The Motorsports Group

Frequently Asked Questions
		Course Information
		Can I bring a friend or family member along with me?
		Your friends and family will have fun, and may be able to join us on the track for a parade lap and will enjoy watching the preparations from the pits and the racing from the stands. They can also relax in the comfort of our Motorcoach while not enjoying on track activities. Our Motorcoach is a great place to talk business or entertain clients while at the track. Some events have entry fees for non-drivers, and we charge nominal fees to cover meals, beverages, etc.
		What driving gear do I need?
		The beauty of our program is that it is truly "Arrive and Drive". Part of our service is guidance in selecting your driving safety gear. We can outfit you from helmet to shoes. We can have all your equipment ready for you on your arrival. You only need to provide, with our guidance, the sizes we need to insure you a proper fit. Our retail store affiliate has a great selection of racing gear. Your coach will be with you to guide you through your gear selection. And as none of them work in equipment sales you'll get an objective opinion.
		What should I bring?
		We provide food and beverages including water, sports drinks, full lunches and healthy snacks. If you have special dietary constraints let us know, our caterers will work to meet your needs. Otherwise, feel free to bring anything you wish to eat or drink in your own cooler. We suggest bringing cameras to record your day, and we offer an in-car video recording you can take home as well as a group photograph. You may want a personal towel or moist towelettes, as you will get hot and it can get dusty.
		What are the classroom sessions like?
		The classrooms are relaxed and we prefer to stay open to questions throughout every session. The instructors utilize simple but time tested techniques and rely heavily on white boards or chalk boards, drawing diagrams in illustration of specific points. We may use video or your own recorded video as examples and provide written guidelines to material covered.
		How much detail do the instructors go into?
		TMG has four distinct levels of instruction. As you progress through these levels the discussions become more technical and detailed and address your specific driving performance. In the car, your instructor will be totally focused on you, the driver, and comments are directed to current performance issues. TMG instructors brief drivers prior to track time and debrief after each on track session to maximize benefits gained.
		What is the process for getting a racing license?
		The particular sanctioning body you are striving to be licensed by controls all aspects of the licensing process. Our instructors are well respected by the agencies and drivers' clubs and know the process well. TMG's entry program, "Drivers Education or PDX' consist of a four 4 step program. In Level I, known as the Green or Novice Group, your instructor will teach you a specific set of objective based skills. Regardless of your level of experience your instructor will offer to "show you the line", driving you around the track until you feel comfortable with the course. You would then switch to the drivers seat. You will always have your instructor with when on track. Upon approved mastery the specific skills for level I, drivers are promoted to Level II, the Blue or Intermediate Group, in which you build upon the more advanced skills to improve your driving performance, still with an in-car instructor. Mastering these skills results in promotion to Level III the Yellow or Advanced Group, usually considered a level of mastery allowing you to drive solo. At this point you can enter into our "Solo Series™". Most drivers continue with coaching in our Level II training program if they wish to progress to the Racing Group. To achieve racing status, you must be issued a provisional racing license, meeting strict guidelines set by the racing league you wish to participate in.
		Are the cars competitive with the other cars on-track?
		Most of our cars have a racing history. They have won races and are very competitive in their class. You'll learn more by reading the vehicle's description on the Rental page under The Cars. Most have been series champions in professional level racing and provide a substantial edge against all competitors.
		Do I need experience to start driving?
		The only experience needed is the ability to shift a manual transmission smoothly. If your daily driver has an automatic transmission we suggest you go to your local rental car company and rent a manual transmission car for at least a week. Practice smooth down shifting to stoplights and try to be even smoother on up shifts. Ask us for tips on how to heel and toe.
		What kind of physical shape do I need to be in to participate?
		Being physically fit is always beneficial in any physical activity, even more so in racing. Most of or participants find the program provides them the motivation to lose any excess weight they may be carrying. Track driving is a physically demanding activity and you will be tired at the end of a day. You can expect your heart and pulse rates to increase, and heat can be a factor. You may not expect the act of steering and shifting to be challenging, but it is. We, as well as the sanctioning club that host your driving event, will require you fill out a medical statement and you may need a release from a physician prior to participating in any event. Our coaches are trained to observe you for signs of fatigue, stress, dehydration, heat exhaustion, etc. Hydration in particular is very important. Please let us know if you have any particular physical constraints or considerations and we will work with you to accommodate your needs.
		Damage Waivers
		What happens if I crash the car?
		You may purchase a TMG damage waiver at $250 - $400.00 per day which can reduce your liabilities for vehicle damage to a $6,000 driver-paid deductible. You also have the option of providing a refundable deposit, you may provide a credit card guarantee equal to the value of the car you are renting or irrevocable line of credit from your bank. Any delays in payments of repairs will result in your increased financial liability due to our loss of income. Incidents are generally avoidable if drivers follow coach directions and drive within their ability.
		Will my health insurance cover me should I be injured in an accident?
		We recommend that each participant read their policy and ask their own insurance agent to answer this question. If your policy does not specifically state that you are not covered for participation in racing then the laws governing nondisclosure will require your insurance to provide full coverage. Normally in non-racing or non-timed events your insurance covers you. Be certain to clearly communicate to your agent what you are participating in and get their policy in writing. Feel free to direct your agent to us for more information.
		Logistics
		Can I use these expenses as a tax write-off?
		We advise you to seek counsel from your tax advisor. In our experience, there are many opportunities for tax write-offs depending on your individual situation. Many people categorize the expenses as corporate benefits or compensation for their employees, team building or employee recognition/motivation events. Many companies gain tax benefits in running a race team as a marketing promotion, and there is also corporate sponsorship space available on the cars for single events or an entire season.
		Can I get a discount for multiple events?
		Drivers signing up for the racing season benefit from very substantial discounts, ask us about this pricing.
		What if I don't like it?
		If you don't enjoy the experience, you are free to quit at anytime. Also, remember that you can drive as slow as you feel necessary to ensure your own comfort and enjoyment. We work with people of all levels, and take you as far, and as fast, as you want to go. You can also come out for the day as a visitor prior to signing up as a driver to get a feel for the day. We offer rides in most of the cars for a fee, and you can switch from rider to driver as you wish. Due to the constraints placed on us by the organizing club sponsors, we can not provide refunds for cancellations for any reason.
		What if I cannot attend an event I signed up for?
		With advance notice we attempt to resell your spot and if we are successful we will issue you a credit for another date based on availability. Due to the constraints placed on us by the organizing club sponsors, we can not provide refunds for cancellations.
		Safety
		What is the risk of injury?
		We have not had any on-track injuries and other schools have similar safety records. However, you are racing in an automobile at high speeds. You will sign an extensive release form and will accept the risks involved in the sport. Our vehicles are equipped with up to date safety equipment including roll bars, five or six point harness system, automatic fire systems, and racing seats. High quality Snell rated racing helmets, fire retardant racing suits and HANS units are available for rent. Strict track rules promoting safe driving and on-track safety personnel and EMS equipment minimize risk.
		How safe are the cars?
		Most of our cars are factory-built racecars or are built to exact factory race car specifications. They have the newest and safest required equipment. Each car goes through a safety inspection by our staff and is then again inspected by the event sponsoring body in a "tech" inspection. And remember, our coaches are in the cars with you.
		What are HANS units and are they necessary?
		HANS units are a relatively new development in racer safety and are proven effective on the track in preventing serious injuries to the neck and spine. They are required in nearly all racing sanctioning bodies. The HANS unit is a neck and spine support system that attaches to a modified helmet. If you have a history of neck/spine injuries or can afford this extra margin of safety you may want to rent a HANS and a modified Helmet.