If you've never been to a track day, you're missing out. You probably have tons of tread left on your current set of tires, why not use all that rubber up in one day while going nowhere in particular?
And your brakes? Well, they're probably seriously under utilized too. Don't miss the chance to get them up to proper operating temperature with a few hot laps on a proper road course. And remember, if they're smoking they're still working.
In all seriousness, getting out on a track is one of the best ways to improve your overall driving skills. You won't get a ticket for going too fast, you're not likely to hit anything if you screw up and there are always plenty of people around to give you tips on improving your skills.
Then again, beating on your own car takes some of the fun out of it, so we compiled a list of manufacturer-sponsored track days that allow you to beat on their cars instead.
Follow the jump for the complete list.
Audi
Audi Driver's Day
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/experience/Audi_Driver_Day.html
Audi Sportscar Experience
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/experience/ADE_US/Audi_Sportscar_Experience.html
Bentley
Bentley Motors Events (Continental Series Test Drive Invitation)
http://www.bentleymotorsevents.com/
Bentley Driving
http://www.bentleydriving.com/
Driving Dynamics Course
BMW
Performance Driving School
Performance Driving School Delivery Program
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Experience/Events/PDS/Delivery.aspx
Chevrolet
Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
Chevy Club Connection
http://www.chevrolet.com/clubconnection/
Chrysler
Chrysler Mobile Showcase
http://www.chrysler.com/en/experience/events/mobile_showcase/
Chrysler Events
http://www.chrysler.com/en/experience/events/index.html
Dodge
SRT Track Experience
http://www.drivesrt.com/en/track_experience/overview/index.html
Ferrari
Ferrari Challenge
http://www.ferrarichallenge.com/challenge/
Ferrari Experience
http://www.experienceferrari.com/
Ferrari Event
Ferrari Driving Programs
http://www.ferrariusa.com/index.php?page=drivingprograms
Ford
Ford Events
http://www.fordvehicles.com/features/news/eventsearch/index.asp
Ford Events and Promotions
http://www.ford.com/vehicles/performance-vehicles/events-promotions
GM
GM Performance Division Events
http://www.gmperformancedivision.com/events/
HUMMER
HUMMER Driving Academy
http://www.amgeneral.com/vehicles_hummer_academy.php
Jaguar
Jaguar Clubs
http://www.jaguarusa.com/us/en/ownership/highlights/highlights/lifestyle.htm
Jeep
Jeep Events
http://www.jeep.com/en/experience/events/index.html
Camp Jeep
http://www.jeep.com/jeep_life/events/camp_jeep/index.html
Lamborghini
Lamborghini Academy
http://www.lamborghiniacademy.com/
Lamborghini Events
http://www.lamborghinievents.com/
Land Rover
Land Rover Experience Driving Schools
Land Rover Sponsors
Retailer "Wheels" Driving Event
http://www.landrover.com/us/en/Owners/Drive_Off_Road/Retailer_Driving_Events.htm
Lexus
Lexus Drives (Michelin Driving Tours)
Lexus Lifestyle and Events
http://www.lexus.com/lifestyle/
Lotus
Lotus Clubs
http://www.lotuscars.com/lotus_clubs.html
Lotus Driving School
http://www.lotuscars.com/DrivingSchool.aspx
Maserati
Maserati Driving Courses
http://www.maserati.com/maserati/en/en/index/service/driving-courses.html
Master Maserati at Road Atlanta
http://www.maseratiamerica.com/MaseratiMonthly/MMSE/MM_MMSE_Essentials.aspx?Print=1
Mazda
Mazda Racing Schools
Mazda/Skip Barber Driving School
http://www.skipbarber.com/driving_school/mazda/driving_school.aspx
Mercedes Benz
The 2008 AMG Challenge Driving Event
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/MBHome.html#/eventsAMG/
2008 Mercedes Benz Driving Experience
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/MBHome.html#/eventsDrivingExperience/
MINI
MINI Clubs
http://www.miniusa.com/#/learn/awards_news_events/miniclubs/ownerOrganizations-s
MINI
MINI Events
http://www.miniusa.com/#/learn/awards_news_events/events/excuses-s
Pontiac
Pontiac Enthusiast Sites
http://www.pontiac.com/enthusiast/
Porsche
Porsche Clubs
http://www11.porsche.com/usa/eventsandracing/porscheclubs/
Sport Driving Schools
http://www.porsche.com/usa/eventsandracing/sportdrivingschool/
Events and Racing
http://www.porsche.com/usa/eventsandracing/
The Track
http://www.porschedriving.com/The-Track.aspx
Saab
Saab Aero Academy
http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/aero/index.jsp
Scion
Scion Clubs
http://www.scion.com/#enthusiastSites
Scion x-Perience 2008
http://www.sciondrivetour.com/2008/
Toyota
Toyota Driving Expectations
http://www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com/EIM.TMS2372.Web/Home/Home.aspx
Toyota Highway To The Future
http://www.highwaytothefuture.com/#/home/
jederino says:
09:42 AM, 02/ 5/09
Yes, track days are exhilerating! I'd hesitate to use a valuable car, however, since most insurance pretty much excludes any track driving. However, the liability concern is probably earased when using a factory car. Any tips on which are the least expensive, and in the northwest?
subytrojan says:
10:04 AM, 02/ 5/09
Hilarious intro! :thumbsup: =Þ
waevox says:
02:06 PM, 02/ 5/09
+1 on northwest.
Anything at pacific raceway?