Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Cor10:23
(Post 1798719)
This time, just wanted to make sure that bring a car and taking up space is okay just to spectate.
I would agree with you that I'd be apprehensive about showing up solo to my first event (haven't been to autox, just one hpde). I know there are workshops and training for beginning of season but perhaps a quick 15-30 minute session at the beginning of each session for any new comers to gather to learn the ropes real quick, if anything just to meet fellow 'newbies' so they've got some easy people to approach during the day - maybe this already happens.
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Well, the general etiquette for any track day or autocross is to find registration and sign yourself in as a spectator, at which point you may be told where you can and cannot go.
For autocross events the general rule of thumb is to not bother anyone at the timing tent unless you’ve got a genuine question that concerns the immediate organization of the event or to report a timing error.
Otherwise you are free to roam around, take pictures, strike up conversations, and most importantly ask for people to give you rides. The first two runs most people will most likely be open to taking on passengers.
You can even volunteer to marshal, if you want.
For lapping/time attack events, some organizations may limit you from the paddock area… but most of the time these rules are seldom enforced (so long as you’re not being a bother or doing something reckless, like hanging off the barrier taking close pictures at Shannonville.
With regards to participation and being a novice, all the clubs/events that I have ever recommended on the forums are 100% noob friendly.
Asking for help there is highly encouraged and if you talk to the organizers they will try to personally get you qualified help for as long as you need it.
OTA (CASC Time Attack) has an entire student/novice program where you ride with an instructor during morning lapping for as long as they feel you need it until you’re signed off by multiple instructors.
The reality is that the only mistake a novice can make at any of these events is thinking that no one’s got their back and not asking for help… like a dude in a corvette at the last PITL who spent the first 4 runs without any guidance going completely off course and causing at least one red flag…
simply asking for help is one sure way to increase your weekend satisfaction tenfold.