Metro NY PCA

Home l PCA National l Zone 1

Home

About Us

Calendar

Autocross

.News
.Classifications
.Directions
.Forms & Info
.Photos
.Resources
.Results
.Top Drivers

Program

Rally

Technical

Trek

Advertisers

Join

New to the
club?

Autocross/Forms & Info

Autocross Chairperson: Dan Fishkind

Autocross Hotline: 516-829-3585

Forms

Click here to download the 2008 Registration Form (PDF)

Click here to download the 2008 Checklist (PDF)

Autocross Rules Revised January 2006

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission and purpose of the Metro NY Porsche Club of America Autocross Program is to provide a structured environment in which to promote the education and improvement of driving skills in a safe and controlled environment. The Autocross Program is designed to teach each participant advanced car control technique, so that the participants can improve their driving abilities, better understand the handling and dynamics of their vehicle in a real world environment, and become better, safer drivers.

Each Autocross event is entirely a forward-motion, precision driving event, in which a car and driver are timed navigating a unique course laid out on a paved area and marked by road pylons (cones). Autocross is a competitive, educational and social event.

The competitive aspect involves negotiating the pre-designed course in the fastest time with the least amount of penalties (knocked over cones). The competitive aspect takes place on many levels: the driver against himself, striving to improve technique, skills and abilities; the driver against other drivers in his class for class awards and trophies; or against all drivers at the event for finish order and FTD trophy (Fastest Time of Day). The ultimate prize, however, is Autocrosser of the Year; the overall champion for the season.

The educational aspect involves learning the characteristics and dynamics of a car, its strengths, weaknesses and limitations and how it will respond to driver input in a variety of conditions as well as learning how to read, interpret and negotiate a course.

The social aspect involves getting to know the other drivers within the Zone 1, MetroNY PCA while sharing experiences, knowledge of the marquee, the sport, and pleasure of Porsche ownership. General Rules and Guidelines

The following minimum requirements must be met to run:
1. All drivers shall be 18 years of age and possess a valid driverÕs license.
2. Sons and daughters of PCA members 16/17 years of age that possess a valid full driverÕs license may participate in the Junior Participation Program (JPP).
3. A driver may only enter (1) car per event; with a maximum of (2) drivers per car.
4. All cars must pass an on-site tech inspection. Cars that do not pass tech will not be permitted to participate.
5. All drivers must complete both morning and afternoon work assignments, or they will be disqualified.
6. All drivers and instructors must wear helmets. Helmets must be Snell Õ95 approved or newer M or SA.
7. Official car number shall be clearly marked in contrasting color (min 6Ó tall) on at least both sides of a car. Magnetic or vinyl numbers are highly recommended. Use of impromptu tape numbers should be avoided. Shoe polish numbers are not permitted. Vinyl numbers on glass must be white to provide proper contrast.
8. All drivers and instructors must wear seatbelts or safety harnesses.
9. Open toed shoes, sandals and bare feet are not permitted. Rubber-soled shoes are recommended.
10. Loose objects inside the trunk, passenger compartment, and glove box must be removed from the car.
11. No speeding in the pit or paddock area or within the general vicinity of the event. No tire warming. Persons and vehicles participating in the event are not permitted to leave the pit and paddock area without specific permission from the Autocross Chairman.

Roll bars are recommended for cabriolets, roll bar extensions for Boxsters.

Any questions? Please speak to the Chairman or any member of the Autocross Committee.

As safety is our Number One concern,
1. No alcoholic beverages or drugs are permitted at the event.
2. An adult must accompany children at all times.
3. Dogs must be leashed. No pets are permitted at Tobay Beach.
4. If you see a dangerous condition, immediately report it to the Chairman, Control or Chief of Safety.
5. The addition of safety equipment including but not limited to: roll bars or cages, fire extinguishers, safety harnesses, harness guide bars, steering wheels and aftermarket seats are permitted and recommended.
6. Any driver that damages equipment will compensate Metro NY PCA for the cost of repair/replacement.

Schedule

All participants must arrive on time and register prior to the published close of registration.

