What does it take to put on an Autox event? - SRT Forums

LateApex · 05-13-2009, 08:18 AM

I am starting an autocross club on campus and was wondering what it takes to put on an autocross event. To avoid legal issues, will I be safe to just have people sign a waiver? Also, are there any programs that I will need to design an autocross course? If there's any other information that would be useful, please post it up.

hercfe · 05-13-2009, 08:27 AM

get up with your local SCCA chapter and have them help you. go to a couple of their events first and then decide what you want to do. anyone can set up an autox, but there are a lot of contingencies to consider.

you will need (at a minimum)

a parking lot big enough for a track(that you can close off to other cars)
a good technical track design(that is easily manueverable for beginners)
emergency services available
insurance
legal assistance for the waivers

good luck man. do it right, and it will be very rewarding.

LateApex · 05-13-2009, 08:39 AM

Thanks, I will need it! So far, I have a lot of good venues for a track, have some experience with designing courses and I have the local police department to handle safety and emergency. I just don't know how insurance works or where to go to for assistance on waivers.

I wasn't sure if my local SCCA region would want to help me since it would mean that I will be taking some of their members away...

rosejm · 05-13-2009, 12:26 PM

Honestly, most regions are looking for alternative sites to host events.

It might be difficult adding an event for this year, but everyone is on the lookout for new places to play.

What's the reason for starting your own? It seems with South Bend, Ft Wayne, Indy, Columbus there should be plenty of choices. I usually have to choose which event I'm attending as there are 2 most every weekend within an hour and a half drive.

And, hercfe offered good advice attending events but I think you did a few of those last year. I'd recommend working with one of the regions to help put on an event. They'll appreciate the help, and you'll get a much deeper look at all the things that go on behind the scenes: insurance coverage, facility prep (shitters?), timing and course setup... the list goes on.

Which campus? Do they have a motorsports program that might be willing to partner with you?

LateApex · 05-13-2009, 09:37 PM

I'm starting the club at Indiana University. I've been autocrossing for about three years now and have been to the Fort Wayne, Indy and Columbus events- haven't been to the South Bend ones yet. I have a good understanding of how to set up registration, prepare courses, cleanup, what to discuss at drivers meetings and assign heat/ work orders. I mainly need help with where to get insurance and how to prevent any legal issues.

There are a lot of reasons why I want to start the club; some of those reasons don't apply to just racing. I want to hold events that teach very inexperienced drivers how to control a car in emergency situations and in snow, rain, etc. I want the club to expand police driving skills. I want it to eventually open up internship opportunities in racing. I want to eventually design much more difficult courses that you normally wouldn't see in the midwest to prepare experienced drivers for prosolo or national type courses. I guess I'm trying to make something different with a more educational background.

rosejm · 05-14-2009, 12:28 PM

My apologies, I guess I meant less of the prep work on 'race day' and more of the prep work that goes on the 4 weeks prior to 'race day'.

If you're available on Sunday, it might be worth your while to head up to Terre Haute for the Indy Region event at the airport. There is a motorsports group from Rose-Hulman that's participating, and they may be assisting as well.

I'm sure they'd have a much better insight being in a similar situation (educational motorsports) and could save you from re-inventing the wheel.

Besides, 46 is such a beautiful drive in the summer and it's only 45 minutes or so...

V-Kidd · 05-14-2009, 05:56 PM

You're right, it's pretty overwhelming with how much is needed. I'm probably going to just try to get the Indy region to sanction the events. I'm registered for the event at Terre Haute. I was at the Test n Tune last weekend at Peru- were you there? Anyway, I contacted someone who was previously a solo director and I believe has gone through the whole process. I'll try to also talk to the Rose-Hulman group about the educational aspect. Thanks for guiding me in the right direction.