FAST Novice School - Nov 1 - Volunteer Sign-up

[Loren]

It is time once again for the world famous FAST Novice School! Nov 1, 7:30am-5:30pm at SPC.

Registration (for students) for this event is already open.

We'll need a dozen instructors and 8 course workers for this event. Every volunteer will get two FAST Championship event credits as a little incentive. Oh, and you get lunch, too. You know that's a deal you can't pass up!

We've got most of our instructors lined up already, but having one or two extras available wouldn't be a bad thing in case someone has a last-minute conflict. So, if you're interested in being a back-up instructor, let us know. Instructors have a lot of fun at the school. It's a lot like teaching novices at a regular autocross, but a lot more focused. You really get to see your students improve throughout the day, it's awesome!

Students are split into groups of 8. We try to group them in ways that make sense, like if there are a bunch of very green students, they'll go together; if there are more advanced students; they'll go together; a bunch of FWD cars would go together. Of course, we won't know what those groups are until after student registration is complete and we know who the students are. Once the groups are established, we try to match the instructors to the group so that the students get the best possible instruction.

Each group of 8 students will have 3 instructors and two workers that will stick with that group all day. You'll rotate through all of the exercises (slalom, skidpad, launch/brake, turn, and classroom) with your group, spending about 45 minutes at each station. 4 stations in the morning, 4 in the afternoon. We'll also do baseline runs on a full autocross course in the morning and final runs late in the afternoon.

Instructors (need 12+):

1. Andrew Scoda
2. Ben Wheaton
3. Brian Kollar
4. Chuck Ray
5. Dave O'Neil
6. Eric Gwatney
7. Jamie Sculerati
8. Johnny Lambert
9. Kurtis Clauser
10. Les Davis
11. Mario Knis
12. Timothy McArthur
13. Joe Brannon
14. Greg Antonyants (alternate)

Workers will be needed to help with course setup and general course work for each group. We have the workers follow a group around so that they don't get stuck working one element all day long. Some elements are easier than others and won't require much running. Of course, the slalom will have people hitting cones a lot. That's why we don't want to lock you into one place all day! You'll get a break whenever your group is in the classroom session, and believe it or not, your observances from the sidelines can actually be valuable in classroom discussions. Just like the instructors, you'll be helping the students to learn, and get to watch them as they improve throughout the day.

Workers (need 8+):

1. Soraya Juarbe-Diaz
2. Mike Murdoch
3. Nathan Williams
4. Scott Wheeler
5. Darick Tinker
6. Joe Vance
7. Chris Baron
8. Matt Brooks
9. Chris Wojtas
10. Philip Petrie (alternate)
11. Sean Nieto (alternate)
12. Doug Buckheim (alternate)

[Loren]

Please ask questions if you have them. As noted above, we need workers for this event. It's an all-day thing, but it's pretty laid back and fun. Two event credits and lunch for your time. But, ask anybody who's done it... being a part of the Novice School is just a "feel good" kind of thing. It's just cool to watch green drivers improve throughout the day!

[Dave S]

Sign me up to help. I can't pass up event credits and lunch!

[jmdoc66]

Sign me up as a volunteer. You can put me on the slalom if you want.

Mike

[Native]

It's early, but I'm gonna offer a big thank you to everyone who has stepped up to participate in this shindig. Like Loren said, it's a ton o' fun and feels great to see all the noobs get it on! It's a long day, but so worth it, no matter instructing or working the course. So come on and get involved!

[Loren]

You can put me on the slalom if you want.

You'll be close enough to hear the instructors saying "you need to get closer to the cones this time", and then immediately "thump, thump, thump"...

I'm with Steve. Thanks for stepping up, y'all!

[92mx-5]

If I can't come up with the funds to do the class I'll come as help.

I'll make a decision in the next couple days.


Edit: Wife says "do the school, you need it". So I'll be signing up for the school shortly.

[nathanwilliams617]

Sign me up as a worker. As fast alumnus, graduating class of 2012, its my duty to give back. Believe, me signing up had nothing to do with free food, free championship events x2, and the possibility of "that thing" the instructors/workers got to do during lunch break the last time we had this school.

[shakedown067]

I've only missed one Novice school (out of town) and wish I could have gone. They are a blast to work!

[Loren]

I've only missed one Novice school (out of town) and wish I could have gone. They are a blast to work!

So, are you in for this one?

[shakedown067]

Um yeah, I'm #6 in the instructor list.

[Jamie]

Sign me up as a volunteer. You can put me on the slalom if you want.

Wear orange clothes....

[Loren]

Um yeah, I'm #6 in the instructor list.

Just imagine how much fun I'll be when senility sets in.

[snookwheel]

I'm available where ever you need me!

[Loren]

Awesome, Scott! I put you on the worker list. But, if we end up needing another instructor, I know you're capable.

[Native]

Um yeah, I'm #6 in the instructor list.

Just imagine how much fun I'll be when senility sets in.

Too late...

[Loren]

Just imagine how much fun I'll be when senility sets in.

Too late...

Get the hell off my lawn!

[shakedown067]

Get the hell off my lawn!

Whoops. You had a nice lawn there too.

[Solar]

Are we still giving the instructors a little track time at lunch ?

[Loren]

We're not going to take the time to reset the full course. But, yeah, instructors and workers can go play on the exercises during lunch.