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T1 Club

What’s Happening in September at Simraceway

September means Labor Day and heading back to school, but it also means more time at Simraceway for track experiences, skill-building, racing, and lots more.

Here’s what we have on the agenda after Labor day:

Spend a Day Behind The Wheel of a KTM X-Bow

According to Road & Track’s Sam Smith — who drove a KTM X-Bow for a week last February under the guidance of Simraceway’s instructors — “The whole thing is just a gem.” The KTM X-Bow is one of the world’s lightest, fastest, most nimble track cars. 

X-Bow Cup USA at Simraceway Performance Driving-Center Sonoma Raceway

The KTM X-Bow Experience has inspired a lot of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor like this one from an enthusiastic dad. If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to go around a two-and-a-half-mile road course in a sports car, the KTM X-Bow will answer your questions and more.

You’ll experience an ultra-light, nimble race vehicle for an unforgettable day.

Learn More, Lap More, Race More in Kart Racing School

There’s a reason karters say that Simraceway’s Kart Track is “Best in the West.” Simraceway’s karts are the fastest karts in the state on the longest track in the west. 

Simraceway’s karting begins with the Race Karting Experience, a half-day program that will show you the ropes of karting and racing. Move up to the Kart Racing School Stage 1 and 2. Kart Racing School Stage 1 is a full-day program that will give you more fundamentals of go kart racing. Move to Stage 2, which will build your skills and speed around the track in ROK-powered Sprint Karts. 

Go Kart Racing at Simraceway

Once you complete both stages of the Kart Racing School, you’ll be eligible for your Kart Racing License. Drivers age 13 and older are eligible for karting programs. Karting is incredibly fun and it’s a fantastic intro to the world of racing. 

Open Kart and Moto Practice and T1 Karting Days in September

Take Simraceway’s National Pro karting track in reverse or conventionally on select weekday and weekend days in September. Turn 1 club members can take advantage of T1 Club Karting days reserved for T1 club members. 

Rent an Lo206 or a ROK-Tony Kart starting at $40 for a 15-minute session. Simraceway’s Performance Karting Center offers complimentary standard safety gear. Plan ahead: ROK-Tony Karts have to be reserved at least 48 hours ahead of your open practice or track day.

Advance Your Driving Knowledge, Learn New Techniques at Simraceway

The KTM X-Bow Racing School Stages 1 and 2 have open dates in September. After completing the KTM X-Bow Racing School, you’ll be eligible to compete in Simraceway’s KTM X-Bow Racing Series.

KTM X-Bow Racing School

The Performance Driving Program continues in September with Stages 1 and 2 of the Performance Driving School and the Car Control Clinic. Bring your own car: in each stage, you’ll have opportunities to drive world-famous Sonoma Raceway’s track and receive in-class instruction and car control exercises, including on Simraceway’s skidpad. 

We make it as easy as possible for you to take part in any of our events at Simraceway. Whether you’re looking into karting for the first time or seeking to move up in racing skill, check out the September schedule at Simraceway. We want to see you at the track!

Labor Day Sale: Work Hard, Play Hard

20% off all KTM racing school programs now through Monday!

You work hard, now it’s time to play hard.

In honor of the upcoming Labor Day holiday, Simraceway is excited to announce a 20% discount on its Three Day Racing School and Racing School Stage 1, 2, and 3!

These terrific programs will help sharpen your skills and prepare you to climb the ladder to advanced programs like the KTM X-Bow Cup USA and Simraceway Series. If you’ve ever thought about tearing it up Sonoma behind the wheel of KTM’s ultimate track weapon, the X-Bow Comp-R, here’s your chance to start racing!

As one of the premier racetracks in the country, Sonoma offers driving experiences like nothing else. Simraceway proudly offers unique programs and instruction that can not only provide incredible memories but also help you become a better driver.

Racing School Stage 1, 2, and 3

Simraceway’s Racing School Stage 1-3 offer progressive instruction, high-level training, culminating in open lapping with the incredible KTM X-Bow Comp-R.

The focus of Stage 1 are the fundamentals of racing and driving a performance car on the track. The farther you progress through the stages, the more detailed and specific your training becomes.

