Welcome!
We are happy to see that you are interested in Solo, also known as Autocross. Please read through this whole FAQ to get the basics and feel free to ask questions if you are confused. This is a place where you can post your autox pictures, videos, times, etc. You can also talk about suspension set up, wheels, tires, parts, set-up theories, and tuning ONLY IN RELATION TO AUTOX! This is not a place for street racing either. If you have questions about drag, track or rally, please post in the appropriate forums.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
Autocross FAQ
1) What is Autocross?
2) How do I become involved in autocross?
3) What do I have to do to my car to compete?
4) What happens the day of the race?
1) What is Autocross?
Autocross, also known as Solo, is a timed motorsport which tests driver's skill and car handling characteristics. It generally takes place on an open parking lot or inactive air strip. A safe course is laid out with traffic cones, which drivers navigate through, one at a time. Points are deducted for hitting cones or going off-course.
General Information (if you can’t find it in one of these links you aren’t looking hard enough!!)
Solo II Novice Handbook ***(Old name but the information is still very useful)
Greasergrrls.com - Racergrrl's Autocross FAQ.
Autocross FAQ!!! - Automotive Forums.com Car Chat
Autocross Forums
SCCAForums.com - Forums
SCCA.org - Forums
2) How do I become involved in autocross?
The first thing you want to do is go to the club’s website and find your local region’s website. That will have all the info you need on local races. Most places can register you for a race online in a few weeks to a month in advance. Register early because they usually fill up quickly. Fees vary but are generally around $25-40 for the day.
Check out the people who run these events:
www.scca.org (Sports Car Club of America)
www.nasaproracing.com (National Auto Sport Association) Main site and the regions each have their own sites.
www.bmwcca.org (BMW club, allows non BMWs)
http://www.autox4u.com/ (New York/New Jersey area)
http://www.autocross.us/forums/ (Southern and Central Virginia)
3) What do I have to do to my car to compete?
Nothing. You can race STOCK! There is nothing that says you have to modify your car to compete in Autocross. A car need only be road worthy, and free of lose contents. Although autocrossing is generally very safe, and conducted in an open area at relatively low speed, helmets are required. Most modern motorcycle helmets meet the required standard, and free loaners are often available. You do not need to spend a dime on the car to autocross it. Modifying it is simply a choice to improve the car as you improve with it.
Some people suggest getting to know how your car handles in its stock form then if you choose to modify it, add a single part at a time so that you can learn how the car responds each time. Later on, you can upgrade things, provided you keep a close eye on compliance to the rules. They can get tricky and nit-picky if you're not careful with what you buy.
If you have modifications to your car, you must place yourself in the correct class. Be sure to read the rules very carefully before doing anything. There are lots of ways to trip over them. If you are in doubt of a modification complying with the rules check with the local SCCA and ask them if you don't understand what the rulebook says. General rule is that if it doesn't specify it in the book, you CANNOT do it.
Look here for general SCCA EvoX classifications: http://www.evoxforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426
It is up to YOU to decide what you want your car to do and research the parts you think will get you to that point! You should consider the impact a mod will have on your classing as simple mods may move you into highly competitive classes. THERE IS NO PERFECT SETUP!!
4) What happens the day of the race?
Well you show up, ON TIME, or early! Find out the check in time for your heat on your local website. The first thing you want to do is go to the registration booth so they know you are there. They will give you a worker assignment (fixing cones etc for 1 race) and explain to you what to do. Next, prepare your car to pass tech. If you are changing anything before the race, you must arrive extra early, and do it before tech. To pass tech your wheels must on tight, there can’t be anything loose in your car, you must take out your floor mats, every aftermarket part is secure, your front windows must be down and you must have your run number and class somewhere on your car. Your battery should also be tight, and your numbers should be highly legible, and 8-12 inches in size. Printouts generally work, as does shoe polish or painters tape. There is more information in the links above.
Most races will have a novice coordinator who will make the whole experience much less intimidating for you. Often the novice coordinator can pair you up with an experienced driver who can ride along with you and give you some tips on a volunteer basis.
