Autocross Rules

The mission and purpose of the Chesapeake Porsche Club of America Autocross Program is to provide a structured environment in which to promote the teaching and improvement of driving skills in a safe and controlled environment. The Autocross Program is designed to teach each participant advanced car control technique, so that the participants can improve their driving abilities, better understand the handling and dynamics of their vehicle in a real world environment, and become better, safer drivers.

Conduct

Any conduct at an Autocross event considered by Chesapeake Region PCA to be either unsafe or inconsistent with the spirit or purpose of the Chesapeake Region PCA Autocross Program will not be permitted. The Chesapeake Region PCA Officers, Board of Directors, and the Autocross Co-chairs reserve the right to immediately suspend driving privileges or refuse entry to any participant that cannot abide by the rules whether stated herein or otherwise implied.

Any driver that cannot adhere to the rules will be disqualified and asked to leave.

Any driver disqualified more than twice will be banned from participating for the remaining duration of the series.

The rules, guidelines and procedures are intended to promote safe and fair competition within the ideals of good sportsmanship and are based upon PCA Parade 2021 rules. The rules are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the Co-chairs. Revisions, if any, will be discussed at the drivers meeting.

GOOD LUCK and BE SAFE.

Scoring and Awards

Points will be awarded to all PCA members. Points shall be awarded as follows:

[table width=”250″ colwidth=”30|20″ colalign=”center|center”] Place,Points Awarded 1st,12 2nd,9 3rd,7 4th,5 5th,3 6th,1 [/table]
  • All PCA participants will receive at least 1 point for entrance into a Chesapeake PCA autocross event.
  • Ties will not be broken. In the event of a tie, the drivers will be awarded equal points.
  • Points will be awarded for the top finishers in each class up to five places deep within a class minus one car (i.e. two cars in a three car class will trophy) or at the discretion of the Co-chairs or Autocross Committee.
  • Award rules:
    • Autocross Series Class Awards (trophies) shall be awarded to Chesapeake members at the end of the season by class as follows:
      1. 1-2 drivers 1 trophy; 3-5 drivers 2 trophies; 6 or more drivers 3 trophies
    • Awards are given to the points leaders.
    • Awards are given to drivers who participate in four or more events.
  • If you are not a Chesapeake member, you can join as a dual member or join PCA. Information on membership can be found here.

Car Classification

Competitors are responsible for the policing of and adherence to the car classification rules. The Autocross and Tech Chair shall handle all Classification and Modification protests. All decisions are final.

Class Bumping

One participant makes a class. There is no class bumping.

So is your Porsche Showroom Stock, Production, Improved or Modified?

Compare your Porsche against the Category Allowances chart below:

  • If your Porsche is listed in a Showroom Stock class but fails to conform to each item in the Stock column, then it bumps to the corresponding Production class.
  • If your Porsche fails to conform to each item in the Production column, then it bumps to the Improved class.
  • If your Porsche fails to conform to each item in the Production column, then it bumps to the Improved/Modified class.

Class Summary Descriptions

There are four categories of classes for Porsche automobiles – Showroom Stock (S), Production (P), Improved (I) and Modified (M). Each category is then broken down into classes based on the specific automobile for Showroom Stock and Production classes and based on number of cylinders and displacement for Improved and Modified classes. Based on historical attendance numbers, there is currently one class for Improved/Modified class.

Showroom Stock (S) – As the name implies, the Showroom Stock (S) Category is for automobiles nearly identical to those as they were available from the dealer. Very few changes are allowed and tires must have a tread wear rating of 140 or greater (no R Compound tires). Aftermarket wheels are allowed, but they must have the same width and diameter as available from the factory. Neither supplemental driver restraints nor aftermarket seats are allowed.

Production (P) – The Production (P) category is for automobiles that have limited performance modifications. Aftermarket seats, supplemental driver restraints, roll bars, and steering wheels are allowed, but the rest of the interior must remain intact. Aftermarket coil springs/torsion bars are allowed, but they must be the same type and mount in the same manner as original. DOT approved R Compound tires are allowed.

Improved (I) – The Improved (I) category is for automobiles with more substantial performance-affecting changes from standard (stock) specification. These modifications have defined limits.

