What is SCCA Solo Autocross?

Autocross is a form of motorsports that emphasizes safe competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition in which drivers navigate one at a time,through a defined course, racing against the clock rather than other cars. Autocross is an entry-level motorsport and it provides a stepping stone for drivers looking to move into other forms of racing. Skills learned on the autocross course directly translate to road racing as well as to the street.

Autocross courses are typically about a mile long and tend to place demands on car handling and driver skill rather than on engine power and outright speed. Courses are marked by traffic cones placed in appropriate paved area, such as a large parking lot or motorsports skid pad.

Autocross has many classes that allow almost any vehicle, from economy sedans to purpose-built racing cars, to compete. Due to the nature of a typical track, speeds can be slower when compared to other forms of motorsports, usually not exceeding highway speeds, but the activity level (measured in discrete turns per minute) can be higher than even Formula One due to the large number of elements packed into each course.

Delta Region Autocross

Delta Autocross events generally begin around 10 am on the day of the event and occur rain or shine (apocalyptic weather excepted).

Event fees go towards covering site rental, sanctions and insurance, free water, chalk, cones, and club operations.

All Delta events are open to all drivers with an appropriate vehicle and drivers license/permit as well as to any spectators and riders over 12 years of age. Additionally, Delta autocrossers are exceptionally friendly folks, and we love it when new people come out to race with us. Except for the guy in the trailer behind the computer. He is a jerk, and he neither knows nor cares about your time.

Delta provides loaner helmets to drivers who need them.

For all events we use an advanced timing system and Axware Autocross management software.

FAQ

Q: What kind of car do I need?

A: Any road worthy car or purpose built race car is fine, as long as it can pass a basic inspection (think brake tag). Check the Solo Rulebook for details. There are specific exceptions: no high center of gravity vehicles (4×4 trucks, SUVs, minivans, and specific cars), karts, or vehicles that provide no driver protection are currently allowed at most Delta events. If you have any question, please ask us before hand!

Q: What class is my car in?

A: Have a look at the Solo Rulebook, or ask us on Facebook and we’ll figure it out for you.

Q: Will it break my car?

A: Probably not. The general rule is that if it breaks on course, it would have probably broken on the street. Probably better that breaks on a closed course than on the interstate.

Generally, autocross is not harder on your car than typical day-to-day normal-to-spirited driving. You’re probably good if you take care of the usual maintenance items. One exception is tires: autocross (like any other motorsport) eats tires, and these, very likely, will be the largest single budget item for the autocrosser.

Q: Is it expensive?

A: The events are cheap, but otherwise how much you spend on the sport is up to you. You can race a car on 800 treadwear tires for years without spending money except on maintenance or you could build a C-Street Prepared Miata, which costs roughly the same amount as it does to send a man to the Moon.

Q: Don’t I need 6-way adjustable shocks, 14″ wide tires, carbon-fiber windscreens, etc., et al . . .

A: No! Learn to drive first, then mod. As a new driver, spend the money on a helmet and a decent set of tires. You will spend your first couple of seasons learning to drive and becoming one with your car. At that point, you can mod as you see fit