Mark111R

Please no. Flashbacks to this PCA event at Pennsylvania

We can still give grid spots in check-in as always. It can be set up so nothing is changed other than an additional column in MSR/timing with driver class and number. Numbers on the car just helps with penalty calls. If assigned grid spots are helpful, there's nothing requiring that to change.

Happy to help. Numbers aren't the answer to everything, but I feel like it does help with interpretation and clarity for cone calls. Proper understanding of how to work course well is also important - as is radio etiquette.

The SCCA rule book specifies contrasting colors and minimum sizes for numbers and class letters. You can throw magnet numbers on the floor or trunk. You can store static cling numbers in a plastic notepad holder. Timing & Scoring enters the car class and number based on what's on the car. You can see the cars in line at grid. At typical events at other regions, your computer worker can see the cars going to the line and queue the cars visually without relying on the starter to clog the radio calling out cars by grid spot based on a small piece of paper on the windshield. Numbers on the car is easier. Regarding grid numbers, it no longer matters where cars grid. They can grid wherever they want in their group (unless two-driver car) because T&S will use the number on their car. Well that's unreasonable. How can you ask people to bring umbrellas if we can't ask people to bring numbers?

I mean, your breakfast might cost you 0.001 of a second, but driving a single corner slightly better might get you 0.500!

@David 2 Please don't do this. All you'll get is reduced tire life. It won't make you faster. Also, TireRack doesn't shave tires, they only offer heat cycling. Not necessary. Just drive it. Signed - Miata driver. Edit: Just to add - no one at Nationals who is competitive shaves their street tires. At most, new sticker set, heat cycle on the test course, and drive.

This is standard practice at almost every SCCA event including local and national events. It will only get you killed if you're slowly walking to cones and not paying attention to incoming cars. Course workers should be running for cones and maintaining awareness of approaching cars. Obviously, if a car is getting close - you don't sit there and wave the cone around. There is plenty of time to raise the cone above your head for 1 second when running to a cone, retrieving it, and placing it back in the box. Most of the time, the cone is far enough from the box that it doesn't even take additional time to raise the cone while you run back to the box.

Almost every other region and club in the country requires numbers. Static cling, magnet, vinyl, painter's tape, paper. This isn't some unreasonable requirement. Also to your other point about numbers being hard to read from the tent... that's not the point. The point is for corner radio workers to be able to see the number and call the cone by number rather than "gray miata - no the other gray miata".

Wasn't implying they'd be responsible for anything on course (other than safety). It's probably because I'm new to the region, but I can't tell who the safety is. Something like the HotDog truck driving through grid while cars were coming off course on the same lane is an example.

Just a suggestion to keep the radio clear too. As a starter, I felt bad clogging up the Cone calls with having to call out every car number because there aren't any visible numbers on the car. Maybe consider a separate channel between start and timing? The main issue is lax course working. Need to emphasize watching cones, not cars. Even as a starter, I saw many cones get missed... then called in late on the wrong car. Experienced radio folks that aren't afraid to coach the other - possibly less experienced - course workers. This is the first region I've run at with no numbers. No numbers makes it easy for local/casual/new competitors, but it makes it harder for everyone else. Harder to track penalties, harder to track start order. Takes 4 observer slots that could've been 4 additional course workers and/or a dedicated heat safety steward.

Here's my group B run in the STR Miata. 50.4 https://youtu.be/GamKptPPKM4?si=LTmf9O4QtQ4N0nu5

Thanks! I was intrigued by the Future tilt single axle trailer because it's 660 pounds and $8k for a tilt deck trailer... but I think I'll go opt for a dual axle instead. We'll be towing multiple 10+ hour tows a year so I'd rather not risk a blowout on a single axle. Primo might be the best bang for the buck in aluminum for us in AZ.

Yea, I live very close where Primos are made and they look very similar to the trailer I had on the east coast. I had an 18' R&R Aluminum and loved it... but don't wanna have to go back to Michigan to pick up another one! https://www.rnrtrailers.com/read-about-our-product--aluminum-car-hauler-cha-series-open

As we put together our new autocross car, we're going to eventually be picking up a new trailer to tow to travel events - the first one probably being Nationals unless we're silly enough to go to Packwood. Are there any good trailer dealers/manufacturers near-ish to Phoenix? Reasonable rentals could be a consideration too, but at the cost of rentals, it's probably better to just buy. Ideally looking for a smaller aluminum trailer as we'll be towing mostly with a '23 Honda Ridgeline and towing a STR ND Miata or the Lotus. A small steel is probably fine too - and better on the wallet. Anyone planning to offload a trailer any time soon? Anyone own a Primo?

Sending a PM 🙂

Oops - new to the region obviously 🙂 I'll try to prep the car for the next one then!

Hello! Recently moved to the Phoenix area, sold the last autocross car, just bought a new (17-year old) car and haven't had time to prep it yet (stock tires, etc.) Was considering signing up for this weekend's event anyway and just sending it, but figured I'd check if anyone had a seat open first! Anyone open to having a codriver? I've been autocrossing for 12+ years in a wide range of cars and have instructed schools at the Hawaii and Washington DC regions. Most recent experience in STR Miatas, but I've driven almost everything over the years. Thanks!