Modified (M) – The Modified (M) category contains automobiles that have performance-affecting modifications outside of the limits of the Improved category and for race automobiles (factory-built or otherwise).

Guest (G) – The Guest category is for non-Porsche automobiles.

If you are unsure of your vehicle class, please check with the autocross staff for guidance.

Protests

All classification and modification protests must be presented in writing to the Autocross Chair within 20 minutes of the last run. The decision of the Chair is final. The decision need not be made at the event.

How to Determine Your Car Class

Find your Porsche model and generation in these charts to determine your Showroom Stock or Production class. Only one class exists in Improved and Modified classes. Click chart to enlarge.

Category Allowances
The following tables are from the 2021 Porsche Parade Competition Rules (PCR), Section A-2.5.
If your Porsche is listed in a Stock class but fails to conform to each item in the Stock column, then it bumps to its corresponding Street Prepared class.

  • If your Porsche fails to conform to each item in the Production Class column, then it bumps to the Improved class.
  • If your Porsche fails to conform to each item in the Improved column, then it bumps to the Modified class.

Click on either of the two below tables for a larger version

A-2.4. Class Progression
Showroom Stock automobiles are not permitted any modifications beyond A-2.5.3. and A-2.5.4.

For Production category automobiles, the classification of your automobile depends not only on the model but also on the type of changes (if any) made to or options on the automobile. Improvements and alterations may cause your automobile to progress into a more competitive class.

Some modifications are “free,” that is allowed without effect on classification. Other modifications from stock are considered to affect performance and therefore may move the automobile into any of the Production, Improved or Modified classes depending on the performance effect of the modification.

A-2.5.3. “Free” Modifications

Safety equipment is free in all classes except Showroom Stock, provided limits of any class category are met. Items considered free include harness bars, fire extinguishers, non-factory seat belts, race seats, window nets, head rests, cut-off switches, tow hooks, seat back braces, and required mounts for any of the above. In Showroom Stock, attachment points or mounts for any of these items may be left in the automobile, but the actual device is not allowed if it may provide the driver any performance advantage.

A-2.5.4. Showroom Stock Modifications

Unless otherwise specified in these rules, no alterations or modifications are allowed to these automobiles.

  • Any wheel may be used provided it is the same width as standard; the diameter is within ±1” from a standard wheel for the car, and as installed it does not have an offset more than ±7.00mm (±0.275”) from a standard wheel for the car. The resultant change in track dimensions and tire sizes are allowed, and tire widths may deviate from stock provided they safely fit on wheels that meet the criteria of the class restrictions. Wheel spacers are permitted provided the resultant combination complies with the offset requirements of this section. Wheel studs, lug nuts, valve stems (including pressure-relief types) and/or bolt length may be changed. Tire pressure monitoring sensors may be removed.
  • All Showroom Stock class tires must be Department of Transportation (DOT) approved and have a tread wear rating of 140 or greater.
  • Brakes: Pads, linings, and brake lines of any manufacture may be used. Any type of brake cooling may be used. Rotors may be drilled or slotted. Brake bias valve may be changed but cockpit adjustable valves are not permitted.
  • Data acquisition systems (including video cameras) and the accompanying sensors are allowed but may serve no other purpose during a run than real-time display and data recording.
  • Adjustments are permitted provided no modifications and/or alterations are necessary to achieve the desired adjustment.
  • Jack/Tools/Manuals: Removal of jack, tools, and owner’s manual(s) is allowed.
  • No other aftermarket equipment that might be reasonably perceived as performance affecting is permitted in these classes. Items included in this restriction include, but are not limited to, aftermarket air filters, aftermarket exhaust systems, aerodynamic aids, computer chips, five/six-point seatbelts, race seats, harness bars, roll bars, roll cages, etc. The spare tire (if so equipped) must be left in place.

A-2.5.5. Production Modifications

The Production category is for street automobiles altered beyond the Showroom Stock limits and older Porsches. The following adjustments, alterations or modifications are allowed in the Production class automobiles, plus what was allowed in Showroom Stock. Automobiles may be updated to another model provided all of the automobile is brought up to that model’s specifications.

