| Introduction
An autocross is a skill driving event in which a car negotiates
a prescribed course, using traffic cones to define a variety of
turns. The sites are usually laid out on huge, open parking lots,
or on sections of airport runways. The course is set up so that
you are operating in lower gears, with a top speed of no more than
60 mph or so, depending on the car. The average time of a run on
the course is approximately one minute, plus a penalty of two seconds
for each rubber cone (pylon) hit. During each run you operate your
car at it's limit of acceleration, turning, and braking...and yours.
You maintain complete control of your car while maneuvering through
the course in the lowest possible time.
While driving on the street, the time span of most emergencies
is only a few seconds. Thus the experience of maintaining control
becomes a valuable training session. You will develop a sense of
timing, judgment, and ability to interpret your vehicle's handling
characteristics - at safe speeds and in a safe place. Your experiences
at an autocross will enhance your driving ability on the street.
The Car
The events are open to any make of car, from an economy commuter
car to racing only formula cars and racing Karts. according to SCCA
National and Regional classes for autocross competition.
Each car is required to undergo a technical inspection at every
event. The 'tech' inspection consists of inspecting the front end,
seat belt installation, throttle linkage, brake fluid level and
brake response, steering assembly, tires, and helmet. Prior to bringing
your car to tech you will be required to remove the hub caps (wheel
covers or trim rings too) which can and will fly off during hard
cornering. The tech inspectors will check that your battery is securely
tied down.
The Driver
Autocross events are open to anyone who has a valid state drivers
license. Drivers under 18 must have parental permission. The 'old
hands' will assist you in learning the sport until you are an old
hand. You bought your car to enjoy driving it, didn't you? So -
come to an event and enjoy!!!
Note, no intoxicants of ANY kind are allowed in the pits by drivers
AND spectators.
Tips
Make sure your car is ready.
The first tip we can give you may seem obvious but it is often overlooked
by newcomers: MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS READY. Are you absolutely confident
in the condition of your vehicle? Ask yourself and be honest. Will
that noisy water pump stand up to high revs? Is your battery securely
mounted? Have you checked your car's suspension and wheel bearings
for excessive play lately? How about the condition of the belts
in the engine compartment? Brakes? Brake fluid? Need we say more?
The safety inspectors will check some of these items and some others
that you might not expect. Remember - you are responsible for the
condition of your vehicle. If you are absolutely confident in the
condition and preparation of your car, you will be able to concentrate
on the course and your driving techniques. Watch the people who
win. You can see that most of them are fanatics about preparation.
Increase your tire pressures.
Substantially increasing tire pressures will improve the handling
and safety of your car on a course. It will help prevent a tubeless
tire from breaking the seal with the rim and losing air. Increasing
pressure - up to a certain point - will improve cornering ability,
steering response, and pavement feedback. We suggest starting at
40 pounds per square inch in all four tires. Ask people with similar
type cars what tire pressures they are using. Identify yourself
as a novice. You may also want to inquire about 'chalking' your
tire to check rollover. An experienced driver can help you out.
He (or she) may give you a reliable starting point at which to set
your tire pressures, but you will eventually have to determine what
works for you and your car. There are many factors which help determine
what tire pressures to use: temperature, surface, weather, the course
and the tires themselves.
Know the course.
One of the greatest challenges of autocross competition is the fact
that all of the courses are different. All drivers are allowed to
walk through the course, as often as they wish, until the competition
begins. Study the course as you walk it. You may wish to jot down
notes or draw your own map. Walk the course again and again until
you have if memorized. One former National Champion (several times)
has taught other drivers that you must be able to mentally follow
the course with your eyes closed before you are ready to make your
run. You will never drive the course fast if you don't know where
you are and where you should be going at all times.
When you are walking the course, try to look at the course from
the perspective of the driver's seat of the car. Remember that you
will be driving off center in your car. Most novices can judge how
close objects are to the driver's side of the car but are usually
a poor judge of distance to the passenger side of the car. Witness
all those parking lot dents from the grocery store! Also watch experienced
drivers put their tires within inches of each pylon.
As you are walking the course start thinking about what you feel
will be the fastest way to get through each corner. Although the
first several events that you run will probably be driven 'gate
to gate', the goal should be to drive the course in smooth, flowing
lines. Your line on one turn should leave you set up to plan the
next turn. You should be looking several gates ahead. Try to plan
times when you will be able to accelerate and when you will want
to brake. Remember - time spent planning your run is time spent
reducing your times in competition.
Driving techniques.
Drive smooth and controlled at all times. It isn't easy to do, but
it is the way to win. Those cars you see going through turns in
'four wheel drifts' are not being smooth and have lost some control.
