Solo Driving Tips

The driver is the most important piece of the puzzle when it comes to autocrossing. A fast car helps, but without a competent driver, that fast car, will end up having slow times around the course. Here are a few tips.

Look ahead! Look at where you want to go, not what you want to miss (i.e. the cones)
Be smooth on the gas, on the brakes, and with the steering wheel
Go slow to go fast. Don't take the tight sections too fast.
Brake hard! Use your brakes HARD to slow the car, that's what they're for.
Launch at higher RPM's than you're used to, but try to limit wheel spin.
Limit gear changes. On most courses, get it into 2nd gear and leave it there. Some courses, and some cars, will require downshifting, but if you're new to the sport, get it into 2nd and leave it there so you can concentrate on other things - you're gonna be busy in the car!

Updated Helmet Safety Requirements

Helmets used during SCCA Solo competition must be certified according to one of the three most recent Snell standards ( 2000, 2005, 2010), either M (motorcycle) or SA (Special Application). That means if your helmet does not have a Snell sticker, 2000 or newer, you can no longer use it. Everyone should check their helmets and buy a new one if necessary.

The Snell Memorial Foundation maintains lists of compliant helmets on their web site ( www.smf.org ). It is also a good idea to take a close look at your helmet, even if it is not out of date, to find any damage that might have occurred during the past season.

Weekend SCCA Membership

Notice: Weekend SCCA Memberships - Starting in 2008, the SCCA requires that all event entrants must be members of SCCA. Entrants who are not regular SCCA members must purchase a $15 weekend membership at the time of event registration. Event registration fees, therefore, will now be $15 higher for non-SCCA members to cover the cost of the weekend membership.

Up to two weekend memberships may be redeemed to SCCA for full credit (up to $30) towards a regular annual SCCA membership.

Want to save money on entry fees? Sign up for a full SCCA membership and start saving today!

Helpful Links

Below are some helpful links to get you started.

Getting Started - Solo

Solo events are driving skill contests that emphasize the driver's ability and the car's handling characteristics. This is accomplished by driving a course that is designated by traffic cones on a low hazard location, such as a parking lot or inactive airstrip. While speeds are no greater than those normally encountered in legal highway driving, the combination of concentration and car feedback creates an adrenaline pumping experience.

Before an Event

Check http://www.myautoevents.com or our website for any last minute event updates or changes. We highly recommend you pre-register online prior to the event.
View our checklist page for items to bring to the event, such as tools, clothing and safety devices.
Spectators can come and watch for free; however they MUST sign the insurance waiver.
Get plenty of rest..."morning comes around faster than you think."

Prepare your car (see below)

Clean out the interior of your car of any loose items which could interfere with driving.
Remove any hubcaps or wheel trim rings that could pop off during an autocross.
Inspect under the hood for any loose items or leaks and fix if necessary before the event.
Check the tightness of the lug nuts, and the overall condition of the tires. Dangerously bald or worn tires will not be overlooked as "slicks".
Have at least a half-tank of gas available to run with. This excludes travel usage, this varies with some cars.

The day of the Event, before the Drivers Meeting:

Arrive as early as possible. Approximately 8:00 ~ 8:30 is suggested for novices. This will allow ample time to get settled, unpack, and walk the course.
Do not be afraid to ask questions, we were all "rookies" at one time or another. Look for "Yellow" shirt members answer any questions and give you guidance.
Sign the release/waiver form. This is REQUIRED by anybody in the paddock area, even non-competitors.
Register yourself and the car at the timing and scoring trailer; pay entry fee and pick out you car number and class if you have not pre-registered.
Receive course map (If applicable)

Prepare your car tech inspection:

Inflate "street" tires to at least 5-8 psi above what you use on the street. This dramatically stiffens the tire sidewall, a must for crisp, responsive handling. The pressures can be raised or lowered during the event, this is merely a general benchmark for FWD & RWD.
Empty your car of all loose items and place your number and car class on the car in a visible area.
Leave your hood up and a tech inspector will come by to tech your car. A small round sticker placed on your front windshield to indicate a tech inspection has been completed on your car. If this has not been done, please notify a "Yellow" shirt member to help you get your car inspected.

The following items will be checked during inspection:

Seatbelt condition. (Factory or aftermarket) Not to be torn, excessively worn.
Tires and lug nuts. (As mentioned earlier)
Nothing loose under the hood.
Throttle return.
Brake pedal feel.
"Cleanliness" of the cars interior. (As mentioned earlier)
Helmet – Snell or M2000 or newer.

Drivers Meeting (Required Attendance):

The Solo Chairperson will go over event schedule for the day and announce any updates, explain the safety rules of the event and the consequences for not following them.
He will also discuss the general rules, including the guidelines for scoring and penalties, run groups, and worker assignments.

Once competition begins:

If you are running first, get your car in grid. There will be a grid marshall to direct you.
If you are working first, report to the worker chief for your worker assignment.
If you are on break first, relax and watch the event. Talk to the experienced drivers for any tips.
After you have completed your runs, please return you car to the paddock area.

Paddock speeds are limited to 5mph or less.
No burn-outs to heat tires are allowed in the paddock area or surrounding roads.
Should a competitor be issued a red flag for any reason, he/she is to come to a quick, controlled stop and slowly completiting the course at 50% and return to the grid area.
The same rule applies once a competitor completes a lap and crosses the finish line.
Depending on run groups you will either work the course when your run group has completed a heat or you will be on break, if you are not sure, please check with a "Yellow" shirt. Working is required by all competitors. As a novice, request working a station with an experienced autocrosser.
ENJOY AND HAVE FUN!!!

Once competition ends:

See if the event coordinators need any assistance cleaning up.
Gather around for the presentation of the trophies.
Clean up the area around you of any garbage. If you bring it in, please take it with you.
Head on home...unpack, clean up, relax, and tell everyone about your first autocross!!
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