THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE DRIVING SCHOOL

1. Study the provided materials. It is important to have a working knowledge of the flags, procedures, and schedules before you show up at the track. Given the tight schedule of these events, it is important that everyone be on the same page.
2. Get a Tech Inspection. You will be operating your car under hard braking and at high speed so your car needs to be mechanically sound!
3. Source A Helmet. Snell SA2005 or M2005 or newer rated helmets are required. The requirement for a Snell SA2005 or M2005 or newer rated helmet is MANDATORY and there will be NO EXCEPTIONS. A Snell SA2005 or M2005 approved helmet can be identified by a dated sticker that is usually located on the inside of the shell beneath the inner liner.
4. Choose Your Attire. Comfortable clothes are recommended including loose fitting pants, shirts, sweaters, etc. Flat-soled sneaker or similarly treaded shoes are recommended. Full Nomex race gear is very seldom worn by students and not necessarily worn by instructors. Consider cool weather possibilities as well as rain and/or heavy fog, so be prepared. Be prepared for all types of weather.
5. Check The Weather Forecast. The event will be held rain or shine. Rain is an excellent learning opportunity; don't be afraid to attend if it is wet. Do plan on bringing appropriate protection for you and your belongings.
6. Arrange For Lunch and Refreshments. Lunch will not be provided at this event. Food can be purchased at the track. You should bring your own ice chest for snacks and fluids, particularly if the weather is warm. Do not rely on the availability of water at the track.

TRACK DAY PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES

This list of items will help you to prepare for your track school experience.

• Get a good night's sleep. It will be a long, busy day and alert students are safe students.
• Upon arrival, empty your car, glove box and trunk of all loose objects. Remove hubcaps and trim rings.
• If you did not register the night before, proceed to registration. At registration you will sign the liability waiver and you will receive your wristband and student registration packet that includes your car numbers, nametag, track map and a schedule.
• Place a set of car numbers and letter designating your run group (A, B, C) in accordance to your registration packet instructions.
• Check with more experienced attendees for their input on tire pressures. Air service may not be available at the track, so bring your own pump and tire pressure gauge.
• Stay alert for announcements and driver meetings. No slack time in the schedule means we go with or without you.
• Be sure to think through what you want from your day, and discuss it with your instructor at the start of each track session.
• If you want something different from your instructor (e.g., different quantity or quality of feedback), discuss it with your instructor. If you still are not getting what you want, consider changing instructors and discuss it with your instructor and/or instructor group leader. This is expected to be routine, acceptable practice.
• There is a 5 mph speed limit in the paddock area. Please observe this limit for your safety and the safety of others.
• To better control access to the track, wristbands (issued at Registration) will be worn on left wrists by all students, instructors, and workers. No one will be allowed to drive on the track without a wristband visible. Passengers in instructor cars will also be required to have wristbands to signify that the passengers have signed the liability waiver. Wristbands for passengers will be available at Ofest registration.

STUFF TO BRING TO THE TRACK

TRACK RULES

Cleanup of trash, oil or fuel spills is charged at exorbitant rates. Please help keep the facility clean. Trash receptacles will be provided. Waste fluids need to be removed by participants. Fuel spills on the asphalt must be brought to the attention of track personnel immediately, and doused with lots of water. Save yourselves from major cleanup bills on this one, please.
Fuel is sometimes available from operations at the track but do not rely on this. Filling stations can be found a short distance from the track but you may not always have time to make the trip.
Track gates schedule will be on your track schedule.
No vehicles are permitted on any portion of the property other than the paddock or parts of the racetrack.

DRIVING SCHOOL FLAG SIGNALS

All drivers should study this description of our signal flags. Bring it with you to the track for review and reference (while in the paddock, not while on the track). You may be quizzed by the instructors regarding this information, so be sharp! Learn the meanings of these flags—they are our means of communicating with you while you are on the track. Remember that flag signals must be obeyed without question. If you are flagged while on the track and do not understand why, obey the flag, complete the lap you are on, exit to the pit lane, continue to the head of pit lane, and ask the Steward there for more information.

Standing Yellow: Proceed with caution, no passing.

Waving Yellow: Proceed with EXTREME CAUTION; there is a car blocking the track or otherwise endangering oncoming traffic just ahead. SLOW DOWN! NO PASSING!