They may be able to regain control, but they have lost valuable
time. The drivers that know how to win don't always look like they
are going fast - they know how to drive smoothly and maintain control
of their cars. Other competitors listen to their times and wonder
where they are going so fast - everywhere.
All your inputs to the car - steering, braking, and shifting should
be smooth, controlled, and well timed. All sudden and abrupt inputs
to the car will cause it to be unbalanced on the suspension, lose
cornering speed, and cost you valuable time.
Smooth driving is a skill gained with experience and practice.
Some people learn sooner than others. Start learning today.
Analyze each run.
We assume that you have attempted to put the preceding tips to use.
After each run think of where and how you could improve your time.
Do not dwell on your mistakes. THINK POSITIVE. Ask yourself questions:
Where could I accelerate sooner? Where could I brake later or less?
Which turns can I go faster in? Would a different line be better
through some corners? Should I take the slalom the other way? Did
I stay on course? Did I hit any pylons? How can I avoid them next
time? Adopt an experienced driver. There are many drivers who will
be willing to watch your run and critique it for you. We welcome
new people to our sport and want them to come back - of course we
will help you.
Help work the course.
Although this may sound like a bore to you, our suggestion is very
important. All of the most experienced drivers spend a lot of time
shagging pylons. Why? If there are 100 cars entered, then each driver
has a chance to watch 99 other drives go through the same course.
There is always something to learn, always something that we are
not sure of. The best place to observe is out on the course. Some
other driver may try a line that you were planning to use through
a particular turn - you can see if it does or doesn't work. Wouldn't
it be nice to find out before you tried it. You may see things that
you had not thought of and want to try them. Work different sections
of the course so that you see all of it. Talk with and listen to
other workers, they may give you very useful information.
By working, you will help the event run faster and smoother. If
everyone helps, all drivers may get an extra run or two. Wouldn't
this be great if you were a second behind the leader in your class
and had an idea where you could gain some time if you had JUST ONE
MORE RUN!? By having all of the entrants work we are able to keep
entry fees reasonable.
DO NOT GIVE UP IF YOU ARE NOT COMPETITIVE.
NONE OF US WERE AT FIRST AND SOME OF US STILL ARE NOT, BUT WE STILL
ENJOY THE FUN AND COMPETITION! REMEMBER THAT RACING IS NOT AN EASY
SPORT. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO BE LEARNED. WHETHER YOU
ARE WINNING OR NOT, YOU WILL BECOME A BETTER DRIVER AND YOU MAY
LEARN A THING OR TWO ABOUT YOURSELF.
In the Beginning
Show up early enough. How early? Well that depends on when you run.
There are some things you need to do and these will take time. It
is best to not be too rushed. I recommend showing up before 8:00
am if you run in the morning. By 10:30am if you run in the afternoon.
I recommend showing up early on your first event, perhaps by 7:30am.
We will assume your car is ready to go before you take off for
the event. You brought a helmet or are prepared to use a loaner.
Maybe some water and lunch, though there normally is a lunch wagon
at events, and many establishments close by.
Bring sunscreen and a hat if you wear one. You may be out in the
sun. Some people bring EZ-up style awnings and lawnchairs. If you
do bring an awning, make sure you have a way to hold it down (extra
tires?) in case of a breeze.
Don't forget the money, driver's license!
When you first arrive, you will probably be arriving with other
cars. The first step will be to sign an insurance waiver at the
gate and then to be given a colored wrist band. This band must be
worn or attached to you so that it is visible. All people entering
the premises will have to sign and wear the bands. If you have children,
you will have to sign a SCCA
Minor Competitor Waiver waiver for them also. If you are under age,
there is a special waiver form that must be signed by your official
guardian.
Pulling into the "pits" you will see various cars and
tow vehicles. Some territory will have been marked out. It's not
good form to park behind someone's trailer or hauler. Find an open
spot and park. Remember that the speed limit in the pits is very
low!
REGISTRATION and FEES
For discount, have your SCCA membership card ready if you have one.
If you are new to this region, there should be someone at registration
to sell you either an annual membership or a one-day pass. The membership
is only $30 and gives you a permanent number for the rest of the
year. This membership is called a Solo2 Card. This is different
than the "Points Card" offered by Cal Club in Los Angeles.
Having a San Diego Solo2 Card does not have anything to do with
points.
Bring your completed entry form to registration. Blank copies are
available near registration. Take an extra home, fill it out and
make copies to bring to your next Solo. Please PRINT CLEARLY and
fill the form out completely. We must be able to read your entry
form.
There is either a worker sign up form before or during registration.
