Performance driving is taking your vehicle and your own driving skills to the limit in a safe and controlled environment such as a track, drag strip or closed private lot. It is not meant for street driving as there are simply too many variables you cannot control. All performance driving comes with some element of risk, however they are greatly reduced if conducted in a safe controlled environment and most importantly with instruction.
There is literally a performance driving event every week in Canada during the spring, summer and fall. Here are just some of the places you can get your performance driving fix:
1. Intro to Performance Driving Course: http://www.pinnacledriving.com
2. Auto Slalom: https://pinnacledriving.com/pada-auto-slalom-series
3. Private and Open Lapping:
4. Time Attack: http://time-attack.ca
5. Drag Racing: http://www.torontomotorsportspark.com
6. Local Tracks:
7. Go Karting:
Open lapping is a time when you can bring your car to the track, pay a fee to "lap" during the allotted time. These events are open to the public (any car) and are different from private lapping days.
A private lapping day is when someone books the track for a specific period of time and only those who are registered with the host can attend.
The cost to lap your car differs depending on if it is a private or public event, half day or full, and depending on which track. Most lapping days are between $90 - $140 approximately for half days and $120 - $300+ for full days.
Visit the websites for each track or check out the events calendar at www.takeittothetrack.ca
It is highly recommended to get instruction if you have not taken your car to the track before or have limited experience. It's the best way to learn the rules and etiquette and also build a solid foundation for continuous improvement. Everyone can benefit from instruction both beginner to advanced as you cannot see yourself in the drivers seat.
You will need to check with your insurance provider to confirm but a majority of them will not cover any damages sustained at a race track. General rule of thumb is expect that insurance will not cover you and that you will need to pay out of pocket for any damages etc. Currently Insurers in Canada do not offer any "track day" insurance. However you can look at insuring your vehicle as "property" through US providers such as www.opentrack.com
Safety equipment requirements vary from track to track, however most require at minimum an SA certified helmet to participate in events. Check with the organizer of the event to confirm the requirements.
At minimum, bring water a snack, umbrella, sunscreen and it doesn't hurt to bring a tire pressure gauge and inflation pump. Other great optional items are extra oil, fuel, basic tools, floor jack and zip ties … or lots and lots of zip ties.
Here is a helpful video that can provide you the details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06rfCdK63Ao