SCCA Time Trials

The Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials National Tour Powered by Hagerty are the ultimate events for combining competition with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The program was designed around the friendly faces of coaches and event leads to ensure everyone has a great time while laying down their personal best lap times.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not a nerve-wracking experience to register and show up for the very first time.

Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone is enough. And here’s a little secret – you’re not the only person to go to their first SCCA Time Trials event. By definition, everyone there went to their first event at some point, and they all know how you feel.

Grey Lunk recently made the leap himself into SCCA’s National Time Trials program with his Honda S2000 at Thunderhill Raceway Park.

“Prior to my first SCCA Time Trials event I was pretty nervous as I had never done a competitive event before, and while I had done a handful of track days I just didn't know what to expect,” Lunk said. “I was worried that the Time Trials environment would be intense and that people wouldn't be as friendly, but that turned out not to be the case at all. Everyone was super nice and helpful, which really made the experience better than I could have imagined.”

Of course, we’re here because we have #funwithcars. So even if we know that people will be nice, there are other reasons to be nervous. Namely, pride.

“Before I signed up, I definitely had thoughts like, ‘what if I'm off pace?’ and, ‘the car won't be super competitive,’ but I still decided to sign up because I had always wanted to compete [in a Time Trials event] – and even if I wasn't competitive, I knew that I was going to have a ton of fun out there.”

And that’s the name of the game: having fun. Surprising yourself is a bonus.

Ultimately, Lunk’s advice is to just go for it. Ignore the nerves, embrace the nerves – whatever helps you get on track at one of the SCCA Time Trials events near you.

“For anyone who is a bit nervous going into their first Time Trials National Tour event, I would say that going into it with a mindset of trying to have as much fun as possible can really help to release those nerves and keep you from stressing out about lap times,” the now-veteran said. “That mindset really helped to keep me relaxed and I ended up having one of the best weekends at the track. It was an amazing experience overall and I can’t wait to do another Time Trial!”

You’ve made it this far, and competing in a Time Trials National Tour event is already in your head. Now just make the leap. Find an event near you by clicking here.

Photo courtesy Grey Lunk