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Post by loboracer on Mar 10, 2008 10:38:32 GMT -5
CCR needs Help. We need YOUR HELP to better understand how CCR can rebuild its base of event workers’ to support our Racing Program. CCR currently has to hire workers to staff the events at CMP. This cuts directly into our profits and put those that do work, usually doing at least two or three jobs. Please help me understand what has happened to our volunteer program. I realize that in today’s environment, everyone has multiple choices as to how they spend their free time and dollars. CCR has tried to address the dollar aspect, by providing free lunch and a buffet after the races Saturday night. CCR then pays for a hotel or provides 25.00 dollars for gas. In addition, should an member wish to earn more than a regional license, CCR has a bonus program for those that make the effort to earn divisional and national licenses. Please HELP me understand how we build our volunteer group. We currently try to hold three races per year. I would very much like to increase this count to four or five events. Please feel free to suggest ideas, as I’m open to listen to any all. We are about 10 weeks away from our next race, the May Monster Memorial at CMP. This is a double SARRC and Track Trial weekend. Our region had great results last year winning and placing in the SARRC series. Let’s support our winning teams.
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Post by trickbrick on Mar 12, 2008 12:21:17 GMT -5
As a volunteer who just recently (Mar '07) got back into volunteering at road races, I'm not sure I have the most perspective, but I can offer a little bit from my limited perspective.
I love volunteering at road racing, but since I'm in a graduate school program at the moment, it is difficult for me to take weekends off...thus I tend to only make the events that are during the summer or when school is not in session. The free food/hotel/gas money incentive really helps the financial aspect of things (at least for me)... but honestly I didn't know about the bonus program for those who want to get divisional or national licenses. That's on my list of things to get so I'll remember that when the time comes for those.
As an SCCA member, I have some friends who would probably be interested in working at a road race also, but they are not SCCA members. Since I haven't been involved in volunteering at road racing for very long, I haven't felt completely comfortable asking non-SCCA members to come volunteer yet. Where can I find out more info about non-members and working at road races?
I don't know if this helps...
-Aimee
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Post by loboracer on Mar 16, 2008 23:27:07 GMT -5
Aimee, Thanks for taking the time to respond to my posting and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. Mark Seiler and I had some additional discussion on this topic earlier this week. Mark felt that I might not have explained some the aspects of volunteering at road racing events. One point that Mark felt that I needed to make was that the in-experienced worker is never alone. On the corners, we always have two three workers, two to three working the false grid. Working with T&S usually include two three workers. (These positions are also needed at the hill climb events.)
SCCA has taken some big steps with to help volunteers to get involved to the point of offering a free weekend memberships for volunteers and discounts for second and third year memberships.
For the new Club Racing volunteer
• First weekend of membership is free. This allows the individual to test drive the experience.
• Annual dues are $30 for each of the first three years. To receive the reduced fee ($30.00) for the second and third year the volunteer is required to have participated for at least four days in the last year. That’s normally two race weekends.
• There is a three-part New Volunteer Membership form
Areas that we need always need help in are:
Flagging and Communications
Flagging and Communications; Volunteer/worker takes a position along the course and uses flags and hand signals to communicate track conditions to each driver. This position serves as first responder to any incident on the course, maintains the link between the steward and the drivers, and keeps the fun moving at all times. These people go home dirty.
Emergency Services
If you have training in medical response, fire fighting or vehicle recovery expertise, you can put your specialized skills to work by providing crucial event support. While there is nothing fun about emergency situations, these folks are the lifesavers.
Scrutineer
Scrutineers get real fun when they’re poking around under the hood. Pre-race safety inspections, preparation compliance, post-race inspections, mechanical teardowns. If you like to stick your nose in stuff, and know how it works, this is the job for you.
Timing and Scoring
These positions collect the numbers that tell the story – who drove how fast
and in what place each driver finished the race. You’re on the computer, using advanced technology to measure, collate, verify and deliver the results.
Registrars
The registrar is the intake person. Meet and greet arriving participants and issue and verify their credentials. Be the first official face they see, point them to where they need to be and make sure everyone gets started on the right track.
Marshal/Pit/False Grid
Marshals oversee activity in the paddock, on the course and in the pits. Marshals get their face next to the race, snort the fumes.
Starter
If your idea of fun is to have all eyes focused intently on you while you savor your moment of total control, you'll have great fun being a starter. The starter also calls the end of the race, and is hooked into the communications network throughout.
Dick
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Post by ROADBOY on Mar 17, 2008 19:34:41 GMT -5
Sounds like somthing I would be interested in. If I could just find the time.
