Car club event joining one of your scheduled events?

[Tom Deutsch]

Hi folks - bit of a flier here but I was wondering what you all would think if the SoCal Capri club (theses cars - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Capri" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) wanted to join you for one of your practice September events. We're trying to get the our SoCal club back together and we were thinking that a driving event might work as a good kick-off. Now I honestly have no idea how busy your events are, and we're keen on being both respectful and helpful, so if this is a dumb idea I apologize up front.

If, however, we could bring maybe 10 +/- healthy cars (no spewing anything on your course) and join you during a practice day say on Sept 24 or 25 we'd be happy to help with course set up, tear down, flagging etc and generally try to be good guests.

Any comments etc?

[Mark DeShon]

I'll reply since I'm too sick and broke to be at the Pro Solo today. That's not a bad idea at all, or even an uncommon one! We've had several car clubs come out to play before, and we usually end up with a couple regulars out of the experience. We've seen 10ish cars together before. The Championship events (Sundays) are usually in the ballpark of 200 entries. However, if your group doesn't have autocross experience, I would recommend coming to the Saturday practice first. The championship events are three runs, sink or swim. That can be frustrating when you're still trying to learn to read the cones and stuff. The practice days are limited entry (usually 60-80 entries) and prereg, so you'll have to check back on the website to see when the flier for your practice comes up...
http://www.solo2.com/eventpage.asp?eid=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;{2EF525BF-E678-45C6-ADE0-772958204DB9}
... and then get your guys to send their checks in. The fliers usually come out two to three weeks before the event with all the registration info. You'll also either need to buy an SCCA membership, or a $15 'weekend' membership can be purchased at the event. That's what you need to do. Instruction is available, and we're always glad to have new members. Hope that helps.
Mark D.

[Tom Deutsch]

Hi Mark - thanks for the note back.

I was thinking Sept 24 or 25 at Auto Club Speedway, maybe Saturday as it is listed as a pratice day? Getting the parctipants signed up and paid for won't be an issue.

Any other things we should be thinking about? Any tips on how we can make sure we're good guests based on past events that we should be thinking about?

Thanks

Tom

(FYI - I used to run an Nissan SE-R back in the day, somewhat competitively actually, so I have something of a clue about how these things go)

[Mark DeShon]

Well, what I was trying to stress is that if you want to do a practice you'll need to sign up early, as the number of participants is capped and they fill up fast. I would recommend that. Lots of runs and a great learning experience. Then those who enjoy it can come back Sunday and try their hand on the competitive end.
As far as being respectful, I don't really know what to say. Everybody knows a jerk when they see one, so don't be a jerk. haha. Seriously though, safety is huge in the SCCA, so being unsafe is one way to get on our bad side quickly. NO alcohol!!! 5 MPH speed limits in the paddock for good reason. It's a busy place. Other than that, you sound like you want to be considerate, which is all we really ask. Oh yeah, give the people you park next to (and yourself) a little room. We all have a lot of stuff and need room to work on our cars, and there's no reason to cram into the lot like sardines.
As far as being helpful, cover your work assignment and you'll be good. Make sure to keep an ear open for the PA (maybe park close to the timing motorhome). There will be constant announcements on worker checkin and stuff, as well as misc stuff that may or may not pertain to you. If you're confuse about anything, don't hesitate to ask the closest person. And if someone asks you to do something differently than you are, please don't take it personally. It doesn't happen very often, and there's usually a very good reason. These guys just know the way things should be, that's all.
Other than that, anyone who plans to attend, especially those who have never autocrossed before, should probably read over our novice info on the main page. And of course, the most important thing is to have fun! That's what it's all about. BTW, was your previous autocross experience with SCCA? If so, which region? You may know some people who are still here. Thanks
Mark D.

[Craig Naylor]

Hi Tom,

There is a special practice event that is sponsored on that weekend by SCNAX called the SCNAX Cup. It may or may not be a good Saturday for such an outing. Email me and I'll give you more info.

Craig
SCNAX Club Rep

[Kurt Rahn]

I was thinking Sept 24 or 25 at Auto Club Speedway, maybe Saturday as it is listed as a pratice day? Getting the parctipants signed up and paid for won't be an issue.

Actually, late Sept. is a good time to get into practices, as our national championships are run mid month, so the need for those competitors to get last-minute practice in will be over. Generally, late Sept.-Dec. are easier to get into practices.