Where to Find a Track Where You Can Drive a Race Car
You can drive a race car at a dedicated racing circuit, a track day event, or through a racing school that provides both the car and instruction. The most common route is a track day — a day when a racetrack opens to amateur drivers in their own cars or rental vehicles. Racing schools like the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving let you get behind the wheel of an actual race car with a professional instructor. Some facilities rent race cars by the hour or day if you already have racing experience.
The type of car you drive depends on where you go. Track days usually mean your own street car or a rental sports car. Racing schools put you in a real single-seater or stock car — the same type used in professional racing. Rental race car experiences fall somewhere in between: you might drive a Porsche 911 GT3, a Formula 3 car, or a NASCAR-style stock car, depending on the facility.
Key Takeaways
- Track days are the most affordable way to drive fast on a real racetrack, usually costing $200 to $600 per day, and you can bring your own car or rent one.
- Racing schools like Richard Petty and Bob Bondurant cost $500 to $3,000 per day and put you in an actual race car with professional instruction.
- Race car rental experiences range from $300 to $2,000 depending on the car type and track location, and most require proof of a valid driver's license and sometimes a waiver of liability.
- Major racing circuits like Road America, Laguna Seca, and Daytona host track days regularly, but availability varies by season and location.
- You do not need a racing license to attend most track days or racing schools, though some advanced events require prior experience or a competition license.
Track Days: The Most Common Entry Point
A track day is an event where a racetrack rents itself to amateur drivers for a set number of hours. You show up with your car (or rent one), pay an entry fee, and drive in groups organized by skill level. Most track days run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include three to five 20-minute sessions on the track, with breaks between for fuel, tires, and cooling down.
Track day organizers include NASA (National Auto Sport Association), SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), Gridlife, and Track Junkie. Each runs events at different circuits throughout the year. Entry fees typically range from $200 to $600 depending on the track, the day of the week, and how many sessions you want. You will need a valid driver's license, a helmet (which you can rent at most tracks for $10 to $20), and a signed waiver. Some tracks require a tech inspection of your car to confirm brakes, tires, and safety equipment are road-legal.
If you do not own a car, most track day organizers partner with rental companies. Rental cars for track days usually cost $300 to $800 on top of the track entry fee. You are responsible for damage, so read the rental agreement carefully — some companies charge a flat damage waiver fee ($50 to $150) instead of holding you liable for every scratch.
Racing Schools and Professional Instruction
A racing school combines instruction with access to a real race car. The most well-known are the Richard Petty Driving Experience (which operates at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway), the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving (Phoenix area), and the Porsche Experience Center (Atlanta and Los Angeles). Each school teaches racing fundamentals — braking points, racing lines, weight transfer — and puts you in the driver's seat of a professional-grade vehicle.
Costs vary widely. A half-day experience at Richard Petty or Bob Bondurant runs $500 to $1,500. A full day of instruction and multiple laps costs $1,500 to $3,000. Some schools offer multi-day programs that go deeper into technique and can cost $5,000 or more. What you get for that price is a real race car (not a rental sports car), a professional instructor riding alongside you, and a structured curriculum that progresses from slow laps to faster ones.
Racing schools do not require prior experience, though some advanced programs ask for proof that you have attended a track day or have a racing license. You will need a valid driver's license and a helmet. Most schools provide the helmet, but you can bring your own if it meets safety standards.
Race Car Rental Experiences
Some facilities rent race cars by the hour or day without the school structure. Exotic car rental companies in major cities (Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York) often include track time as an add-on or operate dedicated track rental programs. You might rent a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche 911 GT3 and drive it on a closed circuit for 30 minutes to two hours.
Prices for race car rentals range from $300 to $2,000 depending on the car and location. A 30-minute session in a high-performance Porsche might cost $400 to $600. A full day with multiple cars could run $1,500 to $3,000. Most rental companies require a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a signed liability waiver. Some ask for a credit card hold or damage deposit ($500 to $2,000) in case of accidents.
