Gcr Autocross A J Moffit, staff writer If you don’t already know what Autocross is, it might be high time you learn. Those who participated in the PCA Autocross events at Palm Beach International Raceway on Saturday, January 15, 2022, can surely tell you what fun Autocross can be. Autocross is believed to have been invented in the late 1940s as part of a club competition in the United Kingdom. In a race against the clock where participants race one at a time through a navigated course, the course is typically mapped out with pylons or cones and is intended to focus on proper driving technique, which most notably includes the driver’s ability to react quickly. Planned by PCA’s own Dottie and Steve Kidd, who have organized Autocross events for over 20 years, these events might seem as if they are aimed towards men. In actuality, PCA events like these target everyone – from men to women to teens. Anyone with a driver’s license and desire to learn can enjoy the closed-track fun. A total of 64 people registered for the
two events, including 32 at the morning session and 32 in the afternoon. Autocross comes with its own set of obstacles, though. Steve explained, “One of our biggest challenges is finding new Autocross sites. We have three available to us, but if any readers can find us a new site, you would be our hero.” The event is more than just racing. It’s a collaborative effort where when you aren’t racing, you are working. Each session of 32 got divided into four groups of eight. Each group was color-coded: red, yellow, green, and blue. Then each group got assigned to race, work, rest, or work again. When attendees arrive at the event, first, they check-in at the front gate, letting the track know they are on the premises. Next, they check in with PCA and are assigned their color group. After that, participants walk the course. They can either walk around the track independently or go as a group with Steve or Dottie. The track walk shows the participants the peculiarities of the course, also noting where each workstation is. New drivers get assigned
Jonathan Koch prepares to start Trent Ksionek
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Die Porsche Kassette
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an instructor who will run the track with them at least once, including on their first of six laps around the track. The instructor can continue riding along as necessary to ensure the driver feels secure. But remember that participating in the event requires a commitment from the drivers to work. Work assignments include Grid, Timing Tent, Course Moderators, and Finish Line. Each work assignment provides its own enjoyment, as each assigned task has merit and is integral to the fluidity of the event. A car can’t start without knowing it’s their turn to go, so the Grid position keeps the drivers in check, letting everyone know when it’s time to get to the start line. Next is timing, which is responsible for more than just the overall time that it takes a driver to run the course. Timing also subtracts for cones hit, off-course, and other situations that can incur penalties. What about driver safety? Safety is where Course Moderators come in. These workers are placed throughout the course. They reset cones that have toppled over, and radio in any discrepancies, such as when a driver goes off course. But safety doesn’t end there. It’s comforting to know that an EMS and tow truck are on property throughout the event providing peace of mind for everyone’s safety. Fortunately, to date, the EMS has not yet been needed. Everyone has their favorite workstation to partake in. James Stammer enjoys working the grid. “Everybody waits their turn,” he explains, “You tell the racer ‘Okay, you’re next,’ and you keep them in line. The idea is to keep them flowing, so there’s not a lot of downtimes.” What’s the best part of PCA Autocross? The camaraderie and everyone doing their part. James tells us,