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Post by damnyankee on Mar 17, 2008 20:24:18 GMT -5
Dick, this sounds very interesting.
How many events are "local" to Charlotte? I find it difficult to travel much, as my work schedule makes me travel alot!
Ken
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Post by loboracer on Mar 17, 2008 23:42:09 GMT -5
CCR currently has events scheduled at one Track. CMP located just south of Kershaw South Carolina. About an hour south of Charlotte.
We have had races at Lowes Speedway, and I would like to continue with that facility provided we could make a profit.
Plans are developing for a new road course on the north side of Spenser North Carolina. Less an hour north on I85.
Additional races are scheduled at VIR, about 2.5-3 hours north of Charlotte and Rockingham about 3 hours southeast of Charlotte.
That's five road race courses, less than 3 hours from Charlotte.
CCR has the potential to sponsor events at three different tracks within its region. I'm not aware of any region that can do that, but we need race officials to work these events.
Dick
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Post by C4Shane on Mar 19, 2008 21:20:32 GMT -5
Sticky'ed this for you Dick - to keep it on top for awhile.
Now - for those who haven't volunteered before - don't think of it as work or even as volunteering. Think of it as a great way to spend a day or two with your friends and some great cars. We have really enjoyed the chance to get out and support these events. Give it a try.
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Post by nutdriverrighty on Mar 26, 2008 9:51:49 GMT -5
Dick,
As the "road race liaison" for the SW chapter and having 5 years experience in F&C, I will be happy to field any questions that anyone has about corner working. I expect that Herb O'Toole will be happy to answer any questions about working tech.
Personally, I'd love to learn how to be a starter.
One idea that I have is to share nees with Art Corbitt at Buccaneer Region and Nancy Ann Van Hutten at the Atlanta Region. I work more at the Atlanta Region events than at any other.
My e-mail is Scott F at NutDriver dot org.
My phone is 864 419 4868.
As I said last Memorial Monster, I want to be a part of the solution, NOT a part of the problem.
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Post by samir3050 on Apr 13, 2008 13:00:27 GMT -5
Hi Dick after thurs nights talk count me in for the mem monster, i think flagging and comm might work for me just need some more info on where to apply or volunteer.
thanks Samir
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Post by fluid1 on Apr 28, 2008 7:43:37 GMT -5
I'd love to give this all a try, but I'll first provide a perspective.
Each time I hear about the 'next level' of CCR racing, it's only when they are asking for workers or assistance of some sort. I have never, ever met any of the road racers at an autox or anything like that. I'm just saying.
Maybe if someone was to show up at an autox with a fully prepped car and be available to answer questions and provide assistance to those who want to make the next step, let them know what they will need to do to their cars, ect.
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Post by lagunamiata on May 1, 2008 15:54:28 GMT -5
Tony - I just saw your reply. I've been saying the same thing for a while at our BoD meetings. Maybe some road racers will come to an event soon...
We did have a Spec Miata at the last event. At least that's one road race car!!
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Post by nutdriverrighty on May 8, 2008 12:08:39 GMT -5
Had my "fully prepped" SPU car at the Clemson Sports Car Club's get together a few weeks ago. Ted Theodore came out, but due to rain didn't bring the "Bandit". Where was everyone else? I hauled more than 75 miles to give folks a chance to ask questions, look at or sit in the car, etc.