NO CARS or DRIVERS WILL BE REGISTERED AFTER 9:00 AM
7:00: Site Opens
7:45 - 8:30: Registration
8:15 - 9:00: Tech Inspection (put numbers on car and clean out loose items prior to tech). Drive to the tech inspection area. Cars that are not tech inspected or do not pass tech will NOT run.
8:30 Ð 8:45: Late Registration
9:15 - 9:30: Drivers Meeting (all drivers must attend)
9:30 - 9:45: Novice Drivers Meeting (all novice drivers must attend)
10:00: First Car Off (Running Order will be decided by coin toss.)
3:30 approx.: Trophy Ceremony

All drivers are required to stay at the event for its duration. If you cannot stay for the entire event, please do not register to participate. If you must leave the site for any reason prior to the trophy ceremony, you must advise the Autocross Chairman before leaving. Conduct

Any conduct at an Autocross event considered by Metro NY Region PCA to be either unsafe or inconsistent with the spirit or purpose of the Metro NY Region PCA Autocross Program will not be permitted. The Metro NY Region PCA Officers, Board of Directors and the Autocross Chairman reserve the right to immediately suspend driving privileges or refuse entry to any participant that cannot abide by the rules whether stated herein or otherwise implied.

Any driver that cannot adhere to the rules will be disqualified and asked to leave.

Drag racing, speeding, or other inappropriate driving or behavior within the vicinity of the event will result in immediate disqualification and possible suspension.

The rules, guidelines and procedures are intended to promote safe and fair competition within the ideals of good sportsmanship and are based upon PCA Parade Competition Rules for 2005. It is each registrantÕs responsibility to read and observe the rules. The attached rules are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the Autocross Chairman. Revisions, if any, will be discussed at the drivers meeting.

Remember we are here to have fun, enjoy the day, and become better drivers.

GOOD LUCK and BE SAFE.

Scoring and Awards

Points

Points shall be awarded to all PCA members (except as noted below) as follows:
1st Place 10 pts
2nd Place 8 pts
3rd Place 6 pts
4th Place 4 pts
5th Place 2 pts
6th Place 1 pt (no points for 7th and higher)

No more than 20 points, accrued at a maximum of two events, will count towards the year end points total for PCA members driving cars in the X class.

Drivers in a one car class will be awarded second place points (8).

Points will be awarded for the Zone 1 Autocross event; with day 1 considered one event and day 2 considered a second event.

Ties will not be broken. In the event of a tie, the drivers will be awarded equal points.

Awards

Class awards (trophies) shall be distributed by class as follows:

Awards will be presented to the top 3 places in each class assuming the class has a minimum of 4 cars. In a 3 car class awards will be presented to the first two drivers and in a 2 car class to the first place driver.

Additional awards shall be given for FTD (fastest time of the day) and Fastest Lady. The Fastest Lady Award shall be determined as an index (%) of time against best finisher in her class.

Novices will be classed based upon their car, but an award will be given for Best Novice of the Day which shall be determined as an index (%) of time against the best finisher in their respective class.

Autocrosser of the Year may be determined by a run-off, at the discretion of the Chairman and/or the Autocross Committee.

SAFETY

Safety is the number one concern at all Metro Autocross events. Immediately report any unsafe condition or concern to the Autocross Chairman, Control or the Chief of Safety. General

The addition of safety equipment including but not limited to roll bars, roll cages, fire extinguisher (2.5 lb min. ABC or BC type) with metal bracket mounted to a metal surface and accessible from belted seating position, seat belts/safety harnesses, harness guide bars, steering wheels, aftermarket seats are permitted and recommended. Helmets

All drivers and instructors must wear a helmet. Helmets must be Snell Õ95 approved or newer (M or SA rated). SA rating is recommended. DOT rated helmets are not permitted. A limited number of loaner helmets are available for the day. DriverÕs licenses will be held as collateral for the loaner helmet during the event and the license will be returned when the helmet is returned. All drivers should invest in their own helmet. Clothing

Long sleeve shirts and long pants are suggested. Acceptable fabrics are natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk). Open toed shoes, sandals and bare feet are not permitted. Rubber soled shoes (sneakers, etc) are recommended. Driving shoes and gloves as well as fire resistant clothing is recommended but not required. Seat belts

All cars must have metal-to-metal seat belts, securely anchored. All drivers and instructors must wear a seat belt or safety harness. Windows and Sunroofs

Windows, Tops, Sunroofs and Targa Tops - The drivers side windows shall remain fully down during a run, passenger windows may be fully up or fully down. All windows in open top cars, running with their tops down, must remain fully down. Sunroofs may be fully open or fully closed. Sunroofs may NOT be in the tilted position. Targa tops may be installed and locked or removed (cannot be stored in vehicle). Convertibles may run with their tops fully up and locked or fully down and secured.

All doors shall remain unlocked.

