Howard

Today was my first attempt at auto crossing. I live in South Bend Indiana. Wednesday this week it was 87 degrees. Today, Saturday it was in the low 30s with snow expected.

It was the first scheduled Solo II event at the Tire Rack track here in town. I decided to go out there even though I expected that no one would show. I was wrong. Even though it was raining hard and winds of 30-40 gusting there were dozens of cars there by 8;30 in the morning waiting to register.

I registered and talked to the guy in charge of newbie’s. Everyone one was friendly but then things started going wrong. First I was inadequately dressed for the weather. I expected some sort of cover from the weather while we waited but there wasn’t one. Soon my leather jacket was soaked from the rain. I went through the tech check. This is where I found out I needed to remove everything from my car. Mats, extra coat and CD case and stuff from my trunk. I had to set it out on the pavement in the rain as there was no where else to put it. My CD case was leather and I have two leather pillows that were getting soaked. I was really not prepared and unaware that everything had to be out of the trunk.

Then came the real problem. I did not have numbers. I guess I though they were provided or sold there or something. In any event they sold me two paper sheets with numbers printed on them for 2.00. Then I found I also needed letters for my class. There was no tape available for the numbers and I am not sure I would have taped them on the car if there was. It would have been pointless in the rain. No one seemed to have any idea what I could do. I finally got my money back minus 2.00 for numbers and 5.00 for I am not sure what.

As I was leaving I noticed the paper sticker verifying that my car had passed inspection had melted off the windshield where they pasted it. It was signed in pen. That is laughable. What about vinyl stickers and permanent markers or something. In any case everyone was friendly, courteous and seemed sad they did not have a solution. I went home feeling both disappointed and a little foolish. Maybe next month I’ll try again. Now I know enough to buy numbers and get the stuff out of my car before I leave home.

clyde

It's a shame that things worked out for you the way that they did. Most clubs have a FAQ geared for newbies on their websites that spell out much of the process (everything out of the car, numbering requirements, dress for the weather, bring a rain coat and sunscreen no matter what, etc).

OTOH, you learned a lot even if you didn't get to run. Something else I would have tried to do if it became clear that I wasn't going to be able to run would have been to stick around and watch others (if you could do so from inside the car) and/or tried to get rides with experienced drivers. Both of which would have also helped you prepare for the next one (if you haven't done it before).

For the future, low tack painter's tape is a useful thing to have in your kit. If it's wide enough and the color contrasts enough with your car color, it can be used for numbers and class letters (not all, but most clubs will allow you to use it for numbers). It goes on easy and comes off easy without damage to the paint/surface of your car. You make it even lower tack by applying each piece to your shirt or pants a couple times before putting it on your car. Doing so picks up some lint and makes it even easier to remove.

A tarp and/or heavy duty contractor trash bags are also good things to have. They keep the wet off everything that you leave in the paddock when it's raining and the pollen/dirt/sand/grit off when it's not wet out.

A better long term solution for numbers is to get magnetic or reusable vinyl (either a sheet where you can cut your own numbers/letters or ones that are pre cut or pre printed). Magnetics seem to be easier and more durable than vinyl, IMO, but if there is water between the magnet and the surface, it can lead to a reaction in the iron in the magnet that could potentially damage the car's finish. If you use a polymer wax type product (like Zaino or Rejex) and build up a number of layers, it should be enough to prevent any problems (as it's something that actually sits between the magnet and clearcoat), but be aware of the possibilty. I'm into my second year of using magnetics, I haven't been terribly careful about things and haven't had any issues (yet).

Good luck next time!

Howard

I found the FAQ when I got home on the web site. It mentioned using white shoe polish on the windows. I would have stayed but Watching would have meant standing in the rain and I was already soaked. I didn't know you could ride with someone but that is a great idea. In a way I am glad that I didn't drive today with the rain mixed with snow and the track so wet. and slick. I think it would be better my first time on dry pavement. I was already anxious enough as it is.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

stop taking everything so personal and stop knocking yourself; you're new and don't know any better. You made a lot of wrong assumptions, that's what inexperienced people do.

hopefully you won't let the lessons you learned today go to waste, you'll be better prepared next time

me, if I saw it was 30 and wet I wouldn't have even left the house, took me ten years to finally wise up and say it's not worth it :p

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

I raced last weekend. The weather wasn't quite as bad but it did rain a little. I bring a poly-tarp with to put my loose items in. Also a plastic bin with a closing top for the smaller items and semi-valuables. As CLYDE said, bring trash bags. They not only work for trash and temporary storage, but cut 3 holes & you have an instant rain suit. Not fashionable but it works.
For numbers, I made templates out of card board and trace onto contact paper.

BigOLundh

iTrader: (1)

I'm sorry your first event went so poorly. I hope you go out again next month and give it another shot

-HS