Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a collection of the questions we get asked most often. If these didn’t answer your questions, please contact us.
3 Balls Racing allows passengers are our events with one simple rule: you MUST bring them back in the same condition you found them. Having a passenger is a great way to share the fun; learn from a more experienced driver; and introduce more people to track days.
When you register for an event, you are purchasing a spot in a single run group. If you want to share that spot between multiple drivers, you must sign up for the run group that represents the lower skill level. Also, each drive must be at the drivers’ meeting. You may not switch run groups throughout the day based on driver.
Camping is available at all the tracks 3 Balls Racing visits. Many of the Ballers camp and it’s a great way to meet people before the event. Gingerman charges a fee for overnight camping and also has RV electric hookups for a fee. There is no fee to camp at Grattan, but they also do not have any hookups. Mid-Ohio has a fee for camping in a motorhome/RV. They also have electric hookups. Waterford offers camping, but as this track is local to most Ballers and the events are typically a single day, camping at Waterford is rare.
Yes, you can leave your car at the track overnight. 3 Balls Racing staff camps at the events and will be onsite starting the night before with the exception of Waterford events.
There is no short answer to this other than to say that track days require a brake pad that can handle the temperatures your rotors will see. That temperature depends on the vehicle weight, your driving style, any brake cooling, the brake pad itself, the tires you are using, ambient temperature, and other factors. There are some beginner drivers who can safely run with stock pads available on some high performance vehicles, but it almost all cases you will need a track specific pad. Look at companies/brands such as GLOC, Ferodo, Carbotech, PFC, Cobalt, Hawk, Pagid.
3 Balls Racing requires a helmet with a Snell SA or FIA rating. These are helmets designed and tested to car specifications (as opposed to motorcycles). The absolute best place to find a helmet in the Midwest is the PRI Show in Indianapolis held every December. All the manufactures are there with helmets to try on. The show is open to the public on the last day (Saturday). Another option in Michigan is Lane Automotive in Watervliet. In Ohio, check out Track-First. If those locations don’t work for you, get a flexible tape and measure your head. Every helmet manufacture has a fitment guide on their website. Order from online suppliers such as Summit Racing, Lane Automotive, Pegasus Auto Racing, etc. Brand recommendations include Bell, Stilo, Simpson, G-Force, HJC, and Impact Racing.
Absolutely. Most tracks have a spectator fee ranging from $10/person/day to $20/person/day. Be prepared with cash at Grattan. It is also recommended to bring long pants and closed toe shoes so you can go for a ride. 3 Balls Racing does have rental helmets and many Ballers have extra helmets. One note of caution: there is no alcohol consumption during the event, and that includes spectators.
Typically, any licensed driver 16 and over can participate. There is a legal waiver that must be signed at every event, so those under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present during the event. Drivers with a SCCA race license can participate at most events starting at 14. The exception is Mid-Ohio as their policy requires participants to be 18 or older.
Drones are not allowed to be flown at any 3 Balls Racing event without specific permission from 3 Balls Racing and the track management.
3 Balls Racing works with Shoot Brake Media at most of our events for photography. While personal photography is allowed and even encouraged, commercial photography is not allowed without the written permission of 3 Balls Racing.
In general, the answer is yes. Mid-Ohio has the strictest rules and requires vehicles to pass the broomstick test (broomstick set on windshield and seatback/roll hoop must clear the driver’s head).
If you need to sell your spot for an event, the best place to do that is the 3 Balls Racing Facebook group (not the 3 Balls Racing business page). If you do sell your spot, you still need to email 3 Balls Racing to confirm the sale.
You need a car in good mechanical condition; a helmet with Snell SA or FIA rating; long pants and closed toed shoes; and the willingness to have fun by being safe. If you don’t have a helmet, 3 Balls Racing does have rental helmets available (typically $15/day).
Each year at the BIG Charity event (last Grattan event of the year), 3 Balls Racing auctions a Lifetime Baller pass. This gets you into every event for as long as 3 Balls Racing is hosting events. We started in 2005, and have been going strong since. Expect to spend at least $5000 to win the auction.
As a reward for selling out an event, 3 Balls Racing offers complimentary beer the night before the event in the paddock. Simply come join us by the firepit/tech shed area to claim your reward.
