The Chicago Region uses four different run groups in our Driver’s Education events. These are used to group drivers of similar experience, skills, and pace together to maximize the driver’s experience as well as safety. Regardless of the run group an event participant requests, the actual run group assignment is at the discretion of the Chief Driving Instructor and the event organizers.

The run groups are, in increasing order of experience and speed:

• Green
• Yellow
• White
• Black

Green Run Group

Drivers in Green Run Group can expect to spend a minimum of 5 track days in this group with, or under, observation by an instructor for at least one of those days.  The instructor will assist in teaching the line of the track, pace of the group, smooth steering and brake inputs, passing safely, and track etiquette.

Vehicles may run stock Porsche seats and factory 3-point belts for Drivers’ ED events.  If a harness is added, race seats must also be installed.

Yellow Run Group

Drivers in the Yellow Run Group are increasing confidence and learning more advanced techniques including smooth and proper braking, driving the line consistently while using the full track, looking ahead in corners, demonstrating competent car control and recovery skills.

Vehicles may run stock Porsche seats and factory 3-point belts for Drivers’ ED events.  If a harness is added, race seats must also be installed as above.

White Run Group

Drivers in the White Run Group are gaining seat time and working on the advanced skills indicated for the Black Run Group.

Vehicles may run stock Porsche seats and factory 3-point belts for Drivers’ ED events however it is recommended to have a 5 or 6-point harness with race seat & Hans Device and Roll protection as described above.

Black Run Group

Driver’s skill levels include expert driving the line; use of side vision, trail braking, throttle steer, heal & toe downshift; ability to carry momentum thru corners.

Vehicles MUST have a 5 or 6-point harness with race seat with access holes for the shoulder and submarine belts to pass through & Hans Device; equipped with roll protection such as race-approved roll bar or cage that is bolted or welded into the vehicle.  Boxsters may run with Roll Bar Extender.

Combined Black/White Run Group

When the Black and White run groups are combined, vehicle requirements are based on the White Group’s requirements and passing rules.

Run Group Progression from Green to Yellow

Drivers should not be driving in the Yellow run group until they have driven at least six events (two seasons of 3 events) so they develop the situational awareness and proactive driving style that the faster run groups require.

Drivers considering moving up from Green to Yellow should also consider that the Yellow Run Group contains the widest range of driving skills and speeds and can be the most challenging group to drive.  The group contains drivers newly transitioning from Green to drivers that have been in Yellow for years because not wanting to install additional safety and performance modifications.

When a driver feels they are ready to move to the Yellow run group, the Chief Driving Instructor (CDI) must approve the move and an instructor must ride with them their session in Yellow to ensure they are ready for the faster pace.

At an event organizer’s discretion, the Black Run Group may use expanded passing rules. This means that passing is acceptable with a point by anywhere on the track, including in the turns. This requires advanced driving skills, excellent situational awareness, and close coordination between drivers. If a driver is not comfortable with this environment, they should not request to run in the Black Run Group.

Signing off to Solo

No new driver can be soloed on their first day.  This means if you are new driver at a 1-day event, such as Blackhawk, you will not be soloed at that event.  If you have previous track experience, you may be soloed during a single day event after riding with an instructor for at least two sessions.  The decision to be soloed is up to your instructor and the CDI.  Typically, new drivers should not expect to be able to drive without an instructor until they have driven at least three events.