Things you should bring with you:
We are happy to see that you are interested in Solo, also known as Autocross. Please read through this whole FAQ to get the basics and feel free to ask questions if you are confused. This is a place where you can post your autox pictures, videos, times, etc. You can also talk about suspension set up, wheels, tires, parts, set-up theories, and tuning ONLY IN RELATION TO AUTOX! This is not a place for street racing either. If you have questions about drag, track or rally, please post in the appropriate forums.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
Autocross FAQ
1) What is Autocross?
2) How do I become involved in autocross?
3) What do I have to do to my car to compete?
4) What happens the day of the race?
1) What is Autocross?
Autocross, also known as Solo, is a timed motorsport which tests driver's skill and car handling characteristics. It generally takes place on an open parking lot or inactive air strip. A safe course is laid out with traffic cones, which drivers navigate through, one at a time. Points are deducted for hitting cones or going off-course.
General Information (if you can’t find it in one of these links you aren’t looking hard enough!!)
Solo II Novice Handbook ***(Old name but the information is still very useful)
Greasergrrls.com - Racergrrl's Autocross FAQ.
Autocross FAQ!!! - Automotive Forums.com Car Chat
Autocross Forums
SCCAForums.com - Forums
SCCA.org - Forums
2) How do I become involved in autocross?
The first thing you want to do is go to the club’s website and find your local region’s website. That will have all the info you need on local races. Most places can register you for a race online in a few weeks to a month in advance. Register early because they usually fill up quickly. Fees vary but are generally around $25-40 for the day.
Check out the people who run these events:
www.scca.org (Sports Car Club of America)
www.nasaproracing.com (National Auto Sport Association) Main site and the regions each have their own sites.
www.bmwcca.org (BMW club, allows non BMWs)
http://www.autox4u.com/ (New York/New Jersey area)
http://www.autocross.us/forums/ (Southern and Central Virginia)
3) What do I have to do to my car to compete?
Nothing. You can race STOCK! There is nothing that says you have to modify your car to compete in Autocross. A car need only be road worthy, and free of lose contents. Although autocrossing is generally very safe, and conducted in an open area at relatively low speed, helmets are required. Most modern motorcycle helmets meet the required standard, and free loaners are often available. You do not need to spend a dime on the car to autocross it. Modifying it is simply a choice to improve the car as you improve with it.
Some people suggest getting to know how your car handles in its stock form then if you choose to modify it, add a single part at a time so that you can learn how the car responds each time. Later on, you can upgrade things, provided you keep a close eye on compliance to the rules. They can get tricky and nit-picky if you're not careful with what you buy.
If you have modifications to your car, you must place yourself in the correct class. Be sure to read the rules very carefully before doing anything. There are lots of ways to trip over them. If you are in doubt of a modification complying with the rules check with the local SCCA and ask them if you don't understand what the rulebook says. General rule is that if it doesn't specify it in the book, you CANNOT do it.
Look here for general SCCA EvoX classifications: http://www.evoxforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426
It is up to YOU to decide what you want your car to do and research the parts you think will get you to that point! You should consider the impact a mod will have on your classing as simple mods may move you into highly competitive classes. THERE IS NO PERFECT SETUP!!
4) What happens the day of the race?
Well you show up, ON TIME, or early! Find out the check in time for your heat on your local website. The first thing you want to do is go to the registration booth so they know you are there. They will give you a worker assignment (fixing cones etc for 1 race) and explain to you what to do. Next, prepare your car to pass tech. If you are changing anything before the race, you must arrive extra early, and do it before tech. To pass tech your wheels must on tight, there can’t be anything loose in your car, you must take out your floor mats, every aftermarket part is secure, your front windows must be down and you must have your run number and class somewhere on your car. Your battery should also be tight, and your numbers should be highly legible, and 8-12 inches in size. Printouts generally work, as does shoe polish or painters tape. There is more information in the links above.
Most races will have a novice coordinator who will make the whole experience much less intimidating for you. Often the novice coordinator can pair you up with an experienced driver who can ride along with you and give you some tips on a volunteer basis.
Things you should bring with you:
- Valid driver's license
- Helmet (M2000/SA2000 or newer)
The SEB has approved an extension of eligibility for Snell 2000 helmets to 1/1/2017. For 2017, helmets must be M2005/SA2005 or newer. - Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Painters Tape
- Torque Wrench
- Oil
- Jack
- Water/non-alcoholic drinks
- Snacks
- SCCA Membership Card
- Camera
- Portable Chair
- Plastic bag
- Hat
- Lug nut key