A Porsche on the race track at a trackday
A Porsche on the race track at a trackday

Trackdays: All events, dates and info

Events & Exhibitions
June 13, 2021 7 min read

The trackday is like the tiger that is let out of the cage: Only when the cat of prey can let off steam does it present its full power and elegance. Now, only very few people have a tiger as a pet. But many do own a sporty car. In the garage it behaves tamely, and in road traffic it may only hint at its abilities. But at the trackday, driver and car show what they can do.

What is a trackday?

A trackday is a free driving event on a track that has been closed off for this purpose. This can be a racetrack like the Nürburgring or a converted airfield tarmac. In any case, public traffic is kept out and, for once, the road traffic regulations do not play a role.

The trackday is all about getting to know the car from its sporty side and improving your driving skills. Whether you’re a track newcomer or a driver with racing experience, everyone drives according to their abilities. As a rule, there are no races. But it’s still a lot faster than at the so-called tourist drives, where private individuals zoom around the track in their cars.

Getunte Fahrzeuge stehen an einem Trackday auf einer Rennstrecke
Trackday Rennstrecke am Nürburgring
Mini Fahrer mit seinem Auto in der Boxengasse bei einem Trackday Event
Zwei Oldtimer auf der Rennstrecke bei einem Trackday für Oldtimer

Trackday: what you need to know before you set off

It doesn’t work quite so well without preparation. There is a safety briefing at every trackday. What pitfalls lurk on the track, what do the different flags mean, how do I follow the driving rules? Participation is compulsory.

And then, of course, there is the question of insurance. As a rule, driving on racetracks is excluded from the usual motor vehicle policy. So if you hit the crash barrier with your car, you have to pay for it yourself. However, some trackday organizers include insurance in the booking, others do not. So it’s worth asking. In addition, insurance companies and specialized insurers offer policies for driving on racetracks – even for just one day.

What should your trackday vehicle be capable of?

“Start small, go big” is a good guiding principle to reach your destination safely and with lots of driving fun. Newcomers should not immediately hit the track with 500 hp. The sports version of a popular small or compact car, such as the Golf GTI, is sufficient for the time being. Gradually, you can consider switching to a tracktool, i.e. a car that is designed for use on racetracks – for example, by changing the suspension. You don’t have to buy. Some providers rent out tracktools for the event by the day – starting with a small BMW 1 Series and ending with a Porsche Carrera with 650 hp.

BILSTEIN tracktool project 2021

What should you be able to do?

You must be 18 years old, have a driving licence and be in good physical and mental condition. A driving safety training course beforehand is recommended. Some trackdays offer guided laps, especially for newcomers. There you drive behind a guide vehicle and get a feel for the track at a reasonable speed before you try it on your own, probably with more adrenaline. Personal coaching by experienced racers is also common. Some events are aimed at specific target groups, such as rookies, drivers working towards a racing licence or women.

What does a trackday cost?

That’s difficult to say, because costs are incurred not only for booking the actual event. Participation alone costs from 250 euros upwards, depending on the track and event. But if you get coached there, take out insurance or rent a tracktool and book a hotel, you will of course pay extra for all that. Training for drifting, for example, can also be added. And finally, the wear and tear on your own car – on the tyres, for example – also adds to the bill. At the end of the day, this can add up to several thousand euros.

Personen schauen in der Boxengasse an einem Trackday unter die Motorhabe ihres Fahrzeugs

The most important trackday dates in 2021

Trackdays have gained in popularity in recent years, so the number of organizers and track operators is increasing. For drivers, this means: more choice, more variety. There are now several hundred opportunities throughout the year in Germany and neighbouring countries to find the ideal line on the track.

Here are the most important ones:

Trackdays July 2021

15.07.2021 | Red Bull Ring
starting from € 2.990 (Fully booked)

14.07.2021 | Hockenheimring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles and evening training
starting from € 320

16.07.2021 | Mettet (Belgium)
Drivers Legendary Tracks
€ 199

18.07.2021 |Bilster Berg
Groups with max. approx. 30 vehicles
starting from € 390

18.07.2021 | Spa
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 490

20.07.2021 | Nürburgring Sprint
For road riders, ambitious sports riders and active motor sports enthusiasts
starting from € 749

20.07.2021 | Bilster Berg
Each group, four turns of 25 minutes each
starting from € 290