You are assigned a work group based on your run group you are in.
If you don't know your run group, you need to find out what class
you are in and when it runs. Don't know what class your in? Solo
II Car Classifications can be found online at http://moutons.org/sccasolo
or ask on the unofficial forums.
When signing up for a work group, please only pick tasks that you
are trained to handle. Certain tasks like those working inside the
trailer require training and experience. We do train those who are
working the course.
NOTE: If you are under 18, bring SCCA
Minor Competitor Waiver from a parent.
The registration people will review the card you filled out and
take your money. They will hand the card back to you with their
signature on it to show you registered and paid.
After registration you will need to prepare your car. Remove all
loose items, Put the numbers and class letters on your car. Make
sure your battery is not loose. Did you torque your lug nuts?
Proceed to TECH. Place your registration card on the windshield
under your wiper. When you get to tech, they will tell you what
they need you to do. You should have opened the hood and anywhere
else that the battery is contained in (with a few exceptions).
TECH INSPECTION - WHAT YOU MUST DO
Remove everything moveable from the car and trunk; coats, coolers,
tapes, tools, etc. The spare tire and jack must also be removed
if they are not securely tied down.
Take convertible tops down or remove 'T' tops. These may remain
up in inclement weather.
Remove wheel trim rings, decorative center caps, hub caps, wheel
covers, and any other wheel trim.
Seat belts and helmets must be displayed for inspection. Helmets
starting for the 2006 season must meet at least Snell 95 (M or SA)
or ANSI Z95.1. If you do not have a helmet we have loaners available
at the start line. Return the helmet as soon as you finish your
runs - others may need to use it.
TECH
INSPECTION - WHAT WE WILL CHECK
- Battery brackets
must be secure.
- Wheel bearings, shock
absorbers, steering and suspension shall be in good operating
condition.
- Fuel, oil, and brake
fluid lines and fittings should be checked for leaks.
- Proper helmet.
- Number and class letters
on vehicle.
- Tires showing proper
tread (no cord).
After tech is complete and you have passed, they will place a sticker
authorizing you to run. If there is a co-driver they too will get
a sticker. Take your car back to your spot. You did leave something
in your spot to make sure it was "claimed" right?
WALK THE COURSE
The course changes at every event.
There are no 'orientation drive through' runs. There is no chalk
lining the course (except at national events). Determine which direction
you will go on optional slaloms (chicanes). Understand that the
slalom requires you to go in and out each alternate cone. Know where
the gates are, if any.
There is usually a 'novice walk through' of the course lead by a
top notch experienced driver. This will occur either just before
or just after the drivers meeting. Listen for the walk through to
be announced and take advantage of it.
WORK THE COURSE
Rule 1: Safety. Always watch for the cars.
Keep your head up. What you are not allowed to do. No cell phones.
No cameras. No sitting down whiles cars are on the course. Always
watch the cars. Do not assume that the drivers will not slide off
course. Do not stand next to the course. Be aware of the fire extenguishers.
Always carry the red
flag in your hand. Do not roll it up tightly as then it is a red
stick. Do not let it flap around as many drivers will see it and
be distracted.
Every driver is also
required to work at the event. Below are some instructions and helpful
hints for this work assignment.
Watch for displaced or knocked down pylons. Report downed cones
to timing on the radio, if you have one. Report your station number
(often a pole near you such as F3 or G4) and the car number and
how many cones. If you don't have a radio, you should already know
who you are reporting to and how to signal him or her to indicate
how many cones. If people are reporting to you, you need to know
who they are and make sure you glance at them.
The standard signal for
a non-radio person is to use the white flag. One cutting motion
downward equals one cone. A circular motion above you means a DNF.
Crossing your arms above you also is a sign for a DNF.
What is a DNF? It's not
when they just hit a cone. The leeters DNF means Did Not Finish
and what it means is that the driver did not finish the prescribed
course. He or she cut off part of it.
To DNF, a driver needed
to have fully exited the course, and then finsihed or re-entered
at a point farther along. If the driver leaves the course, does
a loop and comes back in at a point where he left or before, that
is not a DNF. A common method of DNF is to go on the wrong side
of a cone in a slalom, to miss a gate, or to drive straight along
a slalom. As a worker, you need to carefully watch for this, it
is surprisingly easy to miss and can be very unfair to the competition.
What is a cone penalty?
If the cone is pushed over, laying on it's side, or if it's totally
out of the box. If it is still standing and any part is touching
the box, it is not a penalty!
Hints:
1. Watch for wiggling
cones just behind the car which has passed. This is a telltale sign
of a cone which has been nudged out of its box.
