Frequently Asked Questions - Autocross
What is an autocross event?
Autocross/Solo II events are low to medium speed auto driving events; they are often run on parking lots and airport runways, although street events and events at go kart tracks sometimes take place. Generally a course will be defined using traffic cones. One driver at a time negotiates a course laid out with the cones, or pylons, testing their skill against the clock. Time penalties are charged for disturbing cones, and the penalty is 2 seconds per cone. A driver is awarded the best time of all runs taken.
Are there other names for Autocross?
Solo II is the term the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) uses to refer to SCCA-sanctioned autocross events.
Gymkhana was the term used in much of the USA during the sixties. Now the term "gymkhana" as used in the USA usually connotes a gimmick event wherein drivers have to do odd things.
Autoslalom is the term used in Canada.
Who autocrosses?
Most autocrossers are driving enthusiasts who enjoy motorsports competition. In fact, a large percentage of participants do not even own a "racecar"! They participate in the car they drive on the street. Some autocrossers are serious road race drivers who want to practice technique. Most are like you and me: laypeople with an itch for speed!
Why autocross?
Autocross is an inexpensive, safe way to experience performance driving. It helps you discover your car's capabilities and limitations, making you a better, safer driver on the road. And it develops your own driving ability. Many would-be race drivers use it as a jump point into the sport of road racing. But probably the greatest thrill of autocross is the challenge of beating your own time. It's fun!
How much does it cost?
The cost per event is $40. The entry fees cover the cost of renting a parking lot, purchasing insurance, the timing and scoring equipment, course markers, flags, fire extinguishers, end of year awards, etc.
How do I join in the fun?
It costs almost nothing to start autocrossing, and since other cars are not on the course with you, there is almost no risk of damage to your car. To get started, just go to your first event. Ask questions, and if you brought your car with you, you might even be able to register and experience autocrossing right then and there! Also, participation in three autocross events qualifies you to drive in a Potomac Region Drivers Education event at the track.
Junior Participation Program
In the Fall of 2001, PCA National set forth a program that would allow 16 and 17 year olds to participate in Autocross and Rally Driving events. The program is open to fully licensed (unrestricted by the State of residence) 16 or 17 year old sons and daughters of active (paid up) PCA members. It is not open to step children, brothers and sisters, nieces or nephews, or other 16/17 year old minors. It is not open to sons and daughters with learner's permits. The PCA member parent must be present at the event site at all times the minor is present and vehicles are in motion. At registration, the PCA member parent must present one waiver form signed AND witnessed by BOTH parents and one signed and witnessed by the minor. The waivers must specifically list the particular event being entered, however parents may separately list multiple events on a single waiver. For additional information and required forms, click here.
Can I watch for free? Can I bring a friend?
Autocrosses do not typically charge for spectators. Just go. You and your guests will be asked to sign an insurance waiver.
What kind of car do I need?
Any Porsche will do, as long as it passes the tech inspection. We also allow non-Porsches to participate, however, the will be grouped together in a separate "Guest" class.
What are some guidelines of etiquette that I should follow?
Guidelines of Etiquette for Autocrossers (Or, Emily Post in a Porsche)
Autocross Dos:
Do your work assignment.
When you participate in an autocross, you are expected to be at your work post on time, and to perform your duties in full. Half-hearted efforts don't cut it. In fact, why not plan on volunteering for a major job at least once a year? Ask an organizer what jobs they need help with. Click here for a link to more detailed courseworker information.
Show up on time.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare your car, register, tech, and grid. No one likes it when latecomers rush up to the table and expect everyone to drop everything to help them. Being on time to the starting line is equally important; stay with your car while in the grid and be ready to go when the starter says GO!
Be nice to newcomers.
Offer advice or assistance. Lend one your pressure gauge. Make them feel welcome. Talk to them regardless of what they drive. A sociable attitude around novice drivers (no matter how good they think they are) goes a long way to better the sport and your future competition.
Share your tools.
Helping your fellow competitor in the spirit of good sportsmanship will give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Why not take it a step further: lend your car to someone whose ride has broken down!
Respect others' pit locations.
Stuff lying around in a parking space generally means someone is pitting there. Find an empty spot. Don't use 3 spaces when 2 will do. Finally, pick up your trash when you leave.
Be honest.
If a course worker misses one of your downed cones, own up to it.
Be a good winner/loser.
Autocross Don'ts:
Don't bother a driver who's about to take a run. You will ruin his/her concentration.
A driver waiting in the grid won't appreciate it if you run up and ask him questions just before his run. Doing so breaks a driver's concentration, and generally results in mistakes on the course. So when you see drivers in the grid, helmet on, strapped in, don't bother them. If you must communicate, give the thumbs up sign.
