New to autocross??

[sparkyL]

For those new to autocross, here are some notes for what to expect in your first event...

Solo 2 Rookie Notes

Supplies
You will need certain supplies for an autocross event, remember an event encompasses most of the day.
First you will need a container to put your stuff in, it must be waterproof in case it rains, a large Rubbermaid tote that will fit in your trunk works well.
You will need clothes appropriate for being outside for many hours, especially in cold or wet weather.
Sunscreen, umbrella and bug spray are always a good idea to have on hand.
Lunch and water, as there will likely not be time to go off site for something.
Tire pressure gauge, and chalk to mark tires to gauge correct tire pressures.
Paper and pen in case you want to make notes.
Magnetic numbers or painters tape for numbers on your car.
Basic tools in case any quick fixes are required.
If you have your own helmet, note that it must be minimum snell 2000, otherwise loaner helmets are available.

Rules
All club events will be held under the 2010 ASN Canada FIA National Solosport Regulations-AutoSlalom, excluding sections 6 through 12; and 2011 SCCA National Solo Rules (current version), sections 12 through 18 only. All regional events will be held under the 2007 WCMA SoloSport Rules or the rules valid at the time of the event.
http://www.wcma.ca/
http://www.asncanada.com/
http://www.scca.com/documents/2011%20Tech/2011%20SCCA%20Solo%20Rules.pdf

Pits
When you arrive, determine where the pit area is and park you car in an open spot.
Unload all your gear in the back of the parking spot, and prep your car for tech.
Note that registration for the event is generally done online before the event, however you will need to check in with registration and sign a waiver before the drivers meeting.
If you do not know your car # it will be assigned by registration. This needs to be displayed on your car, painters tape on the rear side windows works well.
Anyone that comes with you either to race or spectate will also need to sign the waiver.
Try to determine your carâ??s class prior to registration, use rules section above.
Speed in the pits and in the grid area is maximum 15km/hr, save your spirited driving for the track.

Volunteers
There will be a group of volunteers to assist rookies in their first events, they will be wearing yellow buttons that say â??Ask Meâ?  to show that they are volunteers, please ask them for advice whenever you have time.

Tech
First, ensure that everything inside that is not attached is removed (all the loose stuff in your trunk or back seat, floor mats etc).
If you know there is a safety concern on the car, please do not run your car without repairing it first â?? both for your safety and the safety of others at the event.
Please print and complete the following form for each event. http://www.asncanada.com/ASN_Solosport/ASN_SoloSport_Tech_Self_Insp_Form.pdf
This year it is a self tech using the form, however for your first two events please ask whomever is collecting the tech forms to go over your car with you. If you have your own helmet leave it in the car during tech.
Check the schedule for times that tech will open and close.

Course Walk
The course walk is the first and only opportunity you will have to see what the course looks like from the drivers perspective.
First you want to look at how the track is laid out, and make note (mental or written) of any trouble spots that you want to be aware of once you are running the course at speed in your car.
Second you need to look to see where you can accelerate, and where you will need to brake. Remember that on your first few events you will be driving slower than you expect to be going during the course walk.
It is highly suggested that you find either a Volunteer, or a more seasoned driver to do your walk with.
Ensure you go on the Rookie course walk if one is given, you can gain important tips from more experienced drivers.

Grid
The grid is where you will line up in your vehicle ready to run.
Note there will be a line up on one side that will be for two driver cars only.
While you are in the grid, watch who is in front of you and pay attention to what the grid marshals are saying, they will direct you.
Be ready, with your helmet on.
When you are a few cars away from running is a good time to be trying to visualize the track layout from your course walk.
Donâ??t be nervous, you can always take the first run as a reconnaissance run â?? driving a little slower to get a feel for the course, always a good idea for your first few events.

Runs
Itâ??s time for your first run, there will be many things to try to remember.
First, be safe. If you feel that you are not in control, stop the car (two feet in â?? clutch and break to the floor).
Second, have fun.
One of the hardest, and most key elements to having a good lap time is to look ahead, you need to be looking at least to the corner / element after the one that you are currently doing.
Try to link together elements smoothly, if you can avoid unexpected braking you can maintain a more fluid lap and a better time.
Driving smoothly WILL give you a better lap time than if you are pushing too hard to try to get a good time.
Donâ??t be afraid to take it easy on the first lap, and treat it as a reconnaissance lap, it will help you have better laps later in the event.
When the Marshall signals you to go, slowly bring your rpm up to approx. 3000rpm and let the clutch out.
During your first event, ask different people in similar cars to yours to go for a ride along.  Itâ??s always easiest to ask for the first couple of runs, as by the last set of runs drivers in lighter cars may be concerned with weight.
Come to a complete stop in the stop box, remember that if you hit any cones in the stop box your time will not count.
There will be  a display board near the stop box which will show your lap time.
When you are done your laps you can go and park again in your pit area.

Marshaling
To be a competitor, you also must complete your volunteer duties.
The competitors will be broken into run groups, in the case of two groups you will either be running or marshaling. In the case of three run groups, there will also be a break group.
When you are done your runs, shut down your car and transition to your marshal role as quickly as you can so there is no lost time between run groups.
Your safety is your first concern, the safety of those around you (including other drivers) is the second.
It is highly recommended that you marshal with an experienced person for your first few events.
Do NOT sit down, text, or do anything else that distracts you from the cars you should be watching.
Watch the back bumper of the car, this will help you see any cones that are misplaced or moved.
Each cone which counts for penalties will have a chalked box around the base. If the cone is knocked down onto itâ??s side, or knocked out of the box counts as a penalty.
Pointer cones (cones on their side that mark the direction that the driver is to go) do not count as penalties if hit.
One marshal will call the cone in on the radio, push the button, wait a second, then call in â??one cone on car number 1, one cone on car number 1â?. Timing will confirm on the radio. The other marshal of a pair will run out to the cone once the car has gone by and replace it. This will only be done if it is safe to do so, watch where the next vehicle will be coming from, and if there isnâ??t time to fix the cone, donâ??t.
If a vehicle comes to a misplaced cone on track that they have not knocked down they are to stop on track and call over the nearest marshal to request a rerun. In any case where a car comes to a stop on course, whether on purpose or due to a mechanical issue or spin out etc, the marshals must stop any other vehicle that is in danger of coming  close to the stopped vehicle.
Also if a vehicle goes on the wrong side of a cone that marks the course they are â??off courseâ?? and their time will not count. This should be called into timing.

Tear Down
When all timed runs are done there will often be voluntary â??fun runsâ??. These are additional runs where the times do not count used for practice. Seat time makes a big difference, so take advantage of these wherever possible.
Once all runs are done it is time for tear down, all cones are collected into piles and loaded into a volunteer vehicle before it is time to go home.

Safety
Note that autocross events are run by volunteers, and the safety of everyone on site is critical to each event happening. As such there are many safety rules including;
No drugs or alcohol are allowed on site. No one under the influence of drugs or alcohol is allowed to race.
Your vehicle insurance does not cover any damage to your vehicle at an event. If you damage your car and attempt to make a claim it is fraud, you will be barred from motor sports clubs and likely will not be covered by any insurance carriers in the future. The clubs insurance covers any damage to the venue.
To keep the venues that we have we must respect our surroundings. We need to ensure that we do not make a mess at our venue sites. We also need to be very careful to follow speed limits around the event  site.
If you see anything that you consider dangerous during the event, bring it to someones attention as soon as possible, but most importantly be aware of your surroundings and ensure your safety.

If you have any questions during the event try to find a volunteer to help you out, or just ask the nearest person. Our events, while competitive, are also about having a good time. Weâ??re there to help each other.