Newbie with questions about clubs, races, and events

[Killdozer]

I'm really considering joining SCCA and participating in the San Diego SOLO2 events, but I have a few questions.

When I join the SCCA, is there another application process for SOLO2 or San Diego SOLO2?

With SOLO2 in San Diego, do I have to join a club? Are there regular social gatherings?

Besides events at Qualcomm, what other venues are there? They don't have to be affiliated with SD SOLO2 but you know, just a place to race during the weekend when there's nothing going on at the Q.

How often does my car have to be inspected and are there only certain days that inspections are done?

When mods are done to my car, do I have to provide a list of parts or receipts or do I just have to point them out to the inspector?

In the time between now and joining SCCA, can I participate in the races at the Q as a total n00b without club membership?

I'll probably be hitting a lot of cones, do they kill my paint or are they something that a little buff will take out?

When I go as a total noob, are there people willing to take me around the course in my car to get an idea of what I'm getting myself into and later on can I have a co-driver?


If I can think of anymore, I’ll let you know
:o

[cshodges]

When I join the SCCA, is there another application process for SOLO2 or San Diego SOLO2?
Just join the SCCA as a member of the San Diego Region. You can join SCCA at one of our events, we usually have SCCA registration forms.

With SOLO2 in San Diego, do I have to join a club? Are there regular social gatherings?
No. You do have to get an SDR number card. This is your car number for the year. You only have to join a club to compete for the year-long points championship. Different clubs have different social aspects to them. I would recommend coming to several events and getting to know people before deciding which club you fit into.

Besides events at Qualcomm, what other venues are there? They don't have to be affiliated with SD SOLO2 but you know, just a place to race during the weekend when there's nothing going on at the Q.
Qualcomm is pretty much the only venue in SD. There are other clubs (Porsche, Miata, Corvette, BMW, etc) that run their own events at the Q. There's also CalClub, the LA region of SCCA (www.solo2.com (http://www.solo2.com)).

How often does my car have to be inspected and are there only certain days that inspections are done?
Your car has to go through tech at every event prior to running.

When mods are done to my car, do I have to provide a list of parts or receipts or do I just have to point them out to the inspector?
The tech inspection is only concerned with the car being in safe running condition (tires, steering, battery not loose, no loose junk in the back seat, etc.) Mods to your car affect what classes you can run in, and it's up to you to figure that out, though we can help if you list what you've done. The rulebook is available at the SCCA website in pdf form.

In the time between now and joining SCCA, can I participate in the races at the Q as a total n00b without club membership?
Joining SCCA and joining a local club are two different things. The only thing you need to play with us is an SDR number card. If you plan to do this often, get the SCCA membership -- because SCCA members get a discount. (The number card is $20 instead of $30 for the first year, renewals are $10 for everyone. Events are $25 for SCCA members, $35 for non-members, and if you get addicted, you'll be signing up for X runs at many events for an extra set of runs, which doubles your cost... $50 instead of $70.)

I'll probably be hitting a lot of cones, do they kill my paint or are they something that a little buff will take out?
Some people use blue painters tape to tape off sections of the car that are difficult to clean or hit cones often. The cones have a lot of black rubber on them from being run over, and so they leave black streaks on your car. I can usually get them off with a bug sponge, car soap, and a little elbow grease. A little polishing compound for the difficult spots, sometimes.

When I go as a total noob, are there people willing to take me around the course in my car to get an idea of what I'm getting myself into and later on can I have a co-driver?
Sign up as a novice and request an Instructor. Someone experienced will ride with you and help you navigate the course. They can also take you for a spin in your car. After 3 events, you'll move to the normal classes, and you're not allowed to have a ride-along during your class timed runs, but you can sign up for X runs and grab an instructor for those for additional help. Riders are only allowed for X runs and fun runs (fun runs occur at the end of the day, time permitting).

If I can think of anymore, I’ll let you know
Fire away! :cool:

[Killdozer]

Awesome. Thanks for the info.

[frosty]

Come out Saturday, ask for Warren.


nalbar

Look for the guy with the White Matrix, #75 with smoking tires. :D

[Killdozer]

Can't come out this Saturday, I'm still not good enough after my back surgery. I'm resting at my permanent residence in Orange County and a short drive to the pharmacy gets pretty unbearable. By May I should be back down in SD and I’ll try to stop by on the next event.

[cshodges]

May 7, then June 3-4 are the next two events on the schedule.