Learn
Time Attack: Racing Against the Clock
No door-to-door contact. No pack racing. Just you, the track, and the clock. From street class to full aero builds.
What Is Time Attack?
Time attack is competitive lap timing on a real racetrack. You go out in timed sessions, set your fastest lap, and your time is ranked against others in your class. There's no wheel-to-wheel racing — cars are spaced out on track so you're driving clean laps without traffic.
What makes time attack compelling is the class system. Cars are grouped by modification level — from bone-stock street cars to purpose-built machines with full aero, cages, and 500+ horsepower. You compete against cars at your level, so the playing field is always fair.
Common Classes
Street Class
Stock or lightly modified cars. Typically allows suspension, exhaust, and intake changes but no forced induction additions or significant weight reduction. This is where most people start — you can enter with your daily driver.
Modified / Enthusiast
More modifications allowed — turbo/supercharger upgrades, significant suspension work, lighter wheels, and some aero. Cars are still street-based but purpose-built for performance.
Unlimited / Open
Full race cars with cages, slicks, massive aero, and no power limits. This is where you see the wildest builds — cars that exist purely to set the fastest possible lap time.
Our Time Attack Experience
Time attack is where 86 Pieces Racing cut its teeth. We competed in a full season of Octane Time Attack at Harris Hill Raceway in 2024, then worked up to Super Lap Battle 2025 at Circuit of the Americas — one of the biggest time attack events in the country. The BRZ blew before we could set a real lap, so we built the #323 FR-S in a weekend and entered the SCCA Texasland Targa.
We've since moved into door-to-door racing, but we've never forgotten the importance of time attack as a discipline. And don't assume it's a casual hobby — the top levels of time attack feature some of the most extreme builds in motorsport. Full aero, 800+ horsepower, slick tires, and lap times that rival professional series. You'll see it when you show up to your first event.
How to Get Started
- 1
Get comfortable on track
Do a few track days or coaching sessions first. Know the track, know your car's limits.
- 2
Find a local series
Look for Global Time Attack, SCCA time trials, or regional series like Octane Time Attack. Most run at tracks you already know.
- 3
Enter street class
Register for street class with your daily driver. Prep your car (brakes, fluids, tires) and show up. That's it.
- 4
Chase your own time
Your first event is about setting a baseline. Every event after that is about beating yourself. The competition with others comes naturally.
Common Questions
What is time attack?
You race against the clock on a real racetrack. Fastest lap wins. Cars are classed by modification level, so stock street cars compete against other stock cars.
Can I do time attack in my street car?
Yes. Street class requires a basic tech inspection and a helmet. No cage, no harness, no special equipment.
How is time attack different from a track day?
Track days are educational with no timing. Time attack is competitive — your laps are recorded, ranked, and compared against your class. Same driving, different intent.
What organizations run time attack events?
Global Time Attack (runs Super Lap Battle), SCCA time trials, and regional series like Octane Time Attack. Most run at established road courses.
How much does time attack cost?
$150-500 entry depending on the event. Budget $400-800 total with consumables. Street class is cheapest since you're running stock components.
Do I need a roll cage?
Not for street class. Higher classes with more modifications typically require cages, harnesses, and additional safety gear. Check your series' rules.
Where to Compete
Time attack and time trial events run at tracks across the country. Here are the major organizations.
- Global Time Attack — runs Super Lap Battle and regional events nationwide
- SCCA Time Trials — competitive lap timing with classes for every build level
- NASA Time Trial — race against the clock at NASA events
- Octane Time Attack — regional series at Harris Hill Raceway
Want coaching before your first time attack event?