The difference between a rental experience and a racing school is instruction. Rental companies usually provide a safety briefing and a pace car lap, but not a professional instructor in the car with you. If you want feedback on your driving, a racing school is the better choice.
Major Tracks That Host Amateur Drivers
Not every racetrack opens to amateur drivers, but many do. Circuits that regularly host track days include Road America (Wisconsin), Laguna Seca (California), Daytona International Speedway (Florida), Charlotte Motor Speedway (North Carolina), Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Thunderhill Raceway (California), and Pocono Raceway (Pennsylvania). Each track has its own calendar of events, and availability changes by season.
To find track days at a specific circuit, visit the track's website and look for "track days" or "driving experiences" in the events section. You can also search the NASA, SCCA, or Gridlife websites to see which tracks they are using in your region. Most tracks post their schedule three to six months in advance, so you may need to plan ahead if you want a specific date or location.
What You Need to Bring and Know Before You Go
For a track day, bring a valid driver's license, a helmet (or rent one), and comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs. Closed-toe shoes are required; racing shoes are optional but helpful. Bring water and snacks because you will be in the sun for most of the day. If you are bringing your own car, arrive early for the tech inspection — the track will check your brakes, tires, lights, and safety equipment.
For a racing school or rental experience, the facility will tell you what to bring when you book. Most provide a helmet, suit, and gloves. Wear layers because you may get cold in the car, and bring sunscreen and water. Arrive 30 minutes early to sign waivers and get a safety briefing.
One thing to know: track days and racing schools are not the same as racing in a sanctioned competition. You will not earn a racing license or points toward a professional career. They are for the experience of driving fast on a real track in a controlled environment.
Costs Compared: Track Days vs. Racing Schools vs. Rentals
| Option | Typical Cost | Car Type | Instruction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track day (own car) | $200–$600 | Your own street car or sports car | Safety briefing only | Budget-conscious drivers with a suitable car |
| Track day (rental car) | $500–$1,400 | Sports car (Mustang, Camaro, Miata) | Safety briefing only | Drivers without a track-ready car |
| Racing school (half day) | $500–$1,500 | Real race car (single-seater or stock car) | Professional instructor in car | First-time drivers wanting structured learning |
| Racing school (full day) | $1,500–$3,000 | Real race car | Professional instructor in car | Drivers wanting deep instruction and multiple laps |
| Race car rental (30 min–1 hour) | $300–$800 | High-performance car (Porsche, Ferrari) | Safety briefing and pace car lap | Drivers wanting a short, thrilling experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a racing license to drive at a track day?
No. Most track days require only a valid driver's license and a helmet. Some advanced track day events ask for proof that you have attended a previous track day or hold a competition license, but beginners are welcome at most events. Check the specific event rules when you register.
What happens if I crash my car at a track day?
If you bring your own car, you are responsible for all damage. If you rent a car, the rental agreement will specify what you owe. Most rental companies charge a damage waiver fee ($50 to $150) that covers minor damage, or they hold you liable for repairs. Read the agreement before you sign. Track day organizers do not cover damage — that is between you and the car owner.
Can I bring a friend to watch while I drive?
Most tracks allow spectators in designated areas, usually the paddock or a viewing stand. Spectators typically do not pay an entry fee, but confirm this with the track or event organizer when you register. Some tracks have restricted areas where only drivers and crew are allowed.
How fast do you actually go at a track day?
It depends on the car and your skill level. In a street car, you might reach 80 to 120 mph on a road course. In a high-performance rental or racing school car, you could hit 120 to 160 mph. A single-seater race car can exceed 160 mph. Most track days group drivers by experience, so you will be with people at a similar pace.
What is the difference between a road course and an oval track?
A road course has multiple turns and elevation changes (like Laguna Seca or Road America). An oval track is circular with only left turns (like Daytona or Charlotte). Road courses teach more varied driving skills. Oval tracks focus on high-speed cornering and drafting. Most track days and racing schools operate on road courses, but some facilities offer oval track experiences too.