These programs include:

  • Classroom time
  • Car control exercises on our dynamic skidpad
  • Guidance on how to get the most out of the X-Bow
  • Instructor-led lapping sessions around Sonoma Raceway
  • A comprehensive focus on developing you as a driver and bringing down your lap times

All three stages run two full days, with day two focusing on refining the skills and techniques taught on day one. If you’re looking for the perfect entry point to your racing career, you just found it.

Three Day Racing School

The three-day Racing School program is for those looking for in-depth, comprehensive racing instruction from our world-class coaches, and tons of track time. Graduates who complete this program will have all the necessary qualifications to receive an SCCA Full Competition Racing License.

A wide range of skills is covered including:

  • Threshold braking
  • How to downshift effectively
  • Proper track etiquette

In the classroom, participants will review items like the many complex theories of chassis dynamics, and then they’ll tackle the skidpad to explore the boundaries of grip and chassis manipulation.

The first day ends with a lapping session to familiarize you with the capabilities of the KTM X-Bow and the unique challenges of Sonoma Raceway.

Day two centers around more technique training on both the track and skidpad. After some important classroom time that covers the basics of open-lapping and how to participate safely, you’ll jump back behind the wheel and test your new skills in two adrenaline-pumping on-track sessions.

And finally, day three will be taking things to the next level and build on all the lessons learned thus far. Our instructors will also introduce new tools like high-speed aerodynamic driving exercises on full slick racing tires and data acquisition.

These powerful programs will assist you in refining your skills and bringing down your lap times during your three on-track sessions. Once you’ve completed this course, you’re ready to get your SCCA Full Competition Racing License!

Why it’s Worth It

The hard work it takes to improve as a driver is all worth it when your times improve and your confidence grows.

Both the Racing School Stage 1 or Three Day Racing School will provide you with valuable skills that can translate directly into whatever racing path you choose to take. And now that both are on sale for Labor Day, it’s the perfect time to pursue your racing dreams!

New Promo Film with UltraArm SF

Simraceway is excited to announce a brand new promo film that we shot with the talented UltraArmSF crew. 

Essentially, we wanted to create a visual experience to capture the adrenaline and excitement of racing on a world-class track in the heart of California. 

“It was a collaborative process,” says Sean Rivers, partner at UltraArmSF. 

“For Simraceway, we used a new remote arm (Motocrane Ultra) camera car rig for their campaign. We had DP Ethan Indorf, AC Jeph Folkins and Kevin Jones with SkyHopperAerials to help out on the production. And Layer Media brought the expertise with the post-production, sound design, color and further developed the creative, and finalizing the spot.”

The main objective was to create something short, snappy, and thrilling to encourage people to spend time on the race track. 

Check out the video below to experience Simraceway for yourself!

UltraArmSF

With an impressive film background, Sean Rivers, Robert Barcelona and Patrick Roth have since launched their own commercial and film remote arm car company. And with that new venture comes the use of UltraArmSF to capture difficult shots and moments with an artistic flair. 

“We started this company with other experienced production veterans with a love for the creative process. We specialize in dynamic camera movement, and UltraArmSF is a joint venture between myself, Robert Barcelona and Patrick Roth.”

Rivers explains it as “a remote crane on top of the car,” which was originally called a Russian Arm by the inventors of the technology in the 1990s. However, Rivers and his team have become the first and only remote arm car in northern California.

In the video, you can see the UltraArmSF at work, providing superb clarity for high-speed footage, full 360 turn capability, and the ability to film really low to the ground or high in the air. 

Every shot in the new ad was filmed with UltraArmSF, and you can explore some cool behind the scenes footage with the crew to get an idea of what the total experience was like. 

For more information about UltraArmSF, click here. You can also explore Simraceway for other racing insights and opportunities to get involved.

KTM X-Bow Comp R Featured in Road & Track

In the September issue of Road & Track magazine, fans and drivers of the KTM X Bow Comp R Limited Edition can find a nice write-up of the Young Schwarzenegger (a nickname given to the car by R&T editors) to gain some valuable insights about its performance, build, and thoughts from industry pros.

Overall, the KTM X-Bow Comp R has gained lots of popularity in the racing world, claiming its own profile last February in R&T by the same writer, Sam Smith.