Don't speed in the pits or site entry road.
Don't do burnouts before the starting line, don't do donuts in the parking lot, don't squirrel through the grid area. Unsafe practices like these put everyone at risk. Speeding or racing to and from events puts us all at greater risk of getting a speeding ticket, too! The cops know where we hold these things, after all! We don't need a bad reputation.
Don't be stubborn.
Be open to suggestions and don't think for a moment that you know everything. That kind of attitude is non-productive and usually painfully obvious.
Don't make fun of someone else's car.
Just because you hit a cone or two, don't get careless and plow down ten more. Somebody's got to right all those, you know! It slows things down, too.
Don't yell at officials or course workers.
They're volunteers you know. They don't need to take your crap. Cool down and come back when you can speak in a reasonable fashion.
Don't cross banner lines.
You know where you are and aren't allowed to go. That's what that tape and/or cone barriers are there for!
What do I need to bring?
If your car is stock, and you intend to race it on your street tires, all you really need is your car, a helmet, a tire pressure gage, and your entry fee. (Loaner helmets are usually available, and you can probably borrow a guage.) Be prepared for the weather and dress properly. Remember to bring plenty of water to remain hydrated and don't forget the sun block! Depending on your involvement in the sport, your needs will vary.
What kind of helmet do I need?
We require any helmet with a Snell 2005 or 2000 SA (Special Applications) sticker. The helmet can be full face, open face, or open with a chin guard. Whereas SA helmets are required for full track events, SA or M (Motorcycle) Snell helmet classifications are acceptable for autocrosses. The helmet is supposed to be rated for multiple impacts and also should have a fireproof liner.
Pay special attention to fit. The helmet should not be so tight it brings on headache, but it should not rattle, either. Put it on and shake your head. Your skin should travel with the helmet. The idea is that your head does not get a running start before hitting the padding.
Do note that we do provide a number of FREE LOANER HELMETS at our events, for those folks that haven't commited to purchasing a helmet of their own. Also, some vendors, such as OG Racing, have a helmet rental program where the rental cost can later be applied towards purchase of a helmet.
Who will I be competing against?
Your car will be grouped in a class of comparably equipped cars to make for relatively fair competition. If you are a novice, an instructor will be made available to you. He/she can help you learn the course and ride with you on your runs. As you progress, you can be cleared to go solo.
What are the different classes of competition?
Model Classification - The class structure is adapted from the 2010 Porsche Parade Competition Rules (PCR) Section A-9.2, Recommendations for PCA Regions Running 40-80 Entrants per Event.
See the Potomac Region Autocross Rules for the details of the classes of competition.
How should I prepare my car for an event?
Your car should be well maintained at the very least. Keep up with oil/fluid changes, brake inspections, valve adjustments, etc. One particularly important part is the timing belt. Make sure it has been changed within the recommended service period. The high revs your engine will experience in a run are likely more than an old belt can take. Check your fluid levels.
Clean out your car. Remove everything that you won't need, and take out everything you brought with you before you run the event. As part of the tech inspection, officials will make sure there won't be anything flying around your cabin while you're on the course. You also might want to wash your car and the engine compartment if you haven't done so in months. Embarrassing! Just before you get to the autocross site, stop at a service station and pump up your tires to the proper inflation pressure.. When you get to the site, as a novice you might ask someone who looks like (s)he knows what (s)he is doing how much air you'll probably need.
What do I do when I get there?
Most areas have a similar procedure for participating in an event. Ask anyone to help you if you don't have a clue. Try to ask someone that doesn't look extremely busy at the moment, and you'll probably get the most attentive assistance. The most important thing you need to do, though, is ARRIVE.
What is a tech inspection?
A mandatory pre-race safety inspection of your car.
What can I expect at a tech inspection?
Cars are checked for safety at each event before your first run. Generally, this task falls to an experienced autocross driver and the inspection is friendly. Your car must have a working seat belt, a good return spring on your throttle linkage, working brakes, a securely fastened battery, tight lug nuts, well-packed bearings, no excessive play in your suspension, and an interior free of loose articles. Street tires must have measurable tread depth and no cord showing. Any street car in reasonably good condition should pass this quick inspection without any trouble. Additionally, the Tech Inspector can help confirm the correct Class that your car belongs.
Note that Autocross events do not require a on-the-lift Tech Inspection in advance of the event as our Club requires for our DE Track Events. However, our DE Tech Inspections are open to all Porsche Club members at no cost, and are an excellent way to learn a bit more about your car, as well as meeting other Club members and enthusiasts. Information about our more comprehensive Tech Inspections is available under our DE PROGRAM links.
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