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Autocross Classes
The Boston Chapter Autocross Series features classes for BMWs and non-BMWs.
We use an empirically-derived performance-based points system for BMW cars. We follow SCCA rules for Non-BMW classes.
Cars equipped with race tires (tread wear rating < 140) run in R-comp classes.
BMW Autocross Classes
Each BMW is assigned base points according to model and year. Additional points are added for each modification
that improves the car's performance. Cars are then classed by total performance points accumulated.
The MINI is part of the BMW family and runs in the BMW classes.
Self Classification for BMW Classes
To begin the classification process, find your car’s model and year on the “Model Grid”,
then use the IMF to calculate any and all modification points. Your total points determine your car’s class based on the following grid:
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2009 BMW Autocross Classes |
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Class AR* |
Unlimited |
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Class A |
138.0-158.0 Points |
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Class B |
121.0-137.9 Points |
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Class C |
104.0-120.9 Points |
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Class D |
87.0-103.9 Points |
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Class E |
< 87.0 Points |
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* AR is the only class that allows R-compound tires.
Be advised, there will be spot checks on all cars throughout the season, especially for podium winners. Any car
found to be over in points for their class will immediately and retroactively be bumped up to the next higher class.
If the car is brought back to compliance, it will be allowed to run its original class for future events.
Inspection and Modifications Form for BMW Classes
All participants in the Boston Chapter CCA Autocross Series who intend to compete for a season
trophy in a BMW class will need to complete an Inspection and Modifications Form (IMF). Download the IMF
The IMF is submitted during Tech at
the car’s first event of the season. The IMF accomplishes a number of objectives: it gives the committee an exact account of
all modifications for the record, it allows for future classification data, and it makes the car eligible for a tech inspection
sticker valid for the entire 2009 season.
2009 Non-BMW Autocross Classes
Non-BMW autocross classes are determined similarly to SCCA events.
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2009 Non-BMW Autocross Classes |
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Class G |
Stock, street tires |
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Class H |
Stock, R compound tires |
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Class I |
Non-stock, street tires, SCCA Street Modified or Street Prepared classes |
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Class L |
Non-stock, street tires, SCCA Street Touring classes |
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Class J |
Non-stock, R compound tires |
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Class M |
Modified or race cars |
You may use the following guidelines to determine if your non-BMW car is stock:
- Anything available on the exact model and year of your car as standard or optional
equipment, as installed on the factory assembly line.
- Standard OEM identical replacement parts are allowed.
- Accessories, gauges, appearance, comfort, and convenience items that don't help
your car's performance. A replacement driver's seat is not stock.
- Added roll bar or roll cage. (Roll bars and cages are not required for autocross.)
- Driver harness is allowed.
- Trailer hitch and/or tow bar mountings are allowed.
- Any wheel of diameter and width identical to a stock or factory optional wheel,
offset within +/- 0.25 inch, is considered stock.
- Most street legal tires that will fit the mounted wheels and stock bodywork are
considered stock.
- Any strut/shock absorber of the same type and mounting as original. No change
to standard spring mountings is allowed. Suspension geometry may not be altered.
Gas, hydraulic, and/or adjustable shocks are permitted.
- Any brake pads are considered stock.
- Any front anti-roll bar is considered stock. Change to stock/optional rear anti-roll
bar (if present) are not permitted.
- Any replacement air filter element (or removal of air filter element), but no
plumbing changes (intake runner changes or cone air filter).
- Engine bored no more than .020 inch. No balancing or porting/polishing of head
is allowed.
- Replacement of any part of the exhaust system past the catalytic converter.
- Any oil filter is allowed.
For a complete and up-to-date list, refer to
SCCA's Class Definitions.
If your car meets these definitions, you will run in Class G (street tires), or H (R-comp tires).
If your car does not meet these definitions, your car most likely belongs to Class I or L (street tires) and
J (R-comp tires). You are in class L if you run on street tires and your SCCA class is STS, STX, or ST
(the Street Touring classes). Otherwise you are class I (street tires) and your SCCA class is ASP, BSP, CSP, DSP,
ESP, FSP, SM, SM2 (the Street Prepared and Street Modified classes).
SCCA Solo II Class and PAX Scoring
Times for Non-BMW classes are adjusted using SCCA’s Solo II PAX index. The PAX index attempts to equalize the field
by assigning a time penalty for each run. The time penalty is based on the car's potential performance.
In order to determine the PAX index for each car, we must know your car's SCCA
Solo II Class. You will be asked for your car's SCCA Class during online event registration
so the timing system would be able to PAX your score. If you
don't know your car's SCCA Class, please find it using this SCCA Solo II Class Reference. After you determine your SCCA class,
you need to find your PAX index number
here.
Modified and Race Class
Class M is a modified/race category for all cars (including BMW) that are not street
legal or are judged to be SCCA Modified or higher.
