2025 – Racer on Rails: High Performance Track and Race Car Shop and Race Team based in Renton, WA

Posted on November 25, 2025May 18, 2026 by Gama Aguilar

SCCA Touring 3 Nissan Nismo 370Z #109 — Build Overview

Introduction

Every race car has a story, and our goal with these build overviews is to pull back the curtain a bit and share the why behind each one. Not just the spec list or the shiny parts bolted on, but the decisions that shaped the build, the lessons we learned the hard way, how the car performs today, and where we’re taking it next. Think of this as a guided walk through the full journey — the good, the bad, the breakthroughs — so that whether you’re dreaming up your first build, refining a current project, or planning something wild for the future, you’ve got real-world insight to draw from. And hey, if any of this sparks ideas or you’re curious about building a similar car, we’re always happy to talk shop and help you get pointed in the right direction.

Gama shaking down and testing things to figure out the brakes in his 2011 Nissan Nismo 370Z in SCCA Touring 3 Class

How We Ended Up in a Nissan 370Z for Touring 3

Our path to campaigning a Nismo Nissan 370Z in SCCA Touring 3 didn’t start with a Z-car at all — it started with a fleet of BMW Spec E46s and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Back in 2021, the SCCA Runoffs were being held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That’s bucket-list territory. There was absolutely no way we were going to miss the chance to race at Indy, so we brought our Spec E46 drivers and cars and dove into T3 with both feet.

That first year was awesome. The SE46 was decently competitive and, with a 2,950-lb minimum weight in Touring 3 (vs. 2,850 in the spec class), we still felt like the platform had room to grow. We were optimistic.

Even a hurricane couldn’t slow down the field enough to make a Spec E46 competitive at big tracks like VIR

But 2022 at VIR changed everything.

VIR is the polar opposite of Indy when what matters most is top-end speed. And in T3, you simply cannot hide from that reality. While the front-running cars were consistently touching 138–140 mph top speeds, our Spec E46s were essentially tapped at 136 mph, and in reality at VIR, we were barely seeing 132 mph with a draft.

So even if the chassis could somehow theoretically match the lap times, the racing wasn’t viable. It was a harsh reality check, but a necessary one.

Time for a Change

After the 2022 Runoffs, we evaluated realistic alternatives:

BMW Z4 M Coupe
Nissan 370Z

We also had a 2010 Porsche Cayman PDK ready to build, but the timeline and development curve didn’t match our Runoffs schedule.

The turning point came when a proven, nationally competitive T3 370Z changed hands and landed with our friend Chris Hart. Suddenly, we had access to race-winning data and real experience. Combined with the 370Z’s double-wishbone geometry — perfect under T3’s 3.5-degree camber limit — the choice became clear.

Buying the Car — A True Nismo

In mid-2023, we bought a 2011 Nissan 370Z Nismo — a true, original-owner Nismo.

Because the shop was at max capacity, the entire initial teardown happened in the driveway. Full interior strip, seam sealer removal, weight reduction — everything. We delivered a perfect rolling chassis to Fabtek for a cage that matched Chris’s championship-proven design.

Cage & Safety Fabrication

Once Fabtek completed the cage, we resprayed the interior in OEM Nismo red and began the race against time to assemble the car before the 2023 Runoffs at VIR.

2023 Runoffs — The ABS Reality Check

We made it to VIR… but the first test day exposed the 370Z’s biggest flaw: its factory ABS logic.

We experienced full-on ICE mode, where the ABS system dramatically reduces braking pressure unpredictably. It ended our Runoffs before the weekend truly began — but thank God, the car and driver were safe.

Post-Runoffs: Fixing the Brakes

That failure changed everything. We went deep into:

pad compounds
rotor configurations
wheel-speed ratios
heat management
master cylinder behavior
ABS trigger logic

We broke things. Tested everything. Logged everything. Even pushed for rule adjustments when needed.

And now? The brakes are one of the absolute strengths of the car.

