What is Solo (Autocross)?

Solo is the SCCA brand name for autocross competition. Solo events are driving skill contests that emphasize the driver’s ability and the car’s handling characteristics. One automobile at a time is timed over a clearly defined course, with elapsed time and appropriate penalties for course deviations being the determining factor for awards. This is accomplished by driving a course that is on a low hazard location, such as a parking lot or inactive airstrip.

Solo II Autocrossing is not wheel-to-wheel competition, but more of a test of a driver’s ability to learn the course quickly, since each course are different and a driver typically gets a very few tries at it. A typical run usually last less than two minutes.  Events are typically run at relatively low speeds (45-65 mph). Autocrossing is a safe way to learn how to driving your car at the limits of its potential. It is also a sport that is accessible to many people without requiring a large amount of money nor willingness to take undue risks.

The SCCA has categories that divides cars into their specific classes. In simple terms, this allows vehicles to be grouped into equal running classes based on modifications or lack thereof. These categories consist of:

This category includes mass-produced, common vehicles that may be “daily drivers” (cars used for normal, everyday driving). Stock Category cars compete in their “factory” configuration with a minimal number of allowances (not requirements).

Example:  Trucks that are 100% factory stock. Allowances would include safety upgrades such as fuel pump, replumbed IC lines, AFPR, and tires (no drag or street competition radials).
*Other allowances may be admitted depending on event coordination and car classes. Always check with an event coordinator beforehand!

This class is a fairly new class and is geared towards cars with common bolt-on modifications. Things like cold-air intakes, headers, lowering springs, etc. This is the only category that does not allow DOT competition R-compound tires – only high performance tires with a UTQG treadwear rating of 140 or higher are allowed (found on the tire sidewall).

Example:  Trucks that have some bolt on upgrades. Such things as air 2 air, headers, lowered trucks (by torsion bar, blocks or coilovers), upgraded turbo, and custom chips would fall into this category.

This is the original Solo® “street” class, sometimes called a “bolt-on” class. Any fuel and ignition system is allowed along with any suspension springs and shocks/struts as long as they are fitted into their original location. Things like turbo/superchargers must remain the same. There is no limit on wheel size or DOT tire sizes.

This is the top tier of the “street” classes. This class allows engine swaps as long as the engine is made by the same manufacturer as the car. You may also add turbo/superchargers, camshaft upgrades, and any suspension upgrades as long as it uses the factory attachment points.

This class is generally for non-streetable cars. Things like gutted interiors and racing slicks are a big give away. Most things are allowed in this class and is relied on weight more than anything.

They are usually special built competition vehicles and most of them resemble an open-wheel Indy car or a closed-wheel LeMans sports racer. DM and EM cars may have started life on the streets, but just about any engine, drivetrain, or suspension is permitted. Supercharged rotary engines and V-8 engines are seen in 1700-pound EM machines and powerful 4-cylinders are common in 1300-pound DM lightweights.

 

In stock form, the Syclone and Typhoon fall under F-Stock Classification. The "F" is the SCCA classification in which the GMC Syclone/Typhoon is sanctioned in according to SCCA rules.


  • Getting Started

    Before an Event

    • If possible, pre-register prior to the event
    • Make a checklist  for items to bring to the event: Tools, clothing, and safety devices
    • Spectators can come and watch for free; however they MUST sign the insurance waiver.

     

    Prepare your truck 

    • Clean out the interior of your truck of any loose items which could interfere with driving (floor mats too!)
    • Remove center caps that could come off during an autocross
    • Inspect under the hood for any loose items or leaks and fix if necessary before the event
    • Check the tightness of the lug nuts, and the overall condition of the tires. Dangerously bald or worn tires will not be overlooked as “slicks”.
    • Have at least a half-tank of gas available to run with. This is very important with the SyTy as our trucks are very prone to fuel slosh during launching or hard cornering. This will hurt not only your time, but potentially damage your truck mechanically.

     

    At the Event

    • Arrive as early as possible. This will allow ample time to get settled, unpack, and walk the course.
    • Do not be afraid to ask questions, we were all “rookies” at one time or another. Look for “Yellow” shirt members answer any questions and give you guidance.
    • Sign the release/waiver form. This is REQUIRED by anybody in the paddock area, even non-competitors.
    • Register yourself and the car at the timing and scoring trailer; pay entry fee and pick out you car number and class if you have not pre-registered.

