Solo Beginner’s Guide

  • How do I sign up?
    • Register online! If you don’t make it to the event, you will get a full refund. Go to the Schedule section of this website for links to registration.
  • What time should I show up?
    • Gates are usually open by 8. Tech Inspection is usually open by 8:30. Mandatory Novice Orientation & course walk is at 9:30. Mandatory Driver’s Meeting is at 10. So, you’ll want to be there early enough to have your car ready for tech inspection, and enough time to walk the course prior to the driver’s meeting. The event is normally done around 4pm.
  • What should I expect for the Tech Inspection?
  • What do I need to bring for the event?
    • Dress appropriately for being outside all day. That includes sunscreen and/or rain gear. Bring something to eat/drink. A folding chair is a good idea. A quality tire pressure gauge will help with dialing in your pressures during the event. Also, something to put your number on both sides of your car.
  • Do I need my own helmet?
    • No, we have loaner helmets if you don’t have your own. If you do decide to buy your own helmet, please make sure that it is SNELL SA or M rated. The year rating changes, so check for the current requirements. Usually it’s current plus previous 2. As of April 2022, we are accepting SNELL 2020, 2015, 2010.
    • The official SCCA helmet guide is here: https://www.scca.com/downloads/60519-2022-helmet-certs-solo-rally-final/download
  • What class is my car?
    • If it’s your first time, we have a Novice class for new drivers. It’s split into two groups – Novice Stock is for all cars with no changes. Novice Modified is for cars that have ANY changes, including different sized wheels, aftermarket body parts, ECU tune, etc. Once you are ready to compete in the open classes, you can check out the rule book for more classing information, or feel free to ask and we’ll do our best to help you out.
  • Do I need to put numbers on my car?
    • Yes, you must put the number you selected during registration on both sides of your car. They need to be big enough to easily read at a distance, and in a contrasting color to your car. They should be at least 8″ tall. You can use masking or painter’s tape. Please don’t use blue tape on a blue car. You can tape paper numbers to the car as well, but beware if it rains, they probably won’t work well.
  • Do I need to work the course during the event?
    • Yes, everyone works. We can’t hold the events without everyone pitching in somewhere. Most commonly, you’ll need to stand out on course and reset cones that get knocked down. There are other positions too, that require some experience, skill, or a special license. If you can’t stand for extended periods, or run for cones, please let us know and we’ll give you one of the other work assignments.
  • What if I don’t work during the event?
    • You must work a heat for each heat you run. If you don’t, you’ll lose your fastest times for each missed work.
  • What if I show up late?
    • Tech Inspection and the Driver’s Meeting are both mandatory. You cannot participate in the event without doing both of those, so once the driver’s meeting starts, there are no more entries allowed.
  • Do I have to stay for the whole event?
    • The event will run until about 4pm, with awards following cleanup. We really appreciate any help we can get collecting the cones and packing the truck up. However, there is no issue if you have to leave early. Just make sure you do a work for each heat run, and then let an official know you are leaving early so that we can make sure we cover your work assignment.
  • Where can I find results?
    • During the event, we will have all timing information available at http://live.wny-scca.com, with final results being posted to the website after the event.
  • How man runs will I get?
    • There will be a minimum of 3 runs. We usually get 5-6 runs a day. If time permits, there will either be additional runs or fun runs.
  • How much does it cost to watch an event?
    • It’s FREE!
  • Can I take a passenger with me when I run?
    • If you are a novice, the only passenger you may take with you is an instructor. No friends or girlfriends. Any others require the approval of the safety steward on site. You can also ride along with any instructor or designated driver, and we encourage it!
  • I have more questions!!!!
    • We have a Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wnyscca) where you can ask questions. Or you can email admin@wny-scca.com. If you are at an event, you can ask anyone around you – usually if they don’t know, they can point you to someone that can help.

Work Assignment Descriptions: https://www.wny-scca.com/solo-work-positions/