Gotta say, the energy of an event is a big factor. It sounds like a good vibe to just have a good time.
Photography courtesy Scottie Elkins/Jzilla Track Days
You know that feeling when you roll up to a new track day and immediately wonder if you’re out of your depth? Like, are these folks going to be friendly? Am I going to get yelled at in the paddock for not knowing the right torque spec or what flag means what? That’s the kind of anxiety that keeps a lot of would-be drivers on the sidelines.
But then there’s Jzilla Track Days, which flips that vibe completely on its head.
JZilla Track Days founder, James Marcellana.
From the moment you head into the paddock at a Jzilla event–the group currently hits Atlanta Motorsports Park, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Barber Motorsports Park and Virginia International Raceway–it’s clear this isn’t your average cutthroat HPDE scene. The energy is chill, the people are welcoming, and there’s a sense of community that makes it feel more like a car club cookout than a high-stakes race weekend–except, you know, with helmets on and apexes being clipped.
Jzilla has built its name on being beginner friendly without dumbing things down. New drivers aren’t just tolerated, they’re the point. Run groups are clearly organized by experience level, and classroom sessions for novices are baked into the schedule.
These aren’t dull PowerPoint lectures, either. You’ll get real talk from instructors who remember what it’s like to be new. No ego, no pressure–just guidance.
Every novice is paired with instructors who are seasoned drivers who genuinely seem to want to help novices improve. These aren’t weekend warriors trying to relive their club racing glory days; they’re patient, encouraging and focused on making sure novices feel confident behind the wheel.
Want to ask a “dumb” question about tire pressures or braking points? You won’t get an eye roll. You’ll get a thoughtful answer and maybe even an offer to check your lugs before your next session.
Jzilla uses a lead-follow hybrid program, with a 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio. It combines lead-follow exercises along with in-car coaching. This provides flexibility so they can have extra coaches participate in lead-follow with the students who need more guidance. Jzilla developed this system by taking what they know best and combining it with programs AMG, Porsche and Audi use in its customer programs.
Walk the paddock at a Jzilla event and you’ll see everything from Miatas and stock BRZs to Teslas, factory-built GT3 and GT4 cars, and full-on time attack builds.
But here’s the kicker: Everyone’s here for the same reasons, to enjoy their cars and get faster, safely. We didn’t find any snobbery about what you drive or how fast you are. In fact, some of the fastest guys out there might be in bone-stock cars, just driving the wheels off them with surgical precision.
There’s also a big focus on car control and consistency over lap times. Jzilla doesn’t time sessions. There’s no stopwatch pressure, just the freedom to learn, explore and refine your driving line at your own pace.
What really sets Jzilla apart is the vibe. The track is serious business, but we’ve found everything around it to feel relaxed and supportive.
Between sessions, people are swapping stories, sharing tools, cooking tacos or barbecue, and helping each other troubleshoot. You’ll see folks lending torque wrenches, zip ties and advice with zero hesitation. More than once, we’ve seen someone roll in on their first-ever track day and leave with a whole new crew of friends.
If you’ve got a passion for driving and a desire to learn, you’ll fit right in–whether you’re in a Corvette, a Civic or a Cayman.
If you’ve ever wanted to try track driving but were put off by the idea of a stuffy or intimidating environment, Jzilla Track Days could be your green flag. It’s where people go to push themselves–safely–and grow in the seat without worrying about being the slowest car on track or saying the wrong thing in the paddock.
Come for the seat time. Stay for the people. And leave a better driver, every single time.
Gotta say, the energy of an event is a big factor. It sounds like a good vibe to just have a good time.
In reply to J.A. Ackley :
So many good vibes and people! I really enjoyed my time there. Next time I'm back I'll drive the RX-7
I drove with Jzilla for the first time at Road Atlanta for their Preheat the Petit event last year. I immediately felt like I was among friends that I'd known and driven with for a long time. It was a blast and it's only a matter of time before I drive with Jzilla again! You hit the nail on the head- the vibe is the secret sauce.
James & Co. put on an excellent HPDE...plus they had a Nespresso machine at Barber for Hibernation Hustle which was *clutch*
Jzilla sounds cool but I've driven with a lot of different HPDE clubs and all of them have been open and welcoming to newcomers. I've never felt unwanted in a stock engine NA Miata. Sure they all have different strengths and weaknesses, but I'm not sure where the "stuffy or intimidating" vibe is coming from.
I've instructed with them and would absolutely recommend it. Great group of people, fun environment!!
CrashDummy said:Jzilla sounds cool but I've driven with a lot of different HPDE clubs and all of them have been open and welcoming to newcomers. I've never felt unwanted in a stock engine NA Miata. Sure they all have different strengths and weaknesses, but I'm not sure where the "stuffy or intimidating" vibe is coming from.
PCA. Its coming from PCA. Well and maybe BMWCCA sometimes.
theruleslawyer said:CrashDummy said:Jzilla sounds cool but I've driven with a lot of different HPDE clubs and all of them have been open and welcoming to newcomers. I've never felt unwanted in a stock engine NA Miata. Sure they all have different strengths and weaknesses, but I'm not sure where the "stuffy or intimidating" vibe is coming from.
PCA. Its coming from PCA. Well and maybe BMWCCA sometimes.
KYPCA is fantastic, very well structured yet chill events.
Many (not all!) other PCA chapters requiring a shop inspection pre-event for experienced drivers...well, that's a waste of time/money for people who are frequently self-inspecting between events.
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