In his initial breakdown, the KTM X-Bow Comp R boasts…

-300 hp @ 6400 rpm

-310 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

-Six-speed manual transmission / Six-speed twin-clutch automatic

-Rear-wheel drive

-0–62 mph: 3.9 seconds (MFR testing)

-Top Speed: 144 mph (MFR testing)

-MSRP: $104,500 (Plus destination charge, which varies by dealer)

Fast-forward a season later, and Smith and other racing pros are still impressed with the high-performance machine:

“It’s an impressive race car, and that’s what it is; a race car. When I climb in, I close my brain’s road-car file and open the one for open-wheelers. Get the tires up to temp, really work them. There’s noticeable downforce.”

If you’re questioning whether or not the KTM X-Bow Comp R is right for you, Smith recommends the experience for “anyone who takes life seriously.”

Check out the full article by clicking the download below or visit R&T to learn more! For information about our racing programs or to get involved in our Simraceway Series, feel free to contact us!

How to Get Involved- Simraceway Series

The tantalizing dream of going racing is one that Simraceway prides itself on fulfilling. 

Our Simraceway Series is designed specifically to give anyone with the passion to race on a world-class circuit an opportunity to experience the excitement of mixing it up on track behind the wheel of cutting edge performance machinery. The series provides a high-quality racing environment that is akin to a one-make series but without the high price point.

There are three cars to choose from – the popular KTM X-BOW Comp R, Formula 3 and Formula 4 cars. The ‘arrive-and-drive’ format of the Series means you simply bring your racing, boots, gloves, helmet, and HANS device! You’re welcome to bring your own race suit, but our Simraceway professionals can supply those for you as well.

Many of the participants in the Simraceway Series graduate to IMSA Michelin Pilot Cup, IMSA Prototype Challenge, and Michelin Le Mans Cup. We also see a lot of drivers participate in manufacturer one-make series such as Ferrari Challenge, Maserati Trofeo, Lotus Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup, or the Pure Mclaren GT series.

The Simraceway Performance Driving Center boasts the lowest instructor-to-student ratio in the industry, a premium facility, the finest driving instructors, and access to Sonoma Raceway’s 12-turn, 2.52-mile road circuit.

How To Get Involved

If you’ve decided to see if you have what a takes to compete, there are several paths to becoming involved and enjoying all of what the Simraceway Series has to offer. First is the Simraceway School of Racing. Participants will have access to one of the most advanced fleets of school racing cars in the world, and the wealth of knowledge of our incredible instructors. Upon completion of Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Racing School, you are qualified to compete in the Simraceway Series, and your dream of competing in this fantastic program is about to be realized!

If you already have your SCCA Full Competition License, simply submit your driver CV to [email protected] for review and approval. After reviewing your CV, our Chief Instructor will either determine you’re qualified to move directly into the Simraceway Series or a one day Driver Development Course is needed to fine-tune your skills. Once completed and you’ve participated in one of our Race Clinics, it’s time to go racing.

And finally, if you currently have your FIA Competition License, you’ll go through the same process as our SCCA licensed members. Email over your driver CV and move directly to the Simraceway Series after approval, or simply complete a Race Clinic and you’re good to go!

What To Expect

Costs for the Simraceway Series are extremely reasonable (in as far as Motorsport goes). A weekend event with 4 races and plenty of seat time, starts at $9,950 for our entry-level X-BOW Cup class. This includes everything, including premium hospitality. The only items not included are travel, accommodation, and any crash damage costs you might incur.

The Launchpad To Your Racing Career

If you have desires of a racing career in TCR, GT4, LMP3, FIA Formula Car or other leading racing series, the KTM X-BOW Cup USA or Formula Car Cup (which is also part of the Simraceway Series) is the ultimate acid test, and potentially the launchpad to the next level of your racing career. Or, perhaps you simply want to race against the best up-and-coming drivers in cutting edge machines with a chance of the top spot on the podium. Whatever your dream is, the Simraceway Series and the KTM X-BOW Cup USA can help make it come true!

Join the T1 Club: Simraceway’s Private Motorsport Club

If you’ve experienced the adrenaline rush that comes with driving at speed on a racetrack, you’re probably itching for more. 

The T1 Club Program at Simraceway is our private motorsports club for graduates of our Performance driving and racing school programs. It’s for drivers looking to explore their passion at a deeper and more frequent basis than a few track days a year can offer. The T1 Club will help you develop your skills beyond what standard courses and schools can offer, and transform you into the driver you know you can be.