Items in Car

Loose objects inside the trunk, passenger compartment and glove box must be removed from the car. Loose objects include your tools, tire inflator, radar detector, cell phone, EZ-pass, change, paper and wrappers, garbage, cups, floor mats, etc. Everything must be removed from your car. Wheels and Tires

All DOT approved tires must have tread visible at two spots 180 degrees apart at the end of an event. Competition and Non-DOT tires must have visible tread depth indicators. At no time may a tire with visible belts showing be allowed to run in any class. All tire and wheel combinations must fit within the wheel wells without rubbing. Cars with rubbing tires will not be permitted to run during an event. Modifications beyond ÔrollingÕ the fender lip to accommodate larger wheels and tires will put a car into modified class.

The spare tire must be securely fastened if left in place. If the OEM design does not allow it to be fastened securely, the spare tire may be removed without penalty. The battery must be securely fastened as well. Pit/Paddock Area

All cars are to be parked within the designated pit/paddock area, except for authorized vehicles used by control, safety, and the Autocross Committee.

There is no speeding in the pit/paddock area. Tire warming is not permitted.

Only participants, PCA members and their guests are permitted in the Pit/Paddock area.

Inclement Weather

An event may be postponed, delayed or ÔcalledÕ due to inclement weather based upon the judgment of the MNY PCA Officers, Board, Autocross Chairman or Committee. Once an event is underway, if all cars have completed a run, placing will be awarded on best score based upon completed run groups. (If two runs have been competed by all cars and a run group has started their third run, the placing shall be determined based upon the first two runs only.)

If you are in doubt of the status of an event, please check the Metro NY PCA Autocross hotline (516) 829-3585 or the autocross section of the Metro PCA website www.metronypca.org for up to the minute details.

THE COURSE

Cones, Pylons and Penalties - Each autocross event is run on a unique course laid out by cones and is designed with the safety of course workers, participants and their cars in mind. Penalties

Each cone and gate must be properly executed, to avoid penalty points. Each downed or standing out-of-the-box pylon (cone) shall count as a two (2) second penalty. All chalked cones count, including those before the start and after the finish/timing equipment. Helper and pointer cones are not subject to penalty. They are chalked for placement only. If you hit a cone or a cone at a gate you cannot be declared off course. Course Map

A course map, when provided shall indicate entrance and exit area, the general course layout, course boundaries and assigned work stations. The map is not drawn to scale. Walking the Course

It is strongly recommended that all drivers familiarize themselves with the course by walking it prior to the drivers meeting. No wheeled or motorized devices are permitted on the course; this includes bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, Ôgo-pedsÕ and the like.

PROCEDURES

Entrants

A participant may only enter (1) one car per event; with a maximum of (2) drivers per car. Participants can only compete in (1) one car per event. Swapping or switching of cars or drivers is not permitted and will result in disqualification from the event. Instructors

The instructors for the day will be determined by the Autocross Chairman. If you require an instructor please notify the grid worker. Control will assign an instructor to you for your next run. Instructors are permitted as passengers only. Instructors will not be provided during the participants first run.

Work Assignments

Mandatory work assignments are allotted at registration to each driver. Work assignments include flagging, tech and registration. If you are unsure of your work assignment Ð please ask. You must complete your morning and afternoon work assignments to run. If you do not complete your work assignments you will be disqualified, (your runs will not count, and no points will be awarded.) Equipment

Any driver or participant that damages equipment (either accidentally or intentionally) shall be liable for the cost to repair or replace that item and compensate MNYPCA for the repair/replacement of that item.

Control, Radios and Flagging

Each flagging station will have a radio and red flag; a fire extinguisher will, at minimum, be located at control and the start line. Chairs, cameras and other distractions (to the course workers and drivers) are not permitted at flagging stations for safety reasons. Do not stand with your back to any car on the course.

It is the responsibility of the flaggers to maintain safe conditions on the course as well as the location and status of the cones for the purposes of scoring. We cannot have a good event without precise flagging. Please pay attention and be accurate with your calls. All cones shall be checked for placement, reset and re-chalked, if necessary, at each and every flagging change.

All communications shall be addressed through control. No cross communication between flagging stations. Please speak slowly and clearly into the ÔmicÕ. If a car hits a cone please notify control in the following manner: "Control, station 3, car 43, one cone" control will acknowledge Òone cone, car 43, station 3.Ó If you do not know the car number, describe the car "black 914."

