Getting Started at a Solo event
So, you've just been invited to autocross with some friends of yours,
or you're just planning to go to get some all important "get to know you time" in your car.
Do you know what to do when you get there - or how should you act?
Here are some quick tips.
- Find out where the event is being held
- Then make sure to get there early.
- Get to registration
- Try to know what class your car will compete in before you get there
- Go to Tech Inspection
- Get all junk out of your car before you go to tech inspection.
- Walk the track at least once time.
- Walk it by yourself before the Rookie walk through
- Also attend the Rookie Walkthrough with an instructor.
- GO TO THE DRIVER'S MEETING!
- They will introduce event officials, cover required tasks, upcoming events, safety items,
what not to do, the number of runs, and drivers entry log.
- They will introduce event officials, cover required tasks, upcoming events, safety items,
- Run in your heat.
- This is obvious, so I'll leave it at that.
- Work when you have been assigned!
- This must be said as long as there are folks out there who race and then leave without working.
- You are putting others in danger when you skip out on your work assignment.
- Your depature can impact our ability to even run the event.
- You also run the risk of not being able to run in the following events.
- Bring food and water to the event and find some time to eat and drink!
- The Houston heat will "get you" if you are not prepared.
- It does you no good if you're out there hallucinating because your body has used up all it's glucose.
- Clean up after yourself!
- Bring in your own trash bags or use the provided trash cans. We have no cleanup crew out there, we're all adults and we can clean up after ourselves. Not cleaning up could eventually get us kicked off the site. If you don't want to clean up too much, then don't make any mess.
Houston SCCA Solo Rookie Class Rules
The Rookie Class is intended for beginner autocrossers.
You are NOT eligible for this class if you have:
- Competed in 3 or more events *
- Have earned regular season trophies
- Have autocross experience from another region or sanction. (Let’s give the real new-comers a chance.)
*Some exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Rookie Chief and/or an instructor.
Class Rules:
- These rules are in addition to any normal class rules
- Street tires only (By SCCA definition: DOT with a treadwear rating of 140+)
- Car identification is to follow the current identification rules, however your class will be “R.” This helps ensure that timing and scoring can correctly associate your times with you. (Example: #R on each side) You are still responsible for knowing what “normal” class your car would be in for registration purposes. (Please see the class rules to determine this)
- There is no separate Ladies Rookie class. Sorry Ladies :)
- Trophies will be awarded at each event, however there is no year end trophy for this class.
- Points do not transfer to any non-rookie class.
- This class does not correlate with the “Rookie of the Year” award, but it may help you get recognized as a new-comer!
- There will be one AM class, and one PM class during normal schedule events.
- The Rookie Chief and Solo Committee may make appropriate adjustments to the class rules if necessary to ensure fairness to all competitors.
What you should expect to gain from this class:
The Rookie Class was created to help people new to autocross have fun and learn from the very first event. This is a new sport for you, and we want to ensure that you are comfortable at all times. This class will help you to learn from an instructor, to show you some of the basic skills to get you started, and help you get all of your questions answered.
The Rookie Class is designed to let all new-comers compete against each other, regardless of their car or preparation level. The PAX index is used to handicap the different classes and categories. Novice class drivers compete only against each other, scored by PAX indexing. Trophies are awarded for the Rookie Class by the same system used for the open classes.
Most importantly, remember this is a Novice Program, a whole package for instruction and fun. It includes instructors, a guided course-walk and rides with experienced drivers. We want to answer all of your questions and help you have fun.