Potential novice

[AnthonyT]

I've been thinking about trying autocross for a while now and after watching the BMW's tear around Qualcomm last weekend I feel like it's time to make it happen. I have some questions I hope you guys can help with.

Would the 4/24 event be a good place to start? If so, should I enter both days? And do I need to register in advance?

I drive an RX-8, no modifications. Would I be grouped with similar cars or is there a special novice group? Do I need to buy a helmet?

[chapmanr]

The event on 4/24 is a practice day, which you should preregister for. Here's the flier with info:

http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/schedule/2010/flyer-2010-04-24.pdf

4/25 is a championship event, which means that you don't need to preregister.

The first step at your first event is to look up Warren Leach, who will set you up with a solo card and SCCA membership.

There is a novice class, in which everyone's best time is adjusted by an index so dissimilar cars can compete fairly.

We do have novice instructors- ask for one at the trailer. Its a lot easier to get an instructor on a practice day, because if its a championship day instructors aren't allowed to ride along until they've had their class runs.

We are having a school on June 5. The flier for that will be out in a couple of weeks.

[Dov]

Would the 4/24 event be a good place to start? If so, should I enter both days? And do I need to register in advance?

Yes, practice events are more relaxed and you get more runs. It will be much easier to find people to take you for rides and ride with you. But you have to pre-register (http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/schedule/2010/flyer-2010-04-24.pdf) for that event. Warren will take care of your SCCA membership and region card when you show up to the event. That's probably the best place to start.

The championship event the next day does not require preregistration but keep in mind you will only get 4 runs unless you pay for "X-runs" which require and additional entry fee.



I drive an RX-8, no modifications. Would I be grouped with similar cars or is there a special novice group? Do I need to buy a helmet?

Novices can run whenever they choose at championship events. You will likely be grouped in with SK1 because I'm assuming your car is on street tires. The cars there should have similar potential to yours.

There is no need to buy a helmet there are loaners available. But they get used by a lot of people on hot days so if you decide to stick with the sport you'll want to get your own. If you buy one make sure it is SA2000, SA2005, M2000 or M2005 rated. Although M1995 and SA1995 are still acceptable they wont be next year when the new SA2010 standard comes out. I'd recommend as SA helmet since the are car helmets rather than motorcycle they are better suited for roll overs and car fires.C2 Motorsports (http://www.c2racers.com) is a good place to get them locally.

[AnthonyT]

Thanks for the fast answers! I've printed the registration form and will send it off today.

One more question: do I need to bring something to put the numbers on my car or is that provided?

I'm excited, although a bit intimidated by the driving skill I saw on Saturday but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. Talk of rollovers and fires isn't helping though! :)

[woodrufj]

You'll need numbers both days. Think out how you're going to put them on your car. Last minute tape jobs usually look like crap and are the biggest thing people get yelled at for. There are some paper number availble for a little cost, but don't think four 1in strips of tape are going to hold them down.

Warren should be there this saturday morning too. So you can go down there an buy your annual run card (perminate number) if you want to get it out of the way (you'll still need to by the weekend SCCA day of). Then you'll know your number and can make/apply them in advance.

You can also get a free passenger weekend SCCA membership this Saturday and take any shot gun rides you want (driving willing of course).

Jay W


One more question: do I need to bring something to put the numbers on my car or is that provided?

I'm excited, although a bit intimidated by the driving skill I saw on Saturday but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. Talk of rollovers and fires isn't helping though! :)

[nalbar]

Anthony,

You have done the most important thing you can to get started;

You entered an event.

Get there as early as you can and seek me out (I am that 'Warren' guy they are talking about). I will be out at my table around 7. Just get to registration and shout 'Warren!' and you will find me.

We have paper numbers available. We have loaner helmets. All you need is your wallet and a car. You will need to purchase weekend passes to both the SCCA and our Region (Solo pass) to run. The SCCA is 15, the Solo is 5. Both are good for credits if you later use them to join full time (SCCA must be redeemed within 60 days, solo before the end of the year). Both are good for Sat AND Sun. So you must bring an extra 20 (besides the entry fee).

Other than that, just show up. I will set you up. If I am busy I will find you a mentor so you don't feel lost.


nalbar (Warren)

PS,

When there are to many cooks the food almost always gets over salted, because every freaking one of them wants to be sure some gets added.

[AnthonyT]

Thanks again for all the help. The entry form is in the mail and I'm going to try to make it down tomorrow to take care of the SCCA registration in advance.

[kartdriver]

Anthony,

You will be sending the pre-reg form to me. As the event chairman for April 24, 25 weekend, I assure you will have a great time with the RX8.
Looking forward to helping you in any way I can.:clap:

Scott Lewis

[Leonard Cachola]

Novices can run whenever they choose at championship events. You will likely be grouped in with SK1 because I'm assuming your car is on street tires.

He's driving an RX-8, which, in stock form, is in C-Stock now, not B-Stock. So, he'd be in SK2, not SK1.

[kartdriver]

Yup... SK2 :wallbash: