It’s been discussed, planned, fretted upon, prepped for. Some drivers have quit and decided they weren’t going three times before getting to work at the last minute and loading the trailer. Others have spent the week aiming for perfection, dialing in their cars for optimal conditions and the forecasted cool weekend conditions. Still more are just ready to drive, see some friends and eat some barbecue for a good cause.

No matter the situation, the 2024 SCCA Tire Rack Time Trials Nationals Powered by Hagerty is here. A whopping 209 drivers are entered to take on the always challenging NCM Motorsports Park and lay down their best times over a handful of configurations and four days.

Those who couldn’t make it can follow along all weekend long. Live timing and scoring, as well as audio, is available all weekend long at the top of both SCCA.com and TimeTrials.SCCA.com.

Holley Day, With a Twist

Almost since the beginning of Time Trials Nationals at NCM Motorsports Park, Holley Performance has been there. And again this year, Thursday’s opening day is a Holley-Day, but it comes with a twist.

Previously, Thursday was a full practice day. A chance to learn the track and get prepared for the upcoming event weekend. This year is different.

Thursday morning is a timed practice, allowing competitors to dial in the track and their cars. But Thursday afternoon, along with Friday’s sessions, are one score.

Why? That’s easy and makes even more sense if you take a look at the weather forecast. Thursday is gorgeous in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A high of 75, sunshine, near pristine conditions.

Ah, but fall in Kentucky is a fickle mistress, apt to change her mind at any time. Friday features a high of 86 – approaching the record for that date – but also a chance of rain. Which day fits your car, your driving, and times itself for a good run? This is why Thursday counts.

You Can’t Win Practice, But…

There are no points for practice. There is no score for practice. Practice is only practice, so it doesn’t matter who is fastest.

BUT – who was fastest?

Ah, we knew you cared. Topping overall was Ryan Mathews, who did a lap of 2:11.890 in his Tuner 1 class Chevrolet Corvette. That’s a nice accomplishment – but we’ll admit to some caveats.

Mathews is most definitely in play for the T1 class title. But a number of those we expect to go quickest overall did not take their turns, and a few others went into the Grassroots Motorsports Ultimate Track Car Challenge session. So stay tuned this afternoon and into tomorrow – it could change in a hurry.

Results, both live and post session, are available here.