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What is an Autocross?
NEW FOR 2008 - Drivers must be 18 years or older.
An Autocross is an automotive trial-by-time competition that emphasizes automotive handling ability and driver skill.
The course is marked by cones on a large paved area, such as a parking lot, and courses are generally under 60 seconds long,
and are run almost entirely in second gear.
Autocrossing has been a premier activity for the New Jersey Chapter from the beginning, and is open to drivers 18 years and older. It requires a car in good repair,
and little else. Few automotive events require so little preparation. Regular autocrossing pays off in increased smoothness,
a skill that serves you well on the street and the track. It also results in lower times and points for our chapter’s annual
championship series trophy.
Few “driver ed.” Classes offer the added fun of a competition. The adrenaline rush is highly persuasive in making many autocrossers
regular participants. This is literally one of the most fun things you can do in your car, and it will amaze you what your BMW can
actually do with you in control. Many autocrossers seek to improve the handling capabilities of their cars with suspension mods and
sticky tires, but there is no substitute for experience and practice.
Cars are grouped according to performance potential, using a formula based in part on a Boston Chapter BMW CCA listing. Our class
system for BMWs is as follows:
| greater than 158.0 points | Class AA |
| 138.0-158.0 points | Class A |
| 121.0-137.9 | Class B |
| 104.0-120.9 | Class C |
| 87.0-103.9 | Class D |
| 70.0-86.9 | Class E |
| less than 70.0 | Class F |
| Non-BMWs | Class X |
Each driver will get as many as 6-8 runs over a course that varies from one event to the next. Your best time counts toward the
competition. Each cone that is knocked down, or displaced from the box in which it stands adds a 2 second penalty.
You will be assigned to a group, and will line up to run with that group. After each run you will rejoin the line, until you have
completed 3-4 runs. When you are not running, you will be required to work the course, at the timing table, or as a flagger. Flaggers
are stationed at several places around the course. Their job is to reset cones that are knocked down, and maintain radio contact with
the timing table.
If you are new to autocrossing, you will find plenty of people to give advice, or even ride along with you. One of the most important
things you will need to do is familiarize yourself with the course. It is easy to forget under the excitement of driving as quickly as
you dare! There will be ample opportunity to walk the course before each event. A guided tour is usually given. Maps of each event
are usually published, and are available online.
Your car will be briefly checked for brake pedal travel, steering wheel play, secure wheel mountings, fluid leakage and looseness of
components, like batteries. Helmets are required, and you will need a Snell 2000 or newer. The club will have some loaners available.
Our events are usually at the PNC Bank Arts Center or the Commerce Bank Ballpark. Check the schedule for specific locations, and the links for directions. Plan to arrive by 8:30 to 9:00. REGISTRATION
WILL CLOSE AT 9:30. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT TIME. Bring lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. Registration forms can
be filled out online and printed out; you can bring it with you to the event, or fax it to:
908-789-3157
Payment will be collected at the event. Autocross fee is $35 for NJBMWCCA Members, and $45 for non-members, per driver. A car may be shared, but each driver must register. Also,
please download and read the insurance liability release form. All participants and spectators will be required to sign this form at
the event, and it is recommended that you read it before the event.
The NJ Chapter autocross series is generally open to all, except for specific events that may be restricted to BMW CCA members only.
Please check descriptions of individual events.
New Registration Information
1. Non-member wait list -Car classification. The NJBMWCCA reserves the right to limit entries to 80. CCA members have first preference and are guaranteed to participate as long as they register on time. Non members will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. There will be a sign up sheet for non members in the paddock. Non members will be accepted according to this list until the field reaches 80.
You should have previously visited our website (njbmwcca.org) and downloaded the registration form, used the link to the Boston Chapter to Download the Inspection and Modification Form, and look up your base model points. (Forms should be finished before you arrive, if possible.) If you have not done this find a tech inspector, ask them for the forms, and fill them out. Please download and read the Release and Waiver of Liability form from the website, as you will be asked to sign this document upon arrival.
2. Safety Inspection and Classification. When you have filled out the form, find the tech inspector and have your car inspected. Car should be empty – nothing loose in the cabin or trunk. Obviously, it should be in good mechanical condition. The inspector will sign off and put a sticker on your car and on your registration form.
3. Registration. After your car has passed inspection, and when registration opens, get on the registration line and register. You will be asked to pay and sign the liability waiver. You will be assigned a car number. You will also get a work assignment. Exact change would be appreciated. Please have your drivers license and CCA membership card ready. Under 18 years old must have minor release form signed by parent or guardian.
4. Put the numbers on your car. You can use tape or white shoe polish. (Both available.) Numbers should be on both sides of the car and big enough to read from a distance.
5. Listen and wait. Wait for the walkthrough (usually about 9:30) and drivers’ meeting (usually about 9:45). Drivers’ meeting is mandatory for all attendees, whether running or not. Walk through is strongly recommended.
Other things to remember.
- Front windows should be open during runs, and rears if there are rear seat passengers.
- Loaner helmets are available, but must be returned to the starting line immediately after each run. Lots of people use them.
- Cars will run in numerical order. Make sure you line up that way in the staging area.
- Get to your work assignments quickly. We’ll get more runs that way.
- Be a good neighbor – obey local speed laws. Drive slowly and quietly on local streets.
- Decisions of the NJBMWCCA autocross committee are final.
LINKS:
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