Solo 2 FAQ

What is Solo 2? Solo 2 or Autocross is a driving skill competition that takes drivers through a set course, marked by cones. Every driver must negotiate the course and the lowest time wins.

How do I get started? Find a local event and go, if you plan on autocrossing and show up to watch and learn what it takes, by the time second heats come up, you will be kicking yourself for not trying right then. Good places to find local events are
SCCA Region Locator and your fellow motorers, your MA may even know of some events. There are no special requirements to prepare your car but you will need a valid driver license and a helmet. Some regions have loaner helmets available, check before you buy. Once at the event, find someone who looks like they have done this before and ask them if they would like a shadow for the day. This is the best way and you will meet some of the nicest people. Some clubs have novice programs that take groups of novices around from registration to tech to course walk and even have a instructor ride with you on your first run.

What do I need to prep my car? Nothing. Well, not really, you will have to remove loose items (floor mats, cell phones, McDonald’s wrappers, etc.) Wheel center caps also need to be removed. In addition, your street tires will require more pressure than you would run for trips to the supermarket. That is it; your car will go through a Tech Inspection. This is were the inspector will check your tires, wheels, throttle linkage (just tell the inspector you fly-by-wire), brakes, battery, hubs, seatbelts. The inspector is not required to class your car.

How does a typical autocross run? There are some variances, but most are basically the same; register, tech, walk the course, compete, work (sometimes you work first, but you will have to work).
When you show up, the first thing you will be asked to do is to sign a waiver. Standard legal verbiage saying you will not sue the event organizers, the sponsoring club etc. They will give you a wristband as proof that you signed the waiver.
You will then go to the pits and park your car.
Then you will head off to registration, when you are there, they will ask for your driver’s license, and your money. An autocross is usually about $20 for 3-6 runs. Some clubs may require you to buy a points card, most are good for the entire year and run about $20 as well. Clubs may give discounts for SCCA members, or their own club members. Just like AmEx Membership has its’ privileges. They will also ask what class your car is in. If you are not sure, tell them what you drive and what modifications you have done. They will then put your car in a class. Most regions also have a novice class you can run in addition to your other class. So a slightly modified Copper on street tires could run STS N. They will assign you a number, and send you off to tech.
You will then go prep your car and head to tech. At the tech station have your bonnet and boot open so the inspector can check your battery, brake fluid, radiator, and that all loose items are removed. You will also have to display your number and class on your car. White shoe polish works well on the quarter windows, although some clubs require real numbers. In San Diego, you have to buy preprinted numbers and tape them to your car. The inspector will send you back to the pits or to grid depending on what heat you run.
There are run groups or heats to divide the workers and competitors. The announcer will keep you straight as to when to work and run.
The most important thing is to walk the course before you run. All autocross courses are different, and they change from week to week. To avoid getting lost, be sure you are at least familiar with the course and its basic shape. Some regions may line the course with chalk or cones along the line, some just have key gates marked.

What class is my MINI in? The Cooper and MCS are in H Stock and G Stock respectively. Depending on what modifications you have done, you could also be in Street Touring (S or X), Street Prepared (FSP or DSP), Prepared, Modified or Street Modified. For specifics, check the appropriate Forum on NAM.
Are there schools available for me to learn how to autocross? Yes. The best is probably Evolution Driving School Many, if not all, regions will have novice schools from time to time. These are the best way to get seat time. Check at registration when you sign up.

When you are first starting, do not worry about what class you are in or why you are competing against this car or that; go out to learn what you and your car can do and have fun

 

http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

This was a vary valuable resource when I started autoXing in addition to participating in the 'Novice school'.