The Sports Car Club of America's Milwaukee Region was created as a
not-for-profit corporation in 1952. It was formed to encourage the
preservation, ownership, and operation of sports cars. It acts as a source
of information on the rules and regulations of the SCCA, provides and
regulates events and exhibits for the owners, and encourages careful and
skillful driving on public highways. The Solo Rule Book is now
available online, at onsite event registration
or you can order one online from the national web site.
In addition, we offer two additional Street Tire classes to compete in,
(F and R). Any other local rule changes will be posted at the event. Remember, we are a club run
by it's members and participants. That means you and I. No one is getting
rich putting on Solo events. Entry fees cover the lot rental cost with
just enough left over to maintain the bus and other equipment. We do this for FUN!
"What is Solo?"
Solo is the SCCA brand name for autocross competition.
Solo events are driving
skill contests that emphasize the driver's ability and the car's handling
through a course designated by traffic cones on a low hazard location,
such as a parking lot or inactive airstrip. While you're the only car on
course and speeds are no greater than those normally encountered in legal
highway driving, the combination of concentration and car feedback creates
an adrenaline pumping experience. It's like being in a movie chase through
a parking garage only you are holding on to the steering wheel instead of
a box of popcorn!
When you come to your first
event, come early so we can make sure we get you set up with a car
number, class and give you any help you need to get started. Park your
car in the parking lot, and go to registration.
Tell them you are new and they will get you started.
Registration
Onsite registration is from
7:15-8:15am. The cost is $30 for Milwaukee Region SCCA Members and $40
for non-members. If you show up after registration closes at 8:15am you
won't be allowed to compete. This may sound harsh but we need to get
everyone through reg/tech so the workers will have time to get everyone
entered into the computer. They want to walk the course too! Consider the
fact that it takes 15 minutes to walk the course and you should walk it at
least three times. That means you have to be through registration and tech
before 8:15am. Please get there by 7 am.
With Solo becoming more and more popular we're
starting to find a limit on how many entrants we can deal with at a given
event. To help everyone get through registration so the event can start on
time we offer
online pre-registration for members. To encourage people to use it the event
cost is $5 less or $25 for members.
The pre-registration page also spells out our refund policy.
Pre-reg is only available to SCCA members. Membership applications are available on the
website. To get the member discount at registration
you'll need to show proof of SCCA membership. Your SCCA ID, returned dues check
or copy of the membership application would work. Notes from your mommy and
saying "I forgot it" won't work.
At registration you'll fill out a tech inspection
card. Put your name, address, and car info on it. At the next event you can find
this same card in our folder so you don't have to fill it out again. If you
change class, number, address, etc. you can make the changes on the card or fill
out a new one.
A valid US drivers license and Snell M95 or
better helmet is required. Look for the sticker inside the helmet liner. We have
a few loaner helmets available but you'll have to share them. A new HJC
open faced helmet will run about $75 at local motorcycle shops like Sportland 2,
Don & Roy's, and the Torque Center.
Helmet City and the Helmet Shop
also sell them online.
Car Numbers and Class Lettering
At registration, you will get a car
number and a class. You get to decide what class to run in. This
is an important decision because we want to place your car in its most
competitive class and changing it later is a hassle. This is just an
overview of your options, it's a good idea to read the
rulebook for more info. It is your responsibility to class your
car correctly. Competitors police themselves by the protest procedures
detailed in the rulebook. Don't worry, the reality is that there are very, very few
protests. But did we mention how useful the
rulebook is? It's also
now available for free online.
Cars are divided into categories and classes.
Classes separate cars by performance, so that Neon's compete against Civics and
not against Corvettes. Class listings are found in the rule book. Categories separate cars
according to their level of preparation. There are now 5 main car preparation
levels. You should fill out the car modification worksheet to see what category your car falls in.
Stock class is for nearly unmodified
street vehicles. The
rules allow you to use certain aftermarket parts for wearable items.
Replacement shocks, brake pads, plugs/wires and air filters are 'free'.
Any wheel can be used as long as it's the same diameter and width as
stock and has the stock offset within +/- .25 inch (6.7 mm). You may replace the
front sway bar and use a cat back exhaust. You may not use a
chip, headers, cold air/cone type air filter or cut/replace/lower your suspension
springs.
Street Prepared uses the Stock
rules and allows further modifications. Aftermarket clutches, computer
chips, cone filters, lowered springs, fender flares, strut bars, any
wheel size, camber plates, torque arms, panhard bars, headers, LSD's,
and underdrive pulleys are all allowed. You may not overbore the
motor past .0472 inch, use an alternate cam or aftermarket turbocharger.
