Autocross Test & Tune and School This weekend Apr. 2-3!
 

Okay peeps, dust off your helmets...Time to get the dust out. Autocross school and test and tune this weekend in Stead. Can't wait to see how the "new" car feels...I am planning on being there both days.

I would strongly enourage any new members who are interested in Autocross to attend on saturday. This is a great way to get familiar with the program, and way less hectic than trying to learn the ropes on race weekends.


Here's the details:
Reno Region’s Solo II Double School in
Session April 2-3 at Stead
Another Reno Region SCCA innovation debuts the
first weekend of April at Stead, as two separate Solo
II schools will offer drivers of all experience levels a
chance to improve their skills. Saturday’s school is
aimed at beginners and those who want to hone their
street driving, and on Sunday the emphasis will be on
helping Solo II drivers get more competitive.
Prospective students can sign up for either school, or
they can take both. Every student will receive a copy
of the 36-page Drivers’ School Handbook. Cost is
$30 per day for non-SCCA members; membership
saves you $10 per day. Any four-wheeled vehicle
deemed safe by Reno Region’s tech inspectors can
be used. Students should try to have their own
helmet -- a limited number of loaners are available.
The school exercises and courses will be available
both days for Test & Tune, which costs the same as
the school -- but Test & Tune is free to those who
volunteer to help instruct at the school. Volunteer
instructors will also receive a free t-shirt. Start times
both days are 9:15; be sure to arrive not later than
8:30 to get registered and have your car tech
inspected. For more information, contact Event
Chair Jim Gandy at (775) 267-1183 or
jrgandy@peoplepc.com.

www.renoscca.com

I'm there dude!!! :twisted:

I don't have to do anything but show up, right?

Correct. Bring some money. Pretend you don't know what's going on. Find out what class your Camry is in. That's pretty much it.

The Camry just got moved to D-Stock

Oop!

I'll be there with my Corolla on Saturday for sure, maybe Sunday as well. :lol:

Woot. Just got a helmet ordered too. Hopefully it shows up in time.

I'll be there in the Civ and Bobby will be there in his GVR-4 as long as the new motor is broken in.

Here's some more Q & A stuff, which may answer a few questions...

c/o scca email

Last Minute Questions and Answers about the Solo II School Weekend April 2-3:

Q: What time do I need to be there (Stead) each day?

A: Plan on arriving no later than 8:30 to allow time to get registered and get your car teched. The schools start at 9:15 sharp both days.

_________________________

Q: When can I plan on being done each day?

A: Depends on the turnout, of course, but a good guess is that the schools will end around 4 p.m., and there may be “fun runs� as well as more Test n’ Tune chances after that.

_----------------------------

Q: What should I bring to the schools?

A: A valid state driver’s license or permit is required, and you'll have to show it at registration. It’s really a good idea to have your own helmet. The region has a small supply of loaners, but they will go quickly. It’s a hassle if you’re always having to chase down a helmet before you can do any driving. Other than that, bring layers of clothing – be prepared for changeable conditions. You won’t be in your nice warm car all the time. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

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Q: What kinds of vehicles are okay?

A: It has to have four wheels, no motorcycles. It doesn’t have to fit any of the Solo II classes, just as long as our tech inspectors feel it will be safe on the course. You’ll spend quite a bit of time “at speed,� so your car should be in good basic condition with some tread life still in the tires.

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Q: Im not an autocrosser, but I want to go to the school. But, I cant make it Saturday. Can rookies just take the Sunday advanced school?

A: Yes, although some of it will probably be over your head. As long as you are comfortable with the thought of performance driving, you should have a good time. I would NOT recommend that someone who is shy about going fast start with the Sunday school the Saturday school would make for a better introduction.

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Q: Do I need to be a member of the SCCA?

A: Non-members are welcome, but members get $10 off the $30 entry fee each day. You can join the club right at registration, if you want. The region also has a special plan that refunds the $10 extra fee for the first few events if you join by a certain date. Ask at registration for details.

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Q: What about lunch?

A: There will be a short (about 40 minute) lunch break in the 12:30 to 1:30 time frame. The Reno Lions Club is planning to have a food concession (burgers, etc.) in the pit area, and there are fast food places within a few miles. Solo II is a physical activity, so consider whether you need chocolate or an energy bar to keep to you going.

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Q: Do I need to do anything to my car beforehand?