Yellow w/Vertical Red Stripes: Oil/debris flag. Proceed with caution, there is oil, fluid, gravel, dirt, or other debris on the track. Traction will be poor. No passing until past the debris.

Green: Start of track session.

Black: Waved or pointed at the car in question—there is something wrong with your car or with your driving. Complete the lap you are on, come into pit lane, proceed to the head of pit lane, and talk to the person there who will discuss the problem with you. In some emergency situations, a black flag will be displayed to ALL cars in order to clear the track in the quickest possible time. If available, a Black Flag With Orange Ball In Center will be used to designate a mechanical problem with your car, so be especially careful as you complete the lap and pull into pit lane.

Furled Black, Pointing At You: Warning! You are driving in a manner that is questionable. If you continue to drive in this manner you will be black flagged on the next lap. It may mean that you would benefit from an instructor to accompany you and remind you of the correct line, or other helpful information to make your track session and driving school even more enjoyable.

Black Displayed To All Cars, And Standing Yellow At All Turns: Proceed with caution, no passing, complete your current lap, exit the track to the pit lane, and park.

Blue With Diagonal Yellow Stripe: A faster car is behind you, and may wish to pass at the next passing zone. When the passing section of the track is reached, signal the car behind which side of your car you want it to pass you on. Do not change your line or speed up while being passed. Note: flag will be used at turns at the beginning of an allowed passing zone.

Red: Stop off line as safely and quickly as you can after checking your rear view mirrors for tailgaters. Signal with your arm raised out the window. Pull to the right side of the track. Do not finish the lap you are on. The Red flag is used only when continued lapping cannot be done safely—a damaged car is on or near the track, or there is another unsafe situation.

Checkered: The track session is over. Slow your car safely, complete the lap you are on and exit into the pit lane and paddock. This is your cool-down lap. NO PASSING!

STUDENT REGISTRATION

You will have the opportunity to pick which days you want to attend. Look at the other events to be held during the week. If you are participating in the Autocross, look to see what day your autocross class is scheduled for. All other events are held one day, except for the Fun Rally, Photo Contest and Trivia. You may not be able to attend all of the events.

CLASSING AND INSTRUCTORS

Students are assigned to a run group commensurate with their experience.  Instructors are required in your car, at all times, while you are on the track.  If you have a driving school log from a previous school, be sure to bring it to the track.

SAFETY

We are committed to run a safe event. Students and instructors are required to wear an approved helmet while on the track. Bring the helmet with you even if you have to borrow one; loaners will NOT be available. Cars, drivers and instructors judged to be operating in an unsafe manner will be removed from the track.

AT THE TRACK

To maximize your track time and insure you get adequate instruction, the event is run on a tight schedule.  Adherence to the schedule requires your cooperation and will allow us to get through the preliminaries quickly.

Arrive at the track to allow ample time to prepare your car.  Stop at Registration and check in.  ALL individuals entering the track property may be required to sign the Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity form.  Please read it carefully to insure you understand what you are signing, then proceed immediately to the paddock area and unload everything from your car and trunk.  Please remove floor mats.  A properly fastened spare tire can remain, if you choose.  Be ready for the your drivers' meeting; this is the most important meeting of the day!  Make sure you arrive with a full tank of gas.  Air and water are available at the track. The line may be long. Fuel is available close by.

LIABILITY

STUDENTS ASSUME ALL RISK OF DAMAGE TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY DURING THE EVENT.  This includes times when instructors are driving your car.  Since you are assuming risk, you should be satisfied with the manner in which your instructor drives your car.  If, after discussing any apprehensions you may have with the instructor, you are still not satisfied, you are encouraged to contact the Chief Instructor or any event staff member to address the problem.

PASSENGERS

Students are NOT allowed to take passengers on the track at any time. Absolutely NO exceptions.  Only students and instructors are allowed to drive on the track.  During the Instructors' session, instructors may take passengers who have signed the waiver release, have an approved helmet, and are at least 18 years of age.

WEATHER

The driving school will be run rain or shine. Be sure you come prepared to protect yourself from the sun and rain. At a minimum, we recommend you bring folding chairs, a hat and sunscreen.