Getting Started Racing

How to Start Racing
Going road racing is not only exciting and fun, but it’s easier than you think. Here are the basics.

Take an Accredited Competition Driving School
There are many competition driving schools available throughout the year in the Pacific Northwest. One of the most comprehensive schools is ProFormance Racing School. The two major sanctioning bodies in the area, the International Conference of Sports Car Clubs (ICSCC; Conference) and the Oregon Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), also offer race driver training.

Apply for Your Competition License
You can obtain your competition license from either one of the two major sanctioning bodies in the area, Conference or SCCA. Typically, you need to join the sanctioning body or associated club, fill out the license application, and get a medical examination.

Get Your Personal Safety Gear
Gear required to go racing includes a helmet, an SFI rated 2-layer nomex racing suit, and nomex gloves, nomex shoes, nomex socks, and nomex head sock (balaclava). We are a retailer of all the safety gear you will need and can help you choose the right safety gear for you. We also require the use of a HANS Head and Neck Restraint Device. If you don’t have a HANS device, we have them available for rental.

Complete Your Novice Licensing Program
Both Conference and SCCA have novice programs; however, Conference’s program is more structured and comprehensive.

Conference Novice Licensing Program—First, you race three “Novice” races with other novices where safety and technique are emphasized over speed. Once you complete these races satisfactorily, you race three races as an “Area” driver with senior race groups under observation. When you complete these races satisfactorily, as well as perform three required work assignments, you are eligible to receive an International Road Racing License.

SCCA Novice Licensing Program—After completing two Regional Races as a Novice racing with Regional and National drivers (not other novice drivers like in Conference), you are eligible to receive an SCCA Regional Competition License.

Go Racing!
Once you have your competition license (either an International Road Racing License or a Regional Competition License), you can usually use that license to race in other sanctioning bodies (e.g., use an SCCA license to race in Conference).