Autocross Update

By the time you read this article in early November, we hope to have completed Event #4 at Sebring and with any luck will have a date and location for one more AutoX in 2021. Recently GCR had a new member/volunteer appreciation picnic. I made a short AX presentation to everyone and later a more detailed demonstration with questions and answers. To revisit these important topics, here are some of the questions and answers (or excerpts from PCA publications) from the 9/25 activity:

What is an Autocross?

An autocross is an all-forward gear competitive driving event in which one vehicle at a time is timed for one or more laps on a clearly defined closed course on a hard surface with a defined start and finish line. An autocross is run in lower gears (typically 2nd) with an emphasis on handling and agility rather than speed and power. An autocross is not wheel-to-wheel racing, a time trial or a gymkhana. More than one vehicle can be on the course at the same time as long as vehicles do not run in proximity to each other and workers are not put at risk. There can be official timing of each lap with appropriate penalties for course deviations and awards can be given for finishing positions in class and/or overall.

Who can ride in the car on course ?

Only registered entrants are allowed in vehicles on course while the course is hot, and no more than two people may be in the car at one time. If two people are in a car, one must be a designated autocross instructor. The driver must have sole control of the car – no blindfolded driving or any physical control input by a passenger. Drivers and passengers must be belted in the car with helmets on and chin straps fastened while on course.

Can My children or grandchildren participate? What is the Junior Participant Program (JPP)?

The JPP allows the fully licensed sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, stepchildren or grandchildren of PCA members to participate in autocrosses. The parent or legal guardian of the JPP entrant does not need to be a PCA member if the uncle, aunt, grandparent or stepparent is a PCA member, and this member is in attendance at the event, along with the JPP entrant. Contact your local AX program chairs for more details.

Can I drive a car other than a Porsche?

All Porsche vehicles and other manufacturer automobiles are eligible. Karts and motorcycles are not allowed to participate; karts must not be operated within the boundary of the event as per PCA National Policy. For non-Porsches, acceptance of the car will be at the discretion of the Event Chair and the Safety Chair. The only local event currently designated as Porsche only is the 48 hours at Club Race AutoX, so for other AX events feel free to bring your daily driver or other vehicle....yes, we have SUV’s that run our Autocrosses (and the Macans and Cayennes are very competitive)

What about participant age and licensing?

The minimum age for any driving entrant is 18 years, except for JPP entrants. All entrants must have a valid driver’s license, verified either during online registration or when the driver checks in.

2021 Schedule, reminders and looking ahead to 2022

October 9th is the last 2021 AX date as of this writing. See below for help needed in adding additional dates to the calendar. Most dates and sites are subject to change due to weather, availability and factors beyond our control. Watch for emails that provide additional details or updates.

To continue offering a world-class AX 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 AutoX events. In the past we have used shopping center parking lots, sporting and gaming venues, and school/government parking facilities. We most recently used the BBT Center parking lot, which was great: big, centrally located and reasonably priced. A repaving project, and later contract revisions, put an end to that lot. 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 a site? Are you the person with the “in”? Please call me at 954- 292-3915 if you can help find a new AX site. In 2021 all of our AX events were at Sebring in conjunction with Club Race or a regional DE. While this has proved doable, members have expressed a preference not to drive so far. Preferably, any future site should be no more than a one-hour drive.

Mark your calendars for the 2022 Club Race AutoX challenge, held in conjunction with the 48 hours at Sebring Club Race. For 2022, the Club Race dates are February 3-6, with the AutoX taking place on Saturday February 5th, 2022. The website to register is the 48 Hours Club Race portal on clubregistration.net .We plan to provide the direct registration link in future Kassette issues.

Please remember to be Covid-19 conscious. This means Covid waivers (if required), social distancing, masks, and other appropriate protocols..................................Questions? call Steve or Dottie Kidd at 954-946-3196