All track day providers utilize groups to match rider skill levels, making your track day safer and more enjoyable. When selecting a group you need to pick the one that best matches your skill level. If you are a "C" group rider, do not sign up for the "A" group. If you were to do this, you then become unsafe for the faster riders catching up to you e.g. you might have an unpredictable line, you might park it in the corner, or you might not hold your line causing a crash. Riding with the faster group will not make you faster as most of the time your lap times will not be fast enough to keep up with the faster riders. Remember track days are not a race, and if you treat them as such you will either not improve or slowly improve while your buddies become much faster. When signing up for a track day, it is best to leave your ego at home. Don't be embarrassed when a local 12 year old flies past you on a little 250cc bike. After a few track days your speed will increase, and you will find that you can keep up. You might be one of the fastest street riders, but most of these fast street riders are very slow when starting out at the track. Focus on form, lines, and smooth throttle control and your lap times will steadily improve.

Most track day providers also limit the type of passing that can be done in each group. Typically "A" group riders have the freedom of passing on the inside or outside. "B" group normally has the same passing restrictions as the "A" group, but you must maintain a 6 foot buffer around the rider you are passing. "C" group passing is very restricted as most new riders are in this group and are not comfortable being passed closely in the corner or even on the straights some times. Normally "C" group is limited to outside passes on straights only. Passing rules are part of the required riders meeting, pay attention to the rules as each track day provider can have different rules.

Here is the break down of the rider groups. Some track day providers will classify the groups as "A", "B+", and "B-" instead of the traditional "A", "B", "C" groups but they have the same classifications listed below.

A group also known as the Advanced group:
The "A" group is typically made up racers and seasoned track day riders. Expect tight passing, aggressive riding, and extremely fast riders.

B or B+ group also known as Intermediate group
The "B" group is a mix of new track day riders and experienced track day riders. Due to this mix, you will have some really slow and some really fast riders out there. If you are looking to improve your skills, or wanting passing practice this is the best group to choose. "B" group normally fills up the faster than the other groups as well.

C or B- group also known as the Beginner group
The "C" group is made up of first time track day riders, and those who choose to ride at a slower pace while building their skills. Passing is the most restrictive in this group.

If you are unsure about which group you should sign up for, either contact the track day providers or sign up for the slowest group being offered. If after your first session you think you are in the wrong group, find a control rider and they will determine which group you should be in after your next session. Some track day providers will not let you bump up if they are sold out, so make sure to contact them, before signing up if the event looks like it will sell out.

One other thing to remember, if you are having problems passing a slower rider do not get frustrated or make a risky pass. Simply pull into the hot pit the first chance you get, wait for 20 seconds and then go back out onto the track.