The red flag indicates an emergency or an unsafe condition. If there is a dangerous situation on the course or you are directed by control to use the red flag, the red flag should be waived immediately. Do not put yourself in harms way when waiving the red flag at a car. Car Numbers

Each car shall have its official number clearly marked on the car. The number on the release waiver form signed at registration will determine the official number of the car for that event. Drivers should attempt to register to use the same number during the season; however no guarantee is made that ÔthatÕ number will be available at the time of registration. The number(s) shall be at minimum 6" tall on both sides of the car, clearly visible and legible and in a contrasting color to vehicle. Magnetic or vinyl numbers are highly recommended. Use of impromptu tape should be avoided. Shoe polish or glass paint numbers are not permitted. Vinyl numbers on glass must be white to provide proper contrast. Two driver cars require two numbers; one odd and one even number should be selected.

RUNS

Official Runs

The Autocross Chairman will determine the official number of timed runs for an event. The quantity of runs will vary depending upon number of cars, length, difficulty, and complexity of the course, weather conditions, etc.

Each run taken will count towards the total number of runs for the day. Runs not taken within your assigned run group will not be scored; they will be entered as DNF, but will count towards the total number of runs for the day. Please take your runs with your run group unless you are directed otherwise by control.

Use of reverse gear on course is prohibited and will result in a DNF.

No passengers are allowed at any time (due to the PCA insurance regulations) Ð except for pre-approved instructors - as a passenger only. Runs taken with an instructor will count towards the total number of runs for the day.

If a driver observes a cone out of the box, missing or knocked over by someone else, or if the driver was not at fault in hitting the cones, e.g., swerving to avoid collision with something/someone on the course, the driver should come to a safe, immediate and complete stop and indicate the problem to the course worker so as not to be charged with the penalty. Cones/penalties prior to the condition; however, will carry over. Follow the instructions of the course worker/control. You may be instructed to exit the course via the timing lights or to return directly to staging. The return to staging should be completed off course.

Penalties and Time Scores

All cone penalties for each run and its associated rerun(s) will be recorded and indicated as a Ò+Ó value in addition to the raw time score (+1, one cone; a two second penalty will be added to the raw time score, +2, two cones; a four second penalty will be added to the raw time score, etc.). The posted best-run score shall be a Ôcorrected timeÕ including assessed time penalties.

Red Flag

If the Red Flag is waved while running, immediately come to a safe and complete stop. Follow the instructions of the course worker/control. Any driver that continues to run the course at speed, after the red flag has been waived, will be disqualified from the event.

Re-runs

Re-runs may be granted by control for a variety of reasons including but not limited to: timing malfunctions, unsafe conditions, red flags, misplaced cone, etc. Re-runs for timed runs must be made as soon as practical, but no later than the first part of the run time for the following group. Re-runs must be separated by at least 10 cars.

The final cone penalty assigned to a re-run will be the number of cones assessed on the initial run plus those incurred on the re-run.

Run Groups

The cars will be split into two run groups Ð one for odd #Õd cars and the other for even #Õd cars. The run group shall determine your work assignment and driving time order. (While one run group works, the other run group will run). The run groups may be further split by high/low numbers in order to accommodate larger turnouts. The run group order will be determined by a coin toss at the drivers meeting.

In the interest of fairness to all drivers, hot laps are not permitted. See re-runs for additional information. All drivers are to follow the directions of the grid workers. All attempts should be made to follow the grid. No car should start its next numerical run before the entire run group has completed its run.

Off Course/DNF

An off course or DNF (did not finish) will be entered as a score if a gate/cone is missed or if all four wheels leave the course. A spin on course does not constitute a DNF if no gates have been missed and the car has not left the course boundaries.

DNS

A DNS (did not start) will be entered for any run not started. A driver may elect not to take all of the runs for the day.

Timing

The timing device will be automatically started and stopped by a competing vehicle. In the event of a major malfunction of the timing system, please refer to the ÔInclement WeatherÕ section.

Official Times

Times recorded per the timing equipment and will be considered as official time, unless protested. In the event of a timing problem, the competing car will be waived off course (red flagged) and given a re-run.

Protests

All protests must be presented in writing to the Chairman within 20 minutes of the last run or prior to the awards ceremony (whichever occurs first). Decision of the Chairman is final. The decision need not be made at the event.

Pre-runs

Any driver that previews the course either as a passenger or driver on the day of an event will be disqualified; no score or points will be given. A driver at the direction of the Chairman, Autocross Committee or Control for the purpose of addressing course layout and safety may preview the course.

