New guy here...

[scooke]

Hello, I'm looking to participate in the final solo event of the season and I want to have all my ducks in a row so don't end up being turned away at the gate! I'd like to enter my 93 Accord in the STS Novice class and give it a whirl.
First, the issue of documentation for my vehicle. What exactly am I required to have for this?
Second, due to budget constraints, I would be forced to borrow a loaner helmet for at least this first event and want to know if they are abundant, scarce, or if there's a way to "reserve" one?
Third, I was wondering about badging my ride- where can I get appropriate magnetic numbers/letters for this purpose?
Lastly, as far as the paddocks- I imagine they open air stalls and not climate controlled shops?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[cmt52663]

welcome and come have fun!

no "documentation" required for the car - it'll be tech inspected
     wheels firmly attached, no slop in suspension
     battery firmly secured
     interior free of anything that might rattle around or get into the footwell...
     in other words, a common sense safety oriented inspection
no worries on the helmet - we've loaners
    pick one up as you wait in line for a run, return it when the run is completed (sharing!)
there are plenty of sources for Mag numbers on the web, but
    many folks getting started will use 1.5" or 2" tape as a temporary measure
    readability is important for the courseworkers, timing truck, and so forth
the paddock is indeed open air, so check the weather and plan accordingly

all further questions welcomed!

cheers,

Charlie (who was in your shoes only a few years ago)

[scooke]

Thank you very much!
I'm looking forward to getting out there, meeting everyone, and buzzing around the course.

[dhcernese]

Lastly, as far as the paddocks- I imagine they open air stalls and not climate controlled shops?

Just to clarify.  It's an open SPACE, there are no stalls, walls, or roofs (no structures whatsoever).

[scooke]

Thanks, that's what I figured.

How about visitors in the paddock area? If I show up early for the registration and tech inspection and everything prior to the event; can my wife meet me later?

And as far as the course work goes, I'm all for helping out, but I'd like to know how much time we're on the course as opposed to down-time. Basically, will I be able to spend a little time with the family if they choose to check out Dad's first event?

Any help would be appreciated!  Thanks again.

[pzahornasky]

Thanks, that's what I figured.

How about visitors in the paddock area? If I show up early for the registration and tech inspection and everything prior to the event; can my wife meet me later?

And as far as the course work goes, I'm all for helping out, but I'd like to know how much time we're on the course as opposed to down-time. Basically, will I be able to spend a little time with the family if they choose to check out Dad's first event?

Any help would be appreciated!  Thanks again.

You're wife can show up later.  She will just have to sign the waiver to get in.

The amount of time spent working depends on the turnout.  Lately we have been splitting the event into two, with one group working and the other running.  We usually have a break in between.  When you are in the run group, there is also downtime while you wait for your turn to run.  Your wife can be in the grid with you, but if you have any children under 18 they cannot be in the grid. (Safey rules) 

[cmt52663]

My approach to guests has evolved to this... (where possible)..

1.  I suggest that whomever is coming try and be flexible, and I make sure I can reach them via cell
2.  I call them after the drivers' meeting, and tell them when my heat is running, when the break is likely to occur, and when I have to work course (approximate)
3.  I warn them that when I am driving (or working course!) that I will not be reachable by cell
4.  I make sure they have good directions, so they don't get caught wandering around Ayer looking for the airfield...

;-)

[dhcernese]

In addition to Charlie & PZ's thoughts, you need to have the expectations that one of two things will likely occur:  a) you may have nearly no time free except for a short break here and there, or, b) you'll have one "shift" free that amounts to about ~1-1-1/2 hours in addition to the other very shorts breaks you might find.  This is because you're putting in a 10-11 hour day for ~5-8 60-second runs :-)

..but they're worth it ;-)

[scooke]

..but they're worth it ;-)

;DThat's what I'm hoping!
Honestly, I'm less concerned about my car and the actual driving than about all the smaller details of the event.

Thanks to all of you guys, I think I'm all set! (for now, anyway)

[scooke]

One last time, I'd like to thank you guys for all your help; unfortunately I'm going to have to pull out of this event. 
In my haste to prepare my car for the challenge, I have nearly ended its life. 

I'm an experienced automotive technician (15yrs overall- 5yrs independent, 5yrs Mercedes and 5yrs Honda) and, without going into the gory details, I simply should've known better. 

BUT....  this isn't the end, I plan to be there on opening day 2009! (with whatever I have that's running!)