Current State of the Car

Chassis

2011 Nissan 370Z Nismo
SCCA-compliant Fabtek cage
OEM interior respray (red)
OEM front strut bar
No additional chassis stiffening (per T3 rules)

Interior & Safety

Racetech 119 seat
Schroth 6-point
Safecraft nets
Lifeline fire system
OMP wheel
Helmet blower + cool shirt
Lots of heat shielding at the transmission tunnel to protect driver’s feet

Brakes

Paragon PA015 calipers
Paragon 2-piece rotors
Carbotech XP12 front pads / 1521 rear pads
Motul RBF660
Goodridge stainless lines
Racer on Rails custom brake ducts
Fully optimized ABS strategy

Suspension

MCS 3-way coilovers
Eibach T3-compliant springs
SPL adjustable arms & endlinks
AFE sway bars
Urethane diff mount

Engine

Nissan reman VQ37HR
Z1 baffled oil pan
OEM intakes (required)
42mm restrictor
Motordyne test pipes
Z1 single-exit exhaust
ECUTek tuned on 100 octane
Comprehensive cooling upgrades

It's a Z battle at the 2025 SCCA Runoffs! — It’s a Z battle at the 2025 SCCA Runoffs!

Aero

OEM Nismo V1/V2 aero
Race Louvers center hood louver
OEM body panel constraint for T3

Electronics

AIM MXS v2 + SmartyCam 3 dual
Switch-Pro control system
Full auxiliary sensor package
Motorola long-track radio

Drivetrain

CAE shifter (350Z variant custom-adapted)
Tomei 1.5-way LSD
OEM mounts (urethane where allowed)
Diff & trans coolers
Enkei RFP1 18×10.5 + Hoosier A7s

Racing & Driving Highlights

???? 2024 Hoosier Super Tour Win — NOLA Motorsports Park

The car’s first national-level win (but technically a P2 due to post-race adjustment). New track, technical course, colder weather and still figuring out the brakes.

Video:

???? 2025 CAT Majors Win — Road America

90°F, extreme humidity, and the car delivered a dominant run once we were in clear air.

Video:

???? Global Time Attack — The Ridge Motorsports Park

Unrestricted laps on Yokohama A052s showed the Z’s true potential.

Video:

What We’ve Learned

The car loves mechanical grip.
Weight distribution & stiffness tuning are critical.
The ABS and braking system is both the biggest weakness and the biggest opportunity.
Heat management is everything in longer races/sessions and when air temps get above 80F.
The Z rewards smooth inputs and stability.
Parts availability is excellent with the right partners.

Future Direction — Where #109 Is Headed

More engine & cooling refinement
Testing Paragon PA015 big-brake upgrade
Further alignment/tire data development
Weight management improvements
Full prep for 2026 Hoosier Super Tour + Runoffs

Thinking About Building a Production-Based Race or Track Car?

If this build sparks any questions, ideas, or “should I do this with my car?” thoughts, reach out. Whether you’re dreaming up a production-based track car, considering something in the SCCA Touring 3 or Touring 2 world, or want to explore a power-to-weight package similar to this build, we’re always happy to help you think through the right path.

From full builds to setup refinement, from brake and cooling solutions to driver development, we love partnering with drivers to create fast, reliable, confidence-inspiring cars. If something here resonated with you — let’s talk.

Posted on October 23, 2025October 23, 2025 by Gama Aguilar

Welcome Keri and Ian!

Welcome Keri and Ian Anderson to the Racer on Rails Team!

We’re excited to officially welcome Keri and Ian Anderson to the Racer on Rails crew!

If you’ve been around us at the track the last few seasons, you’ve probably already seen them in action — whether it’s wrenching in the paddock, reviewing data late into the night, or debating the finer points of shock tuning, telemetry, tire graining, and simulator setups. We’ve worked alongside Keri and Ian for years as part of our race weekend crew, and before that, we knew each other as friendly competitors and fellow motorsport nerds for over a decade.

Keri joins the team as Service Advisor, Race Car Engineer, and Project Manager, bringing her sharp technical insight and deep experience managing complex race programs from start to finish.

Ian joins as Race Car Technician, Fabricator, and Dyno Operator, where his hands-on expertise, mechanical creativity, and dedication to precision will help keep our cars fast, reliable, and ready to perform.

Together, they bring even more power to our mission: helping drivers reach their goals, create lasting memories, and leave every weekend with a huge smile.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to work with the Racer on Rails team — whether you’re prepping for your first track day, chasing a national championship, or just looking to take your driving to the next level — reach out and connect with us. We’d love to talk about how we can help you go faster, safer, and smarter.

Goals. Smiles. Memories.

That’s what it’s all about.

Posted on June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by Gama Aguilar

June Sprints at Road America – A Weekend of Grit, Growth, and Podiums

Turn 1 at the start of the Touring 3 race at SCCA Chicago Region June Sprints race!

A few weeks ago, we were at Road America for one of the most iconic events in club racing: the SCCA June Sprints.