All cars that compete in Class M will have their respective SCCA PAX used to
adjust their raw times.
Autocross Series Points
For BMW cars, the average of your fastest morning time and fastest afternoon time is used
to determine the finish order of each class. For Non-BMW cars, the average of your PAX-ed
fastest morning time and PAX-ed fastest afternoon time is used to determine the finish
order of each class. If conditions allow for two or less runs per entry, the best single
time (PAX-ed for Non-BMW cars) is used to set the finish order.
Did Not Run (dnr)
If you did not start the run, it will be scored as a "did not run" (no time). Note that
if you do not show up for your work assignment, you will be penalized. The usual
reason for a dnr is mechanical problems with your car.
Did Not Finish (dnf)
If a driver fails to stay on course, the run is scored as a "did not finish" or dnf.
Runs scored as dnf are not complete runs and as such are not considered for points.
If you knock over any cones in the stop box after the finish line, you receive an automatic dnf.
Did Not Place (dnp)
Unless you complete at least one morning run and one afternoon run, you will be scored
as dnp or "did not place" for the event. Be sure to get one good run in the morning and
afternoon sessions!
Each event usually lets you have four chances to complete a run in the morning and
four chances in the afternoon. If you are new to autocrossing or to the course,
please remember that experienced autocrossers are available to ride with you and
help you stay on course.
Disqualified (dsq)
If you are disqualified, you will not earn any points for the event. The Autocross
Committee may at its discretion disqualify any driver for dangerous or illegal behavior,
use of alcohol or drugs at the autocross site, and cheating among other reasons. If this
occurs, you will be listed in the results as dsq or "disqualified"..
Work Assignment Required
When your run group is not running, you are usually working the course. This means that
you will likely have a section of the course you are responsible for maintaining cone
position as well as determining if drivers are off course orshould be penalized for a
cone penalty. If you miss your work assignment, you will be disqualified from the event.
Please try to report to your work assignment on time. Missing work assignments is a
serious offense. The event coordinators have to find someone else to work, and no cars
can run until the course is fully staffed. Drivers who habitually miss work assignments
will be barred from future events.
Event Points Calculation
Scoring is a simple low point system. The winning driver in each class will get 0.5
points. The remaining drivers get the same number of points as their finishing position.
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2009 Autocross Series Points System |
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0.5 points |
Finish 1st in class |
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2 points |
Finish 2nd in class |
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3 points |
Finish 3rd in class |
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4 points |
Finish 4th in class |
(point assignment continues to the last driver who qualifies for points).
No shows, DSQs, and DNFs all receive the number of finishers plus one point |
Qualified Drivers
The Club will total each driver's best 4 finishes in a class.
In the Autocross Season Results, qualified drivers are shown in bold.
BMW drivers who wish to qualify for a trophy must complete an IMF before their Tech
Inspection.
Tiebreakers
Tiebreakers are used if two drivers end up with the same number of points at the
end of the season. The tiebreakers are enforced in the following order.
- Most number of 1st place finishes.
- Most number of 2nd place finishes.
- Most number of 3rd place finishes.
- Head to head competition.
- Head to head time deltas. (The total of the time difference the two drivers for
all events that the two met face to face.)
Fastest Time of the Day
The fastest BMW and non-BMW run of the day (the FTD) is shown in the Autocross
Results for information only.
Trophies
Autocross trophies will be awarded to the top finishers in each class after
the end of the season.
The number of trophies awarded is based on the number of qualified drivers at the
end of the season. One trophy will be awarded for every 3 qualified drivers, with
the number of drivers rounded up. For example, if there are 10 qualified drivers, four trophies
will be awarded.
Trophies will be awarded at the annual Club dinner, typically in January.
Most Improved Driver
The Most Improved Driver Trophy is awarded in recognition of the individual who,
in the opinion of the Autocross Committee, showed the greatest
improvement over the season.
BMW Driver Of The Year Award
Katherine V. Kvale, a beautiful young Norwegian girl, 26 years old, volunteered
to work in the Newton-Wellesley Hospital polio ward during the last Boston epidemic
in 1955, due to a crushing need and in spite of an obviously dangerous environment.
After several months of rendering aid to dozens of victims, she contracted polio
herself and died shortly thereafter.
The Katherine V. Kvale Trophy is a perpetual award presented each year to the
BMW Driver of the Year, as determined by the Autocross Committee Chair(s), to recognize
the class winner who they believe achieved the club's highest level of performance,
consistency, and sportsmanship for the season.
More 2009 Autocross Series Information
- 2009 Boston Chapter Autocross
Series: Introduction, general information, other autocross events and resources.
- Eligibility and Registration:
Driver eligibility, event registration, no-show policy, cancellations, and refunds.
- Day Of Event Information:
Daily autocross schedule, visitor policy, tech inspections, work policy, and course
assignment.
- Directions To Site:
Directions to the autocross site.
- Car Classification:
Determine your car's autocross class.
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