First Timer on Sunday?

[JeffBloch]

Hi,
I am excited to get into this sport, but I only just now noticed that the first event is this weekend. I have several questions, if there is a guide or someone specific I should contact rather than posting here please let me know.

The Saturday practice is full, but the Sunday Championship is open (no limit). Is that correct? Would Sunday's event be an appropriate event for a first timer, or should I wait until February's practice event?

Are full SCCA memberships available on-site or only the weekend passes? Is it too late for me to file for a full membership before the event and where would I do that?

Is it possible for someone to loan me a helmet for the event? Also, I'd really appreciate if someone wouldn't mind guiding me around during the day to make sure I'm as helpful as I can be and get the most out of the event. Will there be Novice instructors there?

I know that's a lot to ask on short notice, but thanks in advance for any help.

-Jeff

PS: I'll be running a 2001 Miata

[Andrew]

Read this: http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/faq/

Quick answers:
* Come to the Sunday championship event.
* Memberships are available on-site. Ask for Warren at registration.
* Loaner helmets are available at the timing trailer. Get one when your run group starts (leave your driver's license at the timing trailer as collateral). Return it at the end of your run group (don't forget to get your license back).
* While you're getting your helmet, ask someone in the trailer you want an instructor to ride along with you. Tell them your car number so they can point the instructor to your car.

[woodrufj]

Figure out your class now, that'll make Sunday easier, plus you'll know when you run. Post your equipment (mods, tires, wheels, etc) here and someone will jump at it.

Most people start AutoXing at Championships. Most regions aren't even priviliged enough to have practices at all.

You'll probably get all the info you need here before Sunday.

Jay W

[froggy47]

My suggestion to most folks that are brand new to the sport is to run X class & don't worry about your "rule book" class. You get to pick the time of day you run and there is zero pressure to try and beat anyone in a specified class.

There is plenty of other stuff to figure out when you first start without adding class considerations to the mix.

Run later in the day & then hang around for fun runs (Usually a couple of bucks a run).

Welcome.

:shift:

[JeffBloch]

Thanks for the help everyone.

My car is a stock 2001 Miata w/ Yoko S.Drives (street tires) on the OEM wheels (16x6.5) So that would put me in CS, right?

froggy47, are you saying I don't have to run in the morning with the rest of CS? I would like to get in some fun runs, but it seems like there would be a lot of down time between the morning runs and then.

[Andrew]

Thanks for the help everyone.

My car is a stock 2001 Miata w/ Yoko S.Drives (street tires) on the OEM wheels (16x6.5) So that would put me in CS, right?

froggy47, are you saying I don't have to run in the morning with the rest of CS? I would like to get in some fun runs, but it seems like there would be a lot of down time between the morning runs and then.

CS or one of the SK classes (stock on "street" tires, essentially). But I like froggy's suggestion. Register as X class, then you can choose your run group. If you choose a later run group, you're more likely to get an instructor, too, since they have to run in class before they can instruct.

[-W-]

Your car is best classed as CS SK2 (street tired CS). I would also encourage you to take the advice of others and just run X class in an afternoon run group with an instructor in the car. Also, you can show up Saturday and take some rides to get a preview of what it will be like Sunday. If you show up on Saturday, take the opportunity to ask questons and just get comfortable with how an event is run and what the people are like.

Welcome to the region.

[itrbruce]

Sign up in whatever your class is AND check the NOVICE box on your registration card. Last I heard, novices can run in any group they want regardless of base class. That way, instead of comparing yourself to other X-class drivers with lots of experience and who have probably already driven the course in their class runs, you get to compare yourself (or compete with) other beginners. And novices, like X-runs, can have instructors ride with you AND if deemed necessary take a drive in your car that won't count as one of your runs.

Like others said, don't run first group and preferably run in the afternoon so you can get an instructor.

Have fun,
Bruce