A-2.5.5.1. Engine

  • Air Cleaner: The air cleaner may be removed, modified, or replaced with another type. Any modification may not conflict with other rules.
  • Modified Ignition: Any modification is permitted, provided an original type distributor is used.
  • Modified Carburetors: Any automobile originally carbureted may have any carburetor, provided the throttle bore and venturi dimensions are not changed from original specifications. Jet sizes may be changed. 911 models with mechanical fuel injection or Solex carburetors may change to replacement carburetors that have throttle bores no larger than 40mm. 914/912E models may be converted to carburetors with throttle bores no larger than 40mm.
  • Fuel Injection: No substitution of performance affecting components for fuel injected automobiles is permitted. Any DME EPROM chip may be used except for those chips programmed to alter turbo boost. No modifications to the intake manifold are allowed.
  • Wet Sump Modifications: If an automobile has a wet sump lubrication system, the sump may be modified to ensure a constant source of engine lubrication at the oil pickup tube. If an automobile has a dry sump lubrication system, no modifications are permitted.
  • Modified Oil Cooler/Filter: The addition of any oil cooler and/or filter is permitted.
  • Substituted Roller Bearing Cranks: For 356-based or Carrera 4-based engines, any roller bearing crank may be used. Plain bearing cranks may be substituted for roller bearing cranks. Counterbalanced cranks are permitted.
  • Balanced Engine: Balancing of internal engine parts is permitted.
  • Camshafts: The stock camshaft must be used.
  • Exhaust Modifications: Alternate exhaust systems are permitted after the head(s) for automobiles with or without catalytic converters. Headers are permitted. A muffler is required. Air pumps may be removed.
  • Air Conditioning: Removal is permitted provided original automobile may have been delivered without it.
  • Overbore: Overbore is allowed up to 1.2mm (0.047”).
  • Gasoline: Any grade of automotive gasoline available to the general public through normal retail service stations is permitted.
  • Clutch: Any model clutch is allowed. Rubber center clutch discs may be replaced with spring discs. The flywheel and pressure plate may be lightened.
  • Velocity Stack: Velocity stacks may be added or modified.
  • Compression Ratio: Engine compression ratios may be increased up to 0.5 points from U.S. production specifications.
  • Fuel Pump: Fitting of an electric fuel pump is permitted.
  • Chain Tensioners/Guards: Any chain tensioner or guards are permitted.
  • Battery: Any battery may be used. Those automobiles delivered with two batteries may remove one.

A-2.5.5.2. Suspension

  • Limited Suspension Adjustments: Any adjustment of the standard suspension components is permitted, provided no machining is required for the adjustment. Factory components must be used for mounting of struts and shock absorbers to the body.
  • Alignment: Any adjustment may be made provided no other change is necessary to make the adjustment.
  • Coil Springs/Torsion Bars: Any coil spring may be replaced by any other coil spring. Any torsion bar may be replaced by any other torsion bar as long as they are of the same type and mount in the same manner without modification to the chassis or suspension components.
  • Shocks Absorbers: Any shock absorber may be used provided it is not remotely adjustable.
  • Adjustable spring perches are allowed.
  • Sway Bars: Any anti-sway bar may be installed. Sway bar may not be adjustable from the cockpit.
  • Rear Camber Compensation (356 Only): Any rear camber compensating device may be used.
  • Bushings: Non-standard (non-elastic) suspension bushings may be used.
  • Shock Tower Brace: A front and/or rear shock tower brace may be used in any automobile provided that:
  • it can be quickly and easily removed, it must be a bolt-in component. Any number of attachment points may be used;
  • all attachment points are within three inches of a vertical plane passing through the top center of the shock absorber.
  • Spring Plates: Adjustable spring plates are permitted on any automobile not so equipped from the factory.
  • Tie-Rod Ends: The use of 911 Turbo tie-rod assemblies is permitted.
  • Hydro-pneumatic Suspension: Removal of this suspension is not only allowed but is encouraged.
  • A-arms: 924/944/968 series may use aftermarket a-arms provided suspension geometry is not altered.
  • Water-cooled cars (1996-On) can use GT3 style lower control arms. Any caster control arms and any rear toe links may be used.