There are tracks—and then there’s Road America. Nestled in the rolling hills of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Road America is one of the most iconic and demanding circuits in North America. At 4.048 miles, it’s one of the longest permanent road courses in the country, with 14 turns that blend technical precision with full-send bravery. Corners like the Kink, the Carousel, and Canada Corner don’t just test your car—they test your commitment. Turn 5 is the “slowest” min-speed corner at a target min-speed of 55-60 mph, depending on the car! That is the “slowest” with the rest of the corners having target min-speed of 65, 80, 90 and 110 mph. ????

And then there’s the June Sprints—a race weekend steeped in history. Since 1956, the June Sprints have stood as a cornerstone of American amateur road racing. It’s a proving ground for national champions and future pros, where every lap carries the weight of decades of racing tradition.

But what truly sets this weekend apart is Elkhart Lake itself. This little town breathes motorsport. Historic restaurants like Siebkens and The Osthoff are filled with old racing photos and stories, and the street signs and commemorative plaques around town proudly mark the original road course from the 1950s, when racing took place on public roads. It’s a place where history isn’t just remembered—it’s woven into the landscape.

Just down the road is RealTime Racing HQ, a name familiar to any longtime fan of World Challenge or Honda racing, SO COOL! And everywhere you look during June Sprints weekend, the town is buzzing with performance cars—from vintage Porsches to modern GT4 machines. It’s a car lover’s paradise, and for racers like us, it’s nothing short of heaven.

Big Brains, Big Gains – Engineering First

Before a single lap was turned, Tyler Campbell was already deep in the work: suspension geometry, brake data, tire modeling—he put in the kind of effort that sets great teams apart. We showed up with one of the most dialed-in testing plans we’ve ever run, and it paid off.

We don’t show up to look cool (or at least we think we try to look cool but look like a bunch of racing and track nerds! ????) and bench race. We’re here to science the crap out of our race cars and racing!

Gama and Tyler discussing setup options, data collected and how to move forward. — Gama and Tyler discussing setup options, data collected and how to move forward at June Sprints.

Wednesday & Thursday – Building the Foundation

We rolled in Tuesday night with storms on the radar. Wednesday morning was still wet, but once the track dried, we got to work. We missed the first test session due to the wet track and expected dry conditions through the rest of the race week, but kicked off our structured setup plan with back-to-back sessions focused on testing our hypotheses.

I ran our Spec E46, not because we expected to win overall, but because it gave us a solid, familiar platform to test against elite-level competition (and the Touring 3 Nissan 370Z needed another heart transplant, we’ll get into that more in a future post).

Every change delivered something new—every lap taught us something valuable.

Dave Orem in his BMW Z4M Coupe bombing through Turn 7 at Road America during the 2025 June Sprints — Dave blasting through Turn 7, building speed and confidence lap after lap.

Thursday, we mounted fresh tires and saw a measurable step forward. All signs pointed toward progress, and it gave us confidence heading into the official sessions.

Friday – Contact, Recovery, and Grit

Morning practice started off well… until it didn’t.

Dave Orem got dive-bombed in Turn 1. The hit spun him, left him stalled, and another car—unable to avoid him—collected the Z4M hard.

Bryce and Rene hammer away at fixing a nearly fully destroyed front passenger side corner. Within 12 hours of total work time, across a couple days and with overnight delivery of parts, Dave and his Z4M Coupe were online and ready for qualifying session 2 and the race weekend!

Thankfully, Dave was okay. And thanks to an incredible community, we pulled off a minor miracle: sourcing every part needed to get him back on track.

Shoutout to Trevor and Wyatt at Motion Control Suspension for building a replacement MCS shock on short notice and getting it to us overnight.

Friday Qualifying – Almost There

Meanwhile, I was out for qualifying in the E46. Brand new tires. Low Super Tour points meant I was gridded at the back of the T3 field. But we knew we had pace.

Twice, I was on flying laps that would’ve moved me to P2 or P3—both times caught in traffic at the carousel and kink. Absolutely destroyed those laps.

Gama Aguilar in the Racer on Rails silver bullet rental Spec E46,

We finished the day P4. Not ideal, but we knew more was coming.

Saturday – Reset & Rebound

With Dave’s car repaired, he jumped back in for qualifying.

“I didn’t think about the car at all. I was able to focus on finding space and putting down lap times.”

Exactly what you want to hear after an incident. He wasn’t fully back to pace yet but showed strong progress.

Dave building confidence in qualifying after the hit that took him out of Q1.

