On Saturday, February 26, CCR held an autocross Novice school. This is a regular CCR event that we arrange at the start of each autocross series. Perhaps it was the warm and sunny weather, perhaps it was better notification through newsletter and web-site, but it was certainly obvious that CCR is finally getting the word 'out' as this year we had a stunning turnout of 57 entrants.

The novices also brought along a diverse assortment of cars. A welcome turnout of members of the local Austin-Healey club (a result of a talk to the club given by Solo II Chairman, Martin Bartlett - available for hire) meant that we had Bugeye Sprites and 3000's in the parking lot. Amongst the modern vehicles were Seth Kreibich's (strangely - for him - unmodified) Nissan Maxima, Nicholas Munson's new Toyota Celica (reckoned to be a top GS contender), Miata's, Neon's, a 600bhp Corvette and a Pontiac Sunbird piloted by the driving duo of Beth and Dick Lunney.

The schedule for the day started with the usual registration process, though this took longer than we wanted due to having to help classify so many cars (SCCA's Y2000 Solo rules book is available at our next event, price $12). But Erica, our Registrar, coped admirably. We then undertook technical inspection of the cars, providing an overview of just what this entailed to each entrant. Then it was into the classroom for coffee and doughnuts. No, wait, it was for the excellent review of autocrossing that Dean Furr so kindly provided.

After that lesson and a break for lunch, we met outside. Utilizing two parking lots, two separate courses had been laid out, designed to show different aspects of typical autocross layouts. Our novice coordinator, Robert Houser led a detailed course walk-thru, explaining the various features and suggesting ways to tackle the courses efficiently and quickly. Then, with the help of the 11 assistant instructors who had generously volunteered their time for the day, Robert split the group into two, so each sub-group could work on one course.

Instructors worked hard to jump in and out of cars and provide advice and instruction for each novice driver as they tackled a course. After 3 runs on one side, we sent the car and driver to the other course to work that variation, again with an instructor. During the middle of these proceedings we stopped the cars to let our 6 Kart drivers tackle the same courses. However, in their case, instruction was handled on a before and after the run basis, as riding alongside would have been rather difficult! When an instructor was satisfied that a student was under control and had an understanding of what they should be doing, students were allowed to run Solo. With the completion of 6 runs we then joined the two 'half' courses together and allowed students to run a full course layout. At this time, we let novices decide if and when they wanted an instructor to ride and assist. A few students also took advantage of the opportunity to ride along when an instructor drove, which tends to highlight just what can be achieved. Rides in Robert Houser's BMW M3 were in great demand. With the sun shining on the proceedings, we continued runs until shortly after 5pm, hopefully ensuring that all novices got ample seat-time and opportunity for instruction.

I think everyone enjoyed the day as all who could came back the next day for our first autocross of the year. Special thanks to: Robert H, Steven, Geoff, John, Erica, Robert W, Kevin, Todd, Walter, Chris, Dean, Harvin and Bill (and anyone I missed) for all the hours they spent helping with a very successful Novice Day.

By: Martin Bartlett, Solo II Chairman