A-2.5.5.3. Brake/Wheel/Tire

  • Tires: All tires must be Department of Transportation (DOT) approved. Any DOT tires may be used provided they have DOT wear indicators and have visible tread across the entire tread surface. Tires must have a minimum tread wear of 140. Tire aspect ratio and width are free but must fit under the stock fender wells. Tires must be marketed nationally and generally available to all competitors. The cord may not be visible before, during, or after runs. Recapped tires or re-grooved tires are not allowed. Competitors are responsible for policing the “rubbing tire” rule and protests must be made before timed runs.
  • Track Width: Modifications to track width by the use of wheel spacers and/or wheel offset are permitted provided no modifications to the automobile, other than increasing the stud/bolt length, are performed. Increase may not be more than 1.0” over stock. Only 356 models with drum and very early disc brakes may use individual spacers for each wheel stud.
  • Brakes: Pads, linings, and brake lines of any manufacture may be used. Any type of brake cooling may be used. Rotors may be drilled or slotted. Brake bias valve may be changed but cockpit adjustable valves are not permitted. Cars with ceramic rotors may change them to stock dimension alternate material rotors.
  • Increased Rim Width: Rim width may be increased up to 1.0” over the widest rim available from the factory (front and rear respectively; see Appendix V) for that model range so long as the width does not extend beyond the stock fender width as measured from the top of the tire and fits the stock fender wells.
  • Wheels: All wheels shall be the same diameter as available from the factory for the model range of the automobile or within an increase or decrease of 1.0” from the factory specifications.
  • Spare Tire: The supplied spare tire may be removed.
  • Wheel Bolts: Cars using wheel bolts may change to studs, as long as factory thread engagement is maintained.
  • Cars using wheel bolts may change to studs, as long as factory thread engagement is maintained

A-2.5.5.4. Chassis/Body/Interior

  • Limited Fender Modifications: Fenders (including wheel openings) may be modified provided the tire-wheel-spacer combination and ride-height setting used could be used without the fender modification (i.e., could be used on an unmodified automobile of the same model and year.) In the event of a protest, the entrant must be able to prove compliance with this rule.
  • Interior Modifications: Any accessory, gauge, or indicator may be fitted if its purpose is to improve driver or passenger comfort or convenience and provided such items have no effect whatsoever on mechanical performance. Alternate seats may be used and floor mats may be removed. Any steering wheel is allowed.
  • Roll Bars: Roll bars are permitted. Full interior roll cages are not permitted.
  • Spoilers and Wings: Any rear spoiler, unless as delivered as a factory option, is permitted provided the leading edge of the spoiler is attached to the automobile, the spoiler is no wider than the stock body width and the spoiler doesn’t exceed 5″ in height from the leading edge. Any rear wing may be used as long as it is not wider than the door handles; does not extend past the rear of the car; no part is higher than the roof; and has less than six (6) square feet of area for all wing element (measured from directly above the car).
  • Air Dams: Any front air dam or splitter is permitted provided it does not extend to less than 2.5 inches above the ground and not more than 4 inches forward of the front bumper, unless as delivered as a factory option. Splitters cannot be wider than the bumper.
  • Seam Reinforcement (914 Only): Seam reinforcement kits are permitted “free” on 914s, provided each reinforcement is limited to a single seam and that all reinforcements combined do not substantially increase the rigidity and stiffness of the chassis. It is recommended to 914 model owners to have the chassis inspected for rust on a periodic basis.
  • Bumpers: Bumpers may be removed on any 356 series automobile.
  • Bolt-on windshields: Bolt-on windshields may be removed.
  • Jack/Tools/Manuals: Removal of jack, tools and owner’s manual(s) is allowed.

A-2.5.5.5. Transmission

  • Limited Slip: Any type of differential is permitted in all automobiles. Spools or welded differentials are not permitted.
  • Gear Shift Linkages: Gear shift linkages may be modified or exchanged. This permits the use of a short shift kit in any automobile or the use of side-shifter transmission in any 914.

A-2.5.6. Improved Modifications

The improved category is for street vehicles with modifications beyond those allowed in the Production Category. The modifications are limited but much more liberal than those in the Showroom Stock or Production categories. The following adjustments, alterations, or modifications are allowed in the Improved class automobiles plus what was allowed in the Showroom Stock and Production classes.

A-2.5.6.1. Engine

  • Mufflers: Mufflers may be removed provided this is permitted by the event organizer and the local authorities/jurisdiction.
  • Ignition: Any ignition system is allowed.
  • Gasoline: Any gasoline is permitted.
  • Engine Substitution: Any Porsche engine is permitted in any Porsche automobile.
  • Fuel Management: Automobiles may use any fuel management/induction system including chips or other means that alter turbo boost. Turbochargers or superchargers are permitted.
  • Compression Ratio: Engine compression ratios may be increased up to 1.0 points.
  • Battery Location: The battery may be located anywhere within the automobile.
  • Intake System: Any intake system may be used.
  • Wet/Dry Sumps: Any change or addition is permitted.
  • Camshafts: Any camshaft may be used

A-2.5.6.2. Suspension

  • Shock Absorbers: Multi-adjustable or remotely adjustable shock absorbers are permitted.
  • Camber Plates: Camber plates are permitted. Machining of factory mounting points is permitted to allow greater suspension adjustment.
  • Raised Spindle: Raised spindles are permitted on strut type suspensions.
  • Suspension Mounts: Any suspension mount may be used provided the number of mounting points and mounting locations remain as factory.
  • Suspension Arms: Any suspension arm may be used provided use requires no other automobile modifications. For example, this includes the use of any lower control arm, tie-rod assembly and/or bump steer kit.

A-2.5.6.3. Wheel/Brake/Tire

  • Brakes: Any brake modifications are permitted. Any brake biasing valve is permitted.
  • Tires: Any DOT tire is permitted. The cord may not be visible before, during or after official timed runs.
  • Track Width: Modifications to track width are permitted up to 2.0” over stock. Only 356 models with drum and very early disc brakes may use individual spacers for each wheel stud.
  • Increased Rim Width: Rim width is free so long as the width does not extend beyond the fender.
  • Wheels: Wheels may be any diameter.

A-2.5.6.4. Chassis/Body/Interior

  • Roll Bars/Roll Cages: Roll bars or full interior cages are permitted.
  • Spoilers and Wings: Any spoiler or wing is permitted.
  • Air Dams: Any front air dam is permitted.
  • Interior: Automobile must have dashboard, windows (glass or plexiglass), visors (if originally equipped), headliner, and door panels. The original number of seats and passenger restraints must be present. Removal of mats and loose carpeting is allowed (i.e., what isn’t originally screwed and/or glued down). Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signal lights must be operational.
  • Bodywork: The use of fiberglass or other material body components is permitted for the following components: hoods (front and rear), rear deck lids, bumpers and rocker panels.
  • Fenders: Fenders may be altered to allow fitting of alternative wheels and tires. Tires shall not extend beyond the fender opening at the highest point of the tire, unless the Porsche model was originally an open-wheeled design.
  • Fuel Tanks: Fuel tanks may be changed and/or relocated.

A-2.5.6.5. Transmission

  • Transmission: Any Porsche-based transmission is permitted.
  • Transaxle gear ratios. Any ratio set may be used outside of the specified gear set. Ring and pinion may be altered.
  • Limited Slip: Any differential may be used.

A-2.5.7. Modified Modifications

The modified category includes all automobiles modified beyond the allowable limits specified in the Showroom Stock, Production, and Improved categories as well as some Limited Production and “tuner” automobiles. These rules provide the minimum that is required for the automobile to compete in this category. Some items are specified that are not allowed in this category. Unless defined as a production vehicle with complete documentation proving so, all racing, rally and special non-production Porsche models shall be included in this category.

A-2.5.7.1. Engine

  • Engine: A Porsche-based engine is required.
  • Displacement: The displacement may be increased to that of the maximum in the class.
  • Fuel Management: Modifications to the fuel injection or carburetor system are free. The use of turbochargers or superchargers other than those used in production is permitted by class allowance. Modified boost pressure is permitted.
  • Ignition: Any ignition system is permitted.
  • Nitrous Oxide Systems: These systems are not permitted.

