Solo Numerology
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When we arrive for an event, our goal as competitors is not just to compete, but to do the best we can to make sure the event runs smoothly. We tech our cars before we walk the course. When grid opens up for our heat, we put our car in as early as we can. When the call goes out for workers, you show up early to relieve the previous heat so there is minimal downtime. But there is one area that can impact the running of the event just as much as people not doing all of the above. Poor numbers. Poor numbers, wrong numbers or class, or numbers that cannot be read or seen cause timing and scoring fits. Because of the critical need to give the right times to the right people, often T&S will have to hold the start while they get things straightened out. So with that – let’s talk Solo Numerology- Please note that the pictures below are not intended to single anyone out. I just picked from what Ed Savage had uploaded. Jenna Corrales, Chief of timing and scoring states: “It starts at registration - you pick a number and an appropriate class. When you get to the site, it's important to make sure you are running the same number and class designation as you are listed in our registration files. If someone tells you to change your class or number, it's important to remember who told you and why, and to make sure it's communicated to the timing staff.”
Dual Driven Cars And if more than one person is driving your car in the class? Corrales continues; “If you are a single driver, your number should be between 1-99. The second driver should take the first driver's number and add 100. For example: If you are number 10, and your friend would like to drive your car as well, your friend should be number 110. If you are driving the same car in the same class, it's easiest for grid and timing to have a xx, and 1xx numbered car, rather than two separate two-digit numbers.”
The proper way to number co-drivers. Besides being easy to
What happens if we forget to change numbers between drivers? “If you realize you forgot to change your number or class designation (ie, you forgot the 1, or you forgot to put an N), you should find an Ops Steward as soon as possible, and they will relay the information to timing and scoring.”
Proper Number and Class Sizes Number size and contrast is important. The Solo Rule 3.7.E regarding numbers state Numbers must be a minimum of 8” high with a 1.25” stroke. Class letters must be a minimum of 4” high with a 0.75” stroke. In all cases, the height of the class letters must be between 25% and 75% of the height of the numbers. Stroke width must be at least 10% of the height. The difference height of the numbers versus the class letters is important. Hank Wallace, one of our corner bosses reported, “…it was impossible to tell on many of the cars because they used the same size for both”
Here is an example of class letters that are too large in relation
Numbers need to be contrasting. This seems obvious, dark color on light color (or visa-versa) but there are many combinations that look good from 10 feet away but not from 50 feet away. When in doubt, ask and experienced autocrosser what they think.
An example of poor contrast. Fortunately the letters that match the
Proper Placement and Syntax Finally, it is import that the class letters follow the numbers as everything that is entered or called in will be Additionally, the proper syntax for index classes is [Index Class][Base Class]. So a novice in H Stock would have a class designation that reads NHS, not HSN.
Following these simple rules will go a long way towards a smooth running of the event. A smooth event equals more runs, something that we all work towards.
Photo Credits - Ed Savage
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Solo Pictures
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