For me, Saturday qualifying locked in P4. Solid lap. Solid position. Not a perfect lap, but enough to put us in contention for Sunday.

Sunday – Race Day

Dave’s Race

Sunday morning, Dave started deep in mixed-class traffic. Lost a few spots at the start, but once the field spread out, he got to work.

Lap by lap, he found rhythm, overtook competitors, and with just a few laps to go—reset his personal best lap time.

He finished P5 in Touring 3, proud of the recovery but wishing he had the two missed sessions to build more momentum.

Dave making moves through the Sunday main Touring 3 race at the SCCA Chicago Region June Sprints. BMW Z4M Coupe T3 race car.

Gama’s Race

Hot, humid, and with storms on the radar. The goal? Finish to qualify for the Runoffs—and go for a podium if the opportunity was there.

Great start, dicing for P2 and P3 early. Lap 2 brought a jam up into Turn 3 behind a slowing T2 car. Another T3 car got through; I had to wait. That 3–4 second gap to P3 took several laps to close.

Then it happened.

P3 (another Spec E46) dropped a tire into the dirt under braking. Big wiggle. Lost momentum. I got in the draft, faked right, popped left, held side draft as we bent left—and completed the pass into Turn 5 with a wheel in or nibbling at the grass.

Gama looking to grow the gap to P4 during the SCCA Chicago Region June Sprints race at Road America in the Racer on Rails Spec E46 rental race car, the Silver Bullet!

From there? Hit marks. Build gap. Don’t look back.

By the final laps, the lead over P4 was 30+ seconds. P2 and P1 had gotten through the local yellow before me, and that ultimately determined the gap. I brought it home in P3.

???? Watch the Race

Want to see the full race and that battle for the podium?
???? Click here to watch the in-car + SCCA broadcast replay.

What Racing Teaches Us

One of the things I love most about racing is how often we’re proven wrong—and how that’s a good thing. What we “know” is always based on the best data and insight we’ve gathered up to that point. The goal isn’t to be right all the time—it’s to stay curious, stay humble, and keep growing.

And that’s what we did at Road America.

Let’s Build Your Path in Motorsports

If the way we race—the way we prepare, develop, and pursue excellence—resonates with you, let’s talk.

We’re not just about cars. We’re about people, progress, and purpose.
And we’d love to help you chase your motorsport goals.

???? Contact us and let’s get started.

Posted on February 13, 2025February 13, 2025 by Gama Aguilar

MEGA Weekend at The Circuit @ Buttonwillow Raceway Park!

Double Podium and the top step for Dave and Ron!

The 2025 Racer on Rails SCCA racing program kicked off in California at The Circuit, the newly built racecourse at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. This was a weekend of firsts—not just for us, but for the entire everyone, as we took part in the first-ever sanctioned race on the new track!

Everything about The Circuit was new; new track, new tire brand for both slick and wet setups, new coaching program, new competitors, and new adventures. Our drivers and crew had plenty to learn, and we approached the weekend with specific goals and a detailed game plan for each driver. With two days of testing, racing, and strategy calls, the team made incredible strides, achieving personal bests, podiums, and a 1-2 finish in Race 2 on Sunday.

Meet the team

Ron Tanemura & Car Chief Reid Morris

#63 SE46 BMW 330i | SCCA Class – Touring 3 (T3)

2024 ICSCC SPM Class Champion ????

First-ever SCCA U.S. Majors Tour event

Entering Racer on Rails’ SCCA Competition Program

Ron has been racing with Racer on Rails in the Pacific Northwest for a few years, but this was his first-ever SCCA Majors Tour race and his fist season working full time with Reid. After earning the 2024 ICSCC SPM Class Championship, he stepped up to challenge himself further in national competition. This weekend was a big new challenge —a brand-new track, new competitors, and a stomach bug. But Ron came ready to party, and nothing was stopping him.

Rene getting Dave strapped in for race 1.

David Orem & Car Chief Rene Perez

#6 BMW Z4 M Coupé | SCCA Class – Touring 3 (T3)

Touring 3 podium finisher

Has mastered Heel-Toe Shifting during the off-season

Goal-Oriented approach

Dave returns to our SCCA program looking to reach the sharp end of the T3 field. With a fresh rebuild on his Z4 M Coupé including a stunning new vinyl wrap, Dave arrives fit, focused and determined. The pairing showed steady progression all weekend, culminating in a checked bag fee on the flight home for a bag containing new hardware.

