[h=2]How to start racing: SCCA RallyCross[/h]



Bryan Tippens / Images by Rupert Berrington

With a very active and supportive community at regional and national events across the entire country, SCCA RallyCross offers some of the best action-packed dirt-based motorsports competition around. Despite being one of the youngest sports in the SCCA, RallyCross is well organized, has a very evolved but simple set of rules and is constantly growing in popularity.
SCCA RallyCross is usually run on dirt, gravel and/or mud, but sometimes includes short tarmac sections, at speeds usually no higher than 60mph. It is considered a very affordable form of extreme dirt racing in which having the most expensive equipment and well-prepared car does not ensure victory.
This sport can be a lasting hobby with enough challenges and variety to keep you interested and honing your craft for years. It has also been used by drivers to maintain, sharpen or develop their car control skills and, for some, has given them the confidence to go on to Hill Climbs, stage rally and beyond.
RallyCross courses are designed to be technically challenging for all cars in attendance and are run at speeds that may seem slow to the uninitiated, but are almost too fast once you're behind the wheel. Courses are as free as possible from objects like trees, buildings and rocks that could cause damage to a vehicle, and they're designed so the average street car can endure the challenges presented without damage or clearance issues.
The courses are marked by a series of cones, which score the same as they would at an SCCA Solo event should you hit one (two-second penalty for every displaced cone). Unlike Solo, however, times for each run are added up to a total elapsed time for the event. You are often only as good as your worst run, which pushes you to always improve – although with extraordinary skill you might still pull off a win even after a fairly big blunder. You will receive several runs over the course of a competition, although that number will vary from region to region, and event to event.
Courses are best memorized by walking (more than once if you have time) and through event parade laps, which are exclusive in the SCCA to RallyCross. Unless it is a novice course walk held by the region, which anyone can go on, many find it advantageous to walk the course on their own for better concentration. Find the line you think you will drive, but remember to be flexible during competition. Everyone has a different driving style, but the fastest drivers almost unanimously say that being slow and relaxed in the car equals fast on the course.
You're allowed to co-drive a car with someone, but regions will generally limit a car to two drivers per event. Some regions will have co-drivers alternate with every run, while others keep one driver behind the wheel for several runs, then switch. Co-drivers can ride along at many regional RallyCross events, but not at the RallyCross National Championship.
Speaking of the RallyCross National Championship, that event is where RallyCross competitors compete for an SCCA National Championship. To win a National Championship in the SCCA means you are among the best of the best. Anyone can compete at the RallyCross National Championship, but only the cream of the crop taste victory.
What RallyCross requires of you
Competing in RallyCross is cheap and easy, but there are things you need to know before your first competition. Everyone works at a RallyCross event. All drivers must also work in some capacity at every event, such as working a corner, helping with timing, assisting in tech or a variety of other jobs during one of the heats you're not running. Consider this a chance to get to learn more about the sport, get to know your fellow competitors and provide excellent support to the event operations.
One of the most important parts of competing is finishing. As such, tire pressure is vital, as too low a tire pressure can result in the tire falling off the wheel. A good trick is to put a couple more psi of air in your tires before leaving for the event so you can bleed the pressure down if you have to (it's easier to remove air than add). Too little air will result in a broken bead (where the tire pulls off the wheel). For a tire pressure range during competition, stay above 30 on any street tire and go as close to 40 as you can, making adjustments are you go. This requires some trial and error, but with experience you'll discover what tire pressure you and your car like best. If you opt for gravel tires, you'll probably run a much lower tire pressure range due to the stiff construction of the sidewall.
Budget for event registration and gas. Usually, $50 for a regional (more for a two-day national event) will get you by. Aside from carrying lunch money, a car wash fund might really help. Plan to spend up to $20 at a spray and wash after an especially muddy event. Also, be courteous and rinse the floor as you leave the car wash, and be sensitive to how you drive anytime you run your car with SCCA stickers on it. You are an ambassador for the sport and the SCCA – and any sponsors on your car.
There's plenty more to learn, so if this whets your appetite, keep reading and find out what to expect during your first weekend of competition.
Your first weekend
Head to www.scca.com/events and search for SCCA RallyCross events near you. More than likely, the local SCCA region's website will have more information about the event, including a location, start time and more.
On the day of competition, you will need a helmet, generally with the Snell SA2000 or M2000 rating or newer (check the RallyCross Rules for more information). Sometimes there will be a good supply of loaner helmets available at the events, but check with the host region first if you will need to borrow one. Sometimes loaner helmets will need to be returned after every run to be used by others, depending on demand.
Remember to bring sunscreen, appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, water, snacks and a couple of bandanas (which can serve a variety of tasks, including being used as dust masks).
Event registration is easy to find, and you'll need to go there once you've signed the waiver at the entrance to the facility (they will be able to point you in the right direction). There, you will tell them the class you intend to compete in, and they will make sure you have the correct car number. Registration should also be able to tell you the run group order, as well as which group you will be working. If this is your first time, mention this at registration and ask if there is a novice course walk.
Following registration, your car will need to go through tech. Tech inspection will sometimes be performed wherever your car is parked, and sometimes at a specific location. Ask at registration if you are unsure. Tech will check items like your car's wheel bearings for excessive play and that the battery is secure and the positive terminal is taped to prevent grounding. Tech will also look for loose items, make sure the seatbelts are in working order and that the brakes have pressure and the throttle returns without sticking.
Generally, the time to walk the course is before the driver's meeting. If you're unsure, ask where the start and finish are located, or follow the herd and feel free to ask anyone you see a question. Everyone had a "first event."
The driver's meeting will cover safety items, and inform everyone of the schedule for the day. Most of your remaining questions will be answered here, but in the event that they're not, ask someone for help. Almost anyone you see will be more than willing to point you in the right direction.
Once the event starts, be sure to keep an eye on the time and what groups are running. You will need to be on grid on time, and you will need to check in for your work assignment on time. Skipping your work assignment will result in disqualification from the day's event. If you have any questions throughout the day, ask anyone – they will help.
At the end of the day, some regions will have an awards ceremony. Stick around and cheer – this is an excellent place to meet more people and cheer on your fellow competitors.
It may all seem a bit overwhelming at first, but by the third event it will all be second nature.