Exhibition Runs and Fun Runs

Exhibition or fun runs will not be permitted until the official completion of an event and will only be permitted at the discretion of the Chairman.

The Chairman and/or Autocross Committee reserve the right to charge an additional fee per run for fun and exhibition runs.

Disqualification/Suspension

It is each driverÕs responsibility to read, understand and observe the rules. Any conduct at an Autocross event considered by Metro NY PCA Region to be either unsafe or inconsistent with the spirit or purpose of the Autocross Program will not be permitted. We operate under a zero tolerance policy.

The Metro NY PCA Autocross Chairman and Committee reserves the right to immediately suspend driving privileges or refuse entry to any participant that cannot abide by the rules whether stated herein or otherwise implied. A serious infraction or multiple disqualifications may result in a driver being suspended from participating in multiple events, the remaining season, or a longer duration to be determined by the Autocross Chairman and Committee and/or the MNYPCA Board. All decisions are final.

In the event of a disqualification, no points or trophies will be awarded. No refund of entry fee will be given.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF ANY RULE OR PROCEEDURE OR DO NOT UNDERSTAND ITS INTENT OR PURPOSE, DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK THE CHAIRMAN FOR EXPLANATION OR CLARIFICATION.

AUTOCROSSER OF THE YEAR RUN-OFF

The Metro New York Autocrosser of the Year may be determined by a run-off. The top ten finishers, by points accrued at MNYPCA autocross events, including the Zone 1 Autocross, shall qualify.

All participants shall drive the same vehicle for the run-off.

All participants shall preview (inspect) the vehicle during the normal Tech period, and make adjustments to tire pressures only during this period. No adjustments (other than within the passenger compartment) shall be made after the second run has begun.

Driver order shall be determined by a random pick. The top pointÕs finisher shall select first, the second next, etc.

All runs shall be taken in a Ôround robinÕ manner, (1) one run per driver, alternating drivers per the order selected above.

In the event of a mechanical or other failure or for any reason or at the discretion of the Autocross chairman or the MNYPCA Board, the last complete set of runs will count towards scoring.

If two run-off cars are utilized, the final score shall be a combined total of the best run in each vehicle.

FAQ

What is an Autocross event?

Autocross events are low to medium speed precision driving events (generally run in 1st or 2nd gear) that takes place in parking lots. Each unique course is defined using traffic cones (pylons). Drivers negotiate the course testing their driving skills against the clock. Time penalties of two seconds each are charged for disturbing cones.

The courses are designed to be challenging yet they are laid out in order to maximize the safety of the drivers, their vehicles, and other participants. Generally, each driver takes at minimum three or four runs at an event. A driver is awarded the best time of all runs taken.

Why autocross?

Autocross is an inexpensive, safe way to experience the potential of your car. Autocrossing will help you discover your car's capabilities and limitations, making you a better, safer driver on the road. And it develops your own driving ability. Many would-be race drivers use it as a jump point into the sport of road racing. But probably the greatest thrill of autocross is the challenge of beating your own time. It's fun!

What do I need to bring?

All you really need, especially for your first time, is your car and your entry fee. All drivers are required to wear helmets. Loaner helmets are available, though over the long haul you'll want to get your own.

How should I prepare my car for an autocross?

Your car should be well maintained at the very least. Keep up with oil/fluid changes, brake inspections, valve adjustments, etc.

Clean out your car. Remove everything that you won't need, and take out everything you brought with you before your runs. As part of the tech inspection, officials will make sure there won't be anything flying around your cabin, in your glove box or trunk while you're on the course.

Just before you get to the autocross site, stop at a service station and pump up your tires to 42 psi or so. It sounds high, but you will need extra air in those tires to prevent them from rolling over onto the sidewalls during hard cornering. When you get to the site, as a novice you might ask someone who looks like (s)he knows what (s)he is doing how much air you'll probably need. Then let out the air until you've achieved that pressure. It's easier to let air out than to pump it in! (Some events provide air via a compressor or air tank/bubble.)

What is a tech inspection?

A mandatory pre-autocross safety inspection of your car. Cars are checked for safety at each event before your first run. Generally, this task falls to an experienced autocross driver and the inspection is friendly. Your car must have a working seat belt, a good return spring on your throttle linkage, working brakes, a securely fastened battery, tight lug nuts, well-packed bearings, no excessive play in your suspension, and an interior, glove box and trunk free of all loose articles. Street tires must have measurable tread depth and no cord showing. Any street car in reasonably good condition should pass this quick inspection without any trouble.