Get More Track Time

If you plan on joining a private motorsports club like the T1 Club, you should expect opportunities to enjoy it. To that end, members have access to an unparalleled 60 on-track dates a year which are hosted between four and eight times per month. These days are exclusive to T1 Club members and can be used in either our Full or Express days format. 

Full days consist of four or five 30-minute track sessions with breaks for performance debriefs and lunch, while an Express day offers two 30-minute sessions with a break in between. As the name suggests, a Full day will run from 8 AM to 3 or 4 PM, while Express days are usually offered in the morning from 8 to 10 AM allowing you to get some track time in before work or other important matters. 

If you have a fully track-prepped race car, or at least a racing license, you can also use your Full days on Sonoma’s Open Testing days to get it prepared for events. We’re also working hard to increase the number of T1 Club track days to bring members even more value.

Need to get some work done when you’re at the track? Our clubhouse is well equipped, allowing drivers to check in or take video calls and attend to work between sessions.

Become a Better Driver

Both Full and Express days include free base level instruction with our expert professional instructors posted at key corners of the track taking notes to help you debrief during breaks. During the debrief, they’ll give you key takeaways that you directly apply to your next session to help you cement improvements and reduce your lap times. 

Additionally, T1 Club members have access to schedule 1:1 private coaching with our professional instructors, all of whom have decades of experience in professional racing careers. It is by far the best way to improve your skillset and get the most out of your passion.  

Additional Membership Benefits and Services

T1 Club members receive more than just expanded track time and coaching services. We know that some of the best cars for driving on the track are not ideal on public roads and highways, so all members receive complimentary car storage for one vehicle at the track. Members also have the option of expanding their storage options to up to five vehicles for an additional fee.

Vehicles stored with Simraceway are also eligible for the Arrive-and-Drive Pit Lane Concierge Service, wherewith advance notice we will get your car cleaned and prepped for the day so all you have to do is show up. If your vehicle requires maintenance, you can use Simraceway’s mechanical support at a preferential rate depending on the vehicle. 

Lastly, members can bring up to three non-driving guests with them at any time, and they’ll have access to the clubhouse during normal business hours. Members also receive six annual guest passes. Qualified guest drivers can bring their own car as long as it meets mechanical standards and they are suitably experienced per Simraceway’s sole discretion. 

How to Join the T1 Club

In order to qualify for the Tier 1 club, you must be referred by an existing member or one of our instructors. That typically occurs through participation in our racing schools or high performance driving programs, which we strongly encourage as it gives us the opportunity to get to know you, your current driving skill level and future targets. You’ll also need to have graduated from either Stage 2 or Stage 3 of the Performance Driving Stage programs. This is to ensure safety and a high standard of driving performance on the track so you get the most of your membership.

If you are interested in joining, please fill out this form to apply

Introducing Dedicated F3 Parts Stores

At the higher levels of motorsport like F3, properly enjoying and experiencing your vehicle on the track takes significant effort and involvement. The logistics of spare parts, vehicle maintenance, and making sure your car is not only fast on the track, but safe as well, can be a major undertaking.

Simraceway already offers numerous world-class benefits and is now proud to offer its Turn 1 Club members exclusive access to a dedicated Parts Store for their F3 race machines. Allow Simraceway to handle the headache and manage the logistics while you enjoy your car to its maximum with a Parts Store.

Outstanding Benefits

Having your own dedicated Parts Store comes with some terrific benefits:

  • Fast fixes – Because you will have spare parts allocated specifically for you, there will be no risk of another driver or car taking the key part(s) you need should you have a racing incident
  • Critical parts – Speaking of parts, the Parts Store will be fully stocked with critical parts and items that your F3 car needs to run at its very best
  • Wrapped in your livery – Many of the parts you need from your Parts Store can be adorned in your personalized livery
  • Dedicated parts trolley – When you enroll in the Parts Store program, you’ll get your own customized parts trolley complete with your name and car number emblazoned on it. It also comes with storage for your helmet as well as additional personal area storage and will be rolled out with your car each time it’s used

What’s Offered

The list of available parts on offer in this program is extensive and covers nearly every facet of your F3 machine. The Parts Store program comes in three distinct packages: Max ($26,595), Medium ($14,750), and Baseline ($10,940). 

