a repeat im sure but a good one. the step by step instructions to start being a racer

[racer05]

I am a newb. I will be starting this year. I still am not sure of the step by step procedure to get the car rolling on the track. I have looked at the car class definitions and still am not positive, if you mess up in running in your class who is in charge of correcting the mistake? is their somebody that has gone through the inauguration before that can spell it out in simple terms. ie step 1, step 2 etc. as far as I can tell my car would be in the CSP class. it is 2001 audi 1.8L TT quattro. mods are CAI, Speed chip, Bigger Intercooler, OCC. running on street tires. Do I go to the SCCA web site and sign up there or do i go through the local chapter? When you get your card do the secret parking spaces at the mall show up? Thanks to all of you that have input. Paul
645

[nalbar]

Hi Paul.

First step is to show up at an event. I know that sounds silly, but you cannot start until........you start. You would be surprised at how many want to start, but never actually show up.

In order to run in our events you must be a member of both the SCCA, and our local region. We sell day passes to both, and because both day passes are good for a credit if you come back, we recommend you purchase them, instead of annual memberships. This is because autocross, or all racing for that matter, is not for everyone, and you may not like it. Better to be sure before you invest in memberships you may not use. Plus, if you only come out 3-4 times a year, day passes are a cheaper alternative than full annual memberships. When I say 'local region' what I mean is the number that goes on your car. In our region, you purchase that number. That way you have the same number every time you run, this allows you to buy magnetic numbers. A number costs 25, and runs for a calendar year, and is 10 dollars to renew in subsequent years. We call this a 'Solo Card'. A day pass for this is 5.00.

So to cut to the chase, show up with a car (make sure to clean all loose items out before you come), your wallet, and we will get you in. We WANT you to run. We will do all we can so you can run.

[racer05]

very cool thanks for the tips and advice, ill see you guys next year.

[nalbar]

Your car will also need to pass a 'tech' inspection. They are no big deal. They make sure your battery is secure, that you have no loose items that could slide around, and that you have all lug nuts and they are tight. People very rarely fail tech. #1 reason would be for a loose battery or loose items in trunk, both of which are easy fixes. They also make sure your helmet is up to SCCA standards (no worries, we have free loaners).

Getting used to the routine is your first step. My table, then registration, the tech, then your run group. The good news is people are always around to help you. We WANT you to run, we WANT you to have fun, we WANT you to go fast. We WANT you to come back.

A first event can be intimidating, particularly when you are not with friends that have done it. Everyone knows where to go, what to do, how to act. But they also had a first time (it is true that some of them have forgotten that they were noobs once also). Just remember, we cannot help if you do not let us know you need help. We do not know you want an instructor, if you do not ask for one. We look busy, but we WILL help.

Ask me for one, and I will grab someone and make them your mentor (whether they want to or not), and they will walk you through the whole process.

What time to show up? Depends on when you want to run. Our events are divided up into morning and afternoon sessions. Want to leave by noon, be there by 7:30, want to run afternoon, show up by 10:00. More than likely you will be running Novice, that allows you to run any run group, although afternoon, or late morning is best, because more instructors are available (they cannot instruct until they do their champ runs).
Which event to come to, a champ or a practice? You get more seat time at a practice, no restrictions on passengers or instruction. They are more expensive, but cheaper per run. But tougher to get into. They are preregistration only, by mail, with a entry limitation. Best to get you entry mailed as soon as the flyer goes up. Sign up for email notification of events here;
http://www.sdr-scca.com/mail/?p=subscribe
As soon as a flyer is posted you will be notified. If you go here; http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/ and look to the left, you will see a list of buttons. One says 'schedule', click it and you will see a list of our events, as flyers are posted, the date will light up. Click on a lite date and you will be able to down load the flyer.
Champs are different, you only get three or four runs, hit cones are counted (they are not at practices), and are much more serious that a practice. Many feel they only 'true' autocross is a champ, because you only have a few runs to get it done. I still recommend a practice as a first event, because you get more runs, and they are more relaxed. But do NOT hesitate to enter a champ your first event. My first event was a champ.

Any other questions feel free to ask.


nalbar

[gt350ed]

And two last things....
One, don't approach Warren's (Nalbar) table before he's had his morning coffee.
And, two, don't approach Warren's table AFTER he's had his morning coffee.

Any other time is OK. :banana:

[Nukesforbreakfast]

Be sure to poke the bear. And by bear I mean Warren. Poking the bear is fun. :cool:

[nalbar]

What happens when you poke the bear (watch in full screen, please);

NSFW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcQLuYhhouY&feature=youtube_gdata_player



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5k9scSmdhk&feature=youtube_gdata_player



nalbar

[Frank S]

Wawobw.

[racer05]

thank you to all the people that took the time to answer the question. i will see you out there soon. :)

[itrbruce]

What happens when you poke the bear (watch in full screen, please);

NSFW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcQLuYhhouY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5k9scSmdhk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

nalbar
But Warren is more like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGeSdjdBvJw
If he tries to hug you, just say "no thanks" :poke: :rotflmao: