Well let's hope this helps you out!
1. Try to locate an event that you would like to participate in. For Montana a good start is http://www.swmtscca.org for the Bozeman events as well as http://www.bigskyregion.org for the Missoula/Kalispell/Helena events. Also download the SCCA rule book here.
http://www.scca.com/documents/Solo%20Ru ... oRules.pdf
Use the rule book to determine what class your car is going to be in before the event. Classifying the car is YOUR responsibility but feel free to ask anyone if you can't figure it out.
2. Try to get to the event an hour or so before they are schedueled to start so you can get everything sorted out. The events typically start around 9:00 so that would be around 8am. Try to bring $50 in cash just in case. Most events are typically $35 for Non-SCCA members and $25 for SCCA members. To become a member check out http://www.scca.org
3. The absolute first thing you need to do upon entering the event is sign the liabilty waiver and register if you haven't already done so online. Signing the waiver should be your number one priority before anything else. Anyone who is going to be with you, whether they be riding, driving, or spectating must sign the waiver. Everyone. When you register you will most likely have to fill out a registration form which you take with you and place under your windshield wiper so it is highly visible. Be sure when you are registering to let them know you are a first timer and ask to be directed to an experienced driver.
4. Park your car in the pits and remove everything that is not tied down and anything that is loose. Including hubcaps, removable air vents, everything out of your dash, under the seats, in the ashtray, spare tire, everything. Leave your rear hatch open as well as your glove box, visors, and doors. Leave anything that can be opened, open. This makes your tech go as fast as possible so you can get in some track time!
5. Lift your hood and make sure everything is tight and cannot move around easily. For example: battery, radiator, fuel lines nothing near the fan shroud. Leave your hood up. Almost all failed techs are from loose batteries so make sure it's tight!
6. Have a Snell approved helmet and make sure to have it placed on your drivers seat before the tech inspection. Your helmet must pass inspection as well.
Official SCCA position on helmet requirements. For SOLO, an M rated helmet (or SA) of 1995 or newer is suitable. This would include M1995/SA1995 up to M2005/SA2005. Alternate specifications can include SFI 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A and 41.2A
Your helmet should have a label sewn inside somewhere. The label MUST be there for your helmet to be approved.
7. After you're done getting the car ready it's time to prepare yourself! Find that experienced driver to walk through the course with if at all possible. Everyone is usually friendly and happy to assist and explain things. You will start to walk through the course at the start, and continue the whole way through until then finish. DO NOT skip any part of the course. Pay close attention to the path your will be driving. If you have any questions just ask the people around you. Try to spend as much time as you can on your walk through. Pay attention and ask questions about such things as "leaners" or "trick cones."
8. Ride along with said experienced driver for the 1st run he or she makes and pay close attention to everything that is going on. Braking, shifting, speeds. Chances are, you can learn a lot from being in the passenger seat. Ride with as many people as you can and pay attention to everything you can.
9. It's time for your first run! Start your car when you are about 3rd in line, and make sure everything is working right.
Put your helmet on and make sure it is tight. Secure yourself into your harness or seatbelt. And slowly pull up to the line as directed by the "starter" which is the person who directs you when and where to go. Slowly creep up until he/she signals you to stop. When they give you the signal to go, bring your RPM's up and take off! On your first run don't push yourself. Just try to get a basic feel for the course. Remember, in autocross Slow Is Fast! It's not about being ballsy, it's about having fun and driving within your limits. Remember to use your brakes, don't hit the cones, and if something happens don't worry about it! Everyone has their first day on the track.
10. Cruise through the finish and hit the brakes, try not to lock up but be at less then 20 mph before you hit the end of the signal cones! There should be a certain formation of cones that signal you to be a speed of less than 20mph by the end of them so please, slow down as much as possible for everyones safety including your own.
Congratulations! You've just succesfully completed your first autocross lap!
Slowly drive back to the staging area and park. Remove your helmet, release your restraint, and celebrate!
11. After you finish all of your runs you will be asked to go "work the course" this means you will be placed at intervals around the track to watch over things. Your job is to stand and watch for wrecks, knocked over cones, anything that goes wrong at all. Watch every cone the driver drives by and if it is knocked over you should call it in.
You are normally equipped with a radio and you should call in any cones that are knocked over. For example. "Car #33, one cone." If car number 33 hits a cone and knocks it over or the cone walks out of the box. If the car hits two cones you say, "Car #33, two cones." And so on and so forth.
If a cone wobbles/falls over when the driver goes past it, wait until it is safe and run to the cone, check to see whether is walked out of the box or if any part of the cone other then the base is in contact with the chalked square.
Everyone that is driving MUST work the course. If you don't you work will most likely not be allowed to drive. Very rarely are exceptions made.
DO NOT sit down while you are working. You will not be able to see if a car or object is hurtling at you and the results could be terrible.
Hopefully this article helped you out! I know having something like this sure would have helped me on my first day!
Be safe, have fun, and drive fast!
Any additions, corrections, or questions please PM me.
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