Topic: SCCA WDC Novice Levels 1 and 2 Schools April 18-19, 2009

[Ben L]

The Washington DC Region of SCCA Solo program is having a Level 1 Novice School on Saturday, April 18, followed by a Level 2 school the next day, Sunday.

Here's the link:

http://www.wdcr-scca.org/SoloAutocross/NoviceSchoolsAX/tabid/85/Default.aspx

The Level 1 school is for rank newbies, and is an excellent opportunity to get some high quality instruction from the folks who run the WDC region's huge and highly competitive Solo program.

Here's the course description:

Covering every aspect of autocrossing that is most important to Novices including, but not limited to Registration, Safety, Worker Positions, Technical Inspection, Walking the Course, Car Setup, Car Classing and Driving. The morning session will cover many issues that first timers and novices should know to attend an autocross with the least amount of trouble. In the afternoon, you'll be driving a course designed to incorporate most aspects of an autocross course. Total runs will range from 15-20 depending on weather and timing. The maximum number of participants is limited to 18 for Level 1 with a 3:1 student to instructor ratio and the cost is $150 per person which includes lunch.

The Level 1 school takes place at FedEx Field in Landover, MD


Level 2 consists of focused drills, which builds on the fundamental skills taught in the Level 1 school.   

Here's the description:

You receive more seat time and cover specific driving techniques that apply to autocrossing. Doing three exercises, including a full autocross course, you'll learn the basics to becoming a faster driver. The entire day is driving, so be prepared with tires and energy. Total runs will range from 20-25 depending on weather and timing.
In order to attend the Level 2 program you must have completed the Level 1 program.

The maximum number of participants is limited to 16 for Level 2 with a 2:1 student to instructor ratio and the cost is $180 per person which includes lunch.

The Level 2 school takes place at FedEx Field in Landover, MD.

Taking both segments is a really great way to build some confidence and skills before getting tossed in the middle of the fray at a timed event.

[DeepBlueGXP]

How do you think this compares to the one in Virginia?

[Ben L]

(1)  It is more expensive;

(2)  It is conducted by the officially sanctioned SCCA WDC region Solo program, one of the largest and most active in the country.  The instructors are the top regional drivers, and they are fast.  Most are in Pro Solo, and headed to the Nationals.  So this is pretty "official."

They can be a little 'clubby,' but the quality of instruction is pretty good, and the courses they lay out up at FedEx are better than that.  They tend to be long, flowing and highly technical. 

I am signed up for Sunday's Level 2.

[DeepBlueGXP]

What about the number of runs that a person will get?

[Ben L]

15-20 in the Level 1

20-25 in the Level 2, per the course descriptions posted above. . . .

[DeepBlueGXP]

This is looking better than the Little Creek course since I don't have to pay hotel fees etc...

[Ben L]

In the Level 1 school, they also do a briefing on how autocross works. 

They teach you proper coursework techniques, what to look for on the course walk, driving the "racing line," when a hit cone is a penalty and not, what condition the car needs to be in to pass tech, car classification (Joe, you'll be in street prepared at least!) how to grid, etc. 

Sounds simple, but things move fast when they are trying to orchestrate 100+ cars, and you are already under stress from competition.  Also, crappy coursework is really annoying, so its good to get a solid foundation. 

SCCA must have gotten the word that they were turning newbies off, because there is a real concerted effort toward novice drivers this year. 

Not to dog Little Creek, because that sounds like a helluva a lot of runs for the $$.  If it were not so far . . . .

[DeepBlueGXP]

Is a helmet required?  My tires are near the wear mark, might be a problem?

[Ben L]

Yes but they have loaners.  I doubt they'll care unless they are corded.

[Critterman]

Is a helmet required?  My tires are near the wear mark, might be a problem?

They probably won't be a problem at the begining of the day, but on the way home...........

[DeepBlueGXP]

I know when we drag race, we lower the pressure.  Do you take it up to 35 to do autocross?

[Ben L]

Tire pressure is one of the "black arts" of autocrossing.  But with street tires, yes, generally, you want to add pressure. 

http://www.autocross.us/forums/lofiversion/index.php?t46.html

On the showroom F1s in my GXP, 34 cold is where I set the rears, and 36 in the front.  Some people even run as much 40+ psi on the fronts on street tires.  In my opinion, that's too hard for this car, which really tends to push (understeer) anyway.

Tire pressure is monitored between runs as the tires heat up.  Especially on hot days and schools or test 'n tune formats with not much time between runs.  I carry a gauge in the cockpit. 

Generally, I set 'em cold and let the pressure build to the optimum I am seeking.  With the current cold lots, I am not seeing much more than a pound or two after a run.