A-2.5.7.2. Suspension

Machined Suspension: Any adjustment may be made and machining is allowed (such as machining to attain negative front camber on 356-series cars). Suspension points may be relocated.
Multi-linked Suspension: This suspension type is permitted and is free.

A-2.5.7.3. Wheels/Brake/Tire

Wheel and Tire: Any wheel and tire combination is permitted. Non-DOT tires are permitted. The cord may not be visible before, during or after official timed runs.

A-2.5.7.4. Chassis/Body/Interior

  • Chassis: Original Porsche based chassis, unibody or tube frame chassis is permitted.
  • Roll Cage: Any roll cage may be used. It may be used to connect suspension or any other component.
  • Bodywork: Automobile bodywork must maintain recognizable external features of the Porsche model. Tires shall not extend beyond the fender openings at the highest point of the tire unless the Porsche model was originally an open-wheeled design. Automobile bodywork must include a front and rear trunk or deck lid and doors.

A-2.5.7.5. Transmission

Transmission: Any

A-2.5.8. Other Modifications

Any equipment, component, part, or modification which is deemed performance-affecting and which is not specified will make the automobile entered subject to reclassification to a higher class or category by the Safety Inspection team or the Protest Committee at their discretion or by protest of a competitor in the same class the automobile is competing.

Safety

General

The addition of safety equipment including but not limited to roll bars, roll cages, fire extinguisher (2.5 lb min. ABC or BC type) with metal bracket mounted to a metal surface and accessible from belted seating position, seat belts/safety harnesses, harness guide bars, steering wheels, aftermarket seat is permitted and recommended.

  • Roll bars are recommended for cabriolets.
  • No drugs or alcoholic beverages are permitted at the event.
  • No Passengers are allowed.
  • An adult must accompany children at all times.
  • Dogs must be leashed, where permitted.

Helmets

All drivers and instructors must wear helmets. Helmets must be Snell 2010 approved or newer (M or SA rated). SA rating is recommended. DOT helmets are not permitted. A limited number of loaner helmets are available for the day. All drivers should invest in their own helmet.

Clothing

Long sleeve shirts and long pants are suggested. Acceptable fabrics are natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk.) Open toed shoes, sandals and bare feet are not permitted. Rubber soled shoes (sneakers, etc.) are recommended. Driving shoes and gloves as well as fire resistant clothing is recommended but not required.

Seat belts

All cars must have metal-to-metal seat belts, securely anchored. All drivers must wear belts.

Windows

The drivers side windows shall remain fully down during a run, passenger windows may be fully up or fully down.

Cleaning out your car, glove box and trunk

Loose objects inside the trunk, passenger compartment and glove box must be removed from the car. Loose objects include cell phones, change, paper, garbage, cups, floor mats, etc. In other words everything must be removed from your car.

The spare tire need not be removed if it is securely fastened. The battery must be securely fastened as well.

Pit & Paddock Area

All cars are to be parked within the designated pit & paddock area, except for vehicles used by timing, safety, and the Autocross Committee.

There is no speeding allowed in the pit & paddock area. Any driver speeding in the pit or paddock area may be disqualified from the event at the discretion of the Co-chairs or Committee. Please no speeding in the general vicinity of the event.

Tire warming is not permitted.

Inclement Weather

An event may be postponed, delayed, or ”called” due to inclement weather based upon the judgment of the Chesapeake PCA Officers, Board, Autocross Co-Chairs, or Committee. Once an event is underway and the event is halted for the day, if all cars have competed at least one run, placing will be awarded on best time based upon completed run groups. 

Events may be cancelled prior to the commencement of an event due to inclement weather. If you are in doubt of the status of an event, please check the Chesapeake PCA Facebook page for up-to-the-minute details.

Procedures

Entrants

A participant may only enter one (1) car per event with a maximum of two (2) drivers per car. Participants can only compete in one (1) car per event. Swapping or switching of cars or drivers is not permitted.

Instructors

The instructors for the day will be announced at the drivers meeting. If you require an instructor, please notify a grid worker. Timing will assign an instructor to you for your next run. Instructors are permitted as passengers only.