Simon’s sweet Porsche GT3 Cup Car in post race impound

Simon Asselin & Car Chief Jordan Allen (“The Doctor”)

#81 Porsche Motorsport 991.2 GT3 Cup | SCCA Class – GT2

2023 SCCA Touring 3 Points Champion

Racing in one of the most competitive SCCA grids, GT2

Third-fastest GT2 lap time of the weekend

Simon and Jordan have been working together for multiple seasons, and after a strong debut year in GT2 last season, they returned to challenge for the podium in 2025. This series offers the challenge of multi-class race groups including a large Spec Corvette field, Simon’s consistency and pace kept him at the front of the GT2 field, all while navigating the pack of slower class cars.

Friday Test Day – Cold Starts and First Impressions

We arrived at The Circuit before sunrise on Friday, greeted by well-below-freezing temperatures and frost covering everything—cars, buildings, and the track. Luckily, the team had already set up the night before, allowing us to jump straight into unloading and prepping for the 9:00–9:30 AM test session.

By the time the first cars hit the track, the frost had lifted, and the sun was breaking through. This was the first real-world drive for any of our drivers on the new layout, making it a crucial day of adaptation.

Driver Progress:

Simon Asselin: Locked in the 1:45 range, pushing near the expected top pace.

Dave Orem: Improved into the 2:06 range, showing steady progress.

Ron Tanemura: Battling fatigue, made strides before sitting out the final session to recover.

With simulator prep translating well to reality, we ended the day confident in the team’s progress heading into Saturday.

Saturday – Practice, Qualifying & Race 1

Saturday morning started with feedback sheets from Tyler Campbell, analyzing Friday’s data to pinpoint one or two focus areas for each driver. The goal: apply the learnings immediately in the morning practice and first qualifying session.

Ron had an early spin during morning practice, leading to the discovery of a failing battery. Missing part of practice, he rebounded well in qualifying. Dave executed perfectly, shaving seconds off his previous best lap.

Simon struggled with traffic in qualifying but still secures a start from row 2.

Saturday Qualifying Results:

Touring 3: Dave P2, Ron P5

GT2: Simon P3

Saturday Race 1 – Making History

T3 Race 1:

The first-ever sanctioned race on The Circuit was a split start, with Spec MX-5 Cup cars leading and Touring 3 cars behind. The race brings improving track conditions and with the help of lots of data and video analysis, defined goals and executing on our action plans, Dave charges to a 2nd place finish, while Ron continues to improve despite still recovering from food poisoning, finishing the race in 4^th.

GT2 Race 1:

Better track conditions and cool air set the stage for Race 1 in GT2. Simon has some great racing of his own, as he trades positions with a few GT2 cars before finishing the race in 4th place.

Sunday – Morning Qualifying, Wet Track, Big Decisions

Early morning rain rolls in leaving us with a damp but drying track. Our turn is up for T3 qualifying and mixed conditions still exist. We are forced to make a strategy call on tires, so we go to Jordo at our Weather Desk. The decision is slicks, and it pays off as the track conditions improve and we begin finding speed in quali #2.

Sunday Qualifying Results:

Touring 3: Dave P2, Ron P3

GT2: Simon P3

Touring 3, Race 2 – The 1-2 punch!

The race begins with a 6-car battle into the first corner making for an exciting start. Dave sets the pace in class, while Ron, after fending off some light contact from another competitor, sticks to the the Z4M’s bumper and RoR takes a 1-2 finish in Race 2 for Touring 3. BOOM!

GT2 Race 2:

Simon has a solid start and runs in P3, involved in a 3-car battle for most of the race. After a restart from a full course caution, several cars experience wheelspin, resulting in a loss of 2 spots. Despite the setback, he fights his way back up, improving his personal best lap time by nearly three seconds (1:44.5) and finishes in P4.

Wondering what it’s like on the new circuit? Check out a fast lap in Simon’s Porsche 911 GT3 991.2 Cup Car

Final Thoughts – Goals, Smiles, Memories

As we packed up, we reflected on an incredible opening weekend. The new track, unpredictable conditions, and intense racing made for an unforgettable event.

Dave & Ron delivered a 1-2 finish in Touring 3.

Simon clocked the third-fastest GT2 lap of the weekend.

No major damage, only progress.

Now, we prep for Race 2. Stay tuned!