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Post by ccytrader on May 8, 2008 12:45:05 GMT -5
Had my "fully prepped" SPU car at the Clemson Sports Car Club's get together a few weeks ago. Ted Theodore came out, but due to rain didn't bring the "Bandit". Where was everyone else? I hauled more than 75 miles to give folks a chance to ask questions, look at or sit in the car, etc. Scott, thinking back wondering where everyone else was and looking at your 75 mile haul to provide some more insight to the club racing scene I realized this was yet another example of scheduling. While its great that you were able to take the time and represent CCR in the club racing capacity its really hard to expect folks to drive 2 1/2 hours or so from the Charlotte area to ask questions when they have an event the very next morning to prepare for. I will keep harping on this scheduling thing because its one of the quickest and simplest explanations of all. CCR last year had a total of 82 people who participated in at least 5 of the 11 total events held in the autocross side of the club. 82 people out of almost 500 different drivers, and 290 of the 500 only came to one event and never returned. Figure at best you might be able to capture 10% of those people to show up and volunteer at a road race. I would love to work the Memorial Weekend event but it is scheduled on top of a National Tour event that is within a 4 hour drive. Perhaps if CCR wants to showcase the club racing side and attempt to peak peoples interest showing them there is more out there than 'puttering' around a parking lot, we should plan ahead a bit and really focus on club racers to come to an event where most of our members will be found. Going to the far end of the region to answer questions and spark interest in volunteering or otherwise getting involved doesnt make much sense to me. How about the 24hr event? We could take the whole first section of the paddock area next to grid and make it nothing but a long row of club racing cars and drivers. Put up a few tents, toss out some free energy drinks to folks passing by, answer questions for folks waiting in grid to take their runs, something. Making announcements at autocross drivers meetings are a start, but honestly 120+ people standing there listening to the safety speeches, run/work order, and everything else only care about one thing, the first car getting off the line! |
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Post by nutdriverrighty on May 8, 2008 15:18:31 GMT -5
At the SW CCR meetings, my idea was that there is a progression of involvement with the SCCA and approaching those outside the club to get involved in autocross (at stereo shops, "ricer" hang-outs, high school shop classes, etc.), those already autocrossing educated about club racing, and those with an interest in the events, but not able to afford/not interested in driving, etc. being educated about volunteering possibilities. I am ALWAYS just a phone call or e-mail away. I have worked in F&C since 2003 and have worked a litany of different events. I autocross on rare occasions, I'm going to hillclimb this year, and I continue to work F&C when the budget doesn't allow me to drive (which is often). If you have an interest in coming to an event, SEDivRacing.com has the up-to-date schedule. If you want to crew, I can put you in touch with folks who will value your help. If you want to volunteer, Herb O'Toole and I will put you in contact with the right folks to get you started. If you're nervous about any of this, get in touch with us and we'll try to put your mind at ease.
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Post by nutdriverrighty on May 8, 2008 15:20:06 GMT -5
Sorry, I guess if I'm going to say I'm a phone call or e-mail away, I should share those with the group!! :0)
Scott F at NutDriver dot org (and this does show some of our AX and track day participation)
(864) 419-4868
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Post by nutdriverrighty on May 8, 2008 15:25:59 GMT -5
Another idea I had approached the Atlanta Region about was having folks wandering the vendors row and among the crowd during the Petit LeMans, passing out information on how to get involved. When I talked with them about it, I was told "it's been done". When I told them that I'd been to every one since the first in 1998 and I'd never SEEN it done, I was told that the SCCA trailer is always set up to answer people's questions. IMHO, we need to get off of our butts and reach out to others. Sitting here and waiting for them to come to us is just going to get us gluteal callouses. I'd be willing to drag my SPU car to an autocross. However, I have to work it into my race schedule, whether that is working F&C or competing. Not meaning to be argumentative, just showing that this is a complicated issue without a simple answer. Thanks to all for all that you do to support the club. If you've only experienced one aspect of what the SCCA offers, take a day (or less) to go to a type of event that you haven't been to before. You never know what might happen. :0)
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Post by jbrotbeck on May 27, 2008 15:43:28 GMT -5
Dick,
What is the bonus you speak of in your original post to holders of Divisional and National Licenses? I was only told I would be paid $25 per day OR receive a hotel room (double occupancy). I guess I should have been scouring these forums PRIOR to the event and not after.
I am not complaining, because I know there were times where workers received diddly. I just want what I am promised.
edit: This a CCR-only perk. You CCR Autocrossers are crazy if you turn down a deal like this!: $20 bonus for Regional, $40 for Divisional, and $80 for National F&C license holders!
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Post by tedebayer on May 27, 2008 22:51:46 GMT -5
This is a great thread and I'm glad some of these ideas are being kicked around. Scott courseworked for many years, I course worked some (mainly at a particular hillclimb and some at Road Atlanta). The fact that we are both driving should tell you... this is contagious. If you keep hanging around tracks and racing, you will end up driving. There is no escape ...and resistance is futile! Just wanted to point out a few things... 1. John Brotbeck and I talked about courseworking and like many who course work, he is wanting to get involved in road racing eventually. He is courseworking and learning today in order to be better prepared when the day comes he can get a legal road racer, get his license and start. I told him he is getting some great knowledge.. he knows more about protocals, and flags and rules than most drivers... especially me! After this weekend, John and I are working on a co-drive with him and TJ where he can get his TT license in Elvira. I think more drivers in TT and Road Racing should spend some time with courseworkers ...maybe have a track day or autocross event once a year where we give some "crash courses"  and let them ride or drive our cars so they can better see what they really want to get into. It can all look pretty cool but there is a whale of difference in claustrophobia from a Diaso like Blair had this weekend to total exposure of a special, a Vee and Corvette. That will get more people in to our sport and show appreciation for the course workers that are allowing us the opportunity to run. I'm betting that our course workers would appreciate a day like that and it would encourage them to continue. 2. I am hearing from some drivers that there are other clubs that often have one person on a corner with sometimes little or no training. Never pulled a pin on a fire extinguisher...doesn't know where to point it and might do more damage than good. That bothers me.. SCCA has done a great job of building a program where drivers know they are operating in a controlled environment with well trained people there to assist if something should happen. I am glad to see guys like John and MANY others who are professional, courteous and keep us safe... even when we aren't thinking our clearest. 3. Can we have a worker night/dinner where we can review the licenses and worker positions and lay out training paths so people see where to go and how to get where they want to go? That would make a great article for our newsletter. Maybe .. make it a part of our monthly meeting? I would love to have some stewards come speak at our July or August meeting for SWCCCR. Anyone interested in attending a meeting like that? Just a few ideas. Steve Eckerich talked me in to working scoring during the last race on saturday... Wow...I forgot what it was like to be up in the tower with that view... it truly is the second best seat in the house. At my age, it may soon be the BEST seat in the house for me! ;D Thanks Ted |
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Post by loboracer on May 27, 2008 23:18:18 GMT -5
Several questions have been raised regarding the rewards programs that CCR has in place. Under the forms, section (left side of the main web page) is a line item called forms.
