Since before the '60s, would-be motorsports enthusiasts have been turning to abandoned airports and parking lots to get their rocks off, scrubbing the tires on their daily drivers and race cars alike, both safely and cheaply. Using dozens of cones, the temporary mini-road courses would allow Joe Public to feel like Ron Fellows for an afternoon-without forking over hundreds of dollars to run at a road course, and without needing a racing license or trading paint with competitors, thus adding further cost. The time trial setup is most likely what led the Sports Car Club of America to name its sponsored autocross events Solo II in 1970 (Solo I included higher-speed events like hill climbs). While the SCCA is far from the only club or organization sponsoring autocross events, it is certainly one of (if not the) largest and most popular. For this reason, GMHTP has provided a complete breakdown of what you need to know about the Solo program before you get out there and kill some cones. This comes compliments of the SCCA and my personal experience over the past four years, including a recent trip to a Northern New Jersey Regional event with the LT1 Formula project car
Unlike a road course, the course at a Solo event changes every event or day (if a two-day event). Each driver is given between two and six runs, depending on any number of factors, including the number of participants, length of the course, and how smoothly the event runs. Most local events I've been to usually allow five or six attempts, which is good for novices, as it typically takes two to three runs just to learn the course and start feeling comfortable. Each cone along the course is outlined in chalk, and any cone booted by a competitor incurs a two-second penalty added to the elapsed time. Quite frequently, a gate is missed along the course, which, whether it provides an advantage or not, disqualifies the competitor and the run is marked "Off Course" (OC) or "Did Not Finish" (DNF). All cars are classified by performance and body type, as well as modifications. For example, F-bodies with no more than a cat back and a set of sticky tires can compete in F-Stock. Further mods will land you in one of the following: Street Touring, for bolt-on street cars with street tires; Street Prepared, for stock motor cars with R compound tires; Street Modified, for more highly modded cars (including engine swaps); Prepared, for anything-goes gutted race cars with full slicks and built engines; or Modified, for full-bodied or silhouette tube-chassis cars. Some regions even have women's and novice classes. For more specific rules on each class, contact the SCCA.
The SCCA is divided into more than 100 regions throughout the country, and in some cases (like the Philadelphia and New York metro areas), regions host a handful of one-day events throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Less populated areas hold fewer events in fewer locations, which are generally two days each. Awards are given out for each region based on the points achieved through competition, much like any race series; however those looking for top honors can make the trek to Topeka, Kansas, for the Solo Nationals. The format for a typical race day is pretty uniform no matter what the region: registration, tech inspection, course walking, drivers' meeting, runs, course work, clean up, and awards. One way Solo events manage to be so cheap is that they rely on volunteers and competitors to set up, maintain, and clean up the course-so don't expect to be sitting in the shade sipping iced tea in between runs. You'll be fetching cones, doing your best cop impression into a walkie-talkie, directing traffic, and flagging down cars as needed. Now that you have a brief background, here are a few tips and suggestions.
A good performance alignment will pay dividends on an autocross course, since it is so imperative to shift the weight back and forth rapidly. Though we will be covering this in an upcoming Strano suspension install, former Solo II champ and suspension guru Sam Strano recommends going as far as possible with negative camber and positive caster on Fourth Gen F-bodies, since the factory adjustments are so limited. Sam said tire wear usually isn't too excessive with his alignments, though it can easily be pulled back a notch to suit the owner. | 
Go over your ride the night before to make sure the car is in perfect mechanical condition. Pay extra special attention to the ball joints, tie rods, steering, and brakes. Those less experienced at turning wrenches might want to give a trusted mechanic a few bucks to do it for them. Remember to fix things the right way, as just like at the dragstrip, you will have a tech inspection when you arrive. A loose or missing battery tie down (or some hillbilly rig) will end your day before it starts. |
Wear comfortable shoes! Pilotis or other driving shoes are preferable, but a good pair of sneakers that won't get hung up on the pedals will suffice. A performance driving or racing shoe provides increased sensitivity and proper pedal grip, making them ideal. Unlike the dragstrip, long pants are usually not required; however, I always wear them just in case. A helmet is necessary; but if you don't have one, the club will usually loan you one at the starting line. | |