencing purposes, an SCDA Intermediate student would be a Group 3 or Group 2 BMW CCA Drivers Ed student or a Porsche Club Yellow or White run group driver.

INTERMEDIATE 2:

Intermediate 2 is the perfect run group for experienced track drivers who are comfortable driving solo but not sure if they are ready for the speed of the Advanced group. The Intermediate 2 driver will have a thorough understanding of vehicle dynamics, the driving-line theory and passing etiquette. The Intermediate 2 student is spending more track time driving closer to the dynamic limits of their car and fine tuning their car and driving skills. In the Intermediate 2 group drivers will find a tighter spread of performance on track so there will be less passing and more similar-speed cars to run close to.

Intermediate 2 drivers have a classroom session with our Professional Driver using more advanced language and concepts. Topics of discussion in the Intermediate 2 classroom session will include:

• Adapting to new tracks, new cars and new modifications
• Changing driving conditions such as cold temperatures, rain or debris on track
• Introduction to driver assist systems, video and data analysis
• Dealing with changes in elevation, compound corners and entry vs exit speed
• Questions about vehicle setup and tuning
• Common track-specific questions, problem areas and hidden speed
• Prepare drivers for a transition to the Advanced run group

Not all drivers choose to move up to the Advanced run group but Intermediate 2 drivers who do wish to advance will need to show safe and skilled driving, situational awareness and be approved by one of our Instructors.

ADVANCED:

The Advanced run group is ideal for the seasoned track driver. This driver will have had considerable prior experience with performance driving, and a portion of the Advanced run group students may have prior competition experience. Advanced is a Solo run group – these drivers do not need an instructor in their car and may not drive with a passenger other than an instructor. For reference purposes, this would be where BMW CCA Run Group 2 or Run Group 1 or Porsche Club Black Run Group drivers would feel most comfortable.

Advanced Drivers enjoy plenty of track time at speed with fellow drivers of comparable expertise as well as classroom instruction. A few of the topics that would be discussed in the Advanced classroom may include:

• Rain Driving and Rain Line Talk
• Setting up a pass and driving off line to complete the pass
• Advanced self analysis using video and data feedback
• Advanced vehicle dynamics, weight transfer and optimization.
• Making the transition from Drivers Ed events to competitive driving

An Advanced run group driver will possess a solid understanding of vehicle dynamics, will be proficient at heel and toe downshifting, and will exhibit the ability to control his or her car in a high speed environment without dropping wheels or spinning their car. A large portion of Advanced Run Group drivers will have cars that are heavily modified for track driving and a portion of Advanced run group cars will be dedicated track cars.

Advanced Run Group cars may include: BMW or PCA cars set up to Club Racing specs, SVRA or similar vintage sedans, BMW M cars, Improved Touring cars, Mazda RX7 Turbo, or other high performance automobiles.

At the SCDA, LLC, the most important aspect of the day, regardless of which run group you are assigned to, is driving within your and your cars ability level, and keeping the day safe and fun! The above Run Group descriptions will hopefully help you decide where you would fit in best!

Changing Run Groups

The Sports Car Driving Association works hard to place drivers in the most appropriate run group based on previous experience and skills exhibited. Placing existing SCDA drivers in the best run group is less challenging than new drivers to the organization with past experience elsewhere. 

For existing SCDA drivers who want to consider a change in run group, typically to a higher group, the SCDA has a well established process. 

The steps in order:

1. The SCDA Chief Instructor will have observed certain behaviors at previous SCDA events. Relevant behaviors include:
   1. Regular attendance at classroom sessions
   2. To begin the day at a reasonable pace and build speed safely, appropriate for the vehicle and conditions  
   3. To recognize and respond to all flags, pit lane and point by procedures
   4. To avoid spins and off track excursions to the greatest extent possible
2. An SCDA instructor will ride along with the driver and confirm that important on-track behaviors are exhibited including:
   1. An understanding and ability to consistently drive on the correct driving line
   2. Display on track awareness of errors, flags, track conditions and other vehicles
   3. Using the SCDA Point-By properly, consistently and effectively
   4. Having the awareness to reflect on skills and willingly accept feedback
3. Drivers should express the desire to change run groups prior to an event, and understand that changing run groups can only happen at the discretion of the Chief Instructor. The recommendation to continue in the current group for an additional event is not a negative assessment but an opportunity to build skills with instruction prior to driving solo 
4. It is the policy of the SCDA not to move a driver to another run group during an event unless the desire is to move to a lower group or extenuating circumstances require so

For drivers new to the SCDA high performance driving or with experience running with other organizations who want to be placed in the proper group, the SCDA will look for the following

The steps in order:

1. All drivers new to high performance driving will be placed in the Novice group, and are encouraged to attend an SCDA Car Control Clinic first
2. The SCDA Chief Instructor will evaluate a driver’s past experience by reviewing their log book on MotorsportsReg. Most organizations use MotorsportsReg so experienced drivers should have an account with logbook
3. The SCDA Chief Instructor may ask for referrals or recommendations from an instructor who has worked with the driver before.
4. The driver should have experience other than driving schools or amateur racing unless a history of accomplishments can be displayed.
5. Drivers who request a certain run group prior to an event should understand that the classification process happens at the discretion of the SCDA Chief Instructor and is not a judgement of past successes, but as a desire to ensure comfort and safety.