Frequently Asked Questions
A lapping day is an organized day of driving on an open race track at high speed but is not racing against other cars. A lapping day is a perfect opportunity to hone your driving skills, learn more about performance driving, test and tune it for racing or competition, or simply put your performance car through it’s paces in a safe and legal manner. In a lapping day, establishing a rhythm of smooth high speed driving can often be as or more important than the peak speeds that you may attain. With a 65 or 70 mph speed limit on public roads, rarely does a driver get the opportunity to push his car to it’s limits and often to “the happy side of 100 mph”. Although there are often up to 25 other cars on track at the same time, it is not racing and passing is allowed only in designated straight stretchs (not in corners) and only on the point-bye acknowledgment from the car being overtaken.
What makes 100 Speed events different from other groups?
Our focus is a smooth running, low-key lapping day with an emphasis on lots of seat time. We specifically run a much smaller number of entries than most other groups so we don’t have to break up into very many run groups. The more run groups you have, the less seat time each group can have during the day. We make a concerted effort when selecting our entries to make sure that the driving skill levels and vehicle speeds are all a good match together so each driver can get the most quality seat time possible without being worried about being blocked by much slower cars or being run over by much faster cars. Since we only have a maximum of two run groups, each driver can get 25 minutes of seat time per hour in the morning sessions. In the afternoon sessions, if the day is running smoothly then we like to run one open session all afternoon. It is possible for one driver to get over five and a half hours of seat time in one day, something unheard of with most organizations. It is not uncommon at all for our drivers to pack up early because they have run out of tires, run out of fuel, or are simply tired from all the driving. It is possible for a 100 Speed entrant to get up to 6 hours of seat time in just one day.
Do you offer classroom instruction?
We do not currently offer classroom instruction at 100 Speed events. We work mostly with drivers who already have some on-track experience. Many of our attendees are instructors for other organizations and they join us simply because the high amount of seat time and the relaxed atmosphere. If you would like, we can arrange driver coaching sessions.
Do you have any open event entry positions for drivers?
Because most of the attendees at our events are satisfied customers who return year after year and because we run a limited entry size, it is quite common for our events to be booked up 3-4 months in advance. We do keep an active waiting list as well as it is not uncommon for a few entrants to need to drop out with personal or car issues. Please contact us at lee@100-speed.com or 859-384-2809 to check on available spots and the waiting list.
What kinds of cars are normally at 100 Speed events?
Typically our events are a mix of middle and upper end street performance cars and club racing cars from the SCCA, NASA, BMWCCA, and PCA. Normally we have a mix of Mustangs, BMW M3s, Mazda RX7s and Miatas then add in a smattering of Corvettes, Hondas, VWs, Porsches as well. We get a few exotics like Ferraris, Lotus' (Loti?), Morgans, and others too. We do limit the 100 Speed events to closed wheeled cars (cars with fenders).
Are passengers allowed in cars on track?
Yes, passengers are allowed and indeed encouraged so long as they are an adult who has signed the insurance waiver and is wearing a proper helmet, clothing and seat belts. This is a great opportunity to give a ride to friends, family, racing crew members, etc. who otherwise would not have a chance to see what it is like on an open track. It is also a great chance to pick up a little coaching or buddy up with another driver and exchange ideas, pointers, etc.