First Event FAQ

Ryan posted this over at Utah SCCA, think it bears repeating over here (sticky maybe?) as it's a good quick overview of "What do I need to race?"

First Time Racing? Here's what you need to know to make it easy:

For You:
A valid drivers license is required to race. Please don't forget to bring it.

You must be a member to participate. You can purchase a $15 weekend membership when you register at the venue or online. To become a yearly member and save the $15 off every event please visit SCCA.com

Passengers and Spectators are always free, just sign the on-site waiver and get a wristband.

Helmets are required for drivers and passengers that meet one or more of the following SCCA Helmet Requirements.
If you don't have a helmet no sweat! Loaner helmets are available on site.

We race in all weather conditions, pouring rain or blazing heat. Please be prepared with umbrellas, hats, sunscreen, water, food, ect.

Your Car:
It's a common mis-conception that you need special safety equipment, brakes, tires, or mods to go racing. In fact, many people drive to and race at the event in the car they drive to work every day! No special equipment required!

However there is some basic preparation that every car should have:

   * Check all your fluids, especially the engine oil, make sure they are all full.
   * Check your tires, make sure they have at least the manufacturers recommended air pressure. You may want to add 10-15psi to keep the tires firm, however every car is different.
   * Check your battery, it should be securely held down so it can not slide around.
   * Remove all loose items from the car, anything, including the spare that is not bolted down.
   * Make sure you car is in generally good mechanical condition, if you can't drive it to work safely, or without breaking down, you probably shouldn't be racing it!

Classes
Classes are how we group similar cars together based on handling capabilities and modifications. To find out where your car belongs, check Bridgette's Classing Tutorial. If you have questions where your car belongs please don't hesitate to ask!

Numbers
Once you know your class you'll need to pick a number. Please see the list of RESERVED NUMBERS to find one not already taken. You reserve that number when you register online for an event. Once you have a number you can either make numbers for your car or purchase paper class/number sets for $1.00 at each event and use painters tape to attach them to the car.

If you want to make your own numbers they must be a minimum 8 inches high and use a 1.25 inch wide stroke. Class letters can be smaller, no less than 4" high. They should be of a contrasting color on body panels, not on windows (Hint: blue & black don't contrast). You may use magnetic material, vinyl, temporary paint, or a large white paper label with thick black marker on it as long as the above rules apply. Note that just tape or shoe polish on your windows will NOT be allowed as it is often too difficult to read from a distance, on a moving car.

The Event
We follow the same schedule for nearly every event, however it is subject to change:

7:30-8:30 Registration and Check In Mandatory for ALL competitors
8:30-9:30 Tech Inspection and Course Walk
Basic tech inspection of your car (required) and course walk (optional, but very useful)
9:30 Drivers meeting
Drivers meeting is mandatory, where you will be told what group you are running, where to grid your car, how many runs we're doing and the schedule for the rest of the day. New drivers will be taken aside by a new driver coordinator and given extra instruction to get you up to speed.
10:00 First Car Out
Now the fun begins! The new driver coordinator will stay with you to make sure you are learning the course, and having fun.

Entry Fees, these are subject to change, so please read each registration post as the event approaches:
SCCA Member Pre Reg $25
SCCA Member On Site $35
Race w/ Weekend Membership $40
Number Sets $1.00 (available on site)

For two day events, you can race the 2nd day for an additional $15.

Still have questions, or just want to know more? Here are a few helpful links with more information:

Solo Rules
SCCA Membership
SCCA SOLO FAQ's
SOLO Novice Handbook <--Lots of great info
Helmet Reqirements

Car Classing:
Milwaukee Region Classing by Make
Milwaukee Region Classing by Modification
^^ These two should be all you need, but if you want more:
SCCA Solo Categories
SCCA Stock Class by Make
SCCA Street Touring Classes
SCCA Street Prepared Classes