Your first SpeedSF day
New to the track?
You belong here.
You don’t need a race car or racing experience. Bring a well-prepared car, a willingness to learn, and your questions. We’ll help you get started.
HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING EDUCATION · HPDE
A simple way to start
Three steps to your first track day.
Pick your event.
Choose a date and select the Beginner / Novice group. Not sure which group fits? Ask us before registering.
Prepare your car.
Start with a mostly stock car in good condition. Check tires, brakes, and fluids, and use the tech checklist as your guide.
Arrive ready to learn.
Read your event email, complete the digital steps, and arrive early for the required in-person beginners’ meeting.
A well-prepared car is the best starting point
Do I need a modified car?
No. A mostly stock, roadworthy sports car can be a great way to begin—such as a Toyota GR86, Porsche Cayman, Honda S2000, or BMW M3. You don’t need a race car or race tires. Focus on condition and preparation, and confirm any vehicle-specific requirements with us before booking.
Prepare for track use.
We highly recommend upgrading your brake pads and brake fluid for track duties. Ask a qualified shop to recommend products appropriate for your vehicle and driving experience, and have the braking system inspected before the event.
Service before you go.
Perform an oil change before your track day and check that all required fluids are topped off to the manufacturer’s specified levels. Inspect for leaks and follow your vehicle’s service requirements.
Condition comes first.
Race tires are not required. Make sure your tires have sufficient tread, are free of damage, and have enough remaining life to last throughout the day. Check pressures and ask a qualified shop if you’re unsure about their condition.
Support from the first session
Get comfortable.
Build confidence.
Your first two Beginner sessions use instructor-led, lead-and-follow driving to introduce the racing line at a controlled pace. You’ll also attend three classroom sessions covering vehicle dynamics, a closer look at the track, driving techniques, and safety.
Want more personalized support? Full-day, one-on-one private instruction is available for an additional $600. Your instructor rides in the passenger seat and tailors the coaching to your experience, goals, and learning pace. Contact us to arrange private instruction →
The goal: develop skills, good habits, and a better understanding of your car.
Before you leave home
Your first-day checklist.
- Review the event email.
Logistics typically arrive 3–5 days before the event. Follow the e-waiver, meeting-video, and quiz instructions. - Check your car.
Use our tech inspection checklist (PDF) to inspect tires, brakes, fluids, and general condition. You do not need to submit a tech form; preparing a safe, track-ready vehicle is the driver’s responsibility. - Bring an approved helmet.
Bring a helmet rated SA2020 or newer, M2020 or newer, or FIA 8859-2020 or newer, as listed in our FAQ. Approved open-face helmets are allowed; full-face helmets are recommended. Rental helmets are available during registration. Review the FAQ equipment policy and any event-specific requirements before you arrive. - Dress for driving.
Wear a cotton shirt and closed-toe shoes. Long sleeves and gloves are recommended. - Number your car.
Use at least two digits, at least 6 inches tall, visible on both sides. Avoid 11 and 77. Car numbers are available to purchase onsite. Clearly visible numbers made with painter’s tape also work. - Pack for yourself.
Bring water and food, get a good night’s rest, and review the track-day flags. - Prepare for recovery.
Have the required tow hook or suitable front tow point identified before the event. - Clear loose items.
Empty the cabin and trunk before driving, including floor mats and anything that can move around.
Bringing a convertible?
Contact SpeedSF before booking to confirm your car’s rollover protection and helmet clearance. Ask us about your convertible →
What happens when you arrive?
Leave time to settle in.
Arrive 30–45 minutes before your drivers’ meeting so you can park, unpack, and check in without rushing.
Meet your instructor.
Beginner drivers must attend the in-person meeting, even after completing the digital steps. Follow your event’s schedule.
Learn one session at a time.
Start within your comfort level, follow the passing rules, and ask the team whenever something is unclear.
Learn with confidence. Understand the risks.
Safety, skills, and peace of mind.
HPDE gives you a dedicated place to learn about your car, with instructor guidance, clear passing rules, and a controlled pace. It’s a more appropriate environment for exploring your car’s capabilities than public roads. Track driving still carries risk, and your approach matters.
The car-control skills, situational awareness, and practice responding to unexpected situations you develop on track can also help you become a more attentive, confident driver on the street.
A controlled pace, with room to learn.
SpeedSF has a very low accident rate in our Beginner group, where the emphasis is on a controlled pace and driving within your limits. However, accidents can still happen, just as they can on the street. Follow your instructor’s guidance, respect passing rules, and leave yourself a margin for error.
Many tracks have runoff areas that can provide extra space if you leave the pavement. Their size and surface vary by track and corner; they are not a guarantee against damage or injury.
Consider optional HPDE insurance.
Some personal auto policies may cover certain HPDE events, while others exclude track use. Check directly with your insurer about your specific event, vehicle, and coverage before you drive.
Optional HPDE insurance is recommended and can cover physical damage to your vehicle during an eligible event, subject to the policy’s terms, exclusions, limits, and deductible. Ask specifically whether damage to track property, such as barriers, is covered. Vehicle coverage does not automatically include liability or track-property coverage.
Explore coverage options and confirm eligibility directly with the provider:
Everyone starts somewhere
Your questions are welcome.
Unsure about your car, equipment, or run group? Contact us before you book. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you prepare for your first day.