AutoCross Hosting (Noob Qs)
 

Hello,

I've never done an AutoX event. I've only done Track. I'm curious to know how the operations of hosting an AutoX event are and what they entail. Can someone give me a rundown experience of how they went about setting up an AutoX event?

- Do you pick a place (a lot?) and ask for permission?
- How do you get the insurance to cover the event?
- Do you have certain car classes and restrictions? Perhaps by Official Racing standards? Or do you just slap a helmet on and give it a go? Everyone signs a waiver?

Please forgive me if my questions are vague and non-specific. I've googled and searched and it appears to depend on how "official" you want the event to be and the location of the event really affects the set up process.

Any advice from those who already have hosted or has extensive knowledge of it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Welcome,

- You signup through an organization such as the SCCA, NASA, BMWCCA, etc. Look on Motorsportsreg.com for events

- You really don't need insurance for an autocross unless you are truly reckless when driving. Track days, that's a different situation.

-Yes, based on which organization you choose above they have a class structure and restrictions. You need a helmet regardless. They should have loaner ones at the event for free or very cheap rental.

Thanks,
Nate

appreciate the quick return on my Qs. Looks like I have a lead! (motorsportsreg.com).

Can I ask why I need to have SCCA, NASA, BMWCCA involved on an Autocross? I am curious.

No problem. Generally, it costs lots of money to rent a large parking lot and they usually have volunteers and such to manage the timing and management of the event with the attendees as well as the host site.

Our SCCA events are only $33 for non-members which I think is a reasonable price to pay.

In addition these groups offer insurance coverage to cover the event promoter, the site owner, the racers , and anyone else that might be involved from liability should some accident or damage occur. These insurance coverages are expensive but unfortunately necessary. Many site owners won't even talk to you until you can show insurance protection. I think the SCCA autocross policy is something like $1-million dollars backing an event.

I think that's the insurance you were talking about. Most facilities will need a $1mil umbrella policy. As for hosting the event, if you wanted to do it yourself and do it right, plan on purchasing 3-400 cones at $5 a piece, $3000 worth of timing equipment minimum, a couple computers, several fire extinguishers, flags, a trailer, a generator, etc etc etc...

Unless you have a reason for wanting to put one on yourself, find a club and run with them. I can 100% promise you they would LOVE to have someone on board who wants to take charge and help run the show.

I was the president of a club at my University for 2 years and we used to host multiple autocrosses per term. As MTCRX said, typically sites require a minimum 1,000,000 umbrella insurance policy.

Usually a good place to start is google maps to try to find a lot the appropriate size, then scout it out to make sure the pavement is suitable. When you find a place you'd like to shoot for contact their facilities manager to see if they are willing to rent out the lot. Depending on lot condition and what the place of business is, you may be able to get them to help out with cleaning the place off for you. We used to use GM facilities and they would come by with their street sweepers that day before and clean off as much loose gravel and debris as possible.

To set up an appropriate course design using the space you have available, consult the SCCA course design manual. This will be your best chance to set up an appropriate and safe autocross course.

Also based on the policy, some will allow multiple cars on course at a time, to keep the cost down you can get a policy which covers 1-car at a time, so that may dictate event size and course design.

We went through K&K Motorsports Insurance group. I would start with the insurance contact to understand what is involved, I know prior to events we would have to turn in a club membership list and our insurance rates were based upon the number of members, they will then provide the legal liability waivers for the event.
http://www.kandkinsurance.com/Motors...-Sponsors.aspx

Most autocrossers follow SCCA classing guidelines, but I know our local Detroit Sports Car Council runs their own classes, similar to SCCA but some key differences.

I'd start by finding an existing group you like and volunteering to help them. Then decide if you want to start your own group after you gain some experience in organizing events.