Last updated on October 3rd, 2007
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A typical run at an AutoX |
AutoX FAQ - Quick Links:
2011 SCCA Solo Rules Help with classing your car UBCSCC Forum Upcoming AutoX Events Directions to the BC Driving Centre |
What is Autoslalom/Autocross?
Autoslalom, sometimes referred to as Solo II or more commonly Autocross (AutoX), is a time trial event where one car at a time completes a road course, usually set up at an unused airport runway or parking lot. The layout of the course is defined using traffic cones, while the goal is to finish the course as quickly without disturbing the cones and assessing penalties. The sport is also the safest form of motorsport because competitors are racing against the clock rather than against other cars. These events are also a test of driver skill and handling rather than all out speed (top speed on course is around 65mph), thus keeping event insurance costs low (which are included in your entry fee).
What does a course consist of?
A great big sea of cones! Just kidding. Usually an AutoX course are made up of (but not limited to) 3 basic elements: Slalom, offset gates, and sweeper, all of which are implemented using traffic cones. Course maps are provided at the beginning of each event for drivers to walk and familiarize themselves with the day's course.
How is it scored?
The name of the game is to drive as fast as you can through the course. If a car knocks a cone out of its chalk-lined "box" or tips it over as it goes by it, that adds 2 seconds to their total time for that run. If the driver fails to drive the course as instructed by the course map, they automatically receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) for their run.
Do I need special training or prior racing experience to join?
No, not at all. The beauty of AutoX is that it is a form of driver training itself. You can learn the limits of whatever car you have in a safe and controlled environment. Most important of all is that it is legal to participate in. Autocross is an inexpensive sport to get into, it is typically the first form of motorsport many people start with when they get into racing. As long as you have a car to drive and a valid driver's license, you are set.
Do I need a fast or a modified car to enter?
That's another no. The truth is, you will have fun either way, guaranteed! Imagine how much MORE fun it would be to do an event and set a baseline for your bone stock car first. Then, put on those new goodies an event at a time and actually feel the difference at your car's new found limit, and let the part you installed perform for you!
But remember, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what car you drive or the modifications you have - Its still up to you and your driving skills to pilot your car up to the top of the standings!
But remember, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what car you drive or the modifications you have - Its still up to you and your driving skills to pilot your car up to the top of the standings!
I love to win, but I drive a completely stock car.. How will my time be compared to my friend's *enter fast car here*?
This is where things get interesting! Cars are split up into different classes based on performance potential and modifications and the competition is based on the fastest time that each competitor runs on course, with the fastest time in each class winning. Indexing allows you to compare your stock Honda Civic, for example, to a stock Porsche 911. It also limits the amount of bragging rights for the driver. :o) So depending on the driver, after indexing the raw time, you can actually come out ahead of that 911. Excited yet??
You may visit our Car Classification forum for more details on which class your car belongs to.
You may visit our Car Classification forum for more details on which class your car belongs to.
Ok great! Where do I sign up?
There are a couple of ways to sign up for an event: Pre-register online when the link is posted prior to the next event. An event requires the purchase of a UBCSCC club membership. Your $25 full-year membership is good until August 31st of the next calendar year.. cuz we know you'd come back wanting more AutoX action!
Your club is called *UBC*SCC. Do I need to have any affiliation with the university to join, such as a student or an alumni?
Don't let them name fool you.. anybody from anywhere can join and race with us. Guy or girl, young or old, beginner to expert; As long as you hold a valid driver's license, access to a car, and an interest in the sport, you have met all the minimum requirements! (A lil' bit of money to cover the entry fees help too!)
What is inspected at the tech inspection?
The tech inspection is a quick inspection to make sure your car is safe to drive at speed. However, it is important to realize that we cant and wont check everything that could break, so the onus is on you - is your car leaking fluid? Get it fixed! Are your brakes squeaking? Make sure they have some pad left! The general rule of thumb is that if your car is not safe for the street, it is DEFINATELY not safe for autocross where you will push the limits of your car. If your car is nearly new, you generally have nothing to worry about.
Some specific items we check:
Your car is free of any loose items that could go flying (trunk is OK)
Your car has its driver's floor mat removed
Your car doesnt have any large (greater than 3") cracks on the windshield
Your car's battery is securely held down - NO EXCEPTIONS (Bungee Cords will not do!)
Your helmet is rated Snell-M2000/M2005 or Snell-SA2000/SA2005
*** We do not check exhaust noise at tech inspection, but if during the day your car is unbearably loud, you will be asked to not return until you have fixed it and/or leave for the day depending on how loud it is. Loud exhausts are OK, unreasonably loud exhausts are not. Use your judgement.
Some specific items we check:
Your car is free of any loose items that could go flying (trunk is OK)
Your car has its driver's floor mat removed
Your car doesnt have any large (greater than 3") cracks on the windshield
Your car's battery is securely held down - NO EXCEPTIONS (Bungee Cords will not do!)
Your helmet is rated Snell-M2000/M2005 or Snell-SA2000/SA2005
*** We do not check exhaust noise at tech inspection, but if during the day your car is unbearably loud, you will be asked to not return until you have fixed it and/or leave for the day depending on how loud it is. Loud exhausts are OK, unreasonably loud exhausts are not. Use your judgement.
What should I bring to an AutoX event?
