Beginners Guide: Track Days And Racing Schools

Our list of track days, track schools, and racing schools

By Debra Kuick
Beginner's Guide, Racing, Riding Right, Sportbike Corner /

Updated 2/20/24: Originally published in 2010, we have updated this article to include only schools and track days currently in operation. Please send us a note if you know of an organization or school we don't have listed here. Send us the school's web site to: Info@WomenRidersNow.com. Thanks! —Tricia Szulewski, Editor

Want to Get Your Motorcycle on the Track?

New to road racing? If you’ve never raced on a track before—or if you’re unsure of your speed—you’ll want to start with a class or event designed for beginners. Here are three options for riders looking to dip their toes into the world of sportbike racing.

women racers
Student riders at the California Superbike School.

Track Days

A track day is an open riding day for riders of all skill levels, but beginners should start with a track day school, described below. Riders must sign up ahead of time and pay a fee to ride on the track for the day. Riders bring their own motorcycles, gas, and sometimes their own food (some organizations will provide lunch.) Each rider will be assigned to ride in one of three groups, often based on skill level, which will be rotated throughout the day. Most track days will have a rider’s meeting and offer some on-track instruction, but beginners should keep in mind that this is not a “school” setup.

sportbike woman racer
Getting on the track is not only exhilarating, it's a safe place to hone your riding skills.

Track Day Schools

Track day schools, though similar to track days, are a better option for beginners because they include a higher level of instruction. Riders must register ahead of time and pay a fee, but unlike track days, the school may last for an entire weekend or even up to a week. Though riders can use their own motorcycles, many schools will provide them for a fee.

The rotating group format is typically used, and on-track instructors will be present to teach basic to advanced riding skills. These classes usually include some sort of classroom instruction as well. Some schools provide lunch, while others require riders to bring their own. With so many women showing increased interest in sportbikes, many schools are beginning to hold women-only track day schools, providing female riders the opportunity to ride on a track without the common fears of being too slow or inexperience. Should you find one of these in your area, don’t miss out on the opportunity.

track school
Track schools offer professional instruction between sessions.

Racing Schools

If you’re interested in getting into competitive racing, then racing schools are typically the next step after a track day school and attending several track days. Because these schools are mostly about safety and track etiquette, not about learning to improve your skills, they are best for intermediate or advanced riders. By successfully completing a racing school, you will receive an expert racing license that allows you to begin racing amateur races within certain organizations (check the rules, as they vary from organization to organization.) Typically, you will need to provide your own bike, gear, gas, and food for these classes.

women racers
Looking to compete? Check out our list below to find a racing school near you.

Track Day Organizers and Racing Schools

Here is a list of track day organizers and racing schools across the US. If you have an organization to add to this list, please send the organizations name and web site to info@womenridersnow.com.

Track Day Organizers and Racing Schools

Looking for more information about sportbikes? Return to the Sportbikes & Dirt Bikes section of the WRN Beginners Guide, or visit the WRN Sportbike Corner.

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