The Boston Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America The Boston Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America


Autocross Series Information

Boston Chapter
Driving Event
Autocross Series
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, Sept 1, 2007
Sunday, Sept 30, 2007
Saturday, Oct 20, 2007

Saturday, Oct 27, 2007 (Event
format unknown at this time)

7 am to 5 pm

Location
Devens Airport
Ayer, MA

Event Registrar
AutoCross Registrar

Event Coordinators
Larry Nicklas
Christo Tinkov

Welcome to the home page for the 2007 Boston Chapter Autocross Series.

Have you ever wondered what you and your car are really capable of? Here’s your chance to find out in a safe, fun environment, with fellow enthusiasts.

The 2007 Autocross Series is open to Boston Chapter BMW CCA members. If you are not a member of the Boston Chapter BMW CCA, you may join for only $40 per year. If you are a BMW CCA member, you may add the Boston Chapter to your current membership.

Please read these instructions carefully, even if you are a Boston Chapter Autocross veteran. There are some important rule changes for 2007.

Because using your car in this controlled environment can introduce risks, we must make sure it remains a safe series. Drivers who do not show up for events or who don't follow the rules may be banned from the Autocross Series.

Summary of 2007 Changes

The changes for the 2007 season include event management, equipment, registration, vehicle classification clarifications, IMF and tech changes.

Event Format

We are continuing to strive to have a new course every two events, while reversing direction each event. Driver's meeting is at 8:30 am sharp. Strict scheduling is required if we are to run more cars per course than last year.

Split run groups or three run groups will be the format for 2007. This format allows for two off-times per driver (neither running nor working) which make ideal opportunities to get lunch. There are no lunch breaks under this format. Please plan accordingly.

Equipment

For the 2007 season, we’re very pleased to announce new RaceAmerica wireless timing gear. This new system will allow us faster setup/breakdown and more stability during the day. It also offers increased flexibility in course setup due to not having to worry about running over the timing light wiring.

Vehicle Classifications

First, due to the number of people running in E and F classes for the past few years, the autocross committee has decided to combine both into a new E class. This class will likely be the most diverse class of all. We hope this will invite a new lot of people to take their daily drivers out and learn about what they and their BMW are capable of.

The AR class was further clarified to better align it with SCCA.
· All SCCA “Stock” and “Street Prepared” modifications are allowed.
· All interior trim, dashboards, gauges, floor covering, carpet and upholstery panels and similar non performance comfort or convenience items must remain in place in the car. This includes the rear seat.
· All windows must remain OEM, or suitable DOT replacement glass.
· Body panels must be OEM BMW or OEM “clone” parts.
· Aftermarket Spoilers are allowed as are aftermarket front splitters.
· No bodywork can be altered except the wheel wells to accommodate larger rims and tires.
· Stock suspension locations must be retained.
· Brake ducting is allowed.
· Only modifications that we have on the IMF form will be allowed for AR. Almost all SCCA “Prepared” Class rules will push a car into the M Class.

If in doubt please contact the Event chairs for further clarification.

We’ve also updated the Model Grid with all the new BMWs and Minis introduced since December 2005, when this was last updated.

Registration

You must register for each event separately. After you are accepted for the event, you will be sent an Acceptance email, which will also contain payment details. The Boston Chapter will continue using PayPal to accept payment for this event. Payment for each event must be made prior to the Wednesday preceding the event, or your registration will be cancelled. There will be no refunds under any circumstances.

The charge for each Autocross event is $35. You will be sent a payment request via email if you are accepted for this event.

Each participant in the 2007 Autocross Series MUST be a member of the BMW CCA. If you are not a member, and wish to join, you can join online at the BMW CCA website.

If a driver can not make an event and contacts the registrar at least five days in advance they will not be Red Listed. After a second time on the Red List, the driver will be not allowed to register for a Boston Chapter Autocross event for four (4) events, including going into the following year's season.

The message should be clear: only register if you're absolutely positive you'll be there. For more information, please see Eligibility and Registration section.

Inspection and Modification Form (IMF)

The IMF for 2007 has been streamlined and further clarified, making it crystal clear how many points to assess in order to determine your vehicle class.

Tech Changes

New for 2007: As the new Snell 2005 helmets have been readily available for a year now, we will only allow participants to use 2000 or newer Snell-approved helmet. Both Snell SA (special applications) and Snell MA (motorcycle) ratings are accepted. Loaner helmets are limited, but available, so feel free to come if you don't have your own helmet. Only use the helmet during your run, as others may want to use these same helmets.

Inspections

Continued for 2007: All competitors will need to pass a Tech Inspection. However, every driver will have a choice: New or casual competitors in either BMWs or other makes will be able to tech as usual. The morning of EACH event get into the Tech line and have your car teched. Or, for more serious competitors there is a process which will lead to an Annual Tech sticker:

If a BMW driver wishes to qualify for the season's championship within their respective classes, they will need to complete and turn in an Inspection and Modifications Form (IMF). The IMF will need to be completed and brought to the first event. The IMF includes a full disclosure of modifications, a calculation of points, and intended autocross class.

Autocross staff will give the car a tech inspection, successful completion of which will result in a 2007 Tech Sticker. After you have your 2007 Tech Sticker, no further tech inspection will be needed for the season. The only exception will be cars running R-compound tires which will require a wheel bearing check each event.

Non-BMW drivers must also have their cars teched once and receive an Annual Tech Inspection sticker. No IMF form is required for non-BMWs.

Meanwhile, if you're a casual autocrosser, perhaps a first timer who just wants to come out and have a bit of fun and try the sport, simply find your model and year on the Model Grid, fill in the IMF, register and show up. We'll perform a safety inspection and you'll be ready to go.

Click here to get the 2007 Model Grid.

Schedule

The 2007 schedule includes seven Timed Events, one Test and Tune event, an Evolution School, and one open-format event.

You will have to get points in at least 4 events to qualify for a trophy.

More 2007 Autocross Series Information

More 2007 Boston Chapter Autocross Events

Besides the eight timed events, the Autocross Committee has these events planned for 2007.

  • Autocross EVO school, Saturday, Sunday, April 14-15
  • Autocross Test And Tune, Sunday, August 19

More Autocross Resources

These links to external web sites are great for any Autocrosser, novice or expert.