#Goals #Smiles #Memories

Posted on January 13, 2025January 4, 2025 by Gama Aguilar

From Console to Cockpit: Using Simulators to Develop Real-World Driving Skills

Breaking into high-performance driving can feel overwhelming, even with resources like driving schools and track days. For those new to this world, the challenges of cost, access, and preparation can seem daunting. Thankfully, there’s a way to build your driving skills and confidence right from the comfort of your home: simulators.

Why a simulator? Because you have to practice driving a car in a high performance manner and figure out and learn tracks.

If you’re just getting started, you’re not alone in feeling that even the simulator world can be complex. Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Motorsport have come a long way in recent generations, offering a balance of accessibility and realism. While they may not be as hardcore as iRacing or RFactor2, their physics engines have significantly improved from earlier arcade-style versions. The games now feature photo-realistic graphics, delivering some of the most visually stunning racing environments available in any form of media.

But in this guide, we’re focusing on the simplest and most accessible path: using a simulation-based game like Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 5 or Forza Motorsport on Xbox Series S or X, paired with a steering wheel and pedal set from makers such as Fanatec, Moza, Thurstmaster or Logitech. Why consoles? It’s the lowest cost and least complex way to get into sim driving.

In future posts, we’ll cover the more hardcore, usually more expensive, and more complex but more realistic world of PC simulators.

The Wheel and Pedal Set

While a controller technically works (and there are some seriously fast controller based sim drivers in the world), investing in a steering wheel and pedal set transforms the experience. Remember, you’re doing this because you want to drive in the real world, so you need to replicate the real world as best you can. You need to better replicate the sport driving seating and body position. Driving a car via a game controller won’t help you in driving a car with your hands, neck, feet, core, etc…

Here are some recommendations tailored to beginners using Gran Turismo 7 or Forza Motorsport:

Moza R3 Racing Wheel and Pedals: A fantastic entry-level option offering responsive feedback and solid build quality. It’s compatible with both PC and consoles, making it a versatile choice for beginners looking for immersive gameplay.
Logitech G29/G920: Affordable and compatible with both PlayStation (G29) and Xbox (G920), this set offers solid force feedback and durability.
Thrustmaster T248: A step up in features, it supports force feedback and customizable pedal resistance, making it great for beginners aiming for a more immersive experience.
Fanatec DD: For those wanting a premium experience, Fanatec offers wheel bases with direct drive technology, providing incredibly realistic feedback. Pair it with the Fanatec pedals and steering wheels for a plug and play experience.

Key features to look for include:

Force Feedback: Simulates the forces acting on the car for realistic feel via the steering wheel.
Responsive Pedals: Allows precise throttle and brake modulation.
Adjustable Settings: Customizable settings to match your preferences and skill level.

A basic setup can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, offering a significant return in terms of immersion and skill development.

All of the options above have options where the wheel and pedals can be a fixed to a desk or ultimately not require a full cockpit setup. But at some point, if you’re really dedicated to driving well in real life, you’ll end up needing to get a cockpit solution but there are many to choose from (something we’ll cover in future blog posts).

Below is the simulator setup we put in my son’s room:

We had an extra LG LCD TV around the house (wall mounted) – $0
Xbox Series X – $500
Fanatec CSL DD QR2 bundle w/Xbox and PC compatible wheel – $500
Fanatec CSL pedals – $300
Next Level Racing Go Kart Plus Cockpit – $500
Forza Motorsport – included in Game Pass subscription but base price is $60

Everything was plug and play. No drivers or software to install. Everything just works and you still have the ability to adjust wheel feedback settings within each game.

Note that unless you are for sure going to drive a manual car in real life, stick to getting a 2-pedal set. Since this is my son’s simulator (though I drive it a ton!) we haven’t gotten close to having him drive an H-Pattern shifter. The extra cost of the 3-pedal set was unnecessary.

How to Practice Effectively on a Simulator

To help our drivers develop real-world skills through simulators, we recommend following a structured approach with clear benchmarks:

Master Consistency: Start by choosing any car and track combination. If there is one that you can drive in real life, pick that one but it honestly doesn’t matter much. Maybe don’t start with the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring due to the massive length of a lap. The goal is to complete at least 10 consecutive laps within 0.5 seconds of your fastest time, without spinning or crashing. This builds smoothness and precision.
Progress to Career Mode Races: Once consistent lap times are achieved, begin participating in career mode races against AI drivers. This introduces racecraft, such as overtaking, defending, and maintaining focus in a competitive environment.
Increase AI Difficulty Gradually: After completing 10+ races without incidents of your own making, start increasing the difficulty of the AI opponents. This challenges you to compete against faster and more skilled virtual drivers, simulating a more realistic race environment.
Transition to Multiplayer Racing: When you’re consistently driving within 0.5 seconds of your best lap time and have completed multiple incident-free races against high-difficulty AI, it’s time to take on human competition. Join private or public multiplayer lobbies to test your skills against real-world opponents. There are some seriously fast simulator drivers all over the world so go in eyes wide open! Remember, your goal is to work on your skills for the real world, not to be a simulator racing champion.