Prepared cars are usually older
SCCA road racing machines. They have weight, carburator and wheel size
restrictions, require roll bars and are generally not street legal,
(consult the rulebook for more info). Unfortunately, otherwise Stock
class cars with aftermarket cams must run here to be legal, (or go to
one of the Street Mod classes)
Modified class cars are usually
purpose built racing machines. Cars with alternate motors,
turbochargers, big wings, open wheel formula cars and college FSAE cars
fall into this category.
After you decide which class and category your
car falls into we need to think about tires. Racing slicks automatically put you
in Prepared or Modified while DOT approved R series tires, such as the Kumho
V710, Toyo RA1, Yokohama 032R or Hoosier A3S06, are legal in Stock or Street
Prepared. If you are using street tires with a minimum tread wear rating of 140, from high performance summer tires,
(like the Azenis Falcon or Kumho MX) to
good old-fashioned snow tires, I'd recommend running in one of the indexed
Street Tire classes. We separate them into FWD, (which includes AWD) and RWD and
use the RTP index (a handicapping system for comparing times of cars that are not in
the same class). Note the BFG G-Force KD is a street tire while the BFG G-Force
R1 is not. We're done right? Well not so fast…
Street Touring/Street Mod Classes
In an effort to attract the sport
compact/import/drag racing crowd, where a single mod often puts them into
Prepared, we've created the
Street Touring classes. These are for all sedans/coupes (four seats,
four factory seat belts, not sports car based), maximum displacement 3.1L,
normally aspirated with no aftermarket limited slip differentials. Many of
the SP rules are allowed, see the rulebook for examples. True street tires must be used, with a minimum
tread wear rating of 140. STX is for similar cars but the displacement
limit is 5.1L for normally aspirated engines and 2.0 for
turbo/supercharged motors. The
Street Modified Classes allow major motor and turbo mods/switches
along with DOT R tires.
Again, see the rulebook or the previous
link.
Please don't confuse Street Touring with the front (F) and rear
(R) street tire classes. It's legal for S, SP, P, M, SM & SM2 cars
to run in F and R but not STS, STS2, STX, or STU since those indexes are
already based on street tires.
Ladies Class
To help attract significant others, we
have a Ladies class for most of the open classes. These are completely optional,
ladies are free to run in the open classes. Depending on the number of
Ladies entries at the event, the Ladies Classes may be scored in a
Combined class using an index for computing the results. If enough entries
exist, they will run as a separate class. This way the Ladies Class
drivers will be more likely to have some competition at events. Drivers
should notify registration (Ladies do indeed have the option to run in the
open classes), if they plan on running in the Ladies Class. You also need
to display an L after the class on both sides of the car for example
B-Stock Ladies would be BSL. Note: there is no Ladies class for the F and
R street tire classes.
Novice Class
2001 was the last year we ran a Novice
Class. The original idea was to give new competitors on street tires a
place to run where they didn't have to go against the DOT R cars in the
open classes. Since we now have a number of street tire classes we feel
this isn't a necessary class.
Pro or Instructor Classes
The instructors have removed themselves
from normal class competition so that they can help others improve their
skills. They are available to help you at the event, whether it is for
recommendations on tire pressures, how to read the course or in-car
instruction. The instructors are some of the best drivers in the country
and you can learn a lot from just watching how they drive. They are run as
a group with a "P" for their class letter. The instructors are available
to ride along with
you for instructional purposes; they may also take others
out in their cars. Participation in this indexed class is voluntary and
is subject to the approval of the Solo Chairman. The instructors are
eligible for all year-end awards and will be eligible for the event FTD
Award. The instructors will lend their years of experience and
knowledge to help make your experience in Solo more rewarding.
RTP Indexing
Each class has an index
factor attached to it; this index is used to equalize the competition
between different types of cars. The PAX (Pro Autocross) and RTP (Racer's
Theoretical Performance)
index's have now been combined. Some classes such as F, R and Pro use their
indexed times to figure out class results. The index's are
maintained by Rick Ruth, a SCCA member from Chicago, not the SCCA itself.
Each cars index is very course, weather and surface dependent but over the
course of a year, it should equal out.
To calculate your index time you multiply
your raw time by your cars class index. For instance if you had a time of
50 seconds and your car is in D-Stock with an index of 0.800 you would multiply
50 x 0.800 = 40 seconds, this would be your indexed time. You can also compare
this indexed time to cars in other classes to see who is faster. An SS Corvette
can have a faster raw time but lose to a DS Integra Type R on index. For
instance, if the SS car ran a raw time of 48.5 on the same course as
above, with an index of 0.830 he would have an indexed time of 40.255, so in this case
the slower raw time would be the faster car on the index.
Still confused?
Jeff Slater has come up with a couple
of helpful worksheets to help you class your car. They can be found on the
Car Classing page.
