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

[MattR]

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

[SlickNick112]

I'm there dude!!!

[Nick Koan]

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

[MattR]

Originally Posted by nKoan

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.

[Nick Koan]

The Camry just got moved to D-Stock

Oop!

[khail19]

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

[Nick Koan]

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

[Libila]

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.

[MattR]

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.

-----------------------------

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.

------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------

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.

---------------------------------

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.

---------------------------------

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.

--------------------------------

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.

----------------------------------------------------

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.

-------------------------------------------

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!

[MikeSTI]

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.

wounder how long that line will be?

[bruspeed]

ummm, what is/ where is "stead"?

[MattR]

Originally Posted by bruspeed

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"

[bruspeed]

Cha!! Thanks Bro!!

[sperry]

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

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

[Libila]

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.

[Nick Koan]

Originally Posted by Libila

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.

[Dean]

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

[SlickNick112]

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!!"

[Libila]

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.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by SlickNick112

Maybe I could win a really "cool" jacket.

The cone-killer award is the only one worth having

[SlickNick112]

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

[Pat R.]

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!

[MattR]

Originally Posted by Pat R.

Only three weeks 'til Suzuka!

Yeah Boy!!!!1!

[tysonK]

Originally Posted by Libila

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.

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.

[Libila]

Well thank you!

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