FAQs

All participating vehicles must be in safe operating condition and comply with Thunderhill Raceway Park’s rules and regulations, as well as the final event requirements issued for the day. Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is properly prepared for track use before arrival.

All drivers must wear suitable, properly fitting helmets and comply with the final safety requirements for the event. Convertible vehicles must meet the event’s final safety standards before being permitted on track. Any vehicle or driver that does not meet the required safety standards may be denied track access.

All drivers, participants, workers, and other persons accessing restricted track areas will be required to complete the appropriate waiver and release forms upon arrival, in accordance with Thunderhill’s event procedures. Event wristbands or other access credentials may be issued during check-in, and only properly checked-in participants will be permitted in designated event areas.

Final participation requirements may be updated before the event to reflect Thunderhill rules, insurance requirements, and operational safety standards.

First-Timers and Rookies
This first Gatsby Garage Track Day is not open to true rookies or first-time track drivers. For this event, all drivers must have at least some prior on-track experience. Our Beginner group is intended for drivers with limited experience, not drivers attending their very first event. As Gatsby Garage Track Days grow, we hope to host future events that are specifically designed for rookies and first-timers.

Choosing Your Experience Level
When registering, please choose the group that most honestly reflects your real track experience. The goal is to create a day that is safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone. Drivers may be grouped based on prior event history, pace, and overall experience level. If needed, we may adjust run groups to help keep the day organized and comfortable for all participants.

Beginner (Yellow)
For drivers with limited track-day experience, typically one or two track events total. This group is intended for drivers who already have some on-track experience and are still building confidence with flags, point-bys, and general track etiquette. True rookies and first-timers will not be accepted. This category is meant to sit just above that absolute first-timer level.

Intermediate (Green)
For drivers with solid prior track-day experience who are comfortable with passing zones, point-bys, track etiquette, and maintaining awareness in traffic. This group is for drivers who have moved beyond beginner fundamentals and can run confidently and predictably in a mixed on-track environment.

Experienced (Red)
For highly experienced drivers who are comfortable at advanced pace, have strong situational awareness, and consistently demonstrate safe, respectful, and predictable driving habits. This group is intended for drivers with substantial track experience who are comfortable operating at a higher level of pace and discipline.

There are several lodging options near Thunderhill Raceway Park, including Holiday Inn Express in Willows, Best Western in Willows, Motel 6 in Willows, Economy Inn in Willows, DeLuxe Inn in Willows, Granzella’s Lodge in Williams, and Ramada in Williams. We are also hoping to secure a room block at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Willows. Thunderhill lists these local hotel options on its lodging page.

Track day insurance is strongly recommended for anyone planning to drive on track. Two providers we recommend are OpenTrack, which offers flexible single-event and annual track day coverage, and Hagerty Track Day Insurance, which offers HPDE and track day physical damage coverage for your car while on track and in the paddock. Hagerty notes that liability coverage is not included in this policy, so drivers should review coverage details carefully before purchasing.

Deposits and final payments will be handled directly through the Gatsby’s Garage website. This allows us to manage reservations, confirmations, and event planning in a cleaner and more organized way. Please let us know if you have any issues.