2026 Season
We're excited to introduce a full season of Hot Lap Challenge for 2026! This format is designed to be accessible, affordable, and built to evolve into the future. Plus you can win free track time for 2027!
Your class is determined by your Class Index, which is calculated from your car's power-to-weight ratio. This ensures fair competition regardless of vehicle type.
Step 1: Calculate Power Factor
Power Factor (PF) = (WHP x 0.7) + (WTQ x 0.3)
Step 2: Calculate Class Index
Class Index = Weight (with driver) / Power Factor
The Power Factor weights horsepower more heavily (70%) than torque (30%) to account for the varying characteristics of different powertrains.
| Class | Class Index | Max Tire Width | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | ≥ 25 | 225 mm | Economy / Low power vehicles |
| D | 20 - 24.99 | 245 mm | Entry-level sports cars |
| C | 16 - 19.99 | 255 mm | Sports cars / Hot hatches |
| B | 14 - 15.99 | 255 mm | Performance sports cars |
| A | 11 - 13.99 | 285 mm | High-performance vehicles |
| S | 8 - 10.99 | 315 mm | Super cars / Built track cars |
| U | < 8 | Unlimited | Unlimited / Extreme builds |
All cars must use tires with a treadwear rating of 200 or higher. No 100 TW or racing slicks permitted.
Tire width is based on the average of front and rear or a square setup. Wider tires are allowed, but non-compliant cars will be flagged on the leaderboard and be awarded 0 points.
Treadwear and tire width will be verified at the event.
Submit your WHP (dyno or estimated) and weight (scales or estimated) via online registration. This information is used to calculate your class placement.
Each event day includes 3 time trial sessions for every participant:
Cars grid by lowest to highest power factor to weight ratio.
First competition session. Lap times set grid order.
Final competition session.
After each session, drivers will be re-sorted into run groups based on lap times to ensure competitive groupings. Groups will be gridded fastest to slowest in the pit lane.
Driver count is limited to 9.5 drivers per mile of track length per session.
Each day is its own event, with individual scoring. We will be tracking competitor points for the remainder of the season and provide non-monetary prizes for the winners.
| Placement | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st Place Time Any Session | 10 |
| 2nd Place Time Any Session | 7 |
| 3rd Place Time Any Session | 5 |
| Fastest Time - Final Session | 5 |
| 2nd Fastest - Final Session | 3 |
| 3rd Fastest - Final Session | 2 |
Fastest times are awarded the most points, regardless of session. Fastest times of the final session are awarded supplemental points.
Note: Drivers may sign up for both Time Trials and HPDE, but only TT sessions count for points.
Minimum Event Entries to place/podium: 5
$1,599
All 8 events included
$199
Per event
We require at least 15 registered drivers to run this format. Please share the event and sign up early so we can finalize the schedule.
| Start Time (CST) | Track | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 AM | CHECK-IN and TECH INSPECTION | @ Tech Garage |
| 8:15 AM | MANDATORY ALL DRIVERS MEETING | |
| 8:45 AM | PARADE LAPS | Required for Novice, Open to all |
| 9:00 AM | NOVICE | Instructor/Novice Meeting |
| 9:15 AM | INTERMEDIATE | |
| 9:30 AM | ADVANCED | Classroom |
| 9:45 AM | Hot Lap Challenge Session 1 - Group 1 | |
| 10:00 AM | Hot Lap Challenge Session 1 - Group 2 | |
| 10:15 AM | Hot Lap Challenge Session 1 - Group 3 | |
| 10:30 AM | NOVICE | |
| 10:50 AM | INTERMEDIATE | |
| 11:10 AM | ADVANCED | Classroom |
| 11:30 AM | Hot Lap Challenge Session 2 - Group 1 | |
| 11:45 AM | Hot Lap Challenge Session 2 - Group 2 | |
| 12:00 PM | Hot Lap Challenge Session 2 - Group 3 | |
| 12:15 PM | NOVICE | |
| 12:35 PM | INTERMEDIATE | |
| 12:55 PM | ADVANCED | |
| 1:15 PM | Lunch | |
| 1:45 PM | PARADE LAPS | Free for Drivers - $10 for Spectators |
| 2:15 PM | HLC Session 3 - Final - Group 1 | |
| 2:35 PM | HLC Session 3 - Final - Group 2 | |
| 2:55 PM | HLC Session 3 - Final - Group 3 | |
| 3:15 PM | NOVICE | |
| 3:35 PM | INTERMEDIATE | |
| 3:55 PM | ADVANCED | |
| 4:15 PM | NOVICE | |
| 4:35 PM | INTERMEDIATE | |
| 4:55 PM | ADVANCED | |
| 5:15 PM | End of Day |
*Schedule is subject to change
The Hot Lap Challenge is still evolving, and your participation directly influences its future. As we gather more data and feedback from competitors like you, we're continuously refining:
By participating in HLC, you're not just competing - you're helping us build something great for the entire track day community. Your lap times, feedback, and enthusiasm are invaluable as we grow this competition into something truly special.
Join us on the ground floor and be part of the journey!