SoloII at DIA this Saturday

[David]

I've decided im going give it a go and try Autocross. Is anybody else going to this, or anybody else want to try it out? (I dont really want to be the only noob :D )

Heres the link to the schedule (http://www.rmsolo.org/schedule.html)

Anything I should know or bring before I go there, I know helmet but what else?

[STIBungy]

Good luck with that. Maybe I'll come check it out. My shoulder was starting to heal up nicely but I hurt it again working on the car so I wont be able to do any tight turn driving/racing for a while.

[Weston-work]

Being that you are under 18, make sure that you have a minor waiver signed by both parents. Once it's on file with them, you don't have to worry about it again. If you don't have it, you are SOL unless you come with both of your parents.

Do you have a car number reserved in your class? You need to figure out what class your car is in, pick a number that is available in that class, and then request it. Once you get the confirmation e-mail for your number, you can use it to pre-register for the event. Pre-registration will end Thursday, 5/20, at 10 AM. If you miss that deadline, you are SOL.


I'll be out there. I'm registered, but I'm not sure if I'll be racing or not... I've decided that I'm not even going to bother unless I'm able to get a decent amount of sleep the night before; for a while now, I've been going out there all sleep deprived and just embarrassing myself, so there's not really any point in that. But either way, I'll be there since I have plans with some of those people afterwards.

[David]

where can I get a parent waiver form? Is it one of those "race day only" things?

[chrisbarnett01]

Too many people autox now, it is horrible.

Just my opinion.

Though I did race at the last winter series event. No power steering, race tires, and 11 second acceleration. Bad stuff. I stopped racing autox competively over 2 years ago, and tried it once again to see if it had gotten any better, and to check out the DIA course. My observations? Autoxing is worse than ever before(anyone remember back when only 60 people would show up to an event!?!?), and the DIA lot blows. For small low hp cars, its great. For big power cars without PS, it really sucks.

Also didn't feel too safe, poles are everywhere.

[David]

I got the minor form e-mailed to me :cool: so I will be there Saturday at 8:00 as long as I can get it signed

[Weston]

Try to get there before 8am... You'll want time to walk the course, and you shouldn't cut it so close to the registration deadline.

In case I'm not there that early, here's what you need to do:

There will be people standing at the enterance with the liability waivers for everyone to sign. I assume you'll give them your minor waiver and they will give you a SCCA wrist-thingy to wear.

Park your car and unload your spare tire, driver's side floor mat, and anything else that you don't want in the car while you run. You are required to remove the driver's side floor mat and anything loose in the car, but you are also allowed to remove the spare tire, jack, and tools, so you might as well save some weight. Also put your car numbers on.

Make sure you get to the registration table and register by 8am. This is where you pay for the event. They'll need to know your car class and number, and see your driver's license. There will usually be a list of heats taped to that table; find out what heat your class is in.

Pick up a course map from the registration table and walk the course a few times. You should hear an announcement for a novice or rookie walk... get in on that and try to stay near the front so you can hear what the guy is saying.

Then there will be the driver's meeting. They will explain a few things, one of which is the work assignments. They generally have you work 2 heats after the heat that you run, but they will tell you for sure. They will also point you to the Chief of Workers. You'll need to see him and get a work assignment before the heat that you are supposed to work. The work assignments are pretty simple; usually just chasing cones. Just let him know this is your first time, so he doesn't stick you in grid or something.

When it gets close to the start of the heat that you are working, be ready to go to your work assignment. They need to get the worker change-overs done quickly.

At the beginning of the heat before the heat that you are supposed to run, you will need to move your car to grid. You will have an assigned grid spot, which will be posted. Be aware that there are two grids... one for the heat that's currently running, and one for the next heat (that's you). When you get in your spot, open your hood and trunk, and stay by the car until the tech inspectors are done with your car. It may take them a while to get to you, but they will get to everyone who is in the grid and has their hood up, so just hang out and wait for them. You'll need to have your number and class on your car by this time, and you'll have plenty of time before the next heat to get your car ready to run. The tech people will do a basic safety check... they'll make sure the battery is held down, check for fluid leaks, check the pedals, shake the wheels (checking for loose lug nuts and bad wheel bearings), and make sure nothing is loose inside the car. They'll also check your helmet if you have one. It needs to be Snell rated, but I don't remember if it needs it be at least 90 or 95.

When it's the heat that you are running in, you'll see the grid workers come by and tell people when to move to the start of the course (there will be a line of about 5 cars there). Don't go unless they tell you to, but go ahead and start your car when you see them releasing cars near you. When you get to the start line, the person working there will signal you where to pull up to, then tell you when to go. After you are done running, return to your grid location. If it was your last run, pick up anything you left in grid and go park your car. After each run, your time should be displayed on a sign near the course exit, and they may announce it (usually also on 88.1 FM, iirc), but they should also write it on the board by the registration table or truck.

[David]

thanks weston

when do you think you will get there so I can bug ya for some advice :D

[Weston-work]

I'm still not sure what time I'm going to get there, but I'll try to get there before your class runs. Are you still going to go? Registration is closed and I don't see you on the list...

[David]

aww crap I thought it ended tonight :(

I was still debating going to this or graduation, guess Im going to graduation and ill catch the next AutoX :(

[Weston-work]

Next time just pre-register well in advance. There's really no commitment, and you don't pay until you get there.