I am curious to learn more about track days. I am guessing that standard insurance wouldn't cover damage at a track, correct? If not, do insurance companies have special riders or track polices you can get? Or does the track sponsoring the track day have insurance you buy for the day?

Do all tracks handle track days the same? I want to run mine on a track, but I am not looking to race a bunch of others around the track in my own car because of the likelihood of damage from other cars. Do any of them stagger the cars starting as to allow drivers to enjoy pushing their cars to the limit without having to worry about getting run into?

I realize these questions may seem dumb........

 

More people should ask questions upfront so dont think of your questions as dumb. If you want a day at the track with your car you should look for a High Performance Driving Event (HPDE). This will give you an instructor, class room time and track time. Most HPDEs are very safe with limited/no passing at the beginner groups and the cars are spaced out. Its a great way to learn about how to become a better driver and learn the basic dynamics of your car. Almost everything you learn at the track can be used on the street making you a better driver.

You can look at this website to find driving school events in your area https://www.motorsportreg.com/calendar/

Insurance will depend on your company. Some insurance companies will cover you as it is driver "training". Others will not. You need to look at your policy. Mine at one time stated something about "time events" not being covered which meant HPDEs were covered as they are not timed. If you are not covered then there are insurance companies that will insure your car for the day or weekend. I believe coverage varies by state so you will need to look into that.

 

WW - thank you very much for that info, it is very helpful. I will look into HPDE events near me.

 

Just google track day insurance, names will pop up like Hagerty's Lockton, etc.
The insurance for an event can get a little pricey, you'll see that you have a choice of picking a deductible, usually 10 or 15%. All depends on what you are comfortable with.
I'm fairly new to track days, only having done a couple myself. I've stuck with one event coordinator and it takes a few events before they will let you drive without an instructor. Thats good, especially when you arent familiar with the track.
You should run in a beginner class and depending on the number of drivers you will run across ones that you will pass on course, or you will be passed. The rules for passing are clearly spelled out so I wouldnt worry too much about damage from other cars.
Dont forget car preparation and go out there and have fun!

 

I have done a few at t he Autobahn in Joilet,il in the beginner class and it is safe as PASSING IS ALLOWED BUT only on the straights

 

I run with Chin, they are a very professional group: https://chintrackdays.com/ and I have instructed part time or driven with other groups over the years. Different groups have slightly different rules regarding HPDE but most follow similar procedures to keep everyone safe.

You will need separate track insurance, I use RLI: https://www.rlicorp.com/track-day You'll also need a helmet.

You will not be "racing" - instead as a newbie you will ride with an instructor. Passing will be restricted to certain areas, normally just straights and will be done via a "point by" where the car in front will give a hand signal when a safe pass can be completed. Check your ego at the door you might get passed by Miatas and other "slow" cars. Going fast around a circuit is way more just mashing the loud pedal and having the most horsepower.

Honestly I feel safer on the track then I do on the highway since nobody will be texting, drinking a latte, yelling at their kids, changing lanes, etc. There is some prep work that needs to be done to the car (consultant your manual, the most important will be brake fluid.

I think everyone should track their vehicle at least once to understand what it can really do. The experience will completely reset your concept of grip and braking limits, plus increase your respect for the skill level of professional racing drivers.

 

Some comments regarding helmets....

Some clubs require SA2015 or newer helmets. SA are rated for use in a car. M rated helmets are for motorcycles. The SA helmets are more expensive

Some clubs don’t care what helmet you use

Both the BMW CCA and the PCA have well run HPDEs. Like any national org, they have variability in quality but in general they’re very good. They have in car instruction and classroom time. Other clubs also offer similar levels of service

Bottom line....research what is local. Ask around about the clubs you’re interested in. Drive within your comfort level. It’s not a race and there’s no trophy at the end. Prep the car, particularly fresh brake fluid. Have fun.

 

I will expand on this a litle more. Most HPDE events aren't run by the track. Most are run by organizations that rent the track. The cost of rental usually includes the track workers, flaggers and ambulance crews. The event organizers will have insurance that covers their event. This insurance provides some limited liability coverage to participants. For instance, if you are driving through the paddock and drive over somebody else's targa top they just laid on the ground you might be covered for the cost of the top. However, hit somebody on track and you probably are your own as far as paying for their damage. There is no coverage for any damage you do to your car. There are other issues as well with paying the track for damages to the track and use of materials to clean up an incident.

When I was in NY State my State Farm Insurance policy included an exclusion that said all coverage was suspended for any incident that occurred on a surface meant for racing. Up until they added that exclusion State Farm paid for incidents on track. However, once they paid they usually cancelled the policy.

Now that I live in NC my State Farm policy has no exclusions for incidents on track. However, I have decided to pay for Track Insurance as it relieves me of worrying about what happens to my street policy that includes three vehicles. The only downside it also includes a 19% deductible.

Bill

 

Try finding a High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) event at your local tracks. They are usually well organized and focus on learning how to drive usually without concern about passing and competition, allowing drivers a good learning environment. Insurance coverage will depend on your carrier, and supplemental insurance is available should you want/need it. A helmet will be required and each track has their requirements for helmet certification, so finding and contacting a local (or only) track for the desired event and equipment requirements could be your first step.

 

Thanks for this post, Timbrwolf9. I also appreciate all the responses. As a side note/question, on most tracks, are convertibles allowed? If so, are roll bars required?

 

You’ll have to ask the organizer. I highly recommend insurance as “**** happens”.

 

Each organization is different, but in my experience running a convertible with the top up is allowed. My brother drove a Boxster and we have several buddies running Miatas and S2000s.

 

Thanks for your input, JM. I appreciate it.

 

One other comment. Don't get too hung up on what you read here regarding what you need to do to the car. For your first day, it's perfectly fine stock. Focus on safety, which is why I mentioned the brake fluid. The other stuff can wait. If everyone followed all the comments you see on the Forum in general, all track day cars would look just like copies of the C7R.