SCAT Practice Event 1-28-06 [Archive] - San Diego Region SCCA Forums

RandyC

01-13-2006, 01:09 PM

RandyC

01-13-2006, 05:14 PM

http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/schedule/flyer-scat-012806.pdf

frosty

01-13-2006, 05:52 PM

Question about the event format. The normal 2 driver question. How are you going to handle two drivers, or is there no 2 driver lane?

And if not, how can we allow a second driver to drive. The two drivers will not get any more runs than one entrant, but the second driver should pay for the insurance/sanction fee.

Thanks SCAT people.

I've got a related question (some of which you guys will have seen in other threads):

I'm trying to arrange for a friend to come down to the practice on Saturday. He's been out before, but only bought a day card. I've been told that, without a card, a driver can't pre-register and that cards won't be available until the day of the event. I'd like to find a way for him to come out and know he'll be able to drive.

- Can we share a car and number?
- Is this event expected to fill up before the day of, or are there a lot of people who will be unable to pre-register?

Thanks.

Bimota Guy

01-13-2006, 06:31 PM

Question about the event format. The normal 2 driver question. How are you going to handle two drivers, or is there no 2 driver lane?

And if not, how can we allow a second driver to drive. The two drivers will not get any more runs than one entrant, but the second driver should pay for the insurance/sanction fee.

Thanks SCAT people.
(Randy, Scratch the answer I sent via e-mail...forgot how we do this.)

1) Drivers of 2-driver cars can sign up for DIFFERENT work groups so they have different color wrist bands (say, red and blue.) Then during those 2 run groups when both are not working (say, the yellow and green work groups) they switch lines between runs: red drives and comes off course getting into the blue line; blue gets in and drive then gets into red line; repeat.

2) If they sign up for the SAME work group we just let the 2nd driver go into the "empty" line (remember one of 4 colors is always working so one line is empty) which will work just as above.

RandyC

01-13-2006, 06:35 PM

Thanks Steve, that is a great answer and makes sense. I guess I have seen some practices not handled as well in the past, or maybe I never understood the process. :)

Bimota Guy

01-13-2006, 06:36 PM

I've got a related question (some of which you guys will have seen in other threads):

I'm trying to arrange for a friend to come down to the practice on Saturday. He's been out before, but only bought a day card. I've been told that, without a card, a driver can't pre-register and that cards won't be available until the day of the event. I'd like to find a way for him to come out and know he'll be able to drive.

- Can we share a car and number?
- Is this event expected to fill up before the day of, or are there a lot of people who will be unable to pre-register?

Thanks.
Sorry, but it is expected to fill up. Must have been a 2005 card holder and renewed to pre-register. Then you are a "2006 cardholder." Some of those people have their cards in hand already. Some do not. Those who do not will simply need to get their 2006 cards from the guy who has them (he will be near registration) before coming to registration.

We will be checking that all who pre-register are in fact "2006 cardholders."

froggy47

01-13-2006, 07:08 PM

This 2006 card holder's check is in the mail baby, make it a FUN, FUN, FUN course.

:D

funcrew

01-13-2006, 08:56 PM

Sorry, but it is expected to fill up. Must have been a 2005 card holder and renewed to pre-register. Then you are a "2006 cardholder." Some of those people have their cards in hand already. Some do not. Those who do not will simply need to get their 2006 cards from the guy who has them (he will be near registration) before coming to registration.

We will be checking that all who pre-register are in fact "2006 cardholders."

OK, I'm baffled. I would like to attend a SDR practice event but I have no number card. The cards are not available except at events. I can't register for an event without a card. Is SDR closed to new people?

RandyC

01-13-2006, 09:23 PM

OK, I'm baffled. I would like to attend a SDR practice event but I have no number card. The cards are not available except at events. I can't register for an event without a card. Is SDR closed to new people?
The term practice is a little misleading because you would think the new people need more practice. The reality is the main events are what happens on Sunday and practices are "special" events for the membership.

The region is set up for an autocross championship series. Back in the day, we had 9-15 events per year and couple practices per year also. Practices were treats for the regulars and limited in attendance in order to maximize seat time. Back in the day, we normally did not do real registration at practices, it was all pre-registration. And we did not sell the annual number cards.

Lately we have had more two day weekends, which means we can have more practice events. They are still restricted in attendance. Lately we have also had some volunteers willing to sell number cards at practices also.

