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High Performance Driving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... improving performance, driving product roadmaps, or troubleshooting surfaces, this job is all about translating deep technical knowledge into high-impact solutions. Essential Duties and ...

This role requires someone who understands true DTC ecommerce performance - driving revenue from ad → product/category page → cart → checkout - across a high-SKU environment. Responsibilities

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High Performance Driving information

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$11K

$74.6K

$81.5K

How much do high performance driving jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for high performance driving in the United States is $74,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a High Performance Driving Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a High Performance Driving Instructor, you need advanced driving skills, thorough knowledge of vehicle dynamics, and experience in motorsports or performance driving events, often supported by relevant certifications from organizations like SCCA or NASA. Familiarity with data logging systems, in-car communication tools, and track safety protocols is essential. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness enable instructors to effectively teach and ensure student safety on the track. These skills are critical for delivering high-quality instruction, maximizing learning, and maintaining safety in high-speed environments.

What is high performance driving?

High performance driving refers to the skillful operation of a vehicle at or near its limits of speed, handling, and braking, typically in a controlled environment such as a racetrack. It involves understanding vehicle dynamics, advanced driving techniques, and safety protocols to maximize both speed and control. Many enthusiasts participate in high performance driving events (HPDEs) to improve their skills, often under the supervision of instructors. Unlike racing, the focus is on driver improvement rather than competition, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels. Safety is a top priority, with strict rules and guidelines to ensure a secure learning experience.

What are some common challenges faced by High Performance Driving Instructors, and how can they be overcome?

High Performance Driving Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting teaching methods for students with varying skill levels, maintaining safety in a fast-paced environment, and effectively communicating technical feedback under pressure. Overcoming these challenges requires strong observation skills, patience, and the ability to tailor instruction to individual needs. Regularly updating technical knowledge and participating in instructor development programs can also help instructors stay current with best practices and safety protocols.

What is the difference between High Performance Driving vs Race Car Driver?

AspectHigh Performance DrivingRace Car Driver
Required CredentialsDriving certifications, safety trainingDriving licenses, racing licenses, specialized training
Work EnvironmentTrack days, driver training, automotive eventsRace tracks, competitions, professional racing circuits
Employer & IndustryDriving schools, automotive events, corporate trainingRacing teams, motorsport organizations, sponsors

High Performance Driving focuses on advanced driving skills for safety and vehicle control, often in training or recreational settings. Race Car Drivers compete professionally in races, requiring specialized racing licenses and intense training. While both roles involve high-speed driving, High Performance Driving emphasizes skill development and safety, whereas Race Car Drivers compete in high-stakes races.

What cities are hiring for High Performance Driving jobs? Cities with the most High Performance Driving job openings:
What states have the most High Performance Driving jobs? States with the most job openings for High Performance Driving jobs include:
Infographic showing various High Performance Driving job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,590 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Hot Lap Program Instructor

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Opening in 2026, COTA's amusement park, COTALAND, is on over 30-acres featuring two first of their kind Roller Coasters and 30 rides.


Position Overview

The Hot Lap Program Instructor is responsible for delivering high-performance passenger ride experiences in a safe, professional, and consistent manner. Instructors represent the face of the program and must combine advanced driving skill, professionalism, guest interaction, and operational discipline.

This role requires precision, consistency, and the ability to operate under strict safety and timing procedures while providing an exciting and memorable experience for participants.

On-Track Operations

  • Conduct high-performance hot laps with passengers onboard in accordance with COTA operating procedures
  • Deliver a thrilling yet controlled and safe passenger experience
  • Maintain consistent lap times and operational flow as directed by Program Management
  • Execute proper passenger loading/unloading procedures
  • Perform warm-up, cooldown, and pit-in/pit-out procedures according to SOPs
  • Monitor vehicle condition and report any issues immediately

Safety & Compliance

  • Prioritize passenger and instructor safety at all times
  • Follow all race control instructions and communication protocols
  • Operate radio equipment professionally and efficiently
  • Understand and comply with all flagging procedures and emergency response protocols
  • Manage passenger concerns including motion sickness, anxiety, or discomfort
  • Support ride safety operations by completing a secondary verification of participant restraints prior to vehicle dispatch, ensuring seatbelts and helmet straps are correctly secured per established safety protocols
  • Support incident reporting and operational debriefs when required

Guest Experience

  • Represent COTA and manufacturer partners professionally
  • Create a welcoming, exciting, and premium experience for guests
  • Communicate clearly and confidently with participants 
  • Maintain a calm and composed demeanor under pressure

Operational Duties

  • Attend all required training sessions and operational briefings
  • Assist with vehicle staging and rotation management
  • Support timing objectives and throughput efficiency
  • Collaborate with mechanics, operations staff, race control, and program management
  • Maintain punctuality and readiness for scheduled shifts

Requirements

Required

  • Valid driver's license
  • Valid racing competition license and significant high-performance driving experience
  • Prior experience in motorsports, driver coaching, racing, OEM programs, or performance driving events
  • Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics and track driving fundamentals
  • Ability to communicate professionally with guests and team members
  • Comfortable operating under structured operational procedures

Preferred

  • Professional racing experience
  • Previous experience with OEM driving programs or ride-along programs
  • Motorsport instruction/coaching experience
  • Familiarity with COTA circuit layout
  • Experience operating radio communication systems in motorsport environments

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to spend extended periods outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to safely enter and exit performance vehicles repeatedly throughout the day
  • Ability to maintain high levels of focus and situational awareness for extended periods

Schedule & Availability

  • Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and event days
  • Shift structure subject to operational demand
  • Availability for training and program launch activities required

Performance Expectations Instructors will be evaluated on:

  • Safety and consistency
  • Passenger feedback
  • Operational discipline
  • Communication quality
  • Vehicle care and professionalism
  • Ability to maintain program timing and throughput targets

Program Philosophy

The goal of the Hot Lap Program is to deliver a premium, safe, and unforgettable motorsport experience while operating at the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.


Salary commensurate with experience.


Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.