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s included with each package:

Maximum = Everything listed is included – BUY NOW
Medium = Front Suspension, Complete nose assembly/design not included, Wheels/Tires, (2) Half shaft assembly – BUY NOW
Baseline = Complete nose assembly/design not included, Wheels/Tires – BUY NOW

Below you can explore how each section can meet your driving needs…

Front suspension

  • (1) Front pushrod assembly
  • (1) Front track rod assembly
  • (1) Left/right front lower wishbone
  • (1) Front top wishbone

Rear Suspension

  • (1) Rear lower wishbone
  • (1) Rear toe links
  • (1) Rear top wishbone
  • (1) Rear pushrod assembly

Bodywork

  • (1) Complete nose assembly w/ mainplane (design not included)
  • (1) Rear wing assembly (design not included)
  • (1) Windscreen replacement

Wheels and Tires

  • (4) ATS wheels, Front/Rear set
  • (4) Pirelli tires, Front/Rear set
  • Mounting/balancing

Gearbox/Driveline

  • (1) 12/34 ring and pinion assembly
  • (1) 1st through 5th gears
  • (2) Half shaft assembly (two per car)

Register Soon!

Parts Stores will be offered once per year as parts need to be batched purchased and the trolleys need to be custom ordered. If you’re interested in participating in the Parts Store program, orders need to be received no later than August 31, and orders will be delivered ahead of the October F3 race.

Enjoy Your F3 Car As It Was Meant To Be

You know as well as anyone that the joy of driving a Formula 3 car at speed on a top-tier track like the one at Simraceway is hard to describe. With the new Parts Store program, you can enjoy that experience to the fullest without worrying about spare parts or how to keep your car running at its peak. Give us a call at 800-733-0345 and register for the Parts Store program today!

What’s Happening in August at Simraceway

August means more amazing track experiences at Simraceway.

If you’re interested in learning more about KTM experiences, performance driving, or driving education and go-karting, there’s plenty to look forward to on Simraceway’s August schedule. 

The KTM X-Bow Cup USA series and Simraceway Series Formula Car Cup continue in August, but we quickly sold out of teen safe driver training classes, so we’ve added the following dates:

Sunday, August 25th, from 9 am to 4 pm, at $695

Here are some other events and programs to explore:

August Spotlight: Check Out Simraceway’s Performance Driving Program and Control Clinic

Can you drive your own car on the track at Sonoma Raceway? Yes! Simraceway’s Performance Driving Program can take you and your car through three stages of practice, training, education, and on-track experience. 

If you have a car that’s fifteen years or newer with tires and brakes in good condition, you might be eligible for the Performance Driving program. Check with our staff at [email protected] to find out if your car is eligible. If it is, be sure to check your owner’s manual and insurance policy and follow guidelines to be ready for your Performance Driving session. Look for sessions throughout August, but don’t take too long — some sessions are already full!

Explore open dates for…

Performance Driving Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3

Learn the Limits And Master Your Car: Car Control Clinic

Using the skidpad and autocross course, Simraceway’s Car Control Clinic shows you how to control your car under extreme conditions. You’ll learn how to correct oversteer, balance your car while drifting, make mid-corner adjustments, and properly rotate your car. Here, you’ll learn how to handle your car safely at or even slightly over its limits. Requirements are like the Performance Driving Program — check with our staff in advance to learn if your vehicle meets the Car Control Clinic’s specifications.

Car Control Clinic dates are currently sold out.

Before School Starts: Take Your Teen for Safe Driving Education at Simraceway

Simraceway’s Teen Safe Driving Course is one of the most highly-rated experiences on TripAdvisor and for good reason. The full-day course covers all the practical skills teens need to drive safely, including emergency braking, accident avoidance, proper steering techniques, and skid recovery. Teens age 15 1/2 and older with their permit or driver’s license will practice using fleet vehicles alongside Simraceway’s instructors. The Teen Safe Driving Course is eligible for part of the 60 hours of required pre-license driving time.

New session added on August 25th, from 9 am to 4 pm.

