Registration for SCCA-Chicago Region 2008 Learning Curve (auto-x school) is currently open.

"A fun, inexpensive, safe way of testing your driving ability and car performance. Solo events are a form of automotive competition in which one car at a time negotiates a prescribed course in the shortest possible time. The events are open to anyone who has a sports car, compact or small sedan. The only requirements to compete are a valid state driver's license and a car which will pass a safety technical inspection. Drivers compete in numerous car classes for stock street cars, modified street cars, race prepared cars and modified race cars.

THE LEARNING CURVE
Chicago Region Solo drivers school is an excellent way to learn about and become involved in Solo events. It is a two-part school that consists of a classroom session and a day and a half of on track instruction. Instruction will be provided by experienced, award winning drivers (many with National Championship credentials). Because the entry is limited to only 100 students, there will be a very favorable student/teacher ratio allowing for maximum driving time and personal instruction. The school is for novice drivers with less than one year or no solo experience. Students must attend both days.

When: Saturday April 5 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday April 6 8:00am - 5:00pm

Where: Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL

How: Return the entry form with the $120 registration fee payable to Chicago Region, SCCA, no later than March 26, 2008 to: Laurie Montelo - 1425 Mohawk Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60193 (630) 893-0482. To register on line go to http://register.scca-chicago.com/"

For on-line registration go to http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/2008/learncurve.html and click the nice, big blue rectangular "Online Registration" button at the bottom of the page.

For old fashion way, for those who really love the feel of paper, print out and mail your form from here --> http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/200...learncurve.pdf

The school runs April 5-6 at Rt.66 in Joliet. Students must attend both days. Cost is $120.00

Here's a thread from S2000 forum with discussion about last years school:
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php...ic=467581&st=0

And here's one from the Scoobie folks:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1212494

And here is a video of the same course from last years 1st event (same course as the LC). Courtesy of Brent Weibel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5NaeunMNFc

Almost forgot to mention, season and individual event pre-registration is now also open.
SCCA-Chicago Region: http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/index.html
Tri-State Sports Car Club: http://tsscc.org/

 

Ive heard this is a really well put together event. Ive never had a chance to attend, and im not a novice anymore, so i cannot attend, but i wish i could. Perhaps another chicago region event.

 

A novice is generally someone with less than a seasons worth of experience. If you've run a few events in years past, I'd still try to sign up.
If you go through the sign up booklet, you'll notice two questions:
"Have you ever competed in any Solo events?" and "List any previous competition experience" This is where you can let the registrars know how much of a novice you are and let them make a judgment call. They might contact you to clarify, or ask if you're OK with being on the wait list (so preference can be for someone with less or no experience at all).
It's not uncommon for people to have to miss the school even if they are signed up because of work, school projects, family stuff or an emergency. Food for thought.

 

Ive done about 2 0r 3 events a year for the past 3 years, and although im sure i can use more instruction, i think im gonna pass. I dont think my new car will be broken in in time anyway.

I think weve met before, actually. I am Bob's friend. He used to drive a lancer, but now drives an Mr2. I was at the last chicago region event last year in a Dark Silver MCS with black rims...you drive a black integra right?

 

That would be correct. Haven't seen Bob online lately - busy with school and partying I guess. I don't think you'd have a problem getting in with 2 or 3 events a year like that, but if the car won't be ready, not much we can do.... well, actually, why don't I break it in for you?

 

I think hes in the smokey mountains right now actually hes on spring break and after being busy with school lately i think he wanted to do something fun.

We'll see. As soon as i get the car i'm gonna drive it like crazy anyway, if i can put 1200 miles on it in like 3 weeks ill be there but probably not.

 

My offer still stands

 

you wish. I cant wait to get behind the wheel of my new MINI. I totaled my last one. And ive been driving a 94 mercedes around. You cannot believe how horrible the gas mileage it gets. Not to mention the numb steering and boat like suspension.

Are 07 MINIs still in GS? Even with a factory equipped LSD?

 

Yes they are. All except the JCW package and the HS cars that is.
And just in case you've got a lot of time on your hands: http://sccaforums.com/forums/thread/249845.aspx

Cliffnotes:
STOCK CATEGORY
· Per the SAC, the proposed move of the Mini Cooper S from GS to DS has been withdrawn.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Move Mini Cooper JCW from BS to DS

 

Wow, looks like some people have some pretty strong feelings about that. And it also looks like i should do well even though its mostly the car doing all the work. Although i did do well in my 04 MCS, beating 05+ MCS cars on multiple occasions. On street tires. We'll just have to see what happens this season. Thanks for the info Bart

 

Seems a lot of folks are interested in this, but they aren't sure how the whole SCCA membership works. New for this year, everyone's required to be an SCCA member if he/she is running an SCCA sanctioned event (for example a TSSCC event at Rt. 66).

The weekend membership costs $15.00 and is good for the weekend (duh
The cost of said weekend membership is included in the entry fee for the Learning Curve school, so the $120.00 is all the student has to pay.
The student then can apply the $15.00 credit towards the full membership, as long as it's done within 60 days.

Words from the wise:
"And in case no one has picked up on this, the students can still use that as a $15 credit towards a full membership (as long as it is within 60 days). So if a student goes to the first event, they basically get an annual membership for the cost of the temporary at Event #1 (if they are under 25).

$15 credit for LC
$15 credit for Event #1
$15 credit for referral

First Gear membership is $45"

So it's $30.00 off your full membership if you're planning to run the learning curve and the 1st event of the season, and another $15.00 if you indicate which full/season member referred you. If you're under 25 years old, the full membership is free (assuming you were to run two events within 60 days of each other). If you're over 25, it will cost you a little more :(

Oh, while we're at it - I'll gladly refer anyone if he/she's looking to become a member - just drop me a PM. 15 bucks less for you and 5 bucks credit to my name is a win-win situation

And I forgot not everyone always knows how to get to Rt.66.
This should help.
Go to http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/eventsites.html and click the 1st link (Google Maps).

 

Hey bart, i heard about what happened to your car, and im soo sorry to hear that. The terrible things that happen to some of us are unimaginable sometimes. I hope everything goes well for you...good luck.

 

Thanks for the support. So far no word of the shell surfacing - maybe they cut that up too :(

 

Learning Curve Results are now posted on the region website -->

http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/

Will post links to pictures once someone posts some on line.