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First Timers
If you've never attended a Solo competition (aka autocross) before, here are some tips to make
your first experience more enjoyable.
I'm not quite sure how it happens, but if the temperature is below 70 degrees, the event site is
always 10 degrees cooler, if above 70, 10 degrees hotter. Dress appropriately.
Bring drinks, a snack, sun screen (regardless of the time of year), and mini air compressor or
charged air tank.
Get there early. Registration usually opens at 9:30 (check the event flyer). You'll need to
sign the waiver and fill out an entry form. Then be ready to tell the registrar ALL the changes
you have made to your car. We're not just talking about engine mods, they need to know
EVERYTHING, including wheels, springs, engine mods, suspension mods. They're not trying to rough
you up, they just want to get you into the right class so you'll be the most competitive.
When you sign up, you'll be given a course map and a tech sheet. Your car MUST pass a tech
inspection before it is allowed to compete. You can see the tech sheet
here, so you can make
sure your car is ready before you come to the event. We hate to tell first timers that they
can't compete because their car won't pass tech.
Get signed up, and walk the course. By rule, no practice laps are allowed, but you can walk the
course as many times as you like before the event starts. Take advantage of it. The pros do.
The entrants will be divided into two groups. One group will run while the other works. ATTEND
THE DRIVER'S MEETING! That's where they'll announce the run/work groups. I'll cover the work
group first.
As a First Timer, you will probably be asked to work a corner station. You'll be paired with an
experienced member. But there are some rules you should be aware of:
When working a corner station, you are not there to take pictures or talk on the phone. Keep
your eyes on cars that are on course! They can get lost, or spin in unexpected directions. I
have found myself bumper-to-nose on more than one occasion. (Sometimes I was the bumper,
sometimes I was the nose).
For the same reason, stay on your feet as long as their are cars on course. You never know when
you will have to take evasive action.
The corner station will have several items. A radio, a red flag, a fire extinguisher, spare
cones, and maybe a jug of water. I'll explain each.
The radio is your only form of communication with Timing and Scoring. One corner worker, usually
an experienced member, will man the radio.
The red flag is to signal drivers on course that they need to stop. There are many reasons to
throw the red flag: timer error, spectator on course, car is leaking fluid. It needs to be held
in a corner worker's hands, bunched up, until needed. If you are asked to throw the red flag,
run to a place on course where the driver can see you. And if you see an unsafe situation, don't
wait to be told. Throw the red flag. We'd rather give the driver a re-run than risk someone
getting hurt.
The purpose of the fire extinguisher is pretty obvious. Just remember: if a car stops on course
smoking, take the extinguisher with you to the car, even if you don't see any flames.
Occasionally, a car will hit a cone and drag it away. Hence, the spare cones.
The jug of water is not for drinking. Some junior karts are fueled by alcohol. Water works
better to put out an alcohol fire than the extinguisher does. But remember: alcohol burns with
no visible flame. If you see a junior karter stop on course and jump around, that's probably not
a victory dance. Respond appropriately.
Now for the run group.
When your run group comes up, bring your car to grid. Let the person working grid know if you
have a co-driver or not, by signaling one or two drivers. When in grid, be patient. The grid
worker will tell you when to go. Depending on how many runs are given in the event (usually 4 or
6), you will take half your runs, one at a time. Take your first run, return to grid for your
second. The number of runs will be covered at the driver's meeting.
While on course, if a corner worker shows you the red flag, come to a complete stop. Then finish
the course at a slow speed and return to grid. You will get a re-run.
If you spin while on course, don't try to power your way out of it. Push in the clutch and stand
on the brakes. When the car stops, get your bearings and continue on. Trying to get out of a
spin with the gas pedal only makes things worse, and if you get far enough off course, there are
things to run into.
When the event is complete, Fun Runs may be offered. A Fun Run is one lap around the course,
does not count for trophies, and costs $1 each. Fun Runs can only be taken by drivers that were
registered in the event, and in cars that were teched for the event.
After Fun Runs, while the trophies are being tallied, you'll be asked to help tear down the
course. Bring along a pair of work gloves. The help is really appreciated.
Hope these tips make your first Solo event a bit less confusing and alot more enjoyable.
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