SCCA Racing School Options At Simraceway in August

If you’ve been thinking of getting your Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) license and going club racing, Simraceway’s Racing School continues in August. Held in KTM X-Bow cars, the 3-day program is available to drivers aged 14 and above. You do not need a driver’s license for this on-track experience and training. Can you bring fans, friends, and family? Sure can — and you might even rent a GoPro to record your performance.

These are a few more highlights in August at Simraceway. The KTM X-Bow Cup and Formula Car Cup continue with their August dates of practice and racing. The Kart Racing School also offers several August dates. T1 Club Members: You have some open days coming up in August, and Karting enthusiasts will see dates for Turn 1 Club Karting. Check out Simraceway’s August schedule now and take advantage of these great experiences at the track.

Private Coaching – Accelerate your development

Are you looking to take your driving skills to the next level? As a T1 Club member at Simraceway, you have access to private one-on-one coaching with our senior and chief instructors. Whilst practice makes perfect, that is only true if you are practicing the right thing! –  As Chief Instructor Nico Rondet likes to correct, “Perfect practice makes perfect”! So whilst T1 days their included basic group instruction are a great tool for highlighting areas to focus on improvement. The structure, rigor and dedicated personal attention of a private coaching day is easily the best way to become a faster, better, driver, allowing you to maximize your time on the track and get the most from yourself and your membership.  

Learn from Professional Racers

Private coaching at Simraceway is performed by chief instructors with professional racing careers who have decades of experience. 

With decades of experience, there is nothing that surprises our senior coaches and unlike other instruction methods, such as our group courses, you’ll have your chief instructor’s full and undivided attention for the entire day. If you continue to struggle with a particular section of the track, your equipment or technique, they will work with you to overcome it.

Data is Truth

Instructors attentively watch your laps from track-side vantage points and feedback to you in real-time over the radio. If available with your car,  they will also review video and telemetry data with you after the session. If there are any gaps in your driving abilities, they’ll be able to quickly identify them and provide you with the means to improve. 

The knowledge learned from these sessions can be applied during the next T1 club track day or any other driving experience. 

Enhance Your Skills with Private Instruction

Whether you are still new to performance driving and track days, or if you feel like you’ve plateaued and are unable to improve your lap times any further, 1:1 private coaching is the perfect solution. 

It is oftentimes difficult to assess yourself in the heat of a fast lap, so having someone watching over you is a huge help, especially when you’re trying to shave stubborn seconds and milliseconds from your already respectable lap times.

If you have recently added a new performance vehicle to your stable, private coaching is an excellent opportunity to transfer what you already know to your new car. A Mustang will drive differently than a Porsche, so you can’t expect to drive them exactly the same. Our chief instructors make sure you understand the limits of your new vehicle so that you can quickly get up to speed and learn how to extract the performance it has to offer. 

if you are a current T1 Club member who would like to know more about investing in private coaching at Simraceway, please email [email protected]. If you are not yet a T1 club member and are interested in applying, you can do so at this link

T1 Club – Introducing Club Racing for Formula Cars.

Introducing club racing days, a new high-frequency race option for T1 club members driving open-wheel Formula cars. You can now request a race ON ANY T1 CLUB DAY!     

Is this for me?

Maybe you’ve been thinking about competing in the Simraceway Series but aren’t sure whether you’re ready? Or maybe you’re an existing racer who wants to drive competitively more frequently? Perhaps you’re already campaigning a professional program and want as much training and practice as you can get? If so, then YES, club races are for you.  T1 Club will offer these informal club races on any T1 weekday that 4 or more members request to race.  

What Are Club Racing Days?

Club Racing is a new opportunity for the T1 Club at Simraceway. This is a fresh new racing-oriented way for you to take advantage of your membership and give you the additional experience you need to find out if racing in a more formal series is right for you. We think you’ll love the fun, flexibility, freedom, and opportunity to develop racing experience in a welcoming environment with expert coaching that accompanies all T1 days. This new club racing program is currently open to Formula 3, Formula 4 and Formula Pro Mazda drivers. If successful as an offering, we will expand it to other classes and types of vehicles. 

This is an informal weekday racing program that doesn’t have the points, prestige, pressure or pricing of our main championship series. We encourage you to organize your own races with other T1 Club drivers. A minimum of four drivers are required. 

You can book informal club races with other T1 Club Formula car drivers on any one of the T1 days through the summer. All you need is three other drivers in order to schedule a race.