From this section, the reader can select several items, dealing with worker expenses, including special consideration s for earning additional license improvements. Regional to divisional to national. Please review these topics and feel free to call me if you have a question. Thanks for supporting CCR and our racing, solo, hillclimb and rally events.
Dick McCollister R.E.
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Post by jbrotbeck on May 28, 2008 9:33:28 GMT -5
Several questions have been raised regarding the rewards programs that CCR has in place. Under the forms, section (left side of the main web page) is a line item called forms. From this section, the reader can select several items, dealing with worker expenses, including special consideration s for earning additional license improvements. Regional to divisional to national. Please review these topics and feel free to call me if you have a question. Thanks for supporting CCR and our racing, solo, hillclimb and rally events. Dick McCollister R.E. FYI, some of those forms are old.  I will call you. |
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Post by jbrotbeck on May 28, 2008 10:46:27 GMT -5
OK, back to the Original Post: Anyone from CCR who has never flagged, I can personally say you will not regret it. In fact, if you are a race fan and want to be part of the action, you are welcome with open arms. The best thing is, if you have never flagged before, there is great OJT (On the Job Training). You will be placed in a corner station with someone who knows what they are doing and will learn plenty of what you need to know to feel at home. Here's an article I wrote for my region 2+ years ago at my first race:  I am amazed at the people and places I've met being a flagger just in this short time. You need to do as much flagging as you can in your home region to be able to work major races like Speed World Challenge, Rolex Grand-Am, and American LeMans Series. This is from last year's Petit LeMans:  Get out there and flag! Help out your region! Get the best seat in the house! Meet some great co-workers! Meet some great drivers! Have fun! Be Safe! |
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Post by nutdriverrighty on May 28, 2008 12:01:57 GMT -5
This may not be the place for this to be discussed, but I would LOVE to have a Crash and Burn school!!! When I went through C&B a few years back, it was done at the Georgia State Fire Academy somewhere WAY out in the boonies. When all was said and done, we were "licensed racetrack firefighters" in the state of Georgia. No joke. This was REQUIRED to work on Road Atlanta's private crew (which I did). Unfortunately, the higher-ups who had a connection with the SCCA retired and the "new guard" didn't have an interest. The last C&B school that I heard of was at Roebling earlier this season. I know that I'm rusty and that there are MANY on the corners who have never been to one. While not necessary to start corner working, I think it would be an admirable goal for there to be at least one C&B certified worker on every corner at every race.
Just for a point of contention, there are three groups that I have refused to work for (that will remain nameless) because they wanted me to work a corner alone. If I'm stomping on someone's toes, I apologize. However, I am of the STRONG opinion that one person per station is never acceptable, no way, no how.