     

    Prepare your truck tech inspection

    • Inflate “street” tires to at least 5-8 psi above what you use on the street. This dramatically stiffens the tire sidewall, a must for crisp, responsive handling. It also keeps the tire sidewalls from “rolling over” under the heavy side loads they will be subjected to.
    • Empty your car of all loose items and place your number and car class on the car in a visible area.
    • Leave your hood up and a tech inspector will come by to tech your car. A small round sticker placed on your front windshield to indicate a tech inspection has been completed on your car. If this has not been done, please notify a “Yellow” shirt member to help you get your car inspected.

     

    The following items will be checked during inspection:

    • Seatbelt condition. (Factory or aftermarket) Not to be torn, excessively worn.
    • Tires and lug nuts. (no chords visible, lugs are tight)
    • Nothing loose under the hood
    • Throttle has a “positive return”
    • Brake pedal feel for firmness (check your fluid level)
    • “Cleanliness” of the cars interior.
    • No fluid leaks
    • Battery is firmly mounted (battery cutoff switch installed if necessary)
    • Helmet – Snell or M2000 or newer

     

    Drivers Meeting (Required)

    • The Solo Chairperson will go over event schedule for the day and announce any updates, explain the safety rules of the event and the consequences for not following them.
    • He will also discuss the general rules, including the guidelines for scoring and penalties, run groups, and worker assignments.

     

    Once competition begins

    • If you are running first, get your car in grid. There will be a grid marshall to direct you.
    • If you are working first, report to the worker chief for your worker assignment.
    • f you are on break first, relax and watch the event. Talk to the experienced drivers for any tips.
    • After you have completed your runs, please return you car to the paddock area.
    • Paddock speeds are limited to 5mph or less.
    • No burn-outs to heat tires are allowed in the paddock area or surrounding roads.
    • Should a competitor be issued a red flag for any reason, he/she is to come to a quick, controlled stop and slowly complete the course at 50% speed and return to the grid area.
    • The same rule applies once a competitor completes a lap and crosses the finish line.
    • Depending on run groups you will either work the course when your run group has completed a heat or you will be on break, if you are not sure, please check with a “Yellow” shirt. Working is required by all competitors. As a novice, request working a station with an experienced autocrosser.

     

    When the event is over,  see if the event coordinators need any assistance cleaning up. Sportsmanship goes a long way, so gather around for the presentation of the trophies (you might be receiving one!). And lastly, clean up the area around you of any garbage. If you bring it in, please take it with you.


  • How an Autocross Event Works

    Overview

    With almost all autocross events, participants will split their time between driving and doing course work. This is covered in the drivers meeting before the event begins.  During the event, if you are not scheduled to drive, you will be assigned to an area on the course to help keep the event running safely.  Typical course work consists of:

    • Resetting downed cones
    • Spotting safety concerns with vehicles or people by using a red flag (or the provided warning system)
    • Notify ‘Timing/Scoring’ of penalties in your section
    • Course deviations – DNF (no score) include:
      • Missing Gates
      • Bypassing slaloms
      • Taking mandatory directional cones on wrong side
    • Keeping the course clear and clean of debris

    Registration

    To register you must have a valid driver’s license and entry fee*. Fill out the information card at the registration area. They will help choose the class for your truck if you don’t know what it is (remember, stock trucks are F class). You will also be assigned a car number for the day. At registration, you will be asked to sign the insurance waiver. You must do this to compete, and any guests you bring must sign the waiver also.

    *Entry fees will vary. SCCA membership also may determine entry fee vs non-membership.

    Tech Inspection

    Your truck must pass tech inspection before you can compete.  Registration may be at one central area, or at your “pit” space.

    The tech inspector will sign your card if you pass or recommend changes to make the truck pass, such as additional tie-downs for the battery, removal of loose items, or removal of center caps, etc.

