Time Trials Nationals — Register March 2!
Time Trials Nationals — Register March 2!
The SCCA and our Regions host thousands of events each year, and it would be impossible to pick a favorite. But if someone asked about an event they should definitely try, we’d point them toward the Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials Nationals Powered by Hagerty at NCM Motorsports Park, May 12-15… and this year, the event comes with a cause.
So, consider this your call to grid, as registration for this year’s event opens on March 2 at 5 p.m. Central Time. This event gets more and more popular each year — so we recommend signing up early.
A Good Time, Timed
Time Trials Nationals is the biggest Time Trials event on the calendar — and it gets more popular each year — making it the most competitive and the most fun. Drivers from across the country come to test themselves on the 3.19-mile circuit, which blends technical aspects with some real speed.
The format is tried and true for the four-day event. Thursday is a “get to know you” day, with timed practices to learn the course and shake down the car. Three Track Attack sessions for each driver will be held on Friday, and your individual best lap of the day counts. Two TrackSprint sessions —portions of the track, from a standing start – count for half of the total score for the weekend. Two more Track Attack sessions on Sunday, again with the best time from the day counting in the score, make up the fourth and final piece of the timed score for finishing position.
So who, and what car, can participate? Literally almost anyone. While some on-track experience is expected (Track Night in America events are a perfect warm-up), novices to hardened Time Trials near-pros can participate. From fully stock street cars to some of the most high-strung, complexly modified time attack vehicles, and everything in between, have a class to run.
A Worthy Cause
All the familiar faces of this event will return. Of course, Tire Rack plays a big role, but Hawk, KONI, SPS and Apex Pro will each have a presence on site. Thursday’s practice day is our favorite “Holley Day,” included in the entry fee when many event would make that a “test day”. The always popular Hagerty Social Dinner returns for food and fellowship.
And that cause we mentioned? Back in December, an EF4 tornado running a path 156 miles long wreaked havoc on Western Kentucky and beyond. Bowling Green, Kentucky and NCM Motorsports Park were in that path. While the damage to the track was less severe than others, there were and remain repairs to be made.
Time Trials Nationals is an opportunity for SCCA members and motorsports enthusiasts to come together to support the area for a weekend, coming to town as many restore their lives, supporting local business and the local economy. Time Trials Nationals will be hosting a raffle to raise money for the local community, with an opportunity to donate on the registration page. During the Hagerty Social Dinner, those who have donated will be eligible to win a whole host of prizes from partners and beyond, including swag bags, vintage posters, and a free entry to Time Trials Nationals in 2023.
“We are super excited to be back at NCM once again for Tire Rack Time Trials Nationals,” John Hunter, National Time Trials Manager, said. “This is arguably the best Time Attack track in the country, with its excellent blend of speed and technicality. In addition, it allows us the opportunity to come together as an SCCA and Time Trials family and support our community in need, showing the track and the Bowling Green area that we’re here with them as they continue to rebuild following last December’s tornados.”
Tire Rack Time Trials Nationals is limited to 250 competitors and has a $450 entry fee for the four-day event. More information on the event, the classes, eligibility or the Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials program can be found at TimeTrials.SCCA.com.
Photo by Frank Photography