"What's next?"
Now that you've decided on your
class/category we need to write it down on your tech card. We also need to
display it on your car so the corner workers and timing & scoring can see
it, in bad light, from a distance, while you're moving at 55 mph. The rule book states
that all cars must have numbers and class letters on both sides, and that
numbers be a minimum 8 inches high and use a 1.25 inch wide stroke. The
class letters will be smaller, usually 4 inches high. They shall be of a
contrasting color on body panels, not on windows (Hint: red & black don't
contrast). You may use magnetic material, tape, or a large white paper
label with thick black marker on it as long as the above rules apply. Note
that shoe polish on your windows will NOT be allowed. Examples of what
should and should
not be on your car are found below.
Good |
Not good
|
Put your assigned car number and then the class letters
after it, such as…
AS = A Stock, open class. DOT R tires allowed.
ASL = A Stock Ladies
AP = A Prepared. Racing slick tires allowed.
F = FWD & AWD street tire, write your complete class/category on your tech
card but only put the F after your number on the car. Street tires
rated at 140 or greater required.
R = RWD street tire, write your complete class/category on your tech card but
only put the R after your number on the car. Street tires rated at 140
or greater required.
STS = Street Touring. Street tires rated at 140 or greater required.
SM = Street Modified. DOT R tires allowed
So, a typical scenario for a new person showing up with their stock, street tired
H-Stock Honda Civic starts with an F for FWD street tire on their car. If they
start using DOT R series tires like a Kumho V710 then they move to the open
class and would use HS instead. If they have done car modifications they'd be in
STS, SM or CSP.
Magnetic Numbers, letters, and
other autocrossing accessories are available from the following:
K&M Magnetics, for a catalog call: (630) 894-3174
Pegasus Auto Racing, for a free catalog call:
(800) 688-6946
SoloTime, for a free catalog call: (316) 683-3803
Technical Inspection
After registration, it's off to Tech Inspection
which can be found near the grid area. The Tech folks try to make sure your car is autocross worthy.
They'll check your wheel bearings, brakes/fluid, battery security, etc. It's a basic safety check, we
don't have time to tear each car apart. Please bring your helmet with you as they'll make sure your
helmet meets the minimum rating. Please have your numbers displayed on the car as they'll
check to see if you're car number/class is legible. They'll also check for loose items in the car that
might become projectiles (such as floor mats, paper, clothing, soda cans, etc) while out on course so clean it
out the night before and make sure these objects are out of your your car prior to going to tech
inspection. If Tech declares a car unsafe, it will not be able to run and the driver's entry fee will
be refunded. Tech will put a sticker on your car and your helmet. It is the driver's responsibility to
make sure they have their car ready. If you do not have both a helmet and car sticker, you cannot run,
they will be checking for them at the starting line. If you do not bring your helmet or you do not
have numbers on your car when you go to tech you will be forced out of line and have to wait in
line again when the car is ready. Check to see if you're eligible for an
annual tech inspection.
Work Assignment
Everyone has to have a worker assignment.
If you do not work you will be DNF'ed for the day. There are a variety
of assignments to choose from such as corner working, grid, and timing
and scoring. For those who like to arrive early, we can usually use
help with set-up, registration and tech. At the end of the day we need help
stacking cones and loading up the bus. If you don't work one of these
special assignments you are required to work in the heats that you do
not run. If you drive in Heats 1 and 3, then you work in Heat 2 and 4.
If there are enough participants at the event, (150+) we will only have
to work in one Heat. If there are any changes, we will make
announcements on the P.A. or at the drivers meeting. The P.A. is
transmitted on FM radio at 88.5 so you can listen to the times in your
car. Be sure to pay
attention to your driving when exiting the course and returning to the
grid after your run. Although there are no DNF cones, the marked
cones after the finish do count if you knock them over. Safety first! Red umbrellas, cell phones, sandals and flip flops are not
allowed while working the course. We recommend wearing tennis shoes. Also, wear
comfortable clothing, be prepared for any kind of weather and bring water
to drink.
Grid and Run Order
After Tech it's time to put your car in one of the two Grids.
Heat 1 and 3 cars will go into one and heat 2 and
4 cars in the other. The first couple of grid spaces are for two
driver cars, these are marked by green cones.
The grid spots are no longer numbered, however we want you to
line up with the other cars in your class. Changing grid spots to
get a competitive advantage (weather, etc.) will be deemed as
unsportsmanlike behavior. Disqualification of that heats runs
may happen at the Chairman's discretion.
Course Walking
The course is setup each morning and is different from
event to event. There may or may not be a
course map available. It is very important that you memorize the
course so you know where you're going. Walk the course at least three
times.
