So the NER SCCA Solo points event #9 is this weekend. I was considering going. Ive never gone to an SCCA event before. Its just within a comfortable driving distance for me.

2 questions first tho...

In my local autox club I have been racing all season in STX. For the SCCA event though, seeing as I've never run with them before, should I be registering and running in the novice class?

I don't really consider myself a novice anymore. I can certainly navigate the track and have a good grasp of the rules and what needs to be done at my local club level. So for that matter I could run in STX. However I don't honestly see myself being much competition on the regional level.

For the sake of the actual contenders fighting for points, Should I stay out of STX as to not add any more undue pressure or anxiety for them?

And for that matter, As an active local club member with quite a few events under my belt, CAN I enter the SCCA event as a novice?

 

I actually just went through the same situation yesterday. I have been autocrossing with a non SCCA sanctioned sports car group for the past years. I have only been to three events with them, so I am still learning. Yesterday I went to my first regional SCCA sanctioned Solo event (with GRR SCCA). As I checked in, they asked what my experience was, and after I told them they said I wouldn’t be in the novice category. I was put in STX with 5 other people. I thought I was going to get smoked. Surprisingly I finished second in my class, and I was 17th out of 44 in total PAX time.
I think you will be in regular STX, not novice.

 

Sounds fair enough, but I have a SCCA membership # therefore I can pre-register and save $15. In the pre-register they ask for a class. I'll probably just put STX and ask about it when there. Thanks

 

I'll be running STX on Sunday. I hope to see you there.

You should read the supplemental rules on the NER SCCA website if you have a chance.
Rules and Regulations | New England Region

Ther NER Novice class is really for people who have little to no autocross experience.
It sounds to me like you should register for STX open. If you are still unsure, I can PM you the email address for the Novice Chief.

NER has a very strong STX class, and there are usually some good battles between three or four drivers for top spot in class. It is one of the most fun, diverse, and competitive classes in the region.

Also, you must pre-register by Friday at 10 PM. There is no walk-up or day-of registration.

Please stop by and introduce yourself. I'll be in the blue STX RX8.


- Dave
#178 STX

 

Thanks for the heads up. Unfortunately I'm not gunna make it this weekend.

Next weekend we're going to Lime Rock on Saturday for the Rolex and a local autox on Sunday. Then I have a 4 day business trip from Monday till Thurs.

With a family obligation to do this Saturday, the only free time the wife and I have to hang out and relax is this Sunday (NER autox day) Not to mention one of her best friends is getting married next week, so shes been running around in prep. for that as well. So with such a busy 2 weeks ahead of us, coupled with the 2.5 hour drive for us to get to Devens, and 2.5 hours to get back home, we agreed to stay home on Sunday.

Good luck though at the race!! Maybe next time I can make it.

 

Different clubs define novices differently. Some consider other experience, some only consider how many events you have run with their club. Some say you're a novice for 3 events, some say until you win the novice class at one event, some say until you've competed for a full season. In most cases, it's generally not sportsmanlike to run the novice class if you feel that you're experienced, even if you are technically eligible.

It looks like NER only considers really inexperienced drivers to be novices. It might not be a bad idea to go to novice meetings to learn the workings of that club though.

 

If you have done more then half a dozen autocrosses then stay out of the Novice class. It is aimed at noobs. Racing against good drivers will make you better!

At my local event they allow passengers so try getting a ride with the fast guys or get a good driver to drive you car and see what it can do. I am sure Broda would happily drive your car to demonstrate what it can do.