If practices were fully open, then we would end up with 3-4 runs. A good practice gives you a minimum of 8 runs and as much as 15 runs. Some have even gotten us over 45 runs in one day. So they are restricted and then the question is, restricted to what? Pick a number... in this case it is 80 entrants. That fills up pretty quick. In Los Angeles they normally sell out practices in 24 hours.

So are the events closed to new people? Not at all. Come on Sunday. Sign up. There is a novice program and instructional course walk. There is a lot of help available. You can also come on Saturday and buy a card (I think), but you just can't pre-regoster for Saturday.

And once you are a member, you will able to register for closed practice events.

frosty

01-13-2006, 10:18 PM

Randy,

That post clarifies my concerns about a newer driver not being able to pre-register for a practice event. Thanks.

I'll see if he can come on Sunday instead.

Bimota Guy

01-14-2006, 10:30 AM

OK, I'm baffled. I would like to attend a SDR practice event but I have no number card. The cards are not available except at events. I can't register for an event without a card. Is SDR closed to new people?
Sorry, for the confusion. I assume you have read Randy's post which explains the situation. This event is even more confusing being the first event of the year because you had to have last year's card in order to already have this year's card (renewals done by mail.) In almost all cases, due to practices typically filling up so quickly, a beginner enters a championship event first. That may sound crazy, but there is a Novice program as mentioned. And we are not professional drivers, but there is some top national caliber Solo II talent there.

Yes, cards will be sold on Saturday, but keep in mind the person selling them also works the event and drives, so come well before the action starts (at 9:00am) and you will easily be able to buy one. Also, not driving will give you a chance to learn more about the events and perhaps someone will be willing to take you for a ride. Come to the grid (where cars are parked waiting to run...it will be obvious once it fills up shortly before 9:00am.) Walk the course. Watch for a while. Perhaps talk to people who drive a similar car to yours. And let people know you are looking to get started. Most addicts like others to join their addiction! :D ;)

I hope you make it down.

Regards,

funcrew

01-14-2006, 07:20 PM

Thanks for the clarification. I am a novice member of Las Vegas region, so it's a pretty long drive to SD to not run. I may come for the Sunday event and pick up a card so I'll qualify for the next Saturday practice. Having 8+ runs sounds like a lot of fun!

froggy47

01-14-2006, 07:44 PM

If practices were fully open, then we would end up with 3-4 runs. A good practice gives you a minimum of 8 runs and as much as 15 runs. Some have even gotten us over 45 runs in one day. So they are restricted and then the question is, restricted to what? Pick a number... in this case it is 80 entrants. That fills up pretty quick. In Los Angeles they normally sell out practices in 24 hours.

I think I got into 1 practice last year with cscc. Even if you drop a letter the day reg. opens it's a long shot to get in. Mail it from San Diego & fuggeddaboutit.

I'm told they usually have a waiting list of 50 people to get in a practice (often limited to 60 cars). I've given up on the practices up there (but not the champ events).

I still think we ought to have a deal like cscc with 600 #'s to keep the cost more reasonable for the first time participant. You would just pay the event price & that's it. Maybe limit it to 10 -20 per champ event. That's an extra $400 to $800 bucks for the club each time. Or make it $50 for a non card holder.

Once it goes over $50 I think the avg guy figures it's too much. That's the price point I think would work.

Anyway, said this b4, there's only a couple of us who think that new blood is a good idea anyway.

Who knows, maybe a "new blood" guy will have an in to a lot we could use when the Q goes bye bye?

But that's another thread:)

Bimota Guy

01-15-2006, 07:20 AM

Anyway, said this b4, there's only a couple of us who think that new blood is a good idea anyway.
Okay, thread hijacker... ;) :D Actually all the clubs (maybe not all the individual members) and the e-board (Executive Board) members think new blood is a good idea. We are looking at advertising again, we have a Novice Chair (Ron Chapman) once again, and we removed the limit on new card sales. What we decided not to do is take the risk of lowering costs in case people do not show up. This would cause the clubs to lose money on events. And some lost on a few last year. Can't have this.

-Steve
#46 F125
2006 SDR Solo II Executive Board Chairman
SCAT Member

froggy47

01-15-2006, 02:13 PM

Okay, thread hijacker... ;) :D Actually all the clubs (maybe not all the individual members) and the e-board (Executive Board) members think new blood is a good idea. We are looking at advertising again, we have a Novice Chair (Ron Chapman) once again, and we removed the limit on new card sales. What we decided not to do is take the risk of lowering costs in case people do not show up. This would cause the clubs to lose money on events. And some lost on a few last year. Can't have this.

