Drivers' meeting

Nearly every track event starts with a drivers' meeting, and attendance is usually mandatory. Organizers walk through the day's schedule, the run groups, which flags they use and what they mean, where and how passing is allowed, where to enter and exit the pits, and any track-specific quirks such as a blind crest or a tricky pit exit.

This is where the local rules live. Flag meanings, passing zones and spin procedures vary between organizations and even between tracks. The drivers' meeting has the final word, whatever you read online, including here.

Bring a notebook or take mental notes, and ask questions. If you miss the meeting, many organizations will not let you on track until you have been briefed. It is also a good time to find your instructor, check which group you are in and confirm when your first session starts.