Sponsored by Hooked On Driving

Hooked On Driving (HOD) is the largest and safest High-Performance Driving Education/track day provider in the nation. With events coast-to-coast and a focus on one-on-one instruction, HOD is bringing an ego-free, community feel to the track day world. Founded by David Ray in California in 2004, HOD grew from California into a nationwide presence by 2024, when it was purchased by Todd Deeken and Paul Schmucker of the car-review show "Everyday Driver."

"Over the years of hosting 'Everyday Driver,' we've always encouraged people to really drive and enjoy their cars", said Schmucker. "But when they asked how to get on track, we never knew the best place to send them. Now with Hooked On Driving, we have a place with a consistent approach and focus on being safe and having fun." 

On track at Sonoma Raceway during a Hooked On Driving event.

"Paul and I both benefitted from great in-car instruction when we first started driving on track, so we loved the one-on-one approach of HOD and want to reinforce and expand that nationwide," Deeken said. "Driving should be fun. Going to the track should be fun."

Since taking over HOD, Deeken and Schmucker have expanded the brand beyond track days with road tours in the United States and Europe, as well as extra elements at their events nationwide. These are non-competitive events, with instruction required for those new to track driving, and available as drivers progress up through four run groups: A Group for novices, B Group for intermediates, C Group for advanced and D Group for fast open passing. On any HOD day, the paddock is filled with cars of all types and prices, most of which are regularly driven on both street and track. 

A Porsche 718 GT4 laps Circuit of The Americas during a recent Hooked On Driving event at the Austin, Texas, track.

"This past summer we hosted a huge two-day event at Circuit of The Americas, with a road tour to and from the track, as well as a live podcast from the tower," Deeken said. "It was the first time HOD had been to COTA, and we wanted it to be big. Plus, we've had regions adding great elements around the country like community gatherings, car shows, fireworks and charity events." 

"We have an amazing group of franchisees around the country, all involved in helping us create the best track days possible," Schmucker said. "They've been vital in creating the welcoming and consistent feel of Hooked On Driving." 

A Lotus Emira at Sonoma Raceway.

HOD currently has regions in the Pacific Northwest, with headquarters in Seattle; California, with headquarters in Sonoma; the Midwest, with headquarters in Kansas City; the Mid-Atlantic, with headquarters in Charlotte; and the Northeast, with headquarters near Watkins Glen. This results in more varied nationwide offerings of tracks than any other HPDE provider, with plans to expand to more unreached markets in the coming years. 

Tracks and schedules for 2026 will be available the week after the 2025 PRI Show, along with the new "Pre-Grid" discount. Two all-inclusive European trips are already on the calendar along with a return to COTA and more road tours in the United States.  

A Porsche Boxster GTS during a Hooked On Driving event at Utah Motorsports Campus.

Additionally, HOD is doing away with their annual membership program, becoming one of the only national organizations without a membership fee. 

"We want the casual track driver who might do a couple of days a year to have just as easy access as the driver who comes to every event," Deeken added. "There's no extra fee to be with us, all are welcome." 

HOD has multiple nationwide and regional partner brands offering discounts to HOD drivers. Deeken and Schmucker promote these partners through Everyday Driver as well as HOD's regular updates and social presence. 

For brands and drivers, HOD is changing the HPDE space. You can find out more at HookedOnDriving.com.