About Autocross

Getting Started

Here is a quick guide to getting started at a solo event.

• Find out where the event is being held
  Get there in plenty of time.
• Get to registration
  Bring a copy of your pre-registration receipt and know what class you want to race in. If you need help determining your class, please contact the WOR Solo Chair.
• Get Tech’d
  Prepare your car by removing all loose items and getting it in race ready condition, including numbers.
• Walk the track
  Then walk it again. Make sure you can memorize the course in your head. Dont be afraid to ask for help.
• Attend the driver’s meeting
  Here you’ll find out important info such as who the officials are, run/work order and how many runs will be allowed.
• Be ready to run!
  Be in staging promptly when called and have your car ready when its your turn.
• Work when assigned
  Not working results in an automatic DQ and can prohibit you from running in the future. Get your work assignment, check in and man your post.
• Bring food and water
  It is important to stay hydtrated during the day. Most times during intermission, there will be enough time to go get a bite to eat, but bringing a snack is a good idea.
• Clean up your mess
  Be sure to leave the site better looking than when you got there. Remember, the sites can be taken away from us at any time. Lets make sure that we don’t give them a good reason to do so. There are typically trash bags by the trailer. Use them.

What to Bring

Here are some things to think about bringing to a solo event. (*required items)

• Valid drivers license*
• Magnetic/adhesive numbers or (contrasting) painters tape to make some (at least 8″ numbers and 4″ class letters)*
• Helmet, must meet safety requirements in the SCCA Solo Rule Book, loaners are available*
• Weather gear: rain suit, hat, suntan lotion, umbrella*
• Appropriate clothing (helps to dress in layers)*
• Accurate tire pressure gauge
• Tool box for onsite repairs
• Race tires on separate wheels
• Floor jack, torque wrench, and tools for changing tires
• Jack stands and supports so they don’t sink into soft terrain
• Shoe polish or chaulk for marking tires
• Battery powered air compressor
• Motor oil, brake fluid, etc…
• Pen and paper for notes
• Work gloves (helpful for changing tires, carrying cones, helping out)
• Tarp and EZ-up
• Water, food, cooler
• Rain-X or window cleaner
• Rags
• Sunglasses*
• Folding chair or equivalent
• First Aid kit

Solo is the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) brand name for autocross competition. Autocross events are low to medium speed auto events run on parking lots or other flat paved surfaces. The course is marked with traffic cones and designed to avoid the possibility of contact with obstacles. One driver at a time competes against the clock and time penalties are assigned for hitting cones. Drivers take several runs through the course and the driver with the best time in his or her class wins.

Drivers can compete in virtually any car, although certain top-heavy vehicles like SUVs and mini-vans are not allowed. To equalize competition, cars are separated into classes based on the performance of the car and the modifications made to it. Drivers piloting a Honda Civic may expect to compete against other like cars, such as Toyota Celicas, VW Golf and Hyundai. Subaru WRXs are classed with Acura Type Rs, BMW 330s and Dodge SRT-4s. There are also separate classes for cars that have been modified with suspension or engine performance modifications.

Autocross emphasizes skill and precision rather than outright speed. The courses are often tight and twisty. Speeds are low, typically under 60mph and most cars do not get out of second gear.

To enter, all drivers need is a valid driver’s license, the entry fee and a mechanically sound, safe car. Two drivers may share the same car.

If you’ve always wanted to race but thought it would be too expensive or require a dedicated race car, then autocross is for you. You can compete and have fun in the same car you drive to work every day. Autocross is a fun and inexpensive way to get involved in motorsports. You could be competing, not just spectating!

If you have any questions, contact the WOR Solo Chair or anyone on the WOR Solo Committee.

Below are links to various beginners guides and novice handbooks. Keep in mind that the information in them may not apply specifically to WOR Solo events. Be sure to ask if you have questions about specific points.

About Autocross on goaheadtakethewheel
SCCA Autocross Handbook
Ohio Valley Region Novice Guide