Please read these rules carefully. Safety is the MOST important aspect of this event. Anyone deemed driving in an unsafe manner will be ejected immediately without a refund.
The weather conditions during each event can vary considerably, so be prepared to dress accordingly. There is also always the possibility for rain. AWD may handle inclement weather well, but a four-wheel drive car without grip is no better than a two-wheel drive car without grip. Be aware of environmental conditions and make sure to adjust your speeds accordingly. Remember to use the first couple of laps of each session to warm up tires, brakes, and yourself.
Be sure to check your brakes, tires, oil and lug nut torque throughout the course of the event. A high-temperature brake fluid, such as Motul 600, is recommended since you may easily reach stock brake fluid boiling points. Use of this fluid won’t affect your warranty and is street legal. You should also consider bringing extra fluid and brake pads. Don’t worry if you are a beginner and have never changed/checked these parts. There are MANY people who will gladly lend a hand if you need assistance. Just ask!
- Pass only in designated areas and only after receiving a pass signal from the driver being passed. Do not attempt to pass at the end of a straight. This isn’t Formula One and we aren’t giving out “Randy Pobst Wanna-Be” trophies. Be sure you have the time and room before you attempt a pass.
- Watch your mirrors! The driver being overtaken must give a hand signal for EACH AND EVERY PASSING CAR. Just because the car in front of you got the passing sign does not mean you got one. If in doubt, don’t pass. If you did not get a pass signal, be patient, and back off. Do not ride the bumper of the slower car. They may be overwhelmed, and you riding their bumper won’t help.
- Don’t group together. If a train, or line, forms, the first/lead car is responsible for “clearing their rear” by safely allowing cars behind them to pass or pitting in and reentering the track after a pause. Always be aware of the traffic around you. The Hot Pits speed limit is 20 (TWENTY) miles per hour. Be careful.
- Concentrate, concentrate, and concentrate. Vehicles at speed need smooth, decisive and balanced maneuvers. If you are confused by too much input you are going too fast. Keep to the “line” and feel what the car is telling you.
- Flags are extremely important. We will review them before the event and be sure to study the information on them found in this Overview.
- All student attendees must attend classroom sessions as they are MANDATORY.
- Passing Zones will be determined based on safety and run group experience/ability. They may NOT be the same as areas used by other clubs/groups. Passing Zones can be found in each events packet. Passing zones are NOT open for general discussion at the driver’s meeting. If you have a question or comment, please bring it up with an Event Coordinator and/or Chief Instructors in advance of the start of the event.
- Tires and Modifications: All Novice student participants must run street tires (no R Compound tires) during this event. If you are unsure of the tires you can run, contact an event coordinator prior to the event. Leave enough time to source the correct tires. Also, if you have modified your car, please note that more power and speed means you must adjust your braking distances accordingly. Adding in 50-100 more horsepower and keeping your stock brakes – on all cars – can be a problem. Please make sure you tell your instructor if you have modified your car, and please pay attention to possible brake fade.
Hand Signals
Slowing down
Whenever a driver is entering the pits he/she must extend an arm in a vertical position with his/her balled up in a fist. If for some reason you are unable to maintain traffic speeds you are required to turn your hazard lights on. Continue to check your mirrors and give the proper passing signals to allow cars to go around you.
Passing signals
To assist another driver in overtaking you, hand signals are REQUIRED! In order to signal to the left, the driver will extend their left arm straight out the window. To signal a car to pass on the right, the driver will extend their left arm vertically and point to the right side over the roof of the car. One "point-by" needs to be given for each car that wants to pass.
Flag Station Acknowledgment
All drivers shall give a wave of acknowledgment to every manned turn station during the cool down lap.
Other signals
For safety reasons, hand signals not listed above are not acceptable. Displaying the middle finger to another driver will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct; displaying the middle finger to an Official is not smart and not recommended.