Autocross Requirements
Helmet
We accept all Snell SA, M and K rated helmets that have a certification of 2010 or newer. SFI 31.1 and 41.1 2010 and newer are also allowed.
If you have a question about your helmet, the Snell certification is located inside the helmet, usually under a pad and will have the letter and year on it. If you do not see this sticker you helmet will not be accepted.
Safety Requirements/Tech Inspection
All cars must pass a technical inspection to verify the safety of the car.
“Tech,” is the short word for technical inspection. This inspection is made by other more experienced autocrossers to check the safety of your car. They check for a working seat belt, good return on throttle, brake pressure, a secure battery, tight lug nuts, play in suspension and bearings, interior free of lose items including floor mats, street tires must have measurable tread left and no cords showing. Any car in reasonable condition should pass a tech inspection no problem!
What to Bring
The most important things to bring are yourself, your car, your driver’s license and a good attitude!
Other helpful things to bring:
Clothes for the occasion. You’ll be outside for several hours, make sure you’ll be comfortable. Bring waterproof gear if it’s raining and a nice hat if it’s sunny.
Sunscreen – There’s no cover out on the course, don’t get a sunburn
A helmet – If you have one, if not we have loaners
Tire pump – Most cars perform better with non-stock tire pressures
Tire pressure gauge – handy for adjusting the tire pressure as the tires heat
Water – Now that’s what I call high-quality H2O
Snacks – There is fast turnover between the run groups, a snack is always nice to have.
Classing
Depending where you decide to race, there may be a variety of classes. For beginners, always seek to start at the bottom, even if you come from a past of street racing or offroad racing.
What does a day of Autocross look like?
Get to the site early
Take this time to unload everything from your car you don’t need for racing. You can also meet and talk to the other drivers.
Check in at registration
You will get your run/work order and your worker assignment for the day
Get your car tech inspected
Drive your car over to the tech inspection and get it checked over. You will need your numbers on the car and helmet. If you don’t have a helmet tech will get you the loaner
Walk the course
Autocross courses have many turns in a small area, it’s easy to get lost if you aren’t familiar with the course. Walk the course as many times as you can, if you’re not sure how the course goes ask someone walking around, everyone is willing to help. There is also a dedicated novice walk just before the driver’s meeting
Driver’s meeting
This is a required meeting where safety standards are discussed and how the event will run.
Work/Run
Depending on your group you will either work first and race second or race first and run second. If you are working, you will need to report to your work station and they will tell you where to stand.
Turnover
The time between run groups is kept short to increase the amount of runs we all get. If you brought a snack now is the time to get it
Work/Run
Park your car and get to the work station or come in from the track and get your car to grid
That’s it
Once you’re done with work/run groups, that’s it. The host will post the final results in a day or two after they are audited on the results page of the host website or your SCCA Regional site.