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

Drivers should not consider transitioning from the Green to Yellow Run Group until they are driving the line consistently while using the full track, looking ahead in corners, demonstrating competent car control and recovery skills. This is typically not until driving at least one season in Green. 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, with drivers newly transitioning from Green to drivers that have been in Yellow for years because not wanting to install additional safety and performance modifications.

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.