Autocross Day of Event Information

Be sure to read and understand all of this information before you go to the autocross site.

Warning: We will be very carefully checking BMW CCA membership cards at the gate. Remember to bring your BMW CCA membership card to every event.

Waiver Of Liability Form

When you arrive at the site, your name will be checked against a list kept by the gate keeper. If you are a registered driver or a registered guest, then you and everyone in your car gets in.

All participants, guests, and spectators 16 or older must sign the waiver of liability form. Everyone under 16 must have a parent or guardian sign a release form at the site.

The forms are signed when you enter the gate at the autocross site.

You must preregister online in order to attend Boston Chapter Autocross Series events. In order to provide as many runs as possible, it is important to arrive on time, and preferably early. When you arrive, you must check in at the gate. You must show your BMW CCA membership card and you must sign the waiver.

Daily Schedule

Find a parking spot, unload your car, and prepare it for Tech Inspection. You will then drive your car over to the Tech Staging Area, which will be in the center of the runway in the paddock area. You will need to stay with your car as you drive it through the tech lines.

Upon passing Tech Inspection, a small sticker will be placed on your windshield to indicate that you are good to go. Cars that do not have this sticker will not be allowed to run.

After you have completed Tech Inspection, return your car to your parking spot. You may walk the course and socialize until the Driver's Meeting.

Visitor Policy

Visitors are encouraged. Autocrossing is fun to watch!

Visitors must pre-register. If you want to visit the autocross site during an event, please drop an email to autocross@boston-bmwcca.org, and ask to be put on the guest list.

Spectator areas are clearly marked on the map. You must be shuttled to some of the spectator areas.

Passengers at an autocross are permitted but they must be 16 or older and they must wear an approved helmet. All course workers must be 16 or older.

Tech Inspections

Your car must be in good repair, and pass the on-site technical inspection. Vehicles are allowed to run at the sole discretion of the Autocross Chair. Each car must pass Tech Inspection to participate in the event.

Continued for 2005: A tech inspection good for the whole season is now available. This season long inspection is attractive to many drivers but is voluntary. BMW drivers competing for season points must submit a completed IMF (Inspection and Modification Form) to qualify. Non-BMW drivers and casual drivers may also get a 2005 Tech Inspection sticker by completing an IMF.

A 1995 or newer Snell-approved helmet is required for the Boston Chapter Autocross Series. Both Snell SA (special applications) and Snell MA (motorcycle) ratings are accepted. Loaner helmets may be available, so feel free to come if you don't have your own helmet.

The biggest problem discovered during Tech Inspection is loose objects inside the car. Cell phone in the door pocket? Jack stand loose in the trunk? Change in the ash tray? Clean it out, or don't run.

The determination of whether a car is excessively loud will be at the discretion of the Autocross Chair and Chief of Tech. An exception might be made for an unmuffled car that is still reasonably quiet. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Autocross Chair.

To help ensure that your vehicle and helmet fully comply with our technical requirements, please review the following Technical Inspection Checklist:

Helmet

• Each driver must wear a helmet. The helmet must be rated Snell 1995 (or later) or Snell SA 1995 (or later).
• Non-compliant helmets will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.

Engine Compartment

• Motor mounts solid.
• Battery securely mounted.
• No cracked hoses, belts tight.
• No oil, gas, antifreeze, hydraulic, or other fluid leaks.
• Throttle must be free with no binding.
• Brake fluid reservoir must be full, no dirty brake fluid

Wheels and Suspension

• Tires must have adequate tread; no cracks, blisters, or cords showing.
• Lug nuts must be torqued to spec.
• Hubcaps must be removed.
• Wheel bearings must not show excessive play and must be properly adjusted.

Interior

• Solid brake pedal feel with no bleed down.
• Seat belts must not frayed or cut.
• All loose items removed from interior, glove box, and trunk.

Driver's Meeting

All participants must attend the Driver's Meeting.

Safety topics and special announcements are covered in this meeting. The Driver's Meeting is where you learn your run group assignment.

Run Groups

Each event's participants are assigned to one of three run groups based on the car's class and number of participants in each class.

Cars are classified when you register for the event. Each run group is made up of the participants from a number of classes. For example, a run group may consist of classes A, BS, BR, and DR.

After the Driver's Meeting, the first run group lines up in the staging area. The second run group works while the first run group drives.

Drivers from the second run group receive their work assignments immediately after the Driver's Meeting. You may work as the starter, control, timing, or one of the flag stations.

Each run group is split. Half of each run group will line up and take all their morning or afternoon runs at once, while the other half of each run group is on break. Use this time to get a quick lunch as there will be no formal lunch breaks. Each driver will have two such breaks.

After everyone in the first group have completed three or four runs, the second run group stages (lines up) to drive. The first run group reports to the timing and scoring booth for their work assignments.

Work Policy

All autocross registrants are required to work their assigned position. You will probably be required to work twice in one day.

Please report to the timing and scoring booth promptly when your name is called. Please try to report about 5 minutes early, so that we can minimize downtime between worker changes.

If you need to leave the event early, please notify the Autocross Registrar at least 5 days before the event so that we can try to give you a morning work assignment.

Persons who do not report for their work assignment on time, or don't report at all, will be disqualified from the event.

Habitual offenders will be disqualified from the entire autocross series.

Prepare For The Weather

You need to come prepared to brave the elements. There is no running water at the site.

More 2005 Autocross Series Information

• 2005 Boston Chapter Autocross Series: Introduction, general information, other autocross events and resources.
• Classes, Points, and Trophies: Car classification, season points, and trophies awarded.
• Eligibility and Registration: Driver eligibility, event registration, no-show policy, cancellations, and refunds.
• Directions To Site: Directions to the autocross site.
• Car Classification: Determine your car's autocross class.