Ride-Along/Passengers

No passengers are allowed at any time (due to our insurance regulations) except for pre-approved instructors as passengers only or passengers riding along with instructors. 

Work Assignments

Mandatory work assignments are allotted at registration to each driver. Work assignments include flagging, tech, and registration. If you are unsure of your work assignment, please ask. You must complete your work assignments to run. If you do not complete your work assignments you will be disqualified, your runs will not count, and no points will be awarded. You will also be disqualified from entering the next autocross event.

More details on each worker assignment is below:

  • Course worker – You will be responsible for a defined area of the course and will be stationed typically at a light post. If a cone(s) is moved or knocked over in your area, you must reposition the cone(s) as soon as it is safe to do so. A course worker will have to coordinate with the course captain so they can tell timing about cone penalties, an off-course run, or if a safety hazard is identified. Safety is our number one priority, it’s critical that you remain alert while working the course.
  • Course captain (sometimes referred to as a flagger): You will be responsible for calling in cone penalties, off course runs, safety hazards and assigning course workers to respective areas. The course captain must always hold their radio and flag (ready to wave at any point) and should never run for down cones. See more details in the “Timing, Radios and Flagging” section to understand radio protocol. 
  • Grid worker: You will be responsible for ensuring drivers get to the starting line in a timely fashion. There should usually is around 4 to 5 cars waiting at the starting line, ready to go with their helmets and seatbelts on. You may also be responsible for ensuring drivers returning from their run park in grid properly. You should escalate to timing if any policies or safety risks are observed in grid.
  • Timing: You will be responsible for properly documenting if and when penalties occur per car. You will be in constant contact with course captains, grid workers and the starter. For example, course captains will notify you via radio of penalties by driver number or car. 
  • Starter – You will be responsible for entering in each driver in the proper order into the system (via tablet by racing number) as they pull up to the starting line then allowing them to begin racing when appropriate. You will have a radio to directly contact Timing. Timing will notify you when the course is ready, if there’s a timing issue and you must hold the next driver at start, if there are re-runs, so on. You will be responsible for determining the best time to release each car (sending one car, allowing the next car in line to get to the starting line and then going) – talk to the AX Chairs or Timing if you need guidance. You may need to work with grid workers to ensure cars are coming to the starting line in a timely fashion or enforcing passenger ride-along policies.  

Timing, Radios and Flagging

Each flagging station will have a radio and red flag which are assigned to the Course Captain. A fire extinguisher will, at minimum, be located at Timing. Chairs, cameras, and other distractions to the course workers and drivers are not permitted at flagging stations for safety reasons. Do not stand with your back to any car on the course.

It is the responsibility of the flaggers/course captain to maintain safe conditions on the course as well as the location and status of the cones for the purposes of scoring. We cannot have a good event without precise flagging. Please pay attention and be accurate with your calls.

All communications shall be addressed through Timing. No cross communication between flagging stations. Please speak slowly and clearly into the ‘mic’ if a car hits a cone. For example, please notify Timing by stating: “Timing, this is station 3, one cone, car 43”. Timing will then acknowledge. If you do not know the car number describe the car (e.g., “black 914”).

The red flag indicates an emergency or an unsafe condition. If there is a dangerous situation on the course or if you are directed by Timing to use the red flag, the red flag should be waived immediately. Do not put yourself in harm’s way when waiving the red flag at a car.

Any driver that continues to run the course at speed after the red flag has been waived will be disqualified from the event.

Car Numbers

Each car shall have its official number clearly marked on at least both sides of the car. Drivers should attempt to pre-register to use the same number during the season, however  no guarantee is made that a desired number will be available at the time of registration. The roster published prior to the event will include car number assignments. The number(s) shall be at minimum 5″ tall, clearly visible, and legible. 

Two driver cars require two numbers; numbers from different heats will need to be selected.

Course Map

A course map, when provided shall indicate entrance and exit area, the general course layout, and course boundaries. The map is not drawn to scale.

Walking the Course

It is strongly recommended that all drivers familiarize themselves with the course by walking it prior to the drivers meeting. No wheeled or motorized devices are permitted on the course; this includes bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, ‘go-peds’ and the like.

