What Is Time Attack?
Time Attack is all about setting the fastest lap you can—safely, cleanly, and without racing wheel-to-wheel. You go out in a session with other drivers, but the clock is your only competitor. Think of it like qualifying laps, without the stress of dive-bombs or door-to-door racing.
The Mentality Shift
Time Attack requires a different approach than most track formats. Here’s what we mean:
- Manage your tire heat: Don’t put unnecessary wear or heat into tires during a throwaway lap. You’ll need that grip when it matters.
- Know when to bail on a lap: If you blow a corner or get a weird slide, just ease up and scrub the lap. Don’t waste grip on your way to the start line again either— just cool down and reset for the next lap instead! If you can square off the last corner or run wide to launch that much harder into your next hot lap, do it! Make that next lap that much stronger.
- Use your outlap smartly: Most people just cruise not putting heat into their setup, or maybe focus on their tires and forget their brakes. Instead, do a few hard pulls into strong brake zones to build temps in your tires and breaks. Remember, you can’t pass on an outlap without a point-by in most events.
- Create space: Don't dog pile the person in front of you on your outlap. Use the first two-thirds of said outlap to get your car up to temp, then back off and give yourself a gap. If someone is right on your bumper the whole outlap causing strain come the hotlaps, have a friendly chat with them after—there’s no need to run nose-to-tail before the timing starts and no one is the better for it.
Playing Well With Others
Time Attack thrives on cooperation. You won’t get anywhere by fighting other drivers. Here’s how to do it right:
- Be generous with point-bys: If someone’s coming in hot, get off-line and wave them through. You’re not racing them—you’re both chasing your best lap.
- Don’t fall into tailgating wars: Riding someone’s bumper doesn’t help your time, and it won’t force them out of the way. They might still beat you on the clock. Time Attack is about precision, not pressure.
- Enjoy the good vibes: We've found Time Attack events to have some of the best track manners of any format. Less ego, more collaboration, and better driving than most advanced HPDE sessions. Yes, a few people bring attitude—but they’re the exception, not the rule.
Why You’ll Love It
- Measurable Progress: You can watch your lap times drop and know you’re improving.
- Low Ego, High Skill: The vibe is about getting faster, not showing off.
- Community-Driven: Expect paddock talk, data-sharing, and mutual hype.
- Any Car Can Start: From bone-stock Miatas to aero-laden Corvettes, you can build as you go and see the progression.
Ready to Try It?
If this sounds like your kind of fun, we recommend checking out local Time Attack orgs like OnGrid, Gridlife, or SCCA Time Trials. All you really need to get started is a helmet, a track worthy & safe car, and a good attitude. The rest comes with time—and time’s what it’s all about!
