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What
is Autocross?
Autocross (a.k.a. Solo II) events are driving skill
contests that emphasize the driver's ability and the
car's handling characteristics. This focus is
accomplished by driving a miniature road course designated by
traffic cones on a flat, low hazard location, such as a
parking lot or (in our case) an inactive airstrip (»see
map of course layout).
Participating in autocross is arguably one of
the best ways to learn car control techniques. Moreover, the combination
of concentration and car feedback creates an adrenaline
pumping motor sport experience.
PCA Polar Region autocross events fall within
the SCCA classification of "Solo II," meaning that the
speeds achieved by participants are similar to normal highway
speeds.
Note:
For those looking for a higher-speed event, the
Calgary Sports Car Club runs a WCMA sanctioned Solo
I series at Race City Motorsport Park. The
Solo1 Series consists of a school (through
which participants qualify for a WCMA competition
license) and several
full-day events. At each event, the full road
course is utilized. »more
Who
Can Participate?
PCA Polar Region autocrosses
are open to PCA members. Due to the financial sponsorship our
autocross series has received from the
Alberta Advanced Driving
School, BMW club members also enjoy a standing
invitation to join us. Beyond that, PCA Polar
Region autocrosses are not open to the general public. PCA Polar Region autocrosses
are not public spectator events.
We occasionally entertain requests from other
individuals to participate. Such requests should
be forwarded to the Autocross Director for approval on
an event-by-event basis and will be limited in number to
ensure PCA members are not denied the opportunity to
participate.
Are
Minors Welcome?
In keeping with the above general note,
PCA considers autocross to be an educational experience
for all drivers, and encourages minors possessing a
valid drivers license to participate in autocross events.
Minors without a valid drivers license are also welcome
as observers. However, there are additional
considerations due to a minor's unique legal status.
Therefore, in advance of each event:
Please note
that in the absence of the signatures of BOTH PARENTS OR
GUARDIANS where required on these forms, the form will be
considered invalid and entry to the minor will be
declined.
Are convertibles permitted?
Convertibles, cabriolets, and open-top cars by any other
name are permitted provided they are equipped with
appropriate rollover protection located behind both
driver and passenger. Appropriate types of rollover
protection include fixed roll bars, fixed roll cages,
and roll bars that deploy automatically in the event of
a collision or rollover.
Do I
need special safety equipment?
All you need is a helmet and factory-installed lap
and shoulder belts. A standard Snell 2000 or later
rated motorcycle helmet is
acceptable. If you do not have a helmet, you may be able
to arrange for a helmet from our rental pool at a cost
of $10 per event. Please contact
Bill McCay
in advance to confirm a helmet in your size will be
available.
Because autocross does NOT involve wheel-to-wheel
competition, fire-retardant (Nomex-lined) motorsport helmets are not
required, nor are fire-retardant driving suits, gloves,
or shoes. Four or five-point racing harnesses,
while they may be desirable from a seating stability perspective, are not
required either.
The normal factory-installed safety equipment provided
for highway use PLUS a standard motorcycle helmet are
all you need.
Who is responsible if
I damage my car?
Unfortunately, you are responsible for any damages, pursuant to the terms of your own insurance coverage.
If your car is in good mechanical condition, you should
not expect to experience mechanical problems. However,
this is a high-performance moving-vehicle event, and as
such your vehicle will be placed under significant
stress which may exacerbate any underlying condition of
marginal components.
With respect to collision coverage, this is a timed
event. Under the provisions of most insurance
policies, timed events (considered racing) are
explicitly excluded from coverage. Porsche Club of
America maintains coverage for errors, omissions and
liability by its officers and volunteers, however this
is NOT collision coverage for participants' vehicles.
So, again, you are responsible for any damages pursuant
to the terms of your own insurance coverage should such
coverage exist.
2009 Autocross Schedule:
| Location: |
Edmonton Garrison (Namao) »map to Edmonton Garrison |
| Course Layout: |
»map of course
layout |
| Itinerary: |
Registration & setup 9:00-9:30 AM
Drivers meeting 9:30 AM
Runs begin immediately thereafter |
| Cost: |
$50 per driver
Non-members attendance will be limited and non-members must therefore obtain approval in advance. |
| Dates: |
April 19
May 24
June 28
July 19
September 13
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Registering
for Base Security:
IT IS NECESSARY TO
REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR EACH AUTOCROSS. Due
to increased security at the base, participants and spectators
must be registered at least
ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE. If registration information is not received and you are not on
the list of attendees, you will not be admitted to the
autocross area.
Registrations
for autocross events are processed
»online using the secure processing services of
»Karelo.com. Registration for each event
opens 30 days in advance of the specific event.
Handicapping:
Participants
in autocross will be handicapped using the PAX system
developed by SCCA (»article
describing PAX requiring »Adobe
Acrobat Reader).
For More Information :
Please contact Autocross Director Bill McCay
by email at wamccay at shaw dot
ca or by phone at 450-9452 (days).
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