One of the most important things in autocross is to DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. Remember, not only will you be driving, but you will be working out on course. If there is a chance of showers, bring a rain jacket. If it's supposed to be bitterly cold, bring gloves. If it's going to be brutally hot, clothes that wont overheat you are important. It is much better to bring a few extra clothes and not need them than to either shiver or sweat all day. Besides bringing yourself and your car, there are a few other things you might find convenient to bring with you to an event. Some basic items that are nice to have are:
-Your helmet
-Tire pressure gauge
-A hat
-A pair of gloves
-Sunscreen
-Garbage bags (to place your items in that arent in the car while you are driving - especially useful for rainy days)
-Your helmet
-Tire pressure gauge
-A hat
-A pair of gloves
-Sunscreen
-Garbage bags (to place your items in that arent in the car while you are driving - especially useful for rainy days)
What to do when I get to the event? **Newbies please read!**
Usually the venue is open at approximately 7:30am. The technical inspection of participants' cars is done between 7:30 and 8:30, registration is approximately 7:30 - 8:40, and the driver's meeting is at approximately 9:00am. Our goal is to have the first car on course by 9:30am at the latest. Below describes a typical morning leading up to the start of an event.
Please note: Tech closes at 8:30am sharp. If you are changing tires, this must be complete before you go through the tech inspection. Registration closes at 8:45am sharp. In order to start events on time, it is important that our cutoff times are respected - please do not be late, as you will be spectating, not driving!
-Park your car in the pit area, usually next to the entrance to the lot
-Unload your belongings and remove any loose objects inside the cabin area, and change tires if necessary
-Park your car at the tech area (the grid). Stand by your car and do not walk away until it has been teched (teched cars will be given a sticker)
-After passing tech, line up to pay the necessary fees and get registered into the timing computer. Even if you've paid online, you still need to line up to get registered into the timing computer.
-Be sure that not only yourself, but the person(s) you've brought with you sign the waiver and get a yellow wristband
-After all that is done, you are free to walk the course before the driver's meeting commences
*** If you are new to the sport, it wouldn't be a bad idea to grab a senior driver or with racers to walk the course and figure out how it goes and what lines to take
So, that pretty much describes a typical morning. :o) Don't hesitate to ask an organizer or fellow racers for help at the event if you have any questions or concerns!
Please note: Tech closes at 8:30am sharp. If you are changing tires, this must be complete before you go through the tech inspection. Registration closes at 8:45am sharp. In order to start events on time, it is important that our cutoff times are respected - please do not be late, as you will be spectating, not driving!
-Park your car in the pit area, usually next to the entrance to the lot
-Unload your belongings and remove any loose objects inside the cabin area, and change tires if necessary
-Park your car at the tech area (the grid). Stand by your car and do not walk away until it has been teched (teched cars will be given a sticker)
-After passing tech, line up to pay the necessary fees and get registered into the timing computer. Even if you've paid online, you still need to line up to get registered into the timing computer.
-Be sure that not only yourself, but the person(s) you've brought with you sign the waiver and get a yellow wristband
-After all that is done, you are free to walk the course before the driver's meeting commences
*** If you are new to the sport, it wouldn't be a bad idea to grab a senior driver or with racers to walk the course and figure out how it goes and what lines to take
So, that pretty much describes a typical morning. :o) Don't hesitate to ask an organizer or fellow racers for help at the event if you have any questions or concerns!
What is the UBCSCC Slush Series?
Check out our UBCSCC Slush Series page here.
Directions to the BC Driving Centre
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
There is absolutely ZERO TOLERANCE for any burnouts, reckless driving, or loud stereos on Ford Road at any time. Anyone caught breaking this rule will be immediately, and permanently, banned from all 3 local autocross clubs without warning.
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From Richmond/Vancouver/Burnaby/New Westminster
• Make your way to Highway 1 Eastbound • Take the HWY 7B exit (United Blvd) making sure NOT to merge left onto HWY 7 (Lougheed Highway) • Continue straight through the light at United Blvd onto the Mary Hill Bypass (HWY 7B) • Merge right onto Lougheed Highway going East right before the Pitt River Bridge • Turn right onto Harris Road (the corner with the McDonalds on your right side) • Turn right onto Ford Road • Turn left into the gate with the sign "Welcome to the BC Driving Centre" From SFU/Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam:
• Head east on Lougheed Highway and cross the Pitt River Bridge • Turn right onto Harris Road (the corner with the McDonalds on your right side) • Turn right onto Ford Road • Turn left into the gate with the sign "Welcome to the BC Driving Centre" |
All this might sound a bit intimidating for the beginner, but we assure you, you will have a lot of fun when you come out!
AutoX is a volunteer sport, which means the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Also, one of our favorite part is when first timers and novices come to the timing tent at an event and ask for a senior driver to ride along with them, help them navigate the course and give them feedback and advice to go faster! Remember, everyone you see racing was a novice at one point or another, so don't be afraid to ask for help! :o)
AutoX is a volunteer sport, which means the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Also, one of our favorite part is when first timers and novices come to the timing tent at an event and ask for a senior driver to ride along with them, help them navigate the course and give them feedback and advice to go faster! Remember, everyone you see racing was a novice at one point or another, so don't be afraid to ask for help! :o)
While this concludes the FAQ section, one thing we cannot stress enough is to come out with us! You'll have fun no matter what you are driving!! We guarantee that if you enjoy your first event, you will want to keep coming out for more!
See you out on course!
-Your 2010-11 UBCSCC Executive Team
-Your 2010-11 UBCSCC Executive Team