A: Get the junk and loose stuff out. Make sure oil, etc., is topped up. Half a tank of gas would be good. And put some air in the tires. Correct tire pressures vary from car to car, but we'd recommend starting at, say, 35 psi all around for a rear-drive car. Front drivers might want 40 psi in the front tires to start. Our instructors can give you further, more specific, advice as the day goes on.

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Q: I only want Test n Tune my autocross car. What would be the best time for me to be there?

A: Test n Tuners will get the best opportunities in the afternoon both days. Morning Test n Tune time will be a short period first thing, close to 9:15. Between about 9:45 and 12:30, expect no chances for Test n Tune.

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Q: If I have tools, spares, etc., what happens to them while I'm driving in the school?

A: Students will leave their cars on the grid area inside the fence (on the airport ramp). You'll have the same spot all day. You'll leave your excess gear right there, on your grid spot. It's reasonably secure as only participants are allowed inside the fence. Even so, I'd make other arrangements for high-value items, like cameras. Non-students will paddock in the usual area, just outside the fence.

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Q: Can my friend (child, spouse, etc.) be in the car with me?

A: Passengers are allowed, as long as the've signed the liability release at registration and are wearing the wristband to prove it. It's a bit more complicated when the passenger is a minor, but it's still doable ask at registration.

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Q: I'm interested in getting an annual tech for my autocross car. Can I do that at the school?

A: Yes, but we ask that you hold off until the school starts each day (after 9:15) – to make sure all the students get teched in time.

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Q: Will the regionâls scales be available for me to weigh my car?

A: That is the plan! Weather might play a role, but we hope to have them set up.

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Q: I just want to help. When will you need the most help?

A: Since this two day school is something new, it's hard to predict the turnout, but Saturday's basic school will probably have the most students, so more instructors would be a good thing. Also, the set-up for this event will be very complicated, so anyone who can come out Friday afternoon to help lay out the exercises and courses will be very welcome!

wounder how long that line will be? :lol: 8)

ummm, what is/ where is "stead"?

From SCCA Website

Stead Airport -- Stead is located just North of Reno

Please obey speed limits in the airport neighborhood; we don't want to lose this site!!!

1: From the Interstate 80 and US 395 junction, take US 395 north from Reno (towards Susanville.)

2: Take the Stead Blvd. exit and turn right (East).

3: Continue on Stead Blvd. all the way into the airport. At the "Y" intersection, remain in the right lane.

4: Once through the airport gates, turn left at Alpha and immediately right on Petriciani.

5: Proceed to the grandstand area to park and register



Or go to maps.google.com and seach "Reno Stead Airport"

Cha!! Thanks Bro!! 8) :lol:

There's also a map in the meet location maps thread:

http://www.seccs.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=399

http://www.seccs.org/gallery/Reno%20...ad_airport.jpg

Today was great! I learned alot.

Who is going tomorrow? Does anyone know what will be covered in the school? I heard of "advanced manuevers" but nothing in detail.

Did you get one of those like 20-30 page school document? It covers both days worth of school material. I think day 2 stuff starts on page 17 or so.

Looks like it will be colder today, but weather doesn't roll in until later tonight. (crosses fingers)

Weather held off for the most part, just windy. Nothing new. It was definately better than last year, it snowed.

I feel that my car is progressively becoming better and better with small suspension mods, here and there. I can't wait to get the end links (front and back, front sway and strut brace installed) I had some good times today with MY '99 RS. My best time was clean 48.996. I was very please with how the car responded. I am truly excited about this coming season. Maybe I could win a really "cool" jacket.

"I wanna be, wanna be like scott!!" :P

Again, I had a great time today. I learned alot about driving, and my car. My best run was a 53.2, and that made me quite happy. I never thought an old Honda sedan could move that quick.

Thanks for the helpful tips and rides guys. I'll hope to see everyone again in a few weeks at the first event.

The cone-killer award is the only one worth having :P

It might be a close race this year between Heidi and Deede. :lol:

You can all thank me for the lack of rain and snow today. If I had decided to slap on the Hoosiers and race it would have been much worse, weather-wise.

Only three weeks 'til Suzuka!

Yeah Boy!!!!1!

That's a great run, you looked really smoothe through the "slalom ~~/ left turn .. I was working at.

You must have soaked in all the information and put it to good use on the course which means you'll only get even better next time.

Well thank you!

Yes, I did learn alot over the weekend. I had no idea my car could move that fast either.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Fast? :huh: You were only in second, maybe third gear... Yoy probably drive faster every day on the freeway. What you learned is handling, and car control. I hope these will become your good friends over time.