How Do I arrange a T1 Club Race?

We strongly encourage self organization, so please feel free to get your own group of racers together for a given date. We can book the race with as little as 72hrs notice (assuming your vehicle is prepped and ready to race) and subject to ALS availability. Though we recommend at least a week’s notice.  

Whether you’re a Formula 3, Formula 4  or a Pro Mazda driver, you can have an amazing time and gain experience competing on the track with fellow T1 club drivers without the pressure of a formal weekend of qualifying and racing. If you have a group of four or more, put your heads together, pick a date, and email or call us to make final arrangements. If you have three drivers, please contact us. We may have ideas for another driver who could make up the field for your race.

Costs?

Whilst your T1 days are included in your membership, there is a small surcharge for us to operate the race:  $495 per driver. This covers ALS and corner workers. Please be aware, this does not include timed scoring or data analysis. Though those are available through the addition of a private coach to the day. Consumables, support and coaching are charged in the normal manner.

Father’s Day BOGO Deal

Get your dad the greatest gift of all: Track time with YOU! his favorite child. 

Tis the season to celebrate those special Dads in our lives. For Father’s Day, Simraceway is offering a “BOGO” – buy one, get one free deal on all performance driving and KTM X-Bow Sportscar experience programs.

KTM X-Bow programs include class instruction and in-car experience with one of the most exciting sportscars around: the KTM X-Bow Competition R. You and your father will spend a day on track executing dynamic car control techniques and enjoying four 30-minute track sessions on the world famous, Sonoma Raceway.

If you choose one of the performance driving day programs instead, you and your dad will have the opportunity to learn more about your own vehicle as you explore the limits of its capabilities on track. This program contains the same industry leading instruction and dynamic in-car paddock exercises as those taught in our vehicles. With this knowledge at hand, you and dad will be better equipped to handle any track day, autocross or club day.

Show your dad love this Father’s Day by purchasing a buy-on-get-one free driving experience just for you and him! This deal is available now until until Sunday night. The offer is limited to one per household .

IMPORTANT: to receive your 2nd, free giftcard for a KTM or Performance Driving program, simply email the receipt of your purchase (which has to be made now through midnight Sunday 16th 2019) to [email protected] . We will then email your 2nd giftcard no later than Wednesday June 19th.

T1 Club: Introducing Unlimited T1 Days

There are lots of benefits to a Turn 1 Club membership. And, for those that have stored two cars or joined our F3 or KTM ownership program, one of those perks now includes unlimited T1 Days. While standard T1 membership offers 16 full days and 40 express days (56 total), this new benefit for our most active members provides many more days on Sonoma Raceway each year, between 60-80 full track days.

On “Full” format T1 Days, drivers complete four or five 30-minute driving sessions. While you are driving on the track, our professional driving instructors are watching and taking notes. During breaks, they will debrief you on how to improve your driving technique feedback on what you’re doing right. “Full” format T1 Days typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. In addition to debriefing breaks following your driving sessions, you’ll also have a break for lunch.

“Express” T1 driving days are morning sessions, usually running from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. “Express” mornings include two 30-minute driving sessions and one break for debriefing.

Members with racing competition licenses (SCCA, IMSA, NASCAR, FIA, or other) and track-prepped cars that conform to SCCA regulations can also take part in Open Testing days.

T1 Days run seamlessly through Simraceway’s Arrive and Drive Pit Lane Concierge Service. Our Concierge service will clean your car, set tire pressures, torque your wheels, and have your car ready to begin your sessions upon your arrival at the track.

And, don’t forget that members can bring guest drivers and three non-driver guests, who will have clubhouse access during your T1 Day. Guest drivers must be pre-qualified by Simraceway and can bring their own car as long as it’s vetted for safety. You may bring up to 6 guest drivers per year, with each entitled to up to two T1 Days.

Everyone participating in a T1 Day must meet minimum levels of driving expertise. For your safety and that of other members, everyone must have completed a Stage 2 Performance Driving course. Completion of Stage 3 Performance Driving training is strongly encouraged.  So, don’t forget: If you’ve bought a car at Simraceway or are storing two at the facility, scheduling your driving days is flexible and unlimited. Improve your driving skills and use your membership to its fullest.

T1 Member vehicles in storage

To request addition of this benefit to your club, please email [email protected].

