The Top Items To Remember On Event Day
Here are a few basic rules to follow to ensure a smooth flowing event:
- Please listen to announcements from the trailer regarding worker check-in. You will be asked to check in for your worker assignment with approximately 15-20 cars left from the current heat that is running. You will be asked to safely make your way around the perimeter of the course to your corner station while the heat is running. This is called a “Hot Swap”. We understand that some heats cannot check-in immediately for their worker assignment because they are on course. When you're finished with your last run please report to the Worker Chief(s) ASAP. If you have time during your heat please check-in before your next run.
- Please schedule your lunch run in advance. Do not leave for lunch in the middle of a heat, especially if you are working or running the next heat. Try and schedule your lunch break in advance and leave for lunch at the BEGINNING of a heat.
- Double-check the entry list to make sure that you are entered properly in the right class with the right number.
- Before you make your run, double-check to make sure you have the proper magnetic numbers, letters (correct size) on your car, especially if you are a 2-driver car (remember to swap out the numbers between each other’s runs).
- Talk to the starter. The starter needs to confirm with you the class/number being displayed on your car for proper computer entry for your run.
- Grid your car one heat in advance, if possible, and stay with your car while in grid at all times to ensure you don’t miss your turn or hold up the event. Please do not grid your car and leave the grid area and be aware at all times of where the grid marshal is while he/she are sending cars so you won’t be left behind when it’s your turn to run.
- Each corner station has extra cones to replace those that are nabbed by cars that run them over. Always have them handy. If a car gets out of control and takes out an entire wall, run to fix that wall with the extra cones. This is much quicker than running after the flying cones and putting them back in place. Some cones get punted into a grassy area and the next car might need to be red-flagged while a corner worker finishes setting up the downed cones. This can be avoided by always having extra cones near you. Recognize when to use them!
- DO NOT RUN OUT IN FRONT OF AN ONCOMING CAR ON COURSE.
- WHEN RED FLAGGING A CAR, GET CLOSE TO THE SIDE OF THE COURSE, BUT AGAIN … DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF AN ONCOMING CAR!
- Be sure the radio stays at the worker station with the flag. One worker holds BOTH the radio and the flag at ALL times. Satellite workers should not have a flag or the radio.
- Pay attention to the Grid Marshall. The Grid Marshall will be wearing the orange vest. Don't get too caught up socializing in grid. Again, stay with or very near your car. Make note where the Grid Marshall is and when he is at least 5 cars away from your car, get in, buckle up, and get ready to roll. You CAN be skipped if you are not ready to go. Grid Marshalls do not wait for someone to get ready. If they are not ready to go, go to the next car and come back to the car that is not ready. It is better to have too many cars in line at the start than none at all.
- Be Aware At All Times. This is an event of many sounds, noises, music to our ears. Please pay special attention to all announcements and squealing tires (you never know if they're
squealing to avoid smacking into you!).
General Event Information
| All times are
Approximate |
|
| Registration & Tech |
7:30AM-9:00AM |
MANDATORY
Drivers Meeting |
9:30AM |
| First Runs Start |
10:00AM |
| Trophies at conclusion of runs |
4:30 PM |
PRE-PREP - Before leaving home
Clean your car out thoroughly, this includes glove boxes and pockets.
Your car will need to pass a TECH (Safety) inspection before you are allowed
to compete. Your battery must be properly secured (not sliding around in its
tray), all tires must have a measurable amount of tread (no cord showing)
and the car can not be leaking fluids.
If you have a Helmet bring if it is a SNELL SA95 or M95 or better rating.
If you don't have a helmet, don't worry, a few loaners are available.
You will be in the sun/rain for the full day, so come prepared for it.
Comfortable clothes and covered shoes are a must.
Food is usually available near the sites we frequent,
however you will probably want to pack a lunch and plenty of water.
Highly suggested items include
-
Lunch (of your choice)
-
Water and other liquids (No Alcohol! This includes spectators.)
-
Sunscreen
-
Sunglasses
-
Hat (of your choice)
-
Umbrella (good for sun as well as rain)
-
Tire pressure gage
A DAY WITH THE SCCA
A suggested arrival time is between 7:30 and 8:30. The course is normally ready to walk
between 8:30 and 9:00.
REGISTRATION
Find the Registration table near the timing trailer. Let them know this is your first time
out, and they will help you through the waivers and worker assignments. Remember to wear and display
the arm band they provide. If you need to make any class or number changes this is the time to do it.
Don't just change your number or class without telling the registration people. That can hold
up the event if you make a change and not tell anyone.
IN THE PITS
Once in your pit space you need to prepared the car for inspection. Floor mats, hub caps and all loose items must be removed.
Be prepared to store your items from wind and rain. Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
Ask them any questions you have. People really do help each other at autocrosses.
TECH INSPECTION
After you have checked in at registration
locate the Tech Inspection area. This is normally a number
of cars in line and it is fairly apparent as to where this is located.
If not ask around the pits and someone should be able to point it out.
Put your car in line and wait for the Tech Inspector to check your car
(and helmet if you have one). Remember that you normally run tire pressures
higher than you do on the street. Ask the tech inspector for a starting
pressure for your car. If you see someone else at the event with the same type
of car ask them what pressures they run. Most people will tell you. Remember to have your car numbers and class
on the car before you go to tech. The numbers and class should be visible
from a good distance and of contrasting color. Don't use duct tape. Blue
painters trim tape works well and generally does not leave adhesive on the paint.
COURSE WALKS
For the first timer it can appear to be a "sea of cones". As you walk,
put yourself in your car and visualize what it would look like from behind
the wheel. When walking the course, watch others and ask lots
of questions from those around you. Most will tell you their ideas or will tell you
they don't know. You don't have to know where every cone is. Just a few of the
key important cones. These are the ones in the center of a corner or the entrance and
exit of a corner. Remember the number of paces between cones in a slalom.
This will help you judge speed from event to event. A 19 pace slalom is tight and hard to drive
for large cars. Something that is 24 paces or more is quicker and easier.
Generally a tighter line is the fastest way around a corner.
NOVICE WALK THROUGH
For the first timer, A MUST. Listen for the announcement for Novis Walk Thru.
Gather at the start line when they announce it. The walk Thru is normally
given by a National Champion or National Trophy winner. Listen carefully
to what these folks have to say. Number one suggestion for the Novice walk
through; Try and walk near the front. This makes it easier to hear and see
what they are talking about.
DRIVER'S MEETING
The mandatory Driver's Meeting is scheduled for 9:30, this is required! They will make specific information event announcements. Such as where
Grid is located, all safety announcements, identify key personnel, and any changes to the
planned event operations.
RUN/WORK GROUPS
The event is broken into heats. Usually four to five depending on the number
of entrants for the day. You are required to work one heat the exception is in
the case of you working Registration, Tech. or course design or setup.
An example of a run work designation would be. Your class is assigned to Run 2nd/Work 4th.
This means you will drive in the second heat and work during the fourth heat.
