Run Groups

In almost all cases, the answer is no. Frequently we have drivers who show up with a car that has had major horsepower upgrades, wings, race tires, and other mods. These are NOT NEEDED to get started! You will become an informed consumer after you see and experience a HOD day as a driver.

You may discover that you love this activity but really need to eventually change the type of vehicle you drive – in order to climb the skills ladder. Frequently, as drivers return for a second and third day, they will find they need to upgrade the brake pads and fluid – a fairly inexpensive upgrade. But again – bring a reasonable road car in good condition and have fun your first day!! We’ve even had drivers who own a track car (or their Mom or Dad does), but they do their first day in the Honda Accord just to get started!!

Items to check include:

• Wheel bearings, for excess play or wear
• Brake pad/shoe depth a minimum of 50% remaining
• Brake fluid – we highly recommend a flush and replacement with high-temperature synthetic fluid
• Tire pressure should be increased 2-3 lbs. from standard pressures (see your expert for more precise guidance on this and you really should buy a high-quality air gauge with dial readout); tread should have 50% remaining
• Wheels snap-on parts should be removed and lug nuts should be tightened to recommended torque (usually in the 85 lb range, but check manufacturer recommendation)
• Belts and safety equipment are all the factory equipment in good shape
• Fuel- it’s best to arrive with a full, but not topped-off tank You’ll use fuel quickly on the track, and your car is probably engineered to handle properly with a reasonably full load fuel is available at the track, but it’s a bit pricey
• Coolant/fluids (OK air-cooled guys, you’re off the hook on coolant), check all appropriate fluids oil should be topped off (except dry-sump Porsche engines, which should be at the low end of gauge/indicator)

Next, it’s time to clean out the car. Garage door openers, child seats, junk in the trunk, all need to be stowed safely. We all end up with a pile of stuff that we store by the car at the track. No one has ever had a problem with theft.

If you purchased your event with us through Motorsports Reg on or after October 11, 2024 Hooked on Driving does not have a cancellation policy. Event insurance can be purchased for a small fee on top of your registration to get your money back in the event you cannot attend. 
If you cannot attend and you did not purchase event insurance we cannot offer a refund. 

If you purchased your event prior to October 11, 2024:

When you cancel:

• 46 days or more before an event, all event fees will be returned, upon request, as either an HOD event credit code (valid for 12 months), or a credit card refund (less a $35 refund fee).
• 21-45 days before an event, event fees, less a $50 per event day cancellation fee will be returned, upon request, as either an HOD event credit code (valid for 12 months), or a credit card refund (less a $35 refund fee).
• 11-20 days before an event, event fees, less a 50% cancellation fee, will be returned, upon request, as an HOD event credit code (valid for 12 months).
• 10 days or less before the event, or are a no-show at an event, all event fees will be forfeited.

We are aware of the logistical requirements of our hobby and things don’t always work out exactly as planned. Please understand that while we will attempt to work with you if there are unforeseen issues, we cannot take responsibility for something that is completely out of our control.  Please contact us at info@hookedondriving.com with any questions.

POLICY ON RAIN DAYS: HOD is required by contract to arrive and prepare to hold our events regardless of the weather forecast. Therefore, our customers also need to arrive and be ready to drive. If track management deems it unsafe to drive due to track conditions or unsafe conditions for track workers, a date may be cancelled with appropriate credit given for the lost driving opportunity. Note: A high percentage of our events that had forecasts for bad weather or precipitation ended up having quality time on track during the day.  Most drivers have discovered that it was a great deal of fun and very good experience to drive on track in wet conditions

HOD has an amazing track record for safety for both drivers and their cars. Some standard auto policies may cover you while you are driving with HOD, but HOD cannot guarantee this and recommends a review of the exclusions on your policies.

You’ll need a helmet. If this is your first time, and you’re not sure if you’ll like what we do, you can rent a helmet from the track. This may be a good option rather than borrowing an old motorcycle helmet that doesn’t fit. If you are already hooked on driving, we suggest buying an SA Snell-certified auto racing helmet. This type of helmet is quite different than a motorcycle helmet, for good reasons. We’ll not expound on this here, but feel free to ask if you’re ready to buy. Also, a full face, with a large eye port is a good idea. Lastly, it’s more expensive, but Kevlar makes for a much lighter and thus, safer helmet.

HOD does not allow vehicles without rollover protection to be driven at our High-Performance Driving Events (HPDE).

List of known convertible cars that do NOT have “factory roll over protection” and would be required to “add approved rollover protection” to run.

BMW Z3 1996-97 without factory roll over hoops (1998 and newer are approved to run)
Camaro Convertible Pre-2012
Corvette Convertible up to C5 Pre-2005  not approved  (C6 and newer are approved to run)
Dodge Viper RT Convertible 1992-2003 (SRT 2004 and newer are approved to run)
Firebird Convertible
Mazda Miata  NA/NB 1990‐2005  (2006 and newer are approved to run)
Mustang all models Convertible
Lexus SC 430 Convertible
Porsche 993 Cabriolet, pre‐1998 Porsche 996 (air‐cooled)
Pontiac Solstice & GXP
Saturn Sky
Toyota Solaris

High Center of Gravity, (HCG) are not allowed at HOD HPDE events.  This includes SUVs, 4X4 Trucks, CJ Jeep-type vehicles, cars and trucks with lift-kits, and Minivans.  If you are uncertain about the eligibility of your vehicle, contact your HOD Region.

Your first event with HOD will not require the membership. We’re confident you’ll have a great time and want to come back, and then there is a fee for the required annual family HOD membership.

Click here to review the benefits of the membership and join today! 

HOD Regions run either 3 or 4 run groups, with between 5-6 sessions per group.  Sessions will range from 20-25 minutes. This is heavily affected by the track day being either 7 or 8 hours.  The average track time per driver is between 100-120 minutes.  We work hard to efficiently exchange groups in a “feed on, feed off” format with no lost time between sessions.  HOD pre-grid is carefully managed to allow an efficient flow onto the track, and we work to always be on time – except in extenuating circumstances.

Group A – Novice: Even if you have some track experience, we encourage you to start out in Group A (in most cases) just to get familiar with the facility and course. A large percentage of this group is working with instructors, speeds are slower, and passing is restricted to specific places and sides of the car. Classroom instruction is also included here. If you are unsure, start the day in A and it is generally possible to move you up to the faster intermediate group.

Group B – Intermediate: These drivers know the track, manage traffic without issues, and are driving consistently on a safe driving line. This driver is predictable and starting to show some speed and confidence. While you don’t have to be driving really fast to be in Group B, you do have to be watching your mirrors and flag stations as well as cooperative passing.

Group C – Advanced: These drivers are genuinely fast and comfortable on track. They exhibit advanced skills such as left-foot braking, heel and toe, and alternate lines to match the capabilities of their cars. Some may have upgraded brakes and/or suspension and tires. While the C pace is definitely quicker, we stress with this group that this is NOT a competition. We do black flag drivers for aggressive behavior.

This group allows indicated passing on most of the track. C Drivers are encouraged to run windows up and use indicators/turn-signals for safety and comfort. Those drivers who prefer to drive windows down (either for personal preference or a lack of factory turn signals) are welcome to do so.

 Group D – Expert: This is our fastest and most experienced group. It is open passing without indicators from cars being passed. Windows up is encouraged for safety and comfort, but not mandatory. And because we are not racing, and are concerned about safety, we request cooperative passing, avoiding last minute dive bombing mid-corner. Fast driving is welcomed, but we want everyone to be friends at the end of the day.

This group includes fast street cars exploring their limits and race prepped cars with structural cages, five point harnesses and a fire bottle. These drivers could be at a race, and some hold competition licenses, but they prefer to drive with us knowing the event will be safe and fun.

Track days in all weather! Hooked on Driving encourages all cars on track to drive with their windows up and HVAC system running. This allows for more comfortable driving in all kinds of weather from a rainstorm to a blazing hot summer afternoon. HOD will be there no matter what the weather says, and we encourage you to join us. Driving in the rain is a great way to build car control at lower speeds and we often find that a rainy forecast still has many dry sessions during the day. Alternatively, on the hottest days of summer, most modern A/Cs can keep a car cool even when the outside is sweltering. In the rare moment of dangerous weather conditions, we do close the track until conditions improve.

If you have more than a 90-minute drive one way to the track, we highly recommend checking in to the local motel the night before. 

