FAQ

Q. Can anyone do this?

A. Yes, anyone with a valid drivers license can participate in most track day events/schools. However, you may have to join the organization that is sanctioning the event.

Q. Can I use my personal car for a track day event?

A. Yes, in many cases you can. However, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration before doing so. The first consideration is your insurance company. They will not cover any damage sustained on track and most seriously frown on even having the car on the track at all. Second, with the high cost of vehicles today, do you really want to subject your daily driver to the rigors of track use? High performance driving is hard on street tires, brakes, and many automatic transmissions.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. This depends on several variables. Specifically what level of service you require, what type of vehicle you require, and whether you are attending a track day event/school, or racing wheel to wheel.

The basic rate to rent a track ready Mazda Miata for a track day is $500 per day. That fee gets the car delivered to the track, unless you are at a track other than VIR or Summit, tires, fuel, and basic support. If you are doing an event at another track, we can work out delivery fees. To determine a final cost you need to add the cost of registration with the sanctioning organization, and your personal expenses. (meals, lodging, etc.)

Q. Where do you go to drive on a track?

A. Currently the two closest venues are Summit Point Motorsports Park (Summit) and Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Summit is approximately 15 miles from Winchester, VA and 8 miles from Charles Town, WV. VIR is between South Boston, VA and Danville, VA, really close to the NC border. Both are 2 ½ to 3-hour drives from the Richmond area.

Q. What do I need to participate in a track day or race?

A. You will need a current drivers license from your home state, a vehicle that will pass pre-track inspection, the entry fee (and possibly the fee to join the organization if not already a member), long pants, long sleeve shirt, closed shoes, (no sandals) and an approved helmet. Depending on the weather, you should also have plenty of fluids to drink and some sunscreen.

Q. What about insurance and liability issues?

A. You will be required to sign a waiver before entering any racing facility as a participant. Many tracks require a signed waiver for spectators as well. ROF has a waiver and disclaimer in the contracts that are required for renting one of our vehicles. As for insurance, your insurance company will NOT cover your vehicle for track use. With the ROF cars, we agree on a maximum damage fee before you go on track.

Q. How fast can I go?

A. As with many of these questions, this is determined by multiple variable factors. Here is a list of some of the limiting factors:

  1. The laws of physics. Basically you cannot go 200 MPH driving a Yugo on a short tight twisty course. If the course has some long straights, and most do, you can attain some high speeds.
  2. The track The length of the track and the layout of the track will determine any absolute top speed attainable. Simply put, unless there are some long straights you will not achieve triple digit speeds. However, taking a 90-degree turn at 80 MPH, or a really tight turn at 45 MPH can provide some serious thrills.
  3. The vehicle you are using Clearly on a long straight a Corvette of Viper will be much faster than a Miata, however, on a tight twisty course the Miata could be faster than the above cars.
  4. The rules of the event You will be required to follow the rules of the event as set down by the sanctioning organization and listen to your instructor. In most driving school situations, you must have a point by from the car in front of you to pass them. This simply assures that the car in front knows that you are passing and allows that car to designate which side you should pass on.
  5. The limit of your instructor’s tolerance Basically, if you are demonstrating good car control and are listening to the instructor they will usually let you explore the limits of your car and your ability. Do not feel bad if your instructor tells you to slow down so that you can work on form and control. There is an old adage in racing, “Slow down to go faster”. As strange as that sounds, it is true. When you drive smoother and with more control, you are able to reduce your lap times.
  6. Lastly Your driving skills and experience As mentioned before driving schools and track days are learning experiences and each student should progress at their own comfort level. You will be learning skills and gaining experience that will directly transfer to your street driving and possibly even help you avoid a crash because you will be more aware of your surroundings while driving. So, while you are learning, you can go as slow or as fast as your skill level and your instructor allow. The key ingredient is that you are learning better driving skills and not racing, so don’t worry is faster cars pass you. The only person you are competing against is yourself because you are always trying to do better and become a better driver. This is not to diminish the thrill of being able to push the gas pedal to the floor and not worry about getting a speeding ticket. As you gain experience you will become faster and smoother. You will learn the proper way to go around a corner, you will learn a lot about the ability of the car you are driving, and you will expand your knowledge base of what to do in situations.