    Course Walking

    After tech, you will have time to walk the course.  Try to have the course memorized before you go on the guided walk. (Refer to Basic Driving Skills & Techniques Tab for further instruction)

    Driver’s Meeting

    The drivers’ meeting is mandatory for all drivers. The event chair will hold the meeting approximately one half hour before the first car starts. Be sure to attend. This is where you will find out information you’ll need to know about the course conditions, number of runs, particular safety concerns, how penalties are assessed, and how work assignments will be handled.

    At the end of the drivers’ meeting, the Novice Chief will announce the novice course-walk.

    Runs

    You will have a minimum of three timed runs, weather permitting. Depending on the event, you may get as many as five timed runs. Find out who is running before you and after you, so you know when to line up. Running in order makes the timing people’s job easier, and keeps the event running smoothly, but if someone gets in front of you, or you are running a little behind, don’t worry too much about it. The event chair will call out which classes are to come to the grid (line of 4-5 cars waiting to run).

    Once you are in grid, you will wait for the cars in front of you to launch, and you will move up until you are on the start line. A starter will wave a green flag when it is OK for you to start. The green flag means go as soon as you are ready, the timer will not start until you pass through the lights. Don’t take too long if we are running two cars on course at once, because you start is timed to make sure you do not get too near the car already on course.

    If you do get “lost” on course, take the time to orient yourself and continue. Don’t head back to the start line, because you may be pointed toward another car. Just take the time to get back on course, and continue the run as a practice! If the next driver catches up, they will be red-flagged and be granted a re-run (which they’ll use to its fullest potential).

    Times are posted after each run. Your fastest run of the day is used to determine your finishing position.

    Refer to Basic Driving Skills & Techniques Tab for further instruction and more details about your runs.

    Work Assignments

    It’s best to report for your work assignment as quickly as possible when it is time for you to work. Otherwise, some people end up working longer than others, which is no fun. The place to get work assignments will be announced in the drivers’ meeting.

    Typically, a novice driver will be paired with an experienced driver on a station if there are enough people. For a little bonus instruction, ask your co-worker to talk about the techniques of the cars on course.

  • Basic Driving Techniques & Skills

    The goal of an autocross is to navigate the course SAFELY & cleanly in the shortest time. Speed isnt always the best factor to the fastest time, rather smooth driving and balance between throttle, braking, and how a driver enters/exits the various obstacles in the course typically nets better results. Remember, each cone you knock over adds 2 seconds to your run time and any course deviation results in a DNF.  If you notice a downed cone (not yours), you may STOP and get a re-run. Always watch for red flags and FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.

    Course Walk – the most important contribution to autocross success. Before the event begins, all drivers have the opportunity to walk the entire course to familiarize themselves with the layout. Walking and memorizing the course will give you a “feel” on where you want to be.

    • Walk with an experienced driver if possible
    • Walk “from the driver’s seat”
    • Pick the “important cones” – usually only a few on entire course
    • Find the “line” you want to drive
    • Pick your brake points relative to your key cones
    • Walk several times to memorize layout & key features
    • “Drive” the course in your memory before your run
    • The shortest distance is “usually” the fastest way !

     

    Choice slaloms 

    • Pick the entry side that gives you the best exit set-up for the next feature of the course

     

    Look for your “turn in” points on all turns, corners, etc 

    • Late Apex is usually the best in autocross
    • Begin increasing acceleration rate at the turn’s apex
    • Pick a line that reduces the angles & amounts of turns

     

    Turns/Sweepers 

    • Try to pick a path that gives constant rate of turn (radius)
    • Middle of the course for faster turns, inside for tight turns

     

    NO COASTING! Successful autocrossing is “all brakes” or “all accelerator” !


    Driving Tips

    • Look ahead! Look at where you want to go, not what you want to miss (i.e. the cones)
    • Be smooth on the gas, on the brakes, and with the steering wheel
    • Go slow to go fast. Don’t take the tight sections too fast.
    • Brake hard! Use your brakes HARD to slow the truck, that’s what they’re for.

     

  • AutoX Glossary

    Apex: The point on the inside of a turn to which your car comes closest.

    Camber: The vertical lean of the the wheel. Typically, autocrossers will want at least some negative camber in the front and rear which means the top of the tire leans inward. You should check with experienced autocrossers in your own car type or class for setting suggestions.