Simulators are more than just games—they’re training tools. To get the most out of your time:

Start Slow: Begin with easier tracks and lower powered/lighter cars to focus on fundamentals like braking and cornering.
Learn the Racing Line: Follow track guides and in-game tutorials to understand the ideal line.
Focus on Consistency: Aim for smooth, repeatable laps before pushing for speed.
Experiment with Settings: Adjust car setups and difficulty levels as you improve.
Use Ghosts and Replays: Analyze your laps and compare them to faster drivers to identify areas for improvement.

From Virtual to Reality: Bridging the Gap

While simulators provide invaluable practice, transitioning to real-world driving requires adapting to physical forces and sensory feedback – it’s real! But the habits you develop on a simulator—like the foundational driver inputs, spatial awareness, and car control —make this transition significantly easier.

Many professional drivers, including F1 and endurance racing, credit simulators as a vital part of their training regimen. Even for am’s, the benefits are clear: more confidence, better instincts, and a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics for when you hit the track in real life.

Your Next Steps

Whether you’re using a simulator to prepare for your first track day or simply want to enjoy the thrill of driving from home, this is a fantastic way to develop your skills. In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into advanced simulator setups, track-specific tips, and how to take your virtual driving to the next level.

Ready to start? Grab your wheel, fire up Gran Turismo 7 or Forza Motorsport, and begin your journey toward becoming a confident and skilled driver—one lap at a time.

Posted on January 5, 2025January 6, 2025 by Gama Aguilar

Your First Step to Track Driving: Learning the Basics at a High Performance Driving School

One of the questions we spend the most time on around the shop and track is talking with people who are interested in getting into track driving but they simply don’t know where or how to start. So we figured we’d share our knowledge and recommendations over a series of blog posts so that these are easily accessible to anyone, at any time.

For many aspiring drivers, the hardest part of breaking into high-performance driving is figuring out where to start. The idea of taking your car to a race track can feel daunting. What if you’re not ready? What if you don’t have the right car? What if you… spin out? The truth is, every seasoned racer once stood where you are now, full of questions and excitement. The good news? You’re not alone—and there are programs specifically designed to help you take that first step with confidence.

One of the best ways to begin your journey is by attending a High Performance Driving Education (HPDE) course. For example, ProFormance Racing School at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA, offers a structured, supportive, and hands-on environment to help you master the fundamentals of car control and experience the thrill of driving on a race track for the first time. However, there are many similar high-performance driving schools across the country that provide a comparable experience tailored to beginners.

For those of you in the Pacific Northwest or willing to travel to the PNW, ProFormance isn’t just one of the best options on the west coast for an HPDE course because they are the home school for Pacific Raceways, but they legit have some of the best instruction and coaching available anywhere. Their team is made up of current and past active drivers who have climbed and hung on various steps of the racing ladder, all the way up to IMSA/SRO levels of driving.

What Makes a High Performance Driving School a Great First Step?

For most schools, car options are open, meaning you can either bring your own street car or rent a car from the school. Using your own car is entirely fine, as the focus isn’t on breaking lap records but instead on developing car control skills, awareness, and safety. Modern cars—even non-sports cars—have more performance potential than most drivers realize. As long as your street car has been well-maintained with healthy tires, brakes, and brake fluid, it’s likely ready for the track.

Additionally, formal schools like ProFormance Racing School emphasize the fundamentals of car control. These fundamentals are critical because a lack of solid basics can lead to bigger and more expensive mistakes when drivers exceed the limits of traction and don’t have the skills to recover. Learning these essentials early can save you from trouble later and set you up for success as you progress in your driving journey.

A high-performance driving school typically offers a one-day program thoughtfully split into two parts: a Skills Clinic in the morning and Lapping Sessions in the afternoon. Together, they provide a comprehensive introduction to high-performance driving that’s perfect for anyone—whether you’re looking to get into track days, time attack, or wheel-to-wheel racing.