-Steve
#46 F125
2006 SDR Solo II Executive Board Chairman
SCAT Member

Hehe, that's the age old economic quandry, isn't it? I say lower the price of entry & you will get more new blood to spring for the $50. (or whatever it costs to get a taste of that first time run) AND some of them will get hooked by the sport & run with us for a few years.

Everyone else want's that point card money. I could be wrong, but you don't know if you don't try. The system seems to work for "the other region" where I run.

I certainly would not want any club to lose money. Also don't want to be swamped with too many newbies at every event. I guess it's a balancing act. I think we cut back too much (right around the time I started - fall 2004) and the participation started shrinking - I hope the new measures will amount to "just the right amount" of new blood.

How many new points cards did we average for 2005 season per event? Did we every sell the max and turn people away?

Bimota Guy

01-15-2006, 05:15 PM

Everyone else want's that point card money. I could be wrong, but you don't know if you don't try. The system seems to work for "the other region" where I run.

Could be they never took actions to actively discourage new blood.

I certainly would not want any club to lose money. Also don't want to be swamped with too many newbies at every event. I guess it's a balancing act. I think we cut back too much (right around the time I started - fall 2004) and the participation started shrinking - I hope the new measures will amount to "just the right amount" of new blood.

We did. I think we are hoping to get to about 200-225 on a regular basis.

How many new points cards did we average for 2005 season per event? Did we every sell the max and turn people away?
Not sure. I don't believe so since I did not hear about.

froggy47

01-15-2006, 05:36 PM

I have a good feeling about the 2006 season & "those in charge".

Now we just need to catch a "break" on a new/alternate venue.

:D

mdsd77

01-16-2006, 06:45 AM

Bimota Guy

01-16-2006, 09:16 AM

this looks like a good thing for me "a Novice" ?

am I ok in signing up for this run?.

and if I am in wg#2 what time do I drive?

sorry, if these questions are out of line, but I will get in line very soon.

I smart as Fredo said to Michael........

let me know ...Matt
If you have a 2006 Solo II card (either in your hand or were a 2005 cardholder and have renewed by mail), then you may pre-register for this practice. If not, you can come by early on Saturday and buy one. If there are vacancies you may enter. If not, see earlier post about suggestions to learn about the evetns and perhaps get a ride. And you can enter on Sunday and receive instruction (course walk and in car) from an experienced driver.

If you work #2, your drive 1, 3, and 4.

Steve W

01-17-2006, 11:17 AM

I had not realised that the practice would be restricted to points card owners. I have every intention of entering the Championship for this season, but because I wasn't a member last season there is no way to get in and get the points card on Saturday the 28th?

I want to be able to run and score points on the Sunday, am I going to be able to get both a points card and a club membership in time to run in SS (the first group out in the morning)?

I've run in LA for a year, so I'm not a novice. is there any way to get a points card and club membership before the event?

I expect my car to need pretty heavy suspension tuning, so getting into the practice would be very useful.

Thanks.

Steve

RandyC

01-17-2006, 11:31 AM

Get the shocks on the car yet Steve? :)

I can't help you with Saturday, that is up to the club in question (SCAT) and their people running the event (mainly Craig Naylor and Steve) and they have said they are limiting entry to people with cards. On the other hand, if the event does not look like it is selling out, then I am guessing that they may be more accomodating. Just my guess though.

Sunday you should have no problem getting everything taken care of. I assume your co-driver will be running also? It will help to have two people.

Show up early, like before 7:30am on Sunday. Step one will be to get the number cards for both of you. If there is a line, have one person get in it and the other start getting the car ready. Both people need to be present at registration. Step two is registration. Step three is tech inspect (after car is ready to run and has numbers on it). Step four is course walk. It will be tight, but you can do it.

Steve W

01-17-2006, 11:46 AM

I don't have the shocks on yet, but I should by the event, so as you can imagine I was counting on this practice to figure out what the hell is going on with the car :)

Yup, Lillie will also be running that weekend, so if are unable to get into the practice, we'll follow your instructions for getting straight with the cards before we run. Thanks for the info.

Steve

DelSolBurrow

01-18-2006, 11:10 PM

Hey guys whats up? My name is John, I just joined the forum and i was wondering if this practice event is full. I attened the Novice school and bought a year solo 2 card so i think that means i can pre-reg correct? It appears that it is full since i see a wait list. Do i still pre pay to be on the wait list or should i show up Sat morning with all the papper work and money?

