SCDA - Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of car can I bring?

The Sports Car Driving Association is not a mark-specific group. At any given Sports Car Driving Association event, there is a broad selection of automobiles represented: BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Audi, Corvette, Alfa Romeo, Mazda, Ferrari are just some of the types of cars that show up at our events. We welcome everything from Dodge Neons to Porsche Turbos. The brand of car is not important, a desire to improve ones driving skills in a safe and fun environment is! Convertibles are required to have a roll bar and/or factory hard top. Sound limits at NHIS and Watkins Glen are 99 decibels, and the sound limit at Lime Rock Park is 89 decibels.

What is the format for a Sports Car Driving Association track day?

The Sports Car Driving Association event starts at 7:30 AM. Registration is handled, and each student is assigned to a specific run group. There is a novice group for people with limited or no track driving experience. There are two intermediate groups. Also, there is an advanced group for the seasoned track driver. Finally, there is an instructor run group. There is a drivers meeting at 8:30 AM which will provide an introduction for the days events. Then, the various run groups rotate throughout the day, and close to two hours of on track driving can be expected. Also, there are several "chalk talks" and classroom sessions throughout the day covering different aspects of high performance track driving.

Tell me more about the Instructors.

The Sports Car Driving Association prides itself on having arguably the best group of instructors in the Northeast. Our Instructors have many years of on track driving and racing experience. We have Professional Race drivers, National Champions, Regional Champions and a great cross section of talent. Our Chief Instructor, Bill Prout, was previously Chief Instructor at the Skip Barber Racing School. Furthermore, we provide several classroom sessions that discuss the fundamentals of high performance driving on a race track. As part of your SCDA experience, all students will be provided with two classroom sessions. The classroom sessions include a very detailed PowerPoint presentation covering such topics as vehicle dynamics, threshold braking, and line theory.

Is it safe?

Safety is our first priority. These events are for educational purposes. This is NOT a race. Wheel to wheel racing is not permitted. Helmets are required. All novice students are required to drive with an Instructor in the passenger seat.

When and Where are the Events?

Please see our schedule for complete details on upcoming SCDA events.

Who is eligible to attend?

Students must be at least 18 years of age, and posses a valid drivers license in order to attend. Snell 95 Rated Helmets are required for all participants. The SCDA, LLC has several Snell 95 Helmets that we can loan to participants. Long sleeved shirts and pants must also be worn.

How do I prepare my car before an event?

Before attending an SCDA event, it is each student's responsibility to ensure that his or her vehicle is up to the added challenges of track driving. First of all, all loose items should be removed from the automobile, take time to clean out the trunk, and empty the car completely. Fluids should all be checked prior to an event. Specifically, make sure that your oil is fresh, as is your brake fluid. Old brake fluid will appear brown or even black in color. This is not acceptable. Brake fluid should be fresh and golden in color. If at all in question, have your mechanic bleed your brakes, and have him check the thickness of your brake pads as well. Both passenger and driver side seatbelts should be fully functional and the same restraint system must be used for both driver and passenger. Tires should be inspected closely, and air pressure should be set to the appropriate amount before the car goes on the track. Furthermore, cars with body rot or rust will NOT be permitted to participate. The SCDA reserves the right to inspect any car for any reason at any point of an event. Having your mechanic check over your automobile before the event is strongly encouraged.

What is your convertible policy?

For safety reasons, all convertibles (Boxster, Miata, Corvette, Z3, etc.) are required to have a roll bar that meets the following two criteria in order to be eligible to run during any event. 1) The roll bar must be in the fixed position and visible at all times. This means that roll bars which are designed to automatically deploy are not acceptable unless they are in the full upright and locked position at all times. 2) The roll bar must allow the driver to pass the "broomstick" test which means that the top of the drivers helmet must be below the line from the top of the roll bar to the top of the windshield. There are aftermarket roll bars and/or seats which can be used to help meet these requirements. If your convertible meets these standards, then you are welcome to participate! Factory hard tops are acceptable, as well.

Cancellation Policy

All SCDA events are offered on a first come, first served basis. Our events run rain or shine. There will be a $25 processing fee for any entry that is refunded. Cancellations within two weeks of the event date forfeit half the total amount. No shows on the day of the event, as well as cancellations within one week of the event date forfeit the total amount. No refunds will be issued, and events are not transferable.

How do I enroll?

Enrollment is easy. Simply download and print out an Application Form and (snail) mail it with a check to :

Sports Car Driving Association, LLC
18 Maple Ave.
Essex, Connecticut 06426

Download the Student Application (PDF).

Please note that a separate application sheet must be filled out for each event. We will notify you by either email or (snail) mail with a confirmation.