Riders challenging one another!

Real experience in a "race-like" sprint!

2011 Championship is final! Results and points can be found here.

Do you want to bump up the intensity of your trackdays slightly without making the step to full-on racing? Then the Rider Challenge is what you're looking for.

The Rider Challenge is brought to you by Zalusky Advanced Riding School and Track Days, an organization created to provide high quality track days and programs that emphasize safety, education and good sportsmanship.

ZARS's Academy and Rider Challenge is for experienced Track Day riders who meet a certain criteria, including participating in at least 2 Track Days.

ZARS's Academy and Rider Challenge is led by CRA top racer and ZARS instructor, Kris Skellenger.

Riders must be pre-approved to register and riders will need to pre-register in order to participate. The fee for the ZARS Academy and Rider Challenge is $50. Once you're licensed, subsequent Rider Challenges are $25. No annual fee once licensed.

Once your registration is processed, you'll receive the ZARS Academy and Rider Challenge Guide and Rulebook. Register here!

Who, What, When, Where, Why?

Kris Skellenger is an accomplished racer and experienced instructor.

Experience a "spirited" sprint from start to finish! Learn what it takes! Once your licensed, you'll be able to participate in the Rider Challenge at all events!

Who - Experienced Track Day Riders who have attended at least 3 Track Days (including the current Track Day) and have not held a race license in the last 3 years. ZARS reserves the right to refuse any rider who we feel would not be an appropriate rider for this.

Why - To provide more opportunities and challenge to our experienced ZARS Track Day Riders and to bridge the gap from track days to racing at an inexpensive cost.

What - Eligible riders begin by participating in the ZARS's Academy to ultimately qualify to participate in the Rider Challenge held later that day. We wil also award a Champions for all classes using the Shootout point systeml

When and Where- Every ZARS Track Day at Mid America Motorplex and Brainerd International Raceway!

The Rider Academy will consist of training provided by experienced instructors to prepare riders for a "spirited" event, including rider safety, procedures, protocols, and other necessary skills and tools. Once the riders complete the training, riders then must satisfactorily pass a written examination as well as display a solid base of track riding skills. Once a rider is deemed qualified, he or she may participate in the Rider Challenge, where riders will start and finish a 5-lap sprint while challenging one another to the finish line. Riders will be scored by how they cross the finish line within their respective class based off of bike size; prizes awarded to the top finishers.

No additional gear or bike prep is necessary! You'll only need to meet the Track Day requirements for rider gear and bike prep! It's that easy!

Once you've successfully finished the Rider Challenge, you'll be given certification that will allow you to participate in future Challenges (without having to do the training/exam over again).

There will also be stringent rules, including Intermediate passing rules such as a 6-foot passing rule and no inside corner passes (except at BIR in turns 1 and 2), to minimize the risk and ensure an environment conducive for track day riding. Tech rules will be based off of current track day rules. Violations of any rules, requirements or protocols will disqualify riders from future participation.

1. All New Riders interested in participating in the Rider Challenge must apply for a ZARS license using the form below.

2. The first New Rider’s school will be held on March 27, from 10am-12pm; we recommend that everyone do the March school if possible. If you're unable to make it on March 27, you'll be able to do the school at the Track Days. New Riders must complete the school, successfully pass the written examination, and pass the on-track riding evaluation to be able to participate in the Rider Challenge. Once a rider has successfully completed all the above and finished the Rider Challenge, the New Rider will earn his or her ZARS license.

3. ZARS Licenses will not be issued to riders who hold or have held a race licenses within the last 3 years as either a Novice or Expert. ZARS will not recognize similar programs or licenses for the program’s unique purpose.

4. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

5. Applicants must complete the online licensing form and are responsible for updating any changes.

6. Rider needs to register for and ride in at least 1 Rider Challenge in a 2-year period to retain his/her ZARS license; license must be renewed each year.