Da Groj

JoshMcg wrote:So I am signed up for starter.. never done it before. Anyone have any tips? It seems fairly straight forward, but I have a feeling there may be more to it than meets the eye.

Always keep your eyes on the course. Make sure it's safe to send the next car. Try to anticipate things like a car spinning, hitting a bunch of cones, etc. Delaying the start of the next car will prevent reruns.

Some first time novices may take a lot longer to finish the course, so give them some extra time before starting the next car.

Always keep your ears on the radio. Listen for requests to hold the start. Make sure to acknowledge each of those requests.

Make sure that everyone in the car is wearing a helmet and seatbelt. You'd be surprised how often it happens.

The first car of every heat should complete a run before sending the second car. Verify with Timing and Scoring that the time was logged successfully, and then send the second car and continue normally.

The safety steward can help you determine a safe overlap if you aren't sure.

You can get more aggressive with the overlapping, once everyone has completed one run and you are fairly certain that no one is going to get lost on course.

Well put Jeremy. First time I did start, I too was surprised at how many passengers weren't belted up. Never saw a driver not belted, but watch for those passengers that just jumped in. I positioned myself so I could keep an eye on the track and slight view on the grid. You'll notice people running to their cars from time to time, those are usually the ones that'll forget something. It's a great work assignment and I enjoyed it a lot, but I can take photos during that time instead.

in addition to watching for helmets and seatbelts, there should be no loose items in the car. We don't need stuff flying around and hitting someone or whatever. So look for water bottles, hats, cell phones, etc.

Passengers holding cameras is another big one.

I have also spotted missing lugnuts on a car at the start line once.

Jeremy17 wrote:Passengers holding cameras is another big one.

I have also spotted missing lugnuts on a car at the start line once.

Shouldn't grid keep an eye on that one since the starter will only see one side of the car? Grid should help spot loose articles and belts too, correct?

Native wrote:in addition to watching for helmets and seatbelts, there should be no loose items in the car. We don't need stuff flying around and hitting someone or whatever. So look for water bottles, hats, cell phones, etc.

I would almost say that it's more important to keep an eye on the course than to look for any of that stuff. It's hard to see loose items without sticking your head in the car. Helmets and seatbelts can be seen rather easily from a distance.

and since starters have so much free time maybe we can get them some Windex and a scawegey

Although I won't be at this month's event, I couldn't resist the temptation of perusing the course map. I too, however was blocked from my work's firewall...said it was "pornography". What kind of event are you guys running up there on that secluded airfield!? I guess strange things happen when Mr. Pres decides to sit one out...

Actually, Mr. Pres gave me his blessing.

Good news. I remembered to order lunch for saturday.

nc4me wrote:Actually, Mr. Pres gave me his blessing.

Yeah, I said, "Chris, do whatever you want as long as it's autocross porn."



Speaking of which, someone want to chair July?

All - I need to go down to Miami for business and for that reason I am not going to be able to make it this Saturday.

I am sorry for the rather late notice, this wasn't something I saw coming either.

I was scheduled to run registration with Drew. I don't know if Drew can do it on his own or if you will need to find a back up.

I am sorry for any inconvenience this creates.

Have fun everyone!

Well, to drive the slicks up the hour drive and risk coming back in rain. Hmmmm.....40% PM showers. I guess I'll check the hour by hour tomorrow after work. I may have to see if I can fit a tire or two in the front seat. :shock:

Since no one else is in B, can I ditch my passenger seat so I can just pack in my wheels? That's if I can get two 315/35/18's in the rear hatch. 8)

For this race I don't see why not. If someone higher up the totem pole wants to chime in, please do so.

shakedown067 wrote:Well, to drive the slicks up the hour drive and risk coming back in rain. Hmmmm.....40% PM showers. I guess I'll check the hour by hour tomorrow after work. I may have to see if I can fit a tire or two in the front seat. :shock:

Since no one else is in B, can I ditch my passenger seat so I can just pack in my wheels? That's if I can get two 315/35/18's in the rear hatch. 8)

Now thats autocross porn! Removing a seat to bring tires! I love it!

Driving the car to work this morning, not sure if they'll even fit with the seat out. Better belive I'll be trying this afternoon though!!!!!!

So do y'all still want the trailer tomorrow? I don't know if I'll be up to getting up at 5:30 after running my first 5K - the Oldsmar Tap House 5k "Run for the Beer". Yellow_Colorz_PDT_03

Wish me luck!

shakedown067 wrote:Driving the car to work this morning, not sure if they'll even fit with the seat out. Better belive I'll be trying this afternoon though!!!!!!

If you can't fit all of them in your car, I can take a couple for you. I live in crystal Beach, just north of Dunedin. You could drive a couple over this evening and I'll throw 'em in the trailer and bring them. If you had a way to get them all here in a different car, I can haul all of 'em.

Scott (guy with the black stalker... ok.. wife's stalker)

100 Kentucky ave. Crystal beach, Fl. 34681 727-786-6852

snookwheel wrote:If you can't fit all of them in your car, I can take a couple for you. I live in crystal Beach, just north of Dunedin. You could drive a couple over this evening and I'll throw 'em in the trailer and bring them. If you had a way to get them all here in a different car, I can haul all of 'em.

THANKS! I still want to test fit them this afternoon in the vette and see how it goes, but i'll probably take you up on carrying all of them for me. I've got a truck I can throw them all in.

Whoo hoooo. The slicks are loaded up in Scott's trailer. Thanks so much Scott!!