You will probably hear me mumble (cuz I'm old) at he meets, autocross about us only teching people the rules, not how to drive in this country. You are learning to drive. It's a long learning process. You will learn a ton over the next couple months, but then things will come a little slower.

I've been doing this for 6 years, 10,000 or so track miles, 500 or so autocross runs, and am still learning.

Welcome to the club... Only cost for membership is gas, and rubber. All other go fast goodies are optional.

How'd did Heidi do on sunday afternoon?
I can't wait till the actual points events to see how I compare against everyone......I know I'll be at the bottom, but it's still so much fun.

You should be faster then me, at least for a few events :p

She did pretty well, I thought. I know that she wasn't too happy with her performance, but thats just because she is so damn competitive. I think she had a fast time of 50.4?? She wants to beat me so bad........ In all honesty, I think I hit the most cones this weekend, well at least on Saturday thats for sure.

My fast time was a 48.995 clean. What class will you be racing in? We'll be in STS this year.

That's great. I love hitting cones, it makes me laugh so hard. MikeK and I were busting our guts when I was on the rectangle exercise on sunday. I completely spun out, it was soooo much fun.
I'm running TESPL. Is Hiedi running in the ladies points?

I guess I should have worded that better. I didn't think my car would be able to move that quickly through the course. I was also extremely pleased at the lack of understeer and oversteer. My car was very neutral and predictable.

I'm glad that everyone had a good time. I really need to be more social at these type of things. I don't think I've formerly introduced myself to anyone. I think the only people that actually know my name are JC and Tyson. I'll change that next time.

I hope to see everyone on the 23rd and 24th. Take care.

-Tim

You went for one run with me on Sunday I think. So at least one of us knows you now. :)

Yes, Heidi will be running in STSL. She is sooooo excited. It makes me laugh. We saw you in the Rectangle on Sunday. That was cool. Last year there were a couple time when I rode with Heidi that she spun out. At Hawthorne last year, she spun out twice in one run. CRAZY KIDS!

Yes, please come introduce yourself next time. We won't bite - much. :)

Well, if you're going to spin out - there's the place to do it. And hopefully you'll soon learn where the edge is in your car, and be able to stay on it vs. going over it. (When you mow down a course too many times you'll start to get visited by grumpy course workers & senior drivers who will attempt to 're-teach' you how to drive. :) )

The un-fun part is getting the cone marks off. :( I and others have had marks that never went away.

Boy, that is definately the truth. I got white marks on the passenger side of my car from the exit/entry cones. That is going to be a pain to remove. :(

WD-40 and/or BrakeKleen can sometimes work wonders getting foreign object shmag off paint.

Um, I like to avoid getting brake cleaner on the paint. :lol:

Dude, BrakeKleen is the 8th wonder of the world. :lol: That shit gets almost anything off of almost any surface, and I was surprised to see that it doesn't hurt the paint if you just use a light spray and some scrubbing. We've used it to get track crap off the racecar, I've used it to get Toxic Evil Dust off the wheels on my car, and to get various road tar crap off the paint on my car too. Don't knock it till you try it...

One time I sneezed on my car, and the paint came off. I'm pretty sure BrakeKleen and "some scrubbing" would wear right through the clearcoat, paint, primer, and the sheetmetal itself! :lol:

okay back to reality... actually, I've used WD-40 to get cone marks off before... it works pretty well. I've never tried brake cleaner though... some brands will take the paint right off. :shock:

Hehe... damn cheap Subaru paint.

Could BrakeKleen also be used to clean the MAF sensors if oil from an air filter got on it? (Or is that some other brake stuff I must be thinking of?)

My MAF sensor is a small wire element, so I just cleaned it with a Q-tip and rubbing alchohol (carefully).

becareful of touching that little wire/element. I was told to use an air can, you know the type you would use to clean your computer, keyboard, and cameras. You can get a can of that air from target for like $4.

I was looking at replacement MAF sensors and they're not cheap. Over $300. Better to not use the oil on the air filters. Just clean the air filters more often.

I just finished with that whole scenario on friday, April 1st for those who thought it was a joke. Thanks for the help everyone!! :P

Hold on there! The oil in a filter is *essential*!!! Too much is bad of course, but none means the filter won't actually filter the air! It's the oil that makes the cotton gauze sticky enough to collect the dust and particulates in the air. W/o the oil, the filter only filters out things like leaves and rocks, and the dust goes right through it and into your motor!

Windex of all things is known to do wonders on most cone gunk!