Endurance Racing with AZ SCCA

Getting Started

To participate in endurance racing with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), you’ll first need to join SCCA and complete a Driver School to earn your Novice Permit. From there, you can progress to a Full Competition License. If you already have prior racing experience, you may qualify for a Provisional Enduro License. For those looking for a less formal entry point, the SCCA Race Experience is a great way to sample wheel-to-wheel racing without committing to the full licensing process. Once licensed, you can sign up for an SCCA Enduro, prepare your car to SCCA safety standards, and focus on consistency, teamwork, and efficient pit stops.

What is the Race Experience?

The Race Experience program was created to let drivers enjoy all the excitement of wheel-to-wheel racing in a lower-pressure environment than championship-level events like the Runoffs. There are two main formats: shorter Club Racing Experience races, which are ideal for newer drivers, and longer Endurance Experience events, which feature driver changes and pit stops. At every event, coaches are available to guide participants through the process, particularly those who are new or have limited racing time.

Requirements and Structure

Participation in Race Experience requires an annual SCCA membership and self-certification that you have no disqualifying medical issues. Drivers with or without prior racing experience are welcome. To ensure closer racing, the performance potential of eligible cars is capped, minimizing speed differentials. The structure includes classroom sessions, on-track instruction, and post-session debriefs, similar to competition driver’s schools or track events. On-track behavior is held to a higher standard, making the racing less aggressive and more in line with vintage or grassroots series.

Who Should Participate?

Race Experience is a great fit for SCCA and non-SCCA licensed drivers who want to race in a low-pressure environment, for new drivers who want to earn a competition license, and for current Solo, Track Event, or Time Trials drivers looking to expand their motorsports experience. It’s also perfect for novice drivers seeking more track time, for workers, crew, friends, and family who want to see what racing is like, and for experienced drivers considering a new car or program.

Why Try It?

Race Experience events are designed to be fun, safe, and accessible while offering the true thrill of wheel-to-wheel racing.