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The Kansas Region SCCA runs a regional Solo II
Series throughout the year (see Schedule).
Anyone is welcome to compete or just come out and watch. If you want to try
your hand at the wheel, show up at any event, we will be happy to show you
the ropes and help you get started. At the end of the season we crown a
champion in each of the SCCA classes. You don't have to be an SCCA member to
compete, but you do have to be a member to earn points.
The Kansas Region is part of the
Midwest Division of
the SCCA. There are 5 annual divisional Solo II events (see
Midiv Solo
site for more details). The Kansas Region host the final Championship Round each year at
Heartland Park Topeka.
The Kansas Region also hosts the
SCCA Solo II Nationals each September at
Heartland Park Topeka. In terms of
participants, the Solo II Nationals is the largest motorsports event on
earth, with over 1200 teams competing each year. At the conclusion of the
Solo II Nationals, a National Champion is crowned in each of the SCCA Solo
II National classes.
What is Solo II?
A Solo II event, also called Autocross, is a
skill driving event in which one car at a time negotiates a prescribed
course, as quickly as possible, using traffic cones to define a variety of
turns and slaloms. The sites are usually laid out on huge, open parking
lots, or on sections of airport runways. The course is set up so that you
are operating in lower gears, with a top speed of no more than 60 mph or so,
depending on the car. During each run you operate your car at it's limit of
acceleration, turning, and braking...and yours. You maintain complete
control of your car while maneuvering through the course in the lowest
possible time.
While driving on the street, the time span of most emergencies is only a few
seconds. Thus the experience of maintaining control becomes a valuable
training session. You will develop a sense of timing, judgment, and ability
to interpret your vehicle's handling characteristics - at safe speeds and in
a safe place. Your experiences at an autocross will enhance your driving
ability on the street.
The Car
The events are open to any make of car, from an economy commuter car to
racing only formula cars. The SCCA has 28 classes for autocross competition:
9 stock (few changes from what the dealer sells), 5 street prepared (more
changes allowed), 6 prepared (significant preparation allowed, usually
running on racing tires), 5 modified (nearly unlimited modification), and 3
Street classes (minimal modifications and street tires). There is also a
corresponding Ladies class for each of the above Open classes.
Each car is required to undergo a technical inspection at every event. The
'tech' inspection consists of inspecting the front end, seat belt
installation, throttle linkage, brake fluid level and brake response,
steering assembly, tires, and helmet. Prior to bringing your car to tech you
will be required to remove the hub caps (wheel covers or trim rings too)
which can and will fly off during hard cornering. The tech inspectors will
also check that your battery is securely tied down.
Scoring
The average time of a run on the course is approximately one minute. Your
score is your time plus a penalty of two seconds for each rubber cone
(pylon) hit. The best score of the day is counted toward your position in
the final standings. Points are then awarded to the top cars in each class.
These points count toward a season points championship.
The PAX Factor is a factor used to remove the speed difference between cars
in different classes to compare the performance of the driver, not the
capability of the car. A Modified is considered to be the fastest
class and receives a factor of 1.0, every other class is then given a factor
(such as .742) and all of the times for that class are multiplied by the
factor to arrive at a PAX time.
The Driver
Autocross events are open to anyone who has a valid state drivers
license. Drivers under 18 must have parental permission. Helmets are
required, but 'loaners' are always available. The 'old hands' will assist
you in learning the sport until you are an old hand. You bought your car to
enjoy driving it, didn't you? So - come to an event and enjoy!!!
How To Get Started
It's easy to get started! All you need is a car, a valid driver's
license, and the entry fee (usually about $25 for non-members). Just show up
at an event (see Schedule) and look for
the big white timing and registration trailer. We'll help you get register,
get your car safety checked, and even loan you a racing helmet. It's
absolutely the most fun you can have sitting down! Come Join Us!
Questions? Contact Jason Hull, Kansas
Region Solo Director at
jason@briteidea.biz or 785-215-6971.
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