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Q: What is Autocross?
Q: Do I need any special equipment to Autocross?
Q: Do I have to be 18?
Q: Will I damage my car?
Q: What do I need to bring to an event?
Q: How long will the event last?
Q: Do I need to pre-register?
Q: How many runs will I get?
Q: What is generally the schedule of events?
Q: How is an IRAC event scored?
Q: How is the IRAC series scored?
Q: I don't have a Porsche. Can I still enter an IRAC event?
Q: What is Autocross?
A:
Q: Do I need any special equipment to Autocross?
A: Other than a Snell 2000 rated helmet (either M or SA) you will need no special equipment to participate in an autocross. We even have loaner helmets available at most of the events. If you are a novas and don't want to spend the money until you are sure you like autocross, the loaner helmets will get you started. Your car is already equipped with seat belts so that's covered. And roll bars are not required for autocross, even if your Porsche is a convertible. The only other requirement is that your car be in safe operating condition. That means no fluids leaking from the car, the tires are in good condition and the brakes work. We will have someone look over your car for any obvious problems, but you should have your mechanic verify that everything is in working order before the event. There are a lot of go-faster items you can buy for your car and some of them can even improve your times. The best investment you can make to improve the performance of your car is to attend an event.
Q: Do I have to be 18?
A: You do not have to be 18 to autocross at an IRAC event. PCA now allows 16 and 17 year old fully licensed students to participate in Autocross events. At least one parent MUST be present at the event, and a waiver forms MUST be signed by both parents. The forms are available on the PCA website or at the event.
Q: Will I damage my car?
A: As in any driving situation, that depends on the driver. If you drive your Porsche in a reasonable fashion, you will do no more damage to your baby than you would on a spirited drive on any road. Rapid acceleration and hard cornering will not hurt a well maintained and properly serviced Porsche. However, driving beyond the limits of the car or the driver can result in damage to the car. This can happen anywhere, on a race track, an autocross course or on the street. If you drive the car without oil you will hurt the engine. If you slip the clutch, it will burn out quickly. If you over drive a corner you will skid and might loose control of your Porsche. Bad things happen when you use poor judgment. At an autocross we stress safety and driving in control. Sliding around corners and burning rubber may look cool, but it is not the fast way around a course. It is slow and hard on the equipment. Smooth turning, braking and acceleration are the combination to the fastest times around any autocross course, and it is easy on your Porsche. As I said, It all depends on the driver.
Q: What do I need to bring to an event?
A: You will need the things you would normally take for a day out of doors. A lot will depend on the weather. Sun screen, sun glasses and a hat are important along with rain gear if the weatherman predicts rain. Most autocrosses will run in the rain unless there is lightning or hail involved. In that case a small tarp is handy to cover the things you remove from your car. Early and late season events can turn cold so you will need warm clothing and a jacket. I always pack a cooler with drinks or a thermos with hot drinks in cool weather. Dehydration can be a problem. You will want to drink plenty of water. A cooler of bottled water is provided at some events, but I always pack extra, in case they run out. You will find fast food places located near most events, but packing a lunch will allow you to skip the hassle of leaving the site. Some racers bring folding chairs to relax in during lunch or when time allows. Dress comfortably. Shorts are permitted and are more comfortable in hot weather. Sneakers are the shoe of choice Loose shoes or sandals are a poor chioce.
These are the basic things you may need. It is by no means a complete list, but it should get you started. It does not allow for an individuals personal needs. When you start going to events you will quickly discover those extra things you wish you had.
Q: How long will the event last?
A: Registration for an event usually starts at 8:30 am with actual racing starting at 10:00. Racing usually lasts until 2:30 or 3:00 pm and awards take 30 to 40 minutes. The event should be over between 3:30 and 4:00pm.
Q: Do I need to pre-register?
A: No you do not need to pre-register. Some events allow you to pre-register and some do not but none require that you pre-register.
Q: How many runs will I get?
A: A minimum of 6 runs, usually 8 and sometimes 10. It depends on how many entrants the event has and how quickly the event progresses. If the event is going along smoothly and it looks like it will finish early, extra runs may be added to the basic 6.
Q: What is generally the schedule of events?
A: Registration - 8:30 to 9:45 (Drivers are free to walk the course during registration)
Driver's meeting - 9:45
First car off - 10:00
End of racing - around 2:30
Awards - 3:00
Pick-up cones and cleanup - 3:30
Q: How is an IRAC event scored?
A:
Q: How is the IRAC series scored?
A:
Q: I don't have a Porsche. Can I still enter an IRAC event?
A:
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