Another new guy

[jwilliams]

So my wife and I just bought a 2005 RX8. For the past 10 years, we have been driving Jeeps (We moved to Charlotte from Boone a little over a year ago). I've always known about SCCA but never got involved because, well a Jeep doesn't autocross very well! So now that we have the new car I thought we would have some fun with it! Mentioned autocross to my wife and she seems pretty interested too. In fact she said it sounded like a lot of fun! So I have a couple of questions:

1. After we join and pay our dues and such, do we just show up or what?
2. Do any women do this locally or will my wife feel like she is at a guys event?
3. I'm sure this has already been answered but what do we do next after signing up?

Thanks

[jbyrd]

jwilliams said:

So my wife and I just bought a 2005 RX8. For the past 10 years, we have been driving Jeeps (We moved to Charlotte from Boone a little over a year ago). I've always known about SCCA but never got involved because, well a Jeep doesn't autocross very well! So now that we have the new car I thought we would have some fun with it! Mentioned autocross to my wife and she seems pretty interested too. In fact she said it sounded like a lot of fun! So I have a couple of questions:

1. After we join and pay our dues and such, do we just show up or what?
2. Do any women do this locally or will my wife feel like she is at a guys event?
3. I'm sure this has already been answered but what do we do next after signing up?

Thanks

After you join SCCA, check our Solo schedules and see when the next event will be. There will be 2 in May on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th.

Pre-registration usually opens about a week to 10 days before the event.

Then just show up at the event, sign the Waiver Form, and go to registration and sign in. At the registration table, you will pay your entry fee, and then you can take your car to Tech Inspection (someone will show you where to go - just ask).

Decide as you sign up which class you want to run in based on you car. If you run stock class, the RX8 is in B-Stock. You can choose to run in B-Stock Open class with the veterans, or you can run in Novice class (suggested for beginners) with newcomers if you want to. This of course, is assuming you have not prepped you car beyond the stock rules.

Rules can be found at SCCA.com by clicking on "Solo" in the left menu - then "car & rules" in the left menu.

Rules for stock classes are simple: Stock size wheels (within limits); Front sway bar can be changed; and for the most part you're free to use any shocks you want. It's all explained in the book - if you have a question, ask here.

And Yes, there are lots of ladies at our events. Ladies are free to run in either open or Ladies classes.

I know I haven't covered it all, but there you have the fundamental basics.

Bring water and suncreen - Welcome Aboard!!!

[jwilliams]

Thanks for the friendly reply. The car is bone stock (so far!) so B Stock sounds right. I did look at the rules (there are a lot of them!) and I believe we can both enter and drive the same car? I think the rules say something about no more than two drivers per car or something like that. Hope to be there for the May events. Sounds like a blast! Do the events usually last all day? Have you seen anyone else driving an RX8?

[jbyrd]

jwilliams said:

Thanks for the friendly reply. The car is bone stock (so far!) so B Stock sounds right. I did look at the rules (there are a lot of them!) and I believe we can both enter and drive the same car? I think the rules say something about no more than two drivers per car or something like that. Hope to be there for the May events. Sounds like a blast! Do the events usually last all day? Have you seen anyone else driving an RX8?

That's correct. You can both drive the same car, and yes, the events usually last pretty much all day.

There are some RX8s around, but I don't think anybody is making a serious effort with one in CCR at this point. That is probably changing though.

B-Stock's main competitors right now are Michael Bright with a 350Z, and Chuck Palmer with a BMW M Coupe. The are both excellent drivers and are divisionally competitive.

I would suggest you run in B-Stock Novice (BSN) (BSLN [Ladies]) until you learn the sport. There's a lot to learn about autocross, and a lot of people willing to help you.

Look forward to meeting you.
Later,

[volksman]

Make sure you get there early so you can walk the course and try to learn it. So you don't get lost! When you get out there and start going around the course it can ge ta little confusing. I also suggest taking the "novice walk-through". It's a walk through done by one of the better/best of the drivers and he points out the best way through and what to think about.(like looking around the turn rather than 30 feet ahead)

Watch out for offers to drive your car to show you it's potential!

Seriously, you can have a more experienced driver go with you on a run to see what you're doing right and wrong.
Welcome to the fun! Greg

[jwilliams]

Thanks for the tips. You guys have been very helpful. I think the hard part will be waiting for the next event!

[jwilliams]

For any other novices out there reading this I found a good link that explained quite a lot:

www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

I thought it would be a good idea to share this if you haven't seen it elsewhere.