If you not yet a T1 Club member but are interested in membership, please apply here.

T1 Club: Get Your SCCA Racing License in Your Own Car

T1 Club members can now bring their own cars to the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Racing License Courses at the Simraceway Performance Driving Center. Learn more about your car’s behavior and limit before you get it into races.

This new benefit is a convenience to members who are curious about starting a path towards racing and want to explore that possibility in a vehicle environment they’re knowledgeable about and comfortable in i.e. their own car.

After the completion of the SCCA Racing License course, graduating members can participate in numerous racing events from coast to coast. The SCCA promotes a diverse range of championships across the country and a series to suit more or less every budget. There are time trials and sprints that have classes for stock street cars through to fire-breathing prototypes to full grids and serious race weekends.

Membership of the SCCA is part of the package and comes with its own benefits, and the racing license is just the first step towards a competitive motorsport future.


What’s included in the SCCA racing license course?

The SCCA course is a 2 day program which includes classroom tuition on track rules, safety and the basics of race craft. Drivers will spend time on track and paddock undertaking a series of tests. Like all our racing programs it includes a lot of time on-track, under the watchful eye of Simraceway’s instructors, who will help them reach the required standards.

The SCCA certification doesn’t turn anyone into a winner. It’s designed specifically to make sure new drivers understand the rules and regulations of racing and how not to be a danger to other drivers (or themselves) when they head out on the track in a competitive context.


Why get a license at Simraceway?

Whilst our Track days and sportscar experiences have helped turn Simraceway Performance Driving Center into the number one attraction in the region, according to TripAdvisor. Our racing school programs are the advanced option and take driver training and members time on track to the next level.

Whilst graduating Racing School 1 and Racing School 2 will also qualify you for you for an SCCA license, as well as approval to race in our own series – simraceway series . This licensing specific program focuses purely on the needs and requirements of licensing and is a time and cost efficient way to acquire your racing license.

T1 Motorsport Club members can opt to attend in groups (arranged by the club) or 1-on-1 with North America’s finest team of racing instructors. Most of whom are active racers themselves. They come with real-world experience of racing cars at the limit and go beyond the basics to help T1 Racing Club members get the absolute most from their car and their fledgeling career.


From Track Day Hero to Racing Legend in 2 days

Simraceway adds a coaching element to the SCCA course that will turn your time on track into education, rather than just an exam. T1 Club members can hone their skills and maximize their car’s performance during the certification process.

Keeping Simraceway’s stable of track cars, such as the KTM X-Bow Comp R , locked away in the paddock saves on costs too. So, while a 2-day course with all machinery provided costs $6,495, T1 Members can bring their own cars for the full course and pay just $2,995.

Get in touch for the full details on the SCCA racing license course here.

Racing school graduates gridding up for a race in Simraceway Series F3 class.

Upcoming program dates

  • T1 SCCA Full Competition License School – June 26/27
  • T1 SCCA Full Competition License School – July 12/13
  • T1 SCCA Full Competition License School – August 28/29
  • T1 SCCA Full Competition License School – September 4/5

If you not yet a T1 Club member but are interested in membership, please apply here.

McLaren 720s – Exclusive Preview

The new McLaren 720s was at our Sonoma facility last Friday for an exclusive preview ahead of the cars general release later this year. The 720s replaces the 650s model in the super series line and is already sold out through 2018. Hailed a Ferrari beater, the 720s  is lighter, more powerful and faster than the new Ferrari 488 GTB and we look forward to welcoming it into the fleet soon. If you would like to be notified when this car is available in our line up, please ensure you are signed up to our newsletter here 

In the interim the McLaren 570s 570GT and 650s are all now available in our newly launched McLaren Driving Experiences, click here to book your seat.

McLaren 720s – Exclusive Preview

The new McLaren 720s will be at our Sonoma facility this Friday for an exclusive preview ahead of the cars general release later this year. The 720s replaces the 650s model in the super series line and is already sold out through 2018. Hailed a Ferrari beater, the 720s  is lighter, more powerful and faster than the new Ferrari 488 GTB. Come judge for yourself and learn how you can get in the driving seat ahead of the waiting list.

This event is free but spaces are limited with priority given to our past and present drivers. If you would like to attend please sign up here.