Let’s Drive

You’ve learned the fundamentals of high-performance driving — now it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Whether you’re chasing lap times, looking for a new weekend thrill, or dreaming of racing glory, there’s a path for you. 

And the best part? It’s more accessible than you may think.

The most important thing is to start where you feel comfortable. Whether it’s autocross, a track day, or a racing school, you’ll find a welcoming community of enthusiasts ready to help.

ALL YOU NEED IS:

• A safe, well-maintained car

• Basic safety gear (only a helmet to get started, and often you can get a loaner by paying a nominal fee to rent one)

• A willingness to learn

• And a little courage to take that first step

Once you’re in, you’ll discover a world of opportunity — and a tribe of like-minded drivers who will support you every step of the way. And of course, BFGoodrich Tires is here to support your journey, wherever it leads!

If you’re craving more speed and track time,
High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) or “Track Day” events are your next step. These are non-competitive, educational events held on real racetracks.

Top programs include:

• SCCA’s Track Night in America – A relaxed, beginner-friendly way to experience track driving.
  

• National Auto Sport Association (NASA)’s HPDE Ladder System – A structured program that lets you advance through four levels, from beginner to solo driver, and eventually to instructor or racer. HPDE level 1 starts off with an in-car instructor and through level 3 you’ll receive classroom sessions to help you progress.
  

Other organizations, such as non-profit marque-specific clubs,
offer excellent HPDE programs — including BMW Car Club of America, Porsche Club of America, and Audi Club of America, to name a few.

 There are many great options among numerous regional and local for-profit HPDE organizers as well (check online to find one near you). These events are about learning, not racing — and they’re open to anyone with a safe car and a desire to improve.

If you’re ready to compete but not quite ready for wheel-to-wheel racing, Time Trials are your sweet spot. You’ll race against the clock, not other cars, focusing on precision and consistency. SCCA Time Trials and NASA Time Trials (TT) offer structured, competitive formats with safety and learning at the forefront. You’ll get tons of track time, data analysis opportunities, and a welcoming community of drivers.

For those who love long stints, camaraderie, and a bit of chaos, grassroots endurance racing is pure joy. These events are all about seat time, strategy, and fun with friends.

Popular series include:

• 24 Hours of Lemons – Wacky themes, budget builds, and serious fun.

• ChampCar Endurance Series – Affordable, competitive, and welcoming.

• American Endurance Racing (AER) and World Racing League (WRL) – More serious, but still grassroots-friendly.

Endurance racing is a blast — and a great way to learn teamwork, car prep, and racecraft.

If you’re ready to go wheel-to-wheel, club racing is your next frontier. Organizations like SCCA, NASA, PCA, and BMW CCA offer regional and national racing series for all skill levels and budgets.

Yes, it’s competitive. Yes, it’s serious. But it’s also incredibly rewarding — and more accessible than you might think. 

Many racers start in HPDE or Time Trials and work their way up.

No matter where you are on your journey, coaching is the
key to unlocking your potential. Great drivers are made,
not born — and the best invest in learning.

• Self-coaching: Books such as the “Speed Secrets” series by Ross Bentley (yes, the same guy writing THIS driving guide with BFGoodrich!) are goldmines of knowledge and provide a more comprehensive version of the principles included in this driving guide.
  

• Private coaching: Hiring a coach for a day or a weekend can accelerate your learning curve dramatically.
  

• Racing schools: For the ultimate experience, consider the Skip Barber Racing School.