Grattan Raceway, nestled in the rolling countryside near Belding, Michigan, is a 2.0-mile road course that’s been a staple of the Great Lakes racing scene since 1965. Expect a technical and challenging layout that rewards precision and car control. This isn't a flat-out speedway; the elevation changes and variety of corners will keep you busy. It's a favorite among SCCA and NASA racers, so you'll likely find competitive club racing events happening regularly. If you’re looking to get into amateur racing or hone your skills, Grattan is a solid choice. Track days are common, providing opportunities for drivers of all experience levels to get seat time. Because of its location in West Michigan, Grattan draws a lot of participants from Chicago, Detroit, and other Midwest cities. While it might not have the amenities of a major professional track, Grattan offers an authentic, grassroots racing experience at a reasonable cost, complete with spectator events throughout the season. Check their website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Watch: Grattan Raceway
Know Before You Go
- Gear requirements
- Track-day organizers typically require a Snell SA-2020 helmet (or newer), long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Many tracks have rental helmets for first-timers.
- Run groups
- Drivers are slotted into novice, intermediate, or advanced run groups based on pace and instructor sign-off. Group-jumping isn't permitted — you build up over time.
- Tech inspection
- Expect a pre-event tech form plus a visual gate check. Brake-fluid age, throttle return, battery tie-down, and seatbelt condition are the most common flags.
- Cost expectations
- HPDE / open-track days typically run $200-450 per day with 4-6 on-track sessions of 20-25 minutes each. Memberships at private clubs are substantially more.
- First-timer tip
- Most clubs require novices to ride with an instructor for the first day before being released solo. Sign up for instruction in advance — slots fill weeks ahead.