Autocross

PCA Volunteers

Steve Kidd, Autocross Chair

The big news is that here we are in April and have already completed four autocross events! Actually, by the time you read this in early May, we will have completed our fifth Autocross of the season. Although Covid put a damper on everything over the last few years, including AX, it looks like events are returning. Our first four Autocross events were double events (two Autocross events in one day); however, the April 30th event will be just one event at the Sebring Skid pad. Thanks again to our friends at Sun Coast Region for providing us the opportunity to run on the skid pad on the weekends they rent the track.

Recently, the PCA parade competition rules (PCRs) committee finalized some significant rules changes, and new Autocross classes, all of which were recently made official. One of the biggest changes in Autocross classes was the elimination of four sets of Autocross classes ( small region, medium region, large region and parade), resulting in a single set of revised classes. The new class structure combines larger numbers of car types, and significantly reduces the number of classes. The GCR Autocross program will start using the new class structure in the 2023 Autocross season since we already have four autocross events using the current classes and it would be difficult to shift rules in mid-season. 2022 Parade attendees can expect to see these new Autocross classes when registering.

Rule changes in any form of motor sport are an evolving process. As new cars are introduced, rule makers try to group cars with similar performance potential together. With PCA, in addition to class, there are four general categories based on performance modifications your Porsche has undergone. As cars receive upgrades, they “progress” from stock to prepared to improved to modified class. The rules can be somewhat confusing, so please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about your Porsche’s class or category. Gold Coast Region, PCA national and many other PCA regions use the PCA Parade Competition Rules (PCRs) for classing cars for Autocross competition.

Summary of AX class changes:

Classes were reduced by doing the following:

Stock Classes (reduced from 13 to 9 classes) Combine S01, S02 and S03 into one class (S01). All early cars up through 1977 911, plus the early Boxster in one class. Combine S11 and S12 into one class (S09). All Cayenne, Panamera and Macan in one class. Combine S10 and S13 into one class (S08). Carrera GT, 918, Taycan moved to class with fastest GT cars.

Production Classes (reduced from 10 to 7 classes) Combine P02 and P03 into one class (P02). Combine P06 and P07 into one class (P05). Combine P08 and P10 into one class (P06). Carrera GT, 918, Taycan moved to class with fastest GT cars.

Improved and Modified classes (reduced from 5 to 3 classes each) Combine I02 and I03 into one class (I02). Same for M02 and M03 (M02). Combine I04 and I05 into one class (I03). Same for M04 and M05 (M03).

I need to repeat an important message. To continue offering a world class Autocross program, we need a new site. This could be a BIG parking lot, air strip or similar piece of pavement in the Tri-County area to hold our Autocross events. In the past we have used shopping center lots, sporting and gaming venues, and school/government parking facilities, which have no parking bumpers and are reasonably priced. What we need is an “in”—someone who has a connection to a suitable property and can help us get our foot in the door. Do you know of such a site? Are you the person with the “in”? Please call me at 954- 292-3915 if you can help finding a new Autocross site.

Tentative AX schedule for the remainder of 2022

Event #5 4/30 /2022 @ Sebring in conjunction with the Suncoast Region DE. Thanks again to our friends at Suncoast for the site Event #6 9/10/2022 @ Sebring in conjunction with the Suncoast Region DE.

Thanks again to our friends at Suncoast for the site Event #7 October or November. Location TBA possibly FAU, PBIR or with another PCA region. Most of the above dates & sites are subject to change due to weather, availability, and factors beyond our control.

2022 updates:

Everyone is now required to preregister & pre-pay for any Autocross on Clubregistration.net. Please consult the GCR website and the Kassette for all Autocross photos & results.

A new helmet rental program will be instituted starting with the April 30th Autocross. We will be utilizing new/newer Snell-approved helmets available for a $20.00 charge per person per event. Helmet reservation/ payment will be available as an event option on Club registration. Please bring a helmet sock and be prepared to leave your driver’s license as a deposit. Your license will be returned when you return the helmet.

No passengers allowed except for an approved Autocross instructor driving or in the car instructing.

For 2022 please remember to be Covid-19 conscious. This means appropriate safety protocols will be enforced.

General Questions: Call Steve or Dottie Kidd 954-946-3196..

Autocross rule questions: Call Steve 954 292-3915