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Introduction

An autocross is a skill driving event in which one car at a time 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. NER/SCCA has 30+ classes for autocross competition: 9 stock  (few changes from what the dealer sells), 5 street prepared (more changes allowed), 6 prepared (significant preparation allowed, usually running on racing tires), 5 modified (nearly unlimited modification), 3 street touring, 2 street modified, and the kart classes. Also, there are four ladies classes. For newcomers to the sport, there are two novice classes available.

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. We do allow 8 year olds to run in Karts prepared to WKA Rules. (The minor release form must be filled out and signed by both parents once each year). 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!!!

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.

Stay for the trophy presentation.

You may have won a trophy! NOVICE CLASS is scored with a factoring system that takes into account the performance differences among the various classes. So don't worry if your Nissan Sentra is a few seconds behind the Porsche. Socialize. After many events there are informal parties and bench racing sessions. Use these opportunities to meet new people.

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. DRIVING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR THE NOVICE

What To Do If You Want To Compete

  1. REGISTRATION
    1. For discount, have your SCCA membership card ready.
    2. 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 so that we send you results. If you are competing in ladies or novice class mark the appropriate space on your entry form.
    3. If you are under 18, bring SCCA Minor Competitor Waiver from a parent.
    4. SIGN THE INSURANCE RELEASE WAIVER.
    5. After registration you will need to prepare your car and proceed to TECH. See section III below.
  2. CAR CLASSIFICATION
    1. Stock (Super Stock,AS,BS,CS,DS,ES,FS,GS and HS)
    2. Street Prepared (ASP,BSP,CSP,DSP ESP and FSP)
    3. Prepared (AP,BP,CP,DP,EP and FP)
    4. Modified (SAE,AM,BM,CM,DM, EM and FM)
    5. Street Modified (SM,SM2)
    6. Street Touring (ST, STS, STX)
    7. Karts (F125, FJR, FJ, FJJ)
      All classes are defined in the rulebook, it is your responsibility to classify your car correctly. If you have questions ask the tech crew for help. Be sure to tell the tech crew about any modifications that have been made to your vehicle so that it can be classed correctly. Examples of important modifications include (but are not limited to) changes in sway bars, headers, cams, wheels . . . These modifications should also be noted on your entry form.
  3. TECH INSPECTION - WHAT YOU MUST DO
    1. 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.
    2. Take convertible tops down or remove 'T' tops. These may remain up in inclement weather.
    3. Remove wheel trim rings, decorative center caps, hub caps, wheel covers, and any other wheel trim.
    4. Seat belts and helmets must be displayed for inspection. Helmets starting for the 2001 season must meet at least Snell 95 (M, SA or K). If you do not have a helmet we have loaners available at the start line. Return the helmet as soon as you finish each run - others may need to use it.
    5. Place your entry form under the wiper and get your car in line to be inspected.
  4. TECH INSPECTION - WHAT WE WILL CHECK
    1. Battery brackets must be secure.
    2. Wheel bearings, shock absorbers, steering and suspension shall be in good operating condition.
    3. Fuel, oil, and brake fluid lines and fittings should be checked for leaks. Fluid reservoirs will be checked for adequate levels.

      TECH INSPECTION IS TO DETERMINE THE SAFETY OF YOUR CAR. TECH WILL TAKE YOUR ENTRY FORM AND ASSIGN YOU A NUMBER. USUALLY THE NUMBER WILL BE WRITTEN ON THE WINDOW OF YOUR CAR FOR THE TIMERS TO SEE. THIS NUMBER REPRESENTS YOUR STARTING POSITION IN THE CAR'S CLASS. YOU MUST LINE UP IN THAT ORDER WITHIN YOUR CLASS. LADIES AND NOVICES RUN AS THEIR OWN CLASSES.

  5. WALK THE COURSE
    1. The course changes at every event.
    2. There are no 'orientation drive through' runs.
    3. Chalk arrows are marked on the pavement to indicate which way to go if there is a question. Note: these arrows can only be seen when walking the course - they will not be visible when you are driving. You should also keep in mind that the cones with the white stripes will usually be on the right as you walk (or drive) the course.
    4. You cannot walk the course too often. If you can't 'see' the course with your eyes closed, walk it again.
    5. 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.
  6. ATTEND THE DRIVER'S MEETING
    1. Attendance is mandatory.
    2. Tech is closed during the driver's meeting.
    3. Read the supplement regulations available at registration.
    4. Special information concerning the event is discussed during the meeting.
    5. Heat assignments for novices is announced at the drivers meeting.
  7. WORK THE COURSE

    Every driver is also required to work at the event. As a novice you will most likely be assigned to a corner station. Below are some instructions and helpful hints for this work assignment.

    1. Watch for displaced or knocked down pylons. Report downed cones to timing on the radio. If flags are being used instead of radios, hold the white flag up for one cone or move it up and down once for each downed cone. Continue to do this until timing acknowledges your signal.
    2. Reset the downed cone(s) before the next car passes. Keep your eye on the car(s) on the course while doing this. If necessary get out of the way. The cone can always be reset later. Hint: 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.
    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 "off-course". 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. If flags are being used instead of radios wave the yellow flag vigorously until timing acknowledges the signal.
    4. 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. Keep the red flag handy. When holding the red flag do not wrap the flag around its handle, rather keep the flag furled by holding the fabric to the handle. 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.
      • Downed cones which cannot be reset before the next car arrives.
      • 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.
    5. 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.
  8. DRIVER SAFETY
    1. Wear your helmet with the chin strap fastened during each run.
    2. Be alert. Remember when working the course, NEVER turn your back to a moving car.
    3. 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.
    4. The red flag means STOP NOW (in a safe and controlled manner).
    5. If you should spin or lose control of you car, bring the car to a complete stop, gather your wits, and proceed with the rest of your run. Never try to save a run when you're in over your head.

      DO NOT allow your car to slide off the pavement sideways. If you cannot avoid going off the paved surface, you should at least point your car directly forward or backwards.

    6. Speed Limit in the pits is walking speed.
This was written by the people involved with the New England Region, Sports Car Club of America SOLO program. It is not meant as an official document; just helpful hints.

If you have any questions about rules refer to the SOLO II rulebook which can be obtained from your NER SCCA representative at SOLO II events, or from the phone/Address below:

SOLO RULES published by:
SCCA
P.O. Box 19400 Topeka, KS 66619-0400
1-800-770-2055

Other reading available from:
Classic Motorbooks, P.O. Box 1, Osceola, WI 54020
1-800-826-6600

"Winning Autocross and Solo II Competition, The Art and Science of Driving", by Turner and Miles; National Academy of Performance Driving

"Secrets of SOLO Racing", by Henry A. Watts; Loki Motorsports
 
 
 
   

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