23.07.2021 | Mugello (Italy)
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 690

25.07.2021 | Bilster Berg
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 495

26.07.2021 | Red Bull Ring
For road riders, ambitious sports riders and active motor sports enthusiasts
starting from € 699

30.07.2021 | Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Participation requirement: at least 500 laps of the Nordschleife experience
starting from € 1.099

31.07.2021 | Racepark Meppen
Seven hours Open Pitlane
€ 249

31.07.2021 | Tazio Nuvolari
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 350

Trackdays August 2021

06.08.2021 | Nürburgring Nordschleife
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 740

starting from €08.08.2021 | Hockenheimring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 490

12.08.2021 | Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Each group four turns of 25 minutes each
starting from € 290

18.08.2021 | Sachsenring
For road riders, ambitious sports riders and active motor sports enthusiasts
starting from € 749

21.08.2021 | Bilster Berg
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 495

22.08.2021 | Bilster Berg
Seven hours Open Pitlane
€ 549

23.08.2021 | Red Bull Ring (Austria)
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 450

25.08.2021 | Salzburgring (Austria)
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 350

28.08.2021 | Spreewaldring Oldtimer Trackdays
€ 229

31.08.2021 | Bilster Berg
Each group four turns of 25 minutes each
starting from € 290

30.08.2021 | Pannonia Ring
€ 380

31.08.2021 | Nürburgring GP
Open Pitlane Trackday without groups
starting from € 749

Trackdays September 2021

04.09.2021 | Bilster Berg
The trackday will be run in two groups, alternating for 45 minutes.
starting from € 749

07.09.2021 | Mugello (Italy)
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 690

12.09.2021 | Nürburgring GP
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 540

13.09.2021 | Spa-Francorchamps
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 490

14.09.2021 | Valencia Drivers Legendary Tracks
starting from € 2.990

15.09.2021 | Valencia Drivers Legendary Tracks
starting from € 2.990

18.09.2021 | Bilster Berg
Groups with max. approx. 30 vehicles
starting from € 390

20.09.2021 | Zandvoort
Each group five turns of 20 minutes each
starting from € 270

starting from €23.09.2021 | Hockenheimring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 490

24.09.2021 | Salzburgring
Eight Hours Open Pitlane
€ 499

25.09.2021 | Racepark Meppen Oldtimer Trackdays
€ 269

29.09.2021 | Oschersleben
Each group five turns of 20 minutes each
starting from € 270

30.09.2021 | Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Open Pitlane Trackday without groups
abstarting from €849

30.09.2021 | Sachsenring
Own vehicle in group with a maximum of 16 cars
starting from € 950

Trackdays October 2021

01.10.2021 | Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Each group four turns of 50 minutes each
starting from € 290

03.10.2021 | Dijon Prenois
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 410

08.10.2021 | Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 570

08.10.2021 | Red Bull Ring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 450

09.10.2021 | Bilster Berg
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 495

10.10.2021 | Oschersleben Oldtimer Trackdays
starting from € 219

11.10.2021 | Hockenheimring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles and evening training
starting from € 320

11.10.2021 | Salzburgring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles and evening training
starting from € 350

11.10.2021 | Paul Ricard Drivers Legendary Tracks
starting from € 2.990

12.10.2021 | Paul Ricard Drivers Legendary Tracks
starting from € 2.990

12.10.2021 | Spa-Francorchamps
Each group five turns á 30 minutes
starting from € 290

14.10.2021 | Mugello (Italy)
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles and evening training
starting from € 690

15.10.2021 | Mettet Drivers Legendary Tracks
€ 199

16.10.2021 | Tazio Nuvolari Circuit
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles and evening training
starting from € 350

16.10.2021 | Racepark Meppen
Groups with max. approx. 20 vehicles
€ 279

23.10.2021 | Nürburgring GP
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 540

Trackdays November 2021

02.11.2021 | Zandvoort
Each group five turns á 20 minutes
starting from € 270

07.11.2021 | Hockenheimring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 490

14.11.2021 | Hockenheimring
Four turns of 25 minutes each
starting from € 210

20.11.2021 | Hockenheimring
Free driving training for registered and non-registered vehicles
starting from € 490

This might also interest you

To prepare your car perfectly for a trackday, we recommend taking a look at our big guide to car tuning. Among other things, we explain how you can lower your car and why you should install a coilover suspension for your tracktool.

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