Whenever possible there will be a Coach assigned to first-time Drivers in A Group. Some drivers, with prior experience, may not have a Coach for every session but we strive to get a Coach in every A Group car at some point during the day. B Group and above Drivers may request and get Coaching, based upon Coach availability. Your Coach will usually ride in the passenger seat, but in some situations they may lead you on the track from another car, known as Lead/follow Coaching. As you gain confidence on the track, ask your coach if you’re ready to be signed off for solo. Even if you are ok to drive solo, we encourage you to take advantage of further Coaching upon request.

Scheduling the exact number of coaches with students is a challenge, so we cannot always guarantee a coach for every beginner driver, every time on track. However, the A Group leader will see to it that every student has guidance and coaching during the day. In all cases, students are encouraged to speak up and let HOD know how their day is going and if there is anything we can do to improve your experience. As you will learn, SAFETY is our number one goal. If your Coach refuses to ride in your car, indicating they do not feel safe riding with you, it is likely your day is done. It is critical that you listen and respond to your Coach, as they are trusting you to follow instructions to be safe, above all else.

We know every coach, trust their driving on track, and they have a clear understanding of what techniques to teach at what time. They are talented, experienced drivers with many days of track driving experience. They have shown themselves capable of communicating their input effectively from the passenger seat – not an easy task when at speed!

If you are assigned a coach please take their advice. If you know you receive coaching on track a particular way better please inform your coach of this ahead of time so they can adjust their communication to your preference. If you don’t know what you need or don’t need don’t worry you’ll figure it out and feel free to inform your coach of anything that is or is not working well for you. If you feel like you are not getting along with your coach please see an HOD staff member and we will do what we can to accommodate this dynamic and switch your coach. 

Let’s talk about this one. No to the buddy question, but on the son, or immediate family (i.e. wife) contact your region to review this as it is done in a case-by-case basis.

Bottom line is that we have taught all of our coaches to be on the same page and use the same terminology. It can be confusing for Dad, capable as he may be, to take a different coaching approach than everyone else on track, so while we may occasionally make an exception, we’d rather not. 

Get to know us and let us get to know you. Operate at a high B or C level of driving without incident and go to meetings to learn. Be a regular as we run a business an can’t afford to graduate everyone into being coaches. But mostly, you must have a passion for what we do, how we operate, and how to communicate all of that. Talk to the head coach at your event about your interest in becoming a coach and they will guide you on next steps and expectations

This is for you to research with your insurance agent. Because we are not a wheel to wheel or speed competition, many policies MAY cover you but do NOT rely on this information. Some companies have begun to put exclusions for any event at a racing facility which would exclude us. 

Passengers may ride with an HOD driver who are intermediate, advanced, or solo-signed off. A waiver is required for any person on the track. This waiver can be signed at the registration desk the day of the event. If the passenger is a minor they will need to follow the Minor Liability Waiver guidlines.
Any questions, please contact TeriB@HookedOnDriving.com

As of this date, we have no prohibition of these devices, but we are on the cusp of banning them. If you operate with passing zones, which we do in A, B, and C groups, lap times will be meaningless. Sometimes you’ll have an open lap, but we don’t want the timing to indicate ANY competition, because there is NOT any competition going on. Also, we don’t want you to be pressed into making a pass, just to keep up a hot lap. Bottom line it’s your composure and willingness to operate by the rules that will keep you safe. If you happen to have a lap timer on the wall, but drive within our rules, for the time being, we’re ok with it. But why? Ask your coach other objective ways to measure your progress there are plenty. 

No. Motorcycle and motocross helmets are built differently than auto racing helmets and are not allowed. HOD requires auto racing helmets with a Snell Foundation SA rating that is within 10 years of the event date. To find the Snell sticker, look under the foam inside the back of the helmet. If it says M, it is a motorcycle helmet. A DOT rating does not qualify. This requirement is out of concern for the safety of our drivers and guests (any passengers included). SA rated helmets have outer shells, inner foam, and linings made specifically for use in an automobile. Also, if you are driving an open car such as a Boxster, you will be required to have some form of eye protection, so an enclosed helmet with a visor is highly recommended. HOD locations will endeavor to make rentals or loaners available. If you need an SA rated helmet, it is your responsibility to check for their availability at your event, and if not available, to purchase or source one otherwise. 

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