Preparing to Autocross

These events are open to all BMW CCA members whether they drive a BMW or not. Beginners are welcome, as well as convertibles and roadsters. Trucks, SUVs, SAVs and other high center of gravity vehicles are not permitted due to safety concerns. Helmets rated Snell 2000 or newer are required. Older helmets or those without a Snell rating are not acceptable. The club also has a few loaners available. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 16 years of age. If you plan to buy a helmet, read Bell Helmet's How to Fit Guide.

Every driver must possess an valid life, full or associate membership in BMW CCA.  Family members must each have their own membership.  If you would like to become a BMW CCA member today, visit www.bmwcca.org/join.  Walk-up or on-site registrations and payments are not permitted.  Lunch is included with registration. We have a no refund policy, unless the whole event is cancelled due to issues beyond our control, such as weather or lot cancellations. Registration will close at precisely 6:00 PM the Thursday prior to the event, or earlier if the event cap of 100 participants is reached.

Should you find that you are unable to participate in an autocross for which you have previously registered, please return to the event registration page where a single click will allow you to cancel your registration prior to the event registration closing time.  Doing so allows other drivers to participate. No cancellations or refunds will be granted unless the entire event is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather or venue/lot cancellations.  Cancellations, no shows, failure to pass the technical inspection or equipment failure will not result in a refund or credit.

Although Autocrossing is a safe sport, it is a timed event. As such most insurance policies will not cover your vehicle or harm that could result from participating. We recommend that you check with your insurance carrier to get more information. Everyone entering the autocross site is required to sign a waiver and release of liability agreement.  We have provided online copies and encouraged you to review the waiver forms in advance. See the waiver links on the main Autocross page. Passengers/riders during autocross runs must be of driving age (16+ or 15 with a drivers permit).

Every autocross participant is given a work assignment to help run the events. Use the Autocross Work Assignment Preferences page to indicate your interests and experience.  This will enable us to better match people with the kinds of assignments that they prefer.

All cars must have driver/car numbers and class letters on both sides.  Numbers must be a minimum of 7" high with a minimum stroke width of 1 1/4".  Class letters must be a minimum of 4" high with a minimum stroke width of 3/4".  Both must be of uniform color and in contrast to the color of the car.  Only one set of numbers may be visible while the car is running.  The use of "stylized" numbers is discouraged for readability reasons.  We will provide printed paper numbers at each event for those without their own numbers.  Excel Graphics (303-432-9000) and Solo Time (www.solotime.com) are good sources for magnetic numbers and class letters.

Rocky Mountain Chapter's Autocross Guidelines are very similar to the SCCA Solo II rules.

Series Events
These are events that you may qualify to earn trophies for each event, in each class. Participants who compete in all or one less than all of the Point Series events will qualify for year-end trophies. The same procedures will follow as last year’s events. The morning runs will allow you to get familiar with the course and get a bit more comfortable with the days event. We will break for lunches, which will be provided. We will then begin the afternoon with competition for event-day trophies. You will want to stick around afterwards, to grab your trophy, if you won in your class, and to draw for door prizes.

Prepare yourself for these events

  1. Plan to show up early and check in upon arriving – Get your grid assignment, pay if you owe, and pick up your lunch and drawing tickets. There is always a tent setup to house all administrative functions; this will be the spot to take care of all event business. Please do not go to the trailer to ask questions. The trailer personnel are usually very busy getting setup and planning a safe day.
  2. Make sure your vehicle is cleaned out and ready for tech inspection and get your car number put on as soon as you arrive.
  3. Get your car to grid as soon as possible. Tech inspection is done in grid.
  4. Participants are responsible for their own belongings. If you bring valuables, please have someone watch them, while you work or run. RMC BMW CCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  5. No racing, fast driving, or showing off in the pit, staging or grid areas. Save your fast skills for the course. Anyone found burning out or driving fast in the pits or grid area will be asked to leave the event without refund. There are no exceptions! Safety is our primary goal at any RMC BMW CCA event.
  6. Spectators are allowed but cannot be in the "hot" areas.
  7. Every registered driver will have a work assignment if they are not driving or resting.
  8. Bring water. Even if it is not hot out, you will dehydrate quickly. Some water will be provided.

Learn more about autocross

The following links provide provide excellent introductions to the sport of autocross, also known as Solo II racing within the Sports Car Club of America.

There are two very good autocrossing books if you really want study and advance your skills.  You can find these via Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or www.solotime.com (click on the "Books/Videos" link).

Move your mouse over this picture to see in-car video
from an autocross event.
(Caution - slow download: 2.7MB .wmv).