return to Hurricane Region Drivers Ed Resource Center
return to TrackSchedule.com

If you have additional questions, please send an email and I will answer promptly. Received questions will be added to these FAQs if they are of a general nature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drivers Ed
(a.k.a. Drivers Education, High Performance Driving Education, Driving School)

What is it?
A safe way for you to drive your car quickly while learning about car dynamics and developing your driving skills. The car control skills that you learn at the track are useful in emergency situations on the street. The main emphasis of a Drivers Ed weekend is safety, while having fun.

I know how to drive. What can you teach me?
You will be pleasantly surprised to discover how much you will learn in only two days with our instructors. Few drivers have learned proper driving techniques to maneuver their cars safely and quickly.

What do I need?
On the software side:
An attitude open to learning new skills and concepts from experienced in-car instructors and our classroon instructor Charley Weill.
On the hardware side:
(1) a car which will pass a pre-event and grid Technical Inspection. Note: Some performance Sport Utility vehicles will be accepted for this event. We cannot allow open wheel cars or motorcycles. See the Technical Inspection form for open car requirements and other details.
(2) a helmet with a Snell sticker 2000 or 2005. The rating can be "SA" (preferred) or "M".
      NOTE: RENTAL HELMETS ARE AVAILABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE TRACK. CALL 803.475.2448
(3) natural fiber clothing - cotton, silk, wool. Long pants are required. Shirt can be long or short sleeves, no sleeveless.
(4) comfortable enclosed shoes - the thinner the sole, the better - preferably lace-up or snug fitting.

How much will I drive?
Most students will have four 20-minute on-track sessions per day. It is more of a workout than you might imagine. Twenty-minute sessions provide you with the optimal interval for maintaining full concentration and focus.

How long will I be in class?
Novice, Beginner, and Intermediate students will have classroom sessions on Saturday and Sunday. You are welcome to sit in on other classes, if you are available.

Will I be the slowest one in my group?
Probably not. The students are divided by experience level. If you have never been on track before, you will be in the Novice group. Those with little experience will be divided between the Novice and Beginner group. No one is timing you, nor will we permit scouts from the racing teams. We want you to have fun safely and learn about yourself and your car. You may be faster in some turns than another driver and slower in others. The goal is to improve your driving skills.

Is it racing?
NO! Cars are allowed to pass only in designated straightaways. The driver of the lead car signals the following driver when it is appropriate to pass in a passing zone. For Novice and Beginner students, the in-car instructors will assist the students in conducting safe passes.

What if it rains?
You turn on your windshield wipers! You are not required to drive any time that you are uncomfortable or tired; however, if you have ever driven in the rain on the street, then driving on track in the rain will be similar. You may slow a bit and allow extra braking distance. The best drivers say that they learned more about car control in damp conditions than in dry. But we hope it stays dry and sunny… trackside photos look better with blue sky in the background!

Will it hurt my car or my tires?
You are more likely to be involved in a hazardous situation on your drive between home and the track. The track will be swept thoroughly each day. Corner workers monitor the on-track behavior and instructors will be teaching you the safest way to proceed around the track. You do not need new tires for the event. Tires with at least 500 miles are preferred. They should be speed-rated (Z, etc) tires. If have questions about your car, please ask.

What about damage to my paint?
Carolina Motorsports Park is located in a sandy area. Curbing keeps the pavement clean most of the time. An ocassional "off" make kick up some sand, even a little grass. See the following tip for an inexpensive temporary protection for your paint.

Temporary paint protection tip:
Check out the carpeting section of your local hardware mart (Home Depot, Lowe's) for Carpet Mask Self Adhesive Clear Plastic. The best deal is a 30 sq ft roll (24-in x 15-ft) for $4.99.

What is Carolina Motorsports Park?
Carolina Motorsports Park (a.k.a. CMP) is a 2.3 mile, 14-turn road course. A track map is available at their Web site.

Where is the track?
CMP is 4 miles south of Kershaw, SC and 17 miles north of Camden, SC on Highway 521. Enter Kershaw SC at your favorite mapping site (Mapquest, Mapblast, Maps.MSN).

Are food and beverages available at the track?
The concession stand will be open for lunch and may be open at other hours throughout the day. They offer a nice selection of hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Always bring enough fluids to stay properly hydrated. Water is the best beverage to stay properly hydrated. (And yes, there are nice new bathrooms.) No alcoholic beverages are permitted at the track.

Where will we sleep?
Most people will stay at the Colony Inn in Camden, SC. Our room block expires August 22. Other hotels/motels are available in Camden, Kershaw (no rating given), and Lancaster. Camping is not permitted at the track.

How early does everything start?
Tech and Registration will be open by 7AM on Saturday. You need to be through Tech and Registration before the Drivers Meeting which starts at 8AM*). Or come to the track to complete Tech and Registration 5-7PM Friday night, then sleep a few minutes later on Saturday morning. Sunday morning will also have a Drivers Meeting beginning at approximately the same time. * Instructors meet complete Tech and Registration before their 7:30am Saturday meeting.

Can I buy gas at the track?
Fuel is available at the track. Fuel is also available in nearby Kershaw. We suggest that you fill your tank each morning since you will be busy with on-track and classroom sessions once your day begins.

What about children and pets?
Minor waivers must be signed by parents. If both parents will not be present at the event, contact our registrar in advance for instructions. Babysitting services are not provided. Skateboards and in-line skateare not permitted in the paddock. Animals must be on leashes at all times. Be a responsible pet owner and clean up, please. The lawyers have not asked that pets sign a waiver...yet.