The Glen Region SCCA is putting on a special Autocross (Solo Event) at Watkins Glen International on Saturday September 12th.
This special Autocross will feature two distinctly different autocross courses. One course (that some may refer to as the “bunny slope”) will be a very easy course that will be designed with the first timers in mind. The other course will be a very challenging course and the event chair and course designer for that event assures me that it will be a very interesting course. He has shared his design with me, but in an effort to not spoil the surprise, I am keeping it a secret. Let’s just say that as soon as you see it, you will say, wow, what a great idea for an autocross course design.
If you are a veteran autocrosser, you will want to run on the regular course although the easy course will also be available to you. And if you are a newbie, you can also run on whichever course you want.
Here is how the whole thing will work. The event will be limited to 80 drivers. I say drivers instead of cars because you can have multiple drivers in the same car if you want. We like to share at Glen Region. The cars and drivers will be broken down into 3 or more Run Groups. (Maybe broken down isn’t the greatest term for some of you British car folks.) Anyway, each Run Group will be assigned a time to run, a time to work, and a time to rest. Yes all drivers must work in some fashion, whether it is helping out in the timing and scoring van or out on course chasing cones that try to get away.
When your Run Group is running, you can get in line and take your runs on the regular course, or you can go run on the Easy Course. By the way, the regular more challenging course will have electronic timing and at the end of the day they will be awarding trophies and points and such. While the easy course will be a much more relaxed atmosphere with stop watch timing and no trophies or points awarded.
So when your run group is running you can take your place and run the regular course or go over and run the easy course. You can even run both courses as long as you only run the regular course when your run group is running and it is your turn in line.
When your Run Group is working, you must take you place and fulfill your work assignment.
When your Run Group is resting (free time) you can rest or you are welcome to go run on the Easy Course regardless of what you did when your Run Group was running. Lots of options for lots of quality seat time.
Bring your helmet if you have one and if you don’t, they will have some loners on hand. You will want to put some more air in your tires and be able to empty your car of any possible flying objects.
On-Line Registration is mandatory for this event and space is limited to the first 80 drivers. The price is $35 for SCCA members of any region and $45 for non-members. No fee will be collected during your on-line registration process although I will warn you that the automated registration will keep asking for money, but it won’t actually accept any money, so don’t worry about that part.
Click here to sign up. You will pay your fee on-site on the day of the event.
An autocross (also known as SCCA Solo) is a timed competition through a course defined by traffic cones. Cars compete one at a time (hence the term Solo) and compete for best time with other cars in their competition class. Two second penalties are accessed for each cone knocked over or displaced from a chalk box drawn around its base. A search for solo or autocross on YouTube will yield many videos showing events.
Each car undergoes a pre-event safety check: The car will be inspected for safety, including solid brakes, tight steering, tight wheel bearings, no loose items inside car, etc.
Helmets are required. They can be open or closed face, but must meet Snell 2000 (or later) regulations. We do have loaner helmets.
Before you arrive:
The event involves cornering, braking and acceleration.
Make sure your car is empty of any loose items that can disturb you as you drive.
Top off all engine fluids (coolant, brake fluid)
Bring a small storage container to hold personal items
Increase the tire inflation pressure. The extra air pressure will keep your tires from rolling over. If you have a pump or air tank, bring it. Otherwise stop at a close gas station. For front wheel drive cars we recommend approximately 45 pounds in the front tires and 38 pounds in the rears. For rear wheel drive cars we recommend 40 pounds both front and rear.
Don't forget your helmet if you have one!
At the event:
Make sure everything loose is removed from the car (don't forget the trunk!)
Most drivers remove the spare tire, the jack, etc.
Remove floor mats
Remove hub caps and any other removable wheel items
Be prepared for a hot sunny day, or a rainy day. The event will take place in either case.
Most importantly: HAVE FUN!!
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