    Caster: The forward or backward swing of the wheel. If the caster can be adjusted, autocrosses typically will want some positive caster in the front which means the wheel will swing forward. You should check with experienced autocrossers in your own car type or class for setting suggestions.

    Chicago box: 

    Cone Penalty: An addition of 2 seconds to the time of a run for each cone knocked down or completely out of it’s marked “box” location.

    Course Deviation: Completely missing a gate or taking a wrong turn on the course. A course deviation, or “CD”, will cost you twenty seconds in some regions and a flat DNF in others. Two “CD”s will give you a DNF if the region even allows CD’s whatsoever. Most dont.

    DNS: Did Not Start

    DNF: Did Not Finish. Possible causes would be missing an obstacle on a course, ie. going on the wrong side of a slalom cone. DNF’s do not count.

    Gate: Two or more cones that you must drive between to stay on course. A series of gates makes up the layout of the course. Miss one, and you have a Course Deviation. Marker cones (cones sitting on their side) often point towards the gates to help you out.

    Grid: Cars in the active heat line up in the “grid” and wait to be sent to the starting line. When finished with your run, return to the same grid spot you were in originally.

    Heel Toe: Method of downshifting which uses part of the right foot on the throttle and the brake at the same time. Classic method is to use the ball (or toes) of the foot on the brake and the heel on the throttle, hence the name. However, variations are also used. This is used when needing to downshift for the exit of a corner. By pushing the clutch in, hitting the brakes with your right foot toes, and blipping the throttle with the right foot heel, you can seemlessly downshift under braking without upsetting the balance of the car.

    Late Apex: Touching the car to a point on the inside of a turn which is past the mid-point of the turn.

    Line: The path you drive through the course.

    Marker: A cone or series of cones lying down. The cone they seem to be pointing at is the one you have to go around. There are several examples in the photo above. If you happen to hit a marker cone when you plow through a gate, it won’t count against you. Only the actual gate cones count.

    Oversteer: A situation which occurs when you are turning and the rear of the car slides toward the outside of the turn (aka tail happy). Called “oversteer” because the car is “turning in” more than it should based on your steering wheel input. Also stated as “when the back end of the car hits the fence first”. For an example, please watch Greg Lloyd drive.

    Paddock: Where cars wait, prepare, repair, etc when it is not their heat to run.

    PAX: Index which, theoretically, equalizes all cars. Used to determine the fastest drivers, regardless of the vehicle he/she is driving. Don’t put too much weight on this unless you top it, then rub it in everyone’s face. Be warned, they won’t care.

    Pointer Cone: Cone which is laid down to indicate the direction in which the course goes.

    Reference Point: Cones or landmarks chosen when walking the course that you use to judge where to brake or aim the car. Since things go by so quickly on the course, it is helpful to decide ahead of time what reference points you will use.

    Red Flag: A red flag on the couse tells the driver to come to a complete stop, because something has gone wrong. It may be an obstacle on the course, or some other problem that requires you to stop. If you are red flagged because of something you did not cause, you will get a rerun if you come to a stop.

    Run: A pass through the entire course.

    Slalom: Single cones set up in a line. Must drive your car on the opposite side of each sequential cone. Right, left, right, left, etc. Some slaloms tell you which direction you need to start, others are optional.

    T&S: Timing and Scoring. These are the guys in the trailer during the event. They run the computer system to get times of everyones runs, and manually enter times as a backup.

    Threshold Braking: Braking just to the threshold of locking the brakes, then releasing.

    Toe: The turn out or in of the forward facing tread-side of the tire. A touch of toe-out is said to make the car “turn in” better. You should check with experienced autocrossers in your own car type or class for setting suggestions.

    Trail Braking: Continuing to brake some as you enter a turn in order to purposefully create some oversteer.

    Understeer: A situation which occurs when you are turning the steering wheel, but the car won’t “turn in” enough; it just continues to go forward (aka. push or plow). Called “understeer” because the car is “turning in” less than it should based on your steering wheel input. Also stated as “when the front end of the car hits the fence first”.

    Wall: A line of cones placed to prevent you from missing a not-so-obvious change of direction on the course.

 
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