CNaylor

01-20-2006, 02:55 PM

Do i still pre pay to be on the wait list or should i show up Sat morning with all the papper work and money?

To improve chances, and ranking on any wait list involving AutoX in So CA, I would recomend mailing.

RandyC

01-22-2006, 11:10 AM

Question. In another thread, Steve mentions that there are four groups of 20 drivers, or 80 total. In the practice list, I am not seeing a number of SCAT entrants that I would expect to see. Are there additional spots being reserved for SCAT members or are they not running?

Just curious as to how many total runs we can expect. Thanks!:)

Dan_K

01-22-2006, 01:36 PM

So, I am newb here, but I would really like to come to this practice event as my first auto-x experience. I was planning on buying a solo2 points card at the event and then register. Do I have to pre-register to get into this event? Is it possible to get a spot if I just show up at the event early and wait? Thanks.

RandyC

01-22-2006, 01:39 PM

Dan, the event, like all San Diego practice events, was open for pre-registration and is now sold out. You will not be able to register for it next Saturday. It is very unlikely you could get in on Saturday as there is a long waiting list now.

Pre-registration was not open for anyone who did not already possess a San Diego Region Solo2 card.

Dan_K

01-22-2006, 01:42 PM

Thanks Randy, Steve from SCAT just answered my questions in another post. I was about to delete this post, but damn that was a quick response.

Bimota Guy

01-22-2006, 03:20 PM

Randy, Right, the SCAT entries are not included in the 80. I would not expect more than about 12-15 SCAT drivers and driving less than everyone else, maybe 2 run groups(?)

I was about to delete this post, but damn that was a quick response.
I think Randy is never more than 60 seconds away from this and several other forums. :D

RandyC

01-22-2006, 03:34 PM

I think Randy is never more than 60 seconds away from this and several other forums. :D

I do things a little different than most. My job is working on the computer (and maintaining forums) and I use dual 21" monitors and leave about 30 windows open on the screens. I only check on various forums periodically, depending on the activity. Some forums I run I check once a day. Some every hour. It only takes seconds to check. Lately though, development work for ChaseCam has kept me away from most of the forums, except when I am eating or waiting on something. Or just need a break. :)

Thanks for the information. I hope and expect that SCAT will try to keep the run groups reasonable and fair. As you probably know, I have strong feelings from past experience about the success of work-one-group/run-the-rest practices and feel as they approach 100 entrants, they become inefficient as a driver, with longer waits between runs.

Bimota Guy

01-22-2006, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the information. I hope and expect that SCAT will try to keep the run groups reasonable and fair. As you probably know, I have strong feelings from past experience about the success of work-one-group/run-the-rest practices and feel as they approach 100 entrants, they become inefficient as a driver, with longer waits between runs.
Notice my signature says "...(SCAT) Member", not "SCAT Pres." or any other officer position. Nor am I the event chair for Jan 28/29. I am, however,...

RandyC

01-22-2006, 04:03 PM

And that is why my post asking the question was not to you, but to *someone* from SCAT (as was my second reply). I hope someone that has some pull with the event is reading. :)

Bimota Guy

01-22-2006, 06:22 PM

And that is why my post asking the question was not to you, but to *someone* from SCAT (as was my second reply). I hope someone that has some pull with the event is reading. :)
BTW, what I posted is essentially the explanation I got at the club's meeting last week.

CNaylor

01-23-2006, 11:18 AM

Randy, Right, the SCAT entries are not included in the 80. I would not expect more than about 12-15 SCAT drivers and driving less than everyone else, maybe 2 run groups(?) :D

Randy as you (or someone) posted receintly, SCAT is down on member numbers at this time. As Steve said above, we currently have 13 driving members confirmed to assist with Sat event. (unfortunatly for us event management wise, several members will be involved the Road Racing event in Fontana the same weekend.) After you subtract out the members staffing in: event management, registration, tech, we might impact the morning run groups to the tune of a car or two.

Most clubs of late have run 100 entry practices. (SCNAX Feb event last year was 120+) We cut it to 80, figured we would add a few, and still come out a little less than what most others run.

Philc

01-30-2006, 05:48 AM

all-
here is a crappy GPS data collection output of saturdays run.

The GPS unit I used is a garmin forerunner 201- its designed for 5-10mph, so the resolution and sampling rate isn't that good. I wish the car could turn on a dime as the output indicated.

this run was from the starting line through the track and back to grid.

The background image used was USGS background aerial photo. I know there are better, but the free mapping service I use doesn't have USGS high-res color.