In Solo this is one of the most important parts of your
day. Develop your plan of attack and then adjust it after your first
run. Look for the laydown or pointer cones that mark the insides
of the turns, we'll be turning around them. For more course info go
here. While it may look like a miniature road course most Stock class
cars will never go over 65 mph and we rarely use 3rd gear (put it in 2nd
at the start and then leave it there!). We also have a instructor course
walk at approx 9 am so you can have someone experienced to walk along with
and ask questions.
It helps to know what's around the corner before you get
there
Drivers Meeting
The course will be closed for walking at 9:10.
We will then start the drivers meeting. At the drivers meeting, we will
discuss the rules of the day along with any other SCCA Solo
Information. These are standard rules: no alcohol or illegal drugs are
allowed, drivers are responsible for their guests. No tire warm-ups
or brake tests allowed on or around the premises including any of the city
roads or area parking lots. Lot's big enough for Solo are hard to find so
please don't do anything that will get us kicked out. We will get the cars
started as soon as the drivers' meeting is over (hopefully by 10am). If
you are working in the first heat, please come to the drivers meeting
ready to go to your work assignment when it is over. If you are driving in
the first heat, please put your car in grid before the drivers meeting
starts.
Fun Runs
We will try for six timed runs whenever
possible, (three in the morning and three in the afternoon). After the
official timed runs we may have time for Instructional Runs. These are
extra timed runs that don't count towards trophies for $1 each (sorry no
re-runs for missed times). We have a short meeting to split the group in
two. One-group goes to work the course, (no penalty calls necessary) the
others form a continuous line
as you leave grid. As you come around stay in line unless you are
making changes to your car or changing drivers. The grid is not used for
Fun Runs. We then switch around for an equal number of runs for the second
group. If you run first, please man the course as soon as possible so the
second group of drivers can start their runs.
Event Awards
The SCCA Solo Rule Book states that awards
will be awarded to the highest placed drivers in each class on the
following basis unless otherwise provided by supplementary regulations.
One award for one to three entrants; two awards for four
to six entrants in a class; three awards for seven to nine entrants in a class;
one additional award for every four additional entrants. You or a designee must
be present to receive your trophy, or alternately, if you must leave early, ask
the event organizer for your trophy before you leave. If you are not present,
you will be awarded a Chit, by default. A Chit is a coupon for $5 off your next
event. If you are not present to collect your Chit or trophy, YOU must seek out
the event organizer at a subsequent event to get your prize. The event chairman
will NOT try to find you to give you your Chit/trophy. This requires more time
than the event organizers have to give, and it is unfair to expect them to do
such.
The Class Point System
Event points are calculated as followed:
(Fastest class time) divided by (your time) x 100 = (your event
points).
If the class winner ran a 50 second time, 2nd place ran a 51 and 3rd
ran a 55 we'd have...
50 / 50 x 100 = 100 pts for 1st place.
50 / 51 x 100 = 98 pts for 2nd place.
50 / 55 x 100 = 91 pts for 3rd place.
Year-End Awards
To be eligible for year-end awards you have to
be a Milwaukee Region SCCA member before the last event. Your best
five out of eight events count towards the season class awards. You
need a minimum of 3 events to qualify and can only win one class per year. A cash
award will go to the fastest driver of the year. At the end of the season,
we have an awards banquet where we give out the year-end awards.
In addition to the driving awards, we have the following
traveling trophies. The Dean Rhode Award goes to the person who made the most
significant contribution to the Solo program for that year. The Earl Krause
Hard Charger Award is awarded to the driver best exemplifying competitive spirit
and dedication to the sport. There is also a traveling trophy that goes to the
fastest driver of the year.
For Honda enthusiasts we also have the King
Motorsports Honda Cup.
Joining the Milwaukee
Region SCCA
Membership options include
Regular, Spouse, Family and the First Gear program designed to help those
age 21 and under. Applications with current prices are available on the
website and at all the Solo events, or call the Milwaukee Region
Membership Chairman.
There are many benefits to joining the Milwaukee Region
SCCA. You'll receive the SCCA magazine "Sportscar" (a $24 value),
get discounts from a variety of
retailers, receive the Milwaukee Region newsletter "The Drift",
and get higher insurance coverage
when participating. Also, if you pre-register and come to 3 Solo
events, the discount entry fee savings will pay for your membership.
If you are an SCCA member in another region you can apply for dual region
membership for $20 a year, that will make you eligible for the year end awards.
Please remember that we are a not-for-profit club. We're here to have fun and we
only charge enough to cover the lot rental, insurance and have enough left over
to buy supplies for next year. We really appreciate it when people go the extra
mile to help out before or after the events.
Kate Hughes
Solo Handbook also has a lot of good info for new autocrossers.
For more information contact the Solo Chairman
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