2. Check your cones when
you first get on course and periodically during your assignment.
Often cones get moved and they should be put back in the box. Even
a nudged cone should be reset. It's not fair to the competition
otherwise.
3. Watch for off course
runs. Any time that a car fails to pass through the gates which
define the prescribed course it is called "DNF". This
includes vehicles which negotiate a non-optional slalom the wrong
way. The path followed by a vehicle between gates is not a factor
in calling off courses (i.e. if a car spins off course but comes
back to the correct gate and continues its run it is not off course.
Report off courses to timing on the radio or with the white flag.
Wave the red flag at the car(s) on the course if you see an unsafe
condition or if you are told to do so by timing or a safety steward.
Red flag conditions include:
A stalled car on the course
A spectator, animal or other "uninvited guest" on the
course.
Fluids leaking from the car on the course.
A call over the radio or PA to 'stop the car'
When displaying the red
flag, wave it vigorously but do not stand in front of the car you
are trying to flag.
Remember that your actions
as a course worker directly affect the scores of other competitors.
It is very important to assign displaced or downed cones to the
proper car (and driver). You can learn a lot while working the course
and it can be fun, but you must always pay attention to your work.
You should also remember that you are in the middle of an autocross
course surrounded by speeding cars. You have to be 'heads up' at
all times.
Note, if there is a downed cone or two, it's not recommended that
you redflag the driver. It's their choice to stop for a downed cone
and demand a rerun. Many drivers will not even see a downed cone.
It's best to get the cones reset before the next car, but safety
is the number one thing. If you can't, just back away from the course
and watch the next car. A smart course worker will not distract
the driver by running away from the course...or tip his hand by
holding a cone and displaying it.
DRIVER SAFETY
Wear your helmet with
the chin strap fastened during each run.
Be alert. Use your safety belts.
If you 'get lost' or
go off course don't give up and drive to the pits. Figure out where
you should be and complete your run. This will help you remember
the course on your next run. This is also an important safety measure
- there may be another car on the course behind you. You can ask
for help from the course workers. If you are new to this sport,
ask for an instructor to help guide you through.
Learning how to see and
negotiate cones is a skill that we all learned. It is not easy.
Almost all of us veterans have gotten lost on course. Don't just
drive if you are no longer sure where the course goes. Or as I mentioned
to someone I was instructing.. "If you don't see any more cones...and
you only see people running, it's time to let off the throttle."
The red flag means STOP NOW (in a safe and controlled manner).
If you should spin or lose control of you car, bring the car to
a complete stop, gather your wits, and proceed safely off the course
and away from any cars and cones. Look for the safest way back to
the grid area. Note, San Diego does not have it's red flagged drivers
proceed on course as some regions do.
Never try to save a run
when you're in over your head. It wastes tires and can be dangerous.
If you feel the car is spinning, push in the clutch if you have
one (saves the engine from being rotated backwards) and the brakes.
Do not just mash the throttle and try to be heroic. Remember, both
feet in (brakes and clutch). Spins can teach you a lot, so there
is some positive there.
In many cases when a
run is messed up, the safest and easiest thing to do is not try
to save a bad run, but just safely go off course and re-enter. The
run is probably not your fastest anyway.
Always know where the
timing lights are! Immediately slow down after the lights. In San
Diego, you are required to come to a stop and pick up a timing slip
from a worker after the lights. Failure to come to a stop may be
grounds for disqualification.
Hint: A shot of adrenylin
and some spiriting autocrossing, can affect your perception. Think
in terms of a switch. As soon as you pass the timing finish lights,
switch over to SLOW mode. Now you drive up, stop, and get your timing
slip. And now slowly putt over to your grid line or your pit area.
It's very easy to speed and not realize you are doing so. 10mph
will feel very slow after a fast autocross.
Speed Limit in the pits
is walking speed.
We offer a Novice Class.
This means you will run against other newer drivers. Many with different
cars. The focus of this class is less on competition and more on
improvement. We may overlook very minor technical modifications.
Key word being May.
All cars will have their
results multiplied by an Index number to determine their trophy
position.
Novice often runs last
in the day, though on some days there will be two run groups.
As a novice, you are
allowed to have an instructor ride with you. This is a valuable
learning experience, Try to use different instructors as everyone
brings different perspectives and experiences. We also allow the
instructors to drive your car, but you should never feel pressured
to let that happen unless you want them to.
An instructor CAN make
it easier to show you something by driving your car, and instructors
are picked because they have demonstrated competance on the course.
If your instructor drives, that run is not counted against your
runs.
If you are getting lost
on course, ask for an instructor. They can help.
If you still have questions,
please click here and read.
|
