Grassroots motorsport, explained
Get on track with your street car and know what to do.
Beginner-friendly guides to track days, autocross and drag strips: what to bring, what to prep, which brakes, tires and safety gear matter, and what it costs.
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Explore Track & Racing Guides
Pick a topic to find checklists, setup advice and beginner basics.
Track Day Basics
First-event checklists, costs, tech inspection and what to expect.
Explore topic →02Autocross
Classes, costs, tire pressures and how to start with a daily driver.
Explore topic →03Beginner Drag Racing
Test-and-tune nights, classes, tech inspection and staging.
Explore topic →04Safety Gear
Helmet ratings, gloves, fire extinguishers and what events require.
Explore topic →05Track Brake Setup
Pads, fluid, bleeding and fixing brake fade on track.
Explore topic →06Track Tire Guide
200tw tires, pressures, heat cycles and reading tire wear.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Beginner Track Guides
The questions first-timers ask before their first event.
Where Are the No-Passing Zones at a Track Day?
No-passing zones at a track day are set by event rules, run group, and corner worker signals, not one fixed spot on…
How to Measure Tire Wear at Home with a Tread Depth Gauge
Measure tread depth at three points across each tire, compare left-to-right, and use wear bars to spot uneven wear before it becomes…
Do Racing Harnesses Expire, and How Do You Check the Date?
Yes—racing harnesses can expire, and the cutoff depends on the tag. FIA belts are usually 5 years from manufacture year; SFI belts…
Do I Need Track Day Insurance for HPDE Events?
Buy HPDE insurance when the car’s replacement cost plus deductible is more than you can self-insure. Check exclusions, policy terms, and coverage…
From the blog
Latest Track & Racing Articles
New guides on track days, autocross, drag racing and car prep.
DOT 3 vs DOT 4 vs DOT 5.1: Which Brake Fluid for Track Days?
Choose brake fluid by OEM spec and wet boiling-point margin, not DOT number alone. This guide…
Are Street and Track Brake Pads Enough for Occasional Track Days?
Street and track brake pads can work for occasional HPDE if pad temperatures, brake fluid, and…
What RPM Should You Launch at on Street Tires?
Start around 2500-3000 rpm on street tires, then adjust by feel and by the first 60…
How Long Is a Drag Strip and Where Is the Finish Line?
A drag strip is usually 1/4 mile, or 1,320 feet, though many tracks run 1,000-foot or…
How Do SCCA Autocross Classes Differ From Local Classes?
SCCA autocross classes use national prep rules, while local clubs may rename, split, or compress them.…
How Much Does a First Autocross Cost with a Street Car?
Expect roughly $75 to $250 for a first autocross in a street car, with most of…
Recent Guides
- Where Are the No-Passing Zones at a Track Day?
- How to Measure Tire Wear at Home with a Tread Depth Gauge
- Do Racing Harnesses Expire, and How Do You Check the Date?
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