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Post by jbrotbeck on May 28, 2008 12:56:50 GMT -5
This may not be the place for this to be discussed, but I would LOVE to have a Crash and Burn school!!! When I went through C&B a few years back, it was done at the Georgia State Fire Academy somewhere WAY out in the boonies. When all was said and done, we were "licensed racetrack firefighters" in the state of Georgia. No joke. This was REQUIRED to work on Road Atlanta's private crew (which I did). Unfortunately, the higher-ups who had a connection with the SCCA retired and the "new guard" didn't have an interest. The last C&B school that I heard of was at Roebling earlier this season. I know that I'm rusty and that there are MANY on the corners who have never been to one. While not necessary to start corner working, I think it would be an admirable goal for there to be at least one C&B certified worker on every corner at every race. Just for a point of contention, there are three groups that I have refused to work for (that will remain nameless) because they wanted me to work a corner alone. If I'm stomping on someone's toes, I apologize. However, I am of the STRONG opinion that one person per station is never acceptable, no way, no how. Sounds like a good place to me - a sticky thread about how bad this region (all regions, really) needs qualified F&C workers? Sho'nuf! My region wants me to put a C&B school on, but not having been to one myself (yet), I don't feel like I am qualified. I am slowly gaining contacts with local fire departments, but the logistics are the part that I am in no position to figure out. That's funny you mention the RRR school earlier this year...I was signed up for Sunday and I drove down Sat night and checked into the hotel. I show up at the track the next morning and it was cancelled due to the tornado that hit the power station the night prior. CRAP! Oh well, I'll try to catch the next one. That's also appropriate that you mention feeling uncomfortable with stations being manned with a single person. Heck, there's times where I 've seen three people at a station, all of whom couldn't put out a cigarette butt.  In fact there's even a page in the GCR about it, AND THAT'S JUST FOR TIME TRIALS! (See Section 3.3.1 on page 105 of the TT Rules): sccalive.haymarketnetwork.com/documents/Club%20Rules/Level3-TrackTrials.pdfI agree that two or more people per station is the rule, and rules are rules, but what if some race official deems it necessary because if they have to pay outside help, they might lose profit? |
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Post by trickbrick on May 28, 2008 16:06:54 GMT -5
Just a few random thoughts...
I agree it's really important to get as get as many F&C workers to take a C&B school... but I fall into the category of being one F&C worker who's been working since 06 and has never been to one or had to respond to any severe incident. Out of all the things going on at a road race, that's the only one that makes me nervous when I'm out there--not knowing that I have the skill set needed to respond to a possible emergency situation.
I have heard of C&B schools but always hear about them after the fact, not in enough time to work out the schedule to get there..........
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Post by nutdriverrighty on May 29, 2008 20:45:21 GMT -5
I'm going to talk to National, to the Atlanta Region Flag Chief, and the Buccaneer Region and see what is required for a C&B school. I don't know what fire department will do it, but it's been my experience that if you can set something on fire, those guys and gals will come running!
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Post by nutdriverrighty on May 29, 2008 20:48:36 GMT -5
John,
I wanted to respond to your comment about having only a single person in a station. There is only one place that I can say that I would be willing to do it and that is the station at Turn 8 at Road Atlanta. In regards to my response to being asked to do work a station alone, I think that it is unsafe for me, the other workers, the drivers, the track, and the club. THIS is the reason that I won't work for some clubs that I won't name for anymore.
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Post by jbrotbeck on Jun 2, 2008 12:00:50 GMT -5
Agreed. The only thing that happens there is blocking, and an occasional car running out of fuel. No need to have more than one worker there.
So, back the discussion about the other times you see one worker per station. What can we do to make sure it doesn't happen again in the SCCA?
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Post by jbyrd on Jun 2, 2008 13:29:16 GMT -5
It never ceases to amaze me how many folks want to have their picture taken with Brotbeck!.....and the lenghts they'll go to in order to achieve it!!! Imagine.....this guy entered a race just so he could have his pic made! |
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Post by nutdriverrighty on Jun 2, 2008 14:29:06 GMT -5
How about this, I called SCCA National and there is no book, no rules, and no guidelines for a C&B school!!?? No, I'm not joking! I'm working with the BoD of CCR, and I understand that a C&B school may be coming in the future. Anyone have a car they wanna torch? (your own, preferably!)
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Post by oldgiracer on Jun 10, 2008 11:16:06 GMT -5
One thing about C&B that should be mentioned is that one has not been held in our S.E. Division for some time, that I've heard. Should we have a divisional C&B school? Or should we join forces, CCR with SCR and possibly NCR at CMP or Rockingham to have a C&B? At any rate, having it at a track that has fire equipment available would be preferable in case something got out of hand. Some of our CCR equipment is out of date or the readiness of it is unknown, like our Jaws of Life. Having a C&B is a great way to teach how to "knock down a fire" with a 10 pound fire bottle or contain a fire long enough to extract a driver from the car, extracting an unconcious driver from a car, etc.
Let's hear what you think.
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and let them ride or drive our cars so they can better see what they really want to get into. It can all look pretty cool but there is a whale of difference in claustrophobia from a Diaso like Blair had this weekend to total exposure of a special, a Vee and Corvette. That will get more people in to our sport and show appreciation for the course workers that are allowing us the opportunity to run. I'm betting that our course workers would appreciate a day like that and it would encourage them to continue.