Cones, Pylons and Penalties

Each autocross event is run on a unique course laid out by cones and is designed with the safety of course workers, participants, and their cars in mind.

Each cone and gate must be properly executed to avoid penalty points. Each downed or standing out-of-the-box pylon (cone) shall count as a two second penalty. All (vertical) chalked cones count, including those before and after the timing equipment. Helper or pointer cones (lying on their side) are not subject to penalty. If you hit a cone in a gate you cannot be declared off course at that gate.

Official Runs

The Autocross Co-chairs and Committee will determine the official number of timed runs for an event. The quantity of runs will vary depending upon number of cars, length, difficulty, and complexity of the course, weather conditions, etc.

Each run taken will count towards the total number of runs for the day. Runs not taken within your assigned run group will not be scored; they will be entered as Did Not Finish (DNF), but will count towards the total number of runs for the day. Please take your runs with your run group unless you are directed otherwise by Timing.

Runs taken with an instructor will be scored.

All cone penalties for each run (and any associated rerun) will be recorded. The final cone penalty assigned to a “run/rerun(s)” will be the larger of the cone penalties accrued during the run and the final rerun.

If the driver observes a cone out of the box, missing, or knocked over by someone else, or if the driver was not at fault in hitting the cones (e.g., swerving to avoid collision with something/someone on the course), the driver should come to a safe, immediate, and complete stop and indicate the problem to the course worker so as not to be charged with the penalty. Follow the instructions of the course worker/Timing. You may be instructed to exit the course via the timing lights or to return directly to staging. The return to staging should be completed off course.

Reruns

Reruns may be granted by timing for a variety of reasons including but not limited to a timing malfunction, unsafe condition, misplaced cone, etc. If the Red Flag is waved while running, immediately come to a safe and complete stop.

Reruns should be taken as soon as practical, but no later than the end of the run group. 

Run Groups

The cars are generally split into two or three run groups, each group will have up to 30 cars. The run group shall determine your work assignment or driving time.

In the interest of fairness to all drivers, hot laps are not permitted. All drivers are to follow the directions of the grid workers. All attempts should be made to follow ordering of the the grid. No car should start its next numerical run before the entire run group has completed its run.

Off Course/Did Not Finish (DNF)

An off-course or DNF (did not finish) will be entered as a score if a gate/cone is missed or if all four wheels (and the car) leave the course. A spin on-course does not constitute a DNF if no gates have been missed and the car has not left the course boundaries.

Did Not Start (DNS)

A DNS (did not start) will be entered for any run not started. A driver may elect not to take all of the runs for the day.

Penalties

Each cone and gate must be properly executed to avoid penalty points. Each downed or standing out-of-the-box pylon (cone) shall count as a two-second penalty. All vertical chalked cones count, including those before and after the timing equipment. Helper/pointer cones (lying on their side) are not subject to penalty. If you hit a cone in a gate you cannot be declared off course at that gate.

Timing

The timing device will be automatically started and stopped by a competing vehicle. All recorded times will be considered official unless protested. In the event of a timing problem, the competing car will be waived off course (red flagged) and given a rerun.

Official Times

Times will be recorded per the timing equipment and will be considered as official time. Penalties for cones will be noted on the timing slip (if used) and will be added to the official time for a total score. The official results will be posted to the autocross section of the Chesapeake website. If there are issues with your results, email at autocross@pcachs.org.

Protests

All protests must be presented in writing to the one of the Co-chairs within 20 minutes of the last run. Decision of the Co-chairs is final. The decision need not be made at the event.

Pre-runs, fun runs and exhibition runs

Any driver that previews the course either as a passenger or driver on the day of an event will be disqualified; no score or points will be given. A driver at the direction of the Co-chairs, Autocross Committee, or Timing for the purpose of addressing course layout and safety may preview the course.

Exhibition or fun runs will not be permitted until the official completion of an event and will only be permitted at the discretion of the Co-chairs.

The Co-Chairs and/or Autocross Committee reserve the right to charge an additional fee per run for fun runs.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF ANY RULE OR PROCEDURE, DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK THE AUTOCROSS CHAIR FOR EXPLANATION OR CLARIFICATION.