Morning Skills Clinic: Building the Foundation

The day often begins with a classroom session where you’ll learn the essential principles of high-performance driving. This isn’t just a lecture; it’s an interactive session covering topics like:

Vehicle dynamics (understanding how your car responds to your inputs).
Skid control techniques (what to do if you lose grip).
Brake application (maximizing stopping power without losing control).
Vision skills (learning to look ahead and anticipate).

Once the classroom portion wraps up, you’ll take to the track for hands-on exercises. These drills are designed to sharpen your skills in real-world scenarios. You’ll practice emergency braking, skid recovery, cornering techniques, and more. The focus is on teaching you to think faster than you drive, making split-second decisions while staying composed behind the wheel. By the end of the clinic, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to handle your car in both routine and high-stress situations.

BMW E30 doing car control drills at a high performance driving day

Afternoon Lapping: Putting It All Together

After a morning of skill-building, the afternoon is all about applying what you’ve learned. With an experienced instructor riding shotgun, you’ll transition to full laps on the track. The focus shifts to flow and precision, combining your new skills into a seamless driving experience.

The instructors work closely with each driver to:

Refine your technique in real-time.
Help you develop a better connection with your car.
Build your confidence at higher speeds and in more complex situations.

The afternoon lapping session is not about going as fast as possible. Instead, it’s about smoothness, consistency, and control—the building blocks of any successful track driver. By the end of the day, you’ll have not only improved your driving but also gained a deeper appreciation for your car’s capabilities.

Why High Performance Driving Schools Work

The beauty of these programs is their approachability. You don’t need a race car to participate; a street-legal car in good condition is perfectly fine. The instructors meet you where you are in your driving journey, tailoring their feedback to your skill level. This ensures that every driver, from absolute beginners to more seasoned enthusiasts, leaves with valuable insights and improvements.

Another major benefit? Safety. These schools prioritize creating a safe and controlled environment for all participants. You’ll learn how to push the limits of your car without endangering yourself or others, which is essential for anyone planning to progress to more advanced forms of motorsport.

The Next Step: Earning Your Sports Driving License

Once you’ve successfully completed a one-day high-performance driving course, you’ll typically leave with what’s referred to as a “Sports Driving License.” While not an official license, this credential is widely recognized by track day organizers as proof that you’ve received foundational training in high-performance driving. With this license, you’ll be eligible to participate in track day events, often under the oversight of an instructor.

This is where the real fun begins. After earning your sports driving license, it’s time to sign up for track days. We encourage new drivers to attend as many track days as their schedule and budget allow. Why? Because practice is everything. The more seat time you get, the more you’ll hone your car control skills and build muscle memory for critical driving techniques. Think of it as applying the “1,000 hours of practice” rule—consistent seat time leads to significant improvement and confidence behind the wheel.

Sports Driving License? Unlocks driving at many track day organizer events across the country… in your own car!

Alternative Options for Practice

Not everyone has access to a race car, a track car, or the resources to participate in frequent track days. But that doesn’t mean you can’t continue developing your driving skills. One excellent alternative is using a racing simulator on platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, or PC. Games such as Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, Assetto Corsa, ACC, and iRacing provide a surprisingly effective way to practice car control, learn new tracks, race against the clock in time attack events and even race wheel to wheel against AI-powered drivers and real people all over the world.

Sim racing is not just for fun; it’s a valuable tool for honing your driving instincts and mental focus. Many professional racers use simulators as part of their training routine and not just the incredibly expensive simulators. If you’re serious about improving but need a more accessible option, simulator racing is a fantastic next step. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post that dives deeper into getting started with sim racing and how it can complement your on-track journey.

Can’t afford to do as many track days as you want? Get a simulator! Yes, even an Xbox or PlayStation 5 will work!

Step 2: Picking a Car to Drive at Track Days

Once you’re ready to take your driving journey to the next level, the question arises: What car should you drive in the future track days? This decision can range from using your daily driver to renting a fully prepared race car. Each option has its benefits and challenges, depending on your goals, budget, and level of experience. Stay tuned for a future blog post where we’ll explore these options in detail, helping you find the best fit for your track adventures.

Take the Leap

If you’ve ever dreamed of driving on a race track but didn’t know where to begin, a high performance driving school is the perfect place to start. Programs like those offered at ProFormance Racing School and similar institutions across the country will teach you the fundamentals of high-performance driving, build your confidence, and give you an unforgettable introduction to the world of motorsport.

Ready to get started? Look for a reputable high-performance driving school near you, book your first session, and take the first step toward becoming the driver you’ve always wanted to be. Trust us—once you’re out there, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.