Where are Autocross events held?

The course is generally laid out in a large parking lot or airfield free of obstructions. For 2023 and beyond, Washington D.C. Region Autocross events will be held at a variety of locations. Check the event calendar tab for dates and locations. The cone positions are marked with boxes of chalk, drywall, or large crayons on the course. Courses are specifically designed to be both entertaining and safe. The course usually takes about a minute to negotiate at speed. Before driving the course, all competitors are given the opportunity to walk the course to familiarize themselves with the design. Almost no two autocross courses are the same, and learning the course is part of the challenge.

What if I hit a cone?

Cones are counted as a two-second penalty added to the run time for each cone hit. A penalty is applied only if the cone is knocked down or displaced from its marking on the pavement. If the cone is hit and any part of the base of the cone is touching the marking box on the pavement, no penalty is applied.

Will cones hurt my car?

Generally, no. The cones are constructed of soft plastic, and they deform when hit. They will occasionally leave slight marks on the paint and wheels which can be removed easily with car polishes.

Do I need a special license to Autocross?

No. Most local events are open to the general public, and only a current state-issued driver’s license is required. Some specific clubs will limit entrance only to current club members. Most SCCA events are open to the public, and many of them offer a discount to current SCCA members.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes. Insurance regulations require that all autocross participants wear seatbelts and Snell-approved helmets during all runs. Helmets must either meet the current or two previous Snell standards. These standards change every five years. As a result, helmets with the 2020, 2015, 2010, 2005, and 2000 Snell standards are currently acceptable.

Is my car okay to Autocross?

Most vehicles are acceptable for autocross. The exceptions are vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs and tall pickup trucks. Virtually all types of vehicles, from station wagons to open-wheeled racecars, are welcome to participate in SCCA AutoCross events. You can check in the SCCA Solo rules to see where your car is classed. If you cannot find your vehicle listed, just ask! Vehicles competing in each event must pass a general safety inspection and must be emptied of all loose items.

Are there sound restrictions (new for 2023+)?

100 dB limit will be measured 50 ft from course at a high throttle zone determined during course setup. Workers will be stationed by the meter and record each run.

Courtesy warnings will be given at 97dB and competitiors who reach the 100dB limit will be given an opportunity to take corrective action, that must be approved before they continue. Records will be kept, and if a driver continues to bring a car that violates the sound restrictions, that driver may have to bring a different car next time.

Is there anything I need to do to my vehicle?

At the very minimum, the vehicle needs to be in good running shape. No leaking fluids are allowed, the suspension and steering should be tight, the tires should be in good shape, and the brakes should be solid. Before competition, all loose items (including the driver’s side floor mat) need to be removed from the interior, and the tires should be inflated to about 5-10 PSI over the usual street inflation pressure. Many competitors bring their own portable air tanks to adjust tire pressures on site.

What if my car isn't modified for Autocross?

All the better. Modifying your car will often place you in a more challenging class. Autocross is primarily about driving, not about modifications. Modifications can make your vehicle perform better, but it is ultimately the driver that will make the car faster. Knowing which modifications are legal for which classes is beyond the scope of the average person entering the sport, but you can find all the details in the SCCA AutoCross rulebook or on the National SCCA website if you’re interested.

How much is the entrance fee?

List of Events

How long does an event last?

Most autocrosses are full-day events. The majority of the competitors are present for about half the day, but some choose to stay at the event to watch or work. The specific location and event format of Washington D.C. Region events will determine if the event will be a full day or split between morning and afternoon sessions

What should I bring to an Autocross?

Bring gear appropriate for weather conditions. If rain is predicted, be prepared with umbrellas, tarps, etc. If it is sunny, bring sunscreen and drinks. Bringing food and plenty of water is always a good idea, although some clubs offer on-site food sales. Folding chairs are always useful. Cameras are allowed at most venues.

Does my vehicle need numbers?

Virtually all autocrosses require easily visible identifying numbers for each vehicle. At WDCR SCCA events, large visible numbers and class letters on each side are mandatory. Bigger is better, and good contrast is important for visibility. Most competitors use magnetic numbers and letters applied on the sides of the vehicle. If you don’t have magnetics or have a non-metallic vehicle, be creative. As long as the numbers and class letters are visible during the runs, you’re fine. Usually painter's tape is suitable, and if you ask around the paddock, someone is likely to have some.

Can I come to an event and not compete?

Absolutely! It is highly recommended that you attend at least one event to learn the basics before participating. You can see how the event flows, watch some runs, walk the course, and talk to the competitors. Depending upon the club managing the event, you may even be able to take rides with the competitors! Novice coordinators are at every event and can help you, too, if you decide to just jump in with both feet. If you are brand new, ask the gate attendant about the novice coordinator and get connected with them right away.

How do I sign up for events?

Most clubs now offer an online pre-registration system. Some have online payment available. Online registration for WDCR SCCA AutoCross events is available at http://www.wdcr-scca.org/calendar.

How do I know what to do when I arrive at the event?

This is where attending an event beforehand can be helpful. Regions differ in the format of their events, although most are relatively similar. In the Washington, DC region, you begin by signing a liability waiver at the entrance. After that, you go to a registration area to sign in, show your driver’s license, and receive your worker assignment for the day. Next, you should get your car ready and go through the vehicle safety inspection (often called “Tech Inspection”) and move your vehicle to a gridding area. You will need to walk the course a few times to become familiar with the layout. More time spent walking is always better to learn the course fully. Finally, you will take your runs and perform a work shift, although not necessarily in that order.

I already paid for the event; Why do I have to work?

Autocross is a true “grassroots motorsport”, meaning that the entry fees are intentionally kept low to make it accessible to everybody. Much of the cost savings are realized by employing the competitors as workers. If paid workers were required for every position at an autocross, the entry fees would skyrocket. At most events, the competitors are only required to work for an hour or two, and many different types of work assignments are available to suit individual abilities. Additionally, it can be an enjoyable way to participate and offer exclusive viewpoints of drivers not available to non-drivers

Are pets and children allowed at the events?

Pets are not appropriate at autocrosses. If you absolutely must bring your pet, make sure they are comfortable and either fully supervised or secured well away from the action of the event. Young children should obviously be supervised at all times, and older children should be instructed about safety at the event. Insurance regulations require all minors to have a parent or legal guardian sign a minor waiver at the entrance. Safety is always a paramount concern at all autocrosses. If in doubt, please make alternate plans for caring for the kids and pets for the day.

What do I win if I drive well?

WDCR gives awards to season points winners. Serious prize money and awards can be obtained by finishing well at some national level events, but this is often offset by the cost of entry fees, travel expenses, and equipment purchased for the vehicle.

I'm hooked. How do I learn to get faster?

Practice. Then, practice more. Unless you have Mario Andretti’s DNA, you’re probably not going to be the fastest driver in your class on your first day of autocross. There’s a learning curve to every sport, and autocross is no different. But, there is a way to get tons of practice without spending years autocrossing. Go to school. There are autocross schools available, and the DC region has a great program geared toward many different skill levels. With a school, you can get an entire season’s worth of autocross runs in a single day, and skilled instructors can help you find the best way to negotiate the course and get the most out of your own car.

Like any sport or hobby, you will learn the ropes through direct experience and time. Feel free to use the wide knowledge of the competitors and committee members to learn more about Solo. Here are two articles from David Lane, 2018 Spirit of the Sport Award recipient, on course walking and the 'experience' to get you started.