WHAT IS AUTOCROSS?
Autocross is a form of time trial driving event that involves the use of traffic cones to make a mini-road course in a large parking lot or unused airport tarmac. The main focus of an autocross event is to practice controlled high pace driving in a safe and closed course setting. There is also a competitive element to the event, by using a laser timing system (or stop watches) to record times of all participant’s runs on course. Drivers are sorted into classes based on either car type and modifications, or driver experience level.
Autocross is a great way to get introduced to motorsports. It is open to drivers of all skill levels, vehicles of many specification level, and is one of the most affordable forms of driving event available. Many types of vehicles can participate in autocross, from completely unmodified to all out racecars. Vehicles are required to have a low center of gravity, and cannot have a roofline height over 68”. More information about vehicle restrictions can be found in the “Autocross Rules”. If you have questions about your vehicle’s dimensions and participation eligibility, please reach out to a SCCV organizer.
EVENT PRICING
Drivers can pre-register ahead of time through Motorsportreg, or sign up on site the morning of the event. Pre registration is preferred. The event fees are $50 for non-members and $40 for all SCCV/SCCNH/KSCC/CMC/CART members. The registration link can be found on our Facebook group or the home page with announcements. See our membership page for specific information on purchasing membership.
Other specialized events are subject to different pricing and will be announced with the events.
NEW TO AUTOCROSS
First time autocross participants often are excited but equally nervous to get involved. This is understandable considering the fast pace and many working parts in play during an event. SCCV strives to be as welcoming and inclusive to participants of all experience levels, and are always happy to assist & guide people however needed. Please read over this section to familiarize yourself with the registration process and fundamentals of autocrossing with SCCV.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
A valid SNELL rated helmet is required for anyone in a car on course (see Autocross Rules page for specs).
All course workstations are operated by the participants of the event, split up into work/run groups. It can sometimes take up to 2 hours standing in the various elements while in worker’s groups. Suggested items to make your event pleasant include: sunscreen, hat/glasses for sunny events, rain gear/umbrella for rainy events, change of clothes, etc.
Make sure to bring various tools you may need to manage your vehicle throughout the day. Spare parts, backup transportation, AAA with tow support, etc. are all good ways to avoid getting into a tough situation if adversity arrives on event day. Best to be as prepared ahead of time as possible so that event day can go as smoothly as possible.
*It is recommended to empty vehicle of litter/unneeded gear as it will need to be removed before Tech Inspection. Make sure to plan ahead how you want to store/layout your gear at the event site in your paddock spot*
HOW TO AUTOCROSS
Autocross courses are composed of cone layouts to serve as the body of the track. You will see a few variations of cones that mean different things.
Hitting a course cone adds a 2 second penalty to your time (subject to variation at discretion of event chair prior to event start). Going off course (missing a gate or cone) will result in an “OFF”, which is an invalid time (will be recorded but will not count). Your fastest single run time is what counts in final event results and scoring.
CONE LAYOUTS:
GATE: A very common cone setup of two upright cones that are approximately 1.5x average car width apart. This configuration requires the driver to simply pass in between them without knocking them over or out of their designated location box.
DOUBLE GATE: The double gate operates the same as a regular gate but requires a driver to pass through it twice, usually once in either direction (used in dual direction style layouts for course sections). A double gate is visually different from a standard gate as it will have two cones on each side rather than a single cone.
STAND UP & POINTER: Another very common setup, consisting of one upright cone with another cone laying down on its side next to it. The laying cone acts as a pointer, indicating which side you should pass around the standing cone. Only the standing cone counts for penalties if hit, however if you hit only the pointer cone it counts as an off course.
LAYDOWN CONES: A set of several cones laying down, used for visual cues to aim in the direction the cones are pointing, while also limiting tracking on turns. Laydown cones count for penalties when hit.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE:
REGISTRATION (8:00AM – 9:00AM)
Autocross events begin at 8:00am, at which point on site registration opens. You will find registration by the computer setup, often underneath a large awning.
To participate in an event, individuals must do two things:
I. Register online via MotorsportReg, then check in with the registration crew at the event. A link to each specific event will be provided on our Facebook page announcement, as well as sent via email to prior participants. Registering on MSR will include establishing Driver’s name, Car Make/Model/Year, Car Number, Car Class (new drivers recommended to enter as Novice class, however not required) and emergency contact information. You can also register onsite via paper if needed, but MotorsportReg is heavily preferred. At capped events (limited entry), MotorsportReg will be necessary to guarantee a spot day-of, and some events may be restricted to MSR pre-registration only.
II. Any driver OR passenger must sign an event waiver. Read this thoroughly at the event. All drivers AND passengers must possess a valid driver’s license. If the licensed participant is under 18 years of age, the participant will require both parent’s signature of a minor liability waiver at the first event, and at least one parent present at all events (whether driving or riding as a passenger).
TECH INSPECTION (8:00AM – 9:30AM)
Once registered, all drivers must affix visible car numbers to each side of their vehicle. This can be done with masking tape (blue painters masking tape recommended to minimize residue left afterward; best to go on windows and not paint). Remove any loose objects in your vehicle including in the cabin and trunk.
Participants will drive to the Tech station for the Tech Inspector to review safety-related concerns. This includes checking play in steering components (bearings, steering rack, etc), safe tires and tire pressure, secured battery, and proper helmet specs. Review your vehicle before an event as failing these checks may result in withdrawal from the event.
See the Autocross Rules page for specific information on the Tech Inspection process!
DRIVER’S MEETING (9:30AM – 9:45AM)
All event drivers will meet typically by the registration area for the Driver’s Meeting. Here the basics of autocross driving and worker’s stations will be reviewed, as well as rules regarding the venue/community.
COURSE WALK (9:45AM – 10:00AM)
Following driver’s meeting, all drivers have the opportunity to walk the course as a group to get a sense of the overall layout and flow of the track. This is highly recommended for new drivers, as the cone layouts can be disorienting in the first couple runs. The course may also be open to walking prior to driver’s meeting depending on how quickly the course is setup and tested properly first.
DRIVER’S GROUPS AND WORKER’S GROUPS
Autocross events are typically split into two groups of drivers – one set are on the track taking their runs while the other group is in their “worker’s station” nearby on track. Workers are responsible for watching hit cones, replacing them in the correct spot, and calling cone hits over radio. Typically each station will have a seasoned member if possible. Workers also may be required to stop cars on course with a flag that will be nearby in a bucket (accompanied by a fire extinguisher for emergencies). Remember your run group and which worker’s station you are at. If you forget, the worker’s station assignments can be found at the computer with the people at timing.
Autocross events are typically split into two heats in the morning (Group A working with Group B driving; then Group B working with Group A driving) followed by lunch, then afternoon heats in the same manner. With larger venues/run groups, the event may be run with subgroups (1A and 1B, 2A and 2B). In this format, one subgroup (1A, for instance) will be running while the other half (1B) is on standby, then swap once 1A completes their runs. This reduces wait times in the paddock for larger run groups and provides a break time for drivers.
REQUESTING AN INSTRUCTOR
Newcomers to autocross have the option to request that an instructor ride with them on runs to assist with navigating the course. If you are new to autocross, this is recommended. It also highly recommended that you take your first few runs slowly to memorize the course before speeding up.
If you are curious about your times and/or whether you ran the course correctly, you may approach the timing workers to view the handwritten times over their shoulder, but we ask that you do not ask the timers directly – it is difficult to manage timing and find times for drivers at once.
Any questions/concerns please reach out to an organizer!