|  | With the blessing of our National Office, 2005 brought a new participation discipline to SCCA members called Time Trials (previously disguised as Solo1). These are high speed driving events that are held either on a Road Racing or closed road course (Hill Climb). Time Trials consists of 4 levels of training and/or competition – Performance Driving eXperience (PDX), Club Trials, Track Trials & Hillclimb.
The following information was paraphrased from the 2006 Time Trials rules.
Level 1 – PDX; Level 1 events are non-competitive by nature and are based on instruction and practice of performance driving and car handling. Other than approved helmets, seat belts and a seat for the instructor, no other safety gear is required, though you will be required to wear long sleeve shirts and pants (so you can sweat just like a race care driver)! Some convertible cars do require a roll bar. A standard pre-event safety inspection by a qualified mechanical shop or proof of Annual Club Racing or Time Trials Technical Inspection, assures that your car is ready for the track. All drivers are provided with a Participation Log that is utilized by their instructor(s) to provide comments in, and is returned to the entrant at the end of the event. The Participation Log is presented by the driver in advanced levels to assist in placing the entrant in the proper run group.
Level 2 – Club Trials; Level 2 events provide a constructive learning environment that stresses proper driving techniques, while at the same time offering a timed, competitive element. Besides the standard pre-event safety inspection by a qualified mechanical shop, these events do require the entrant to be a current SCCA member (temporary membership acceptable), present a Time Trials Participation Log and offer you qualifying and competitive timed driving sessions. Novice drivers can participate when instruction is offered.
Level 3 - Track Trials; Level 3 events are based on competition and utilize fixed racing circuits (approved by the National Office) and other temporary courses (airports, large lots, etc.), frequently offering some basic instruction for novice drivers. Track Trials events move up a couple of notches in safety gear for both the driver and automobile.
Level 4- Hillclimb; Level 4 events are based on competition on courses that are not suitable for Level 3 events. These may include Hillclimb, or other events on approved courses. Some events offer basic instruction for novice drivers. Safety equipment as above, please read and understand the rules for more information. Time Trials provides the entrant a relatively safe environment to experience high speed driving in a competitive fashion but without the wheel-to-wheel risk of open Club Racing competition.
For 2007 our region is holding a 4 event schedule. We hope that this offering further supports our club member’s motorsports desires, bridging the gap between Solo and Club Racing. Your feedback is invaluable to us. See the Contacts list for Time Trials officials who want to hear from you. If Time Trials is for you please go to http://groups.yahoo.com/ and register yourself for the "wdcr-time-trials” group. More information will be presented there along with spirited interaction with other club members interested in the entire Time Trials program.
You can also volunteer to help work these events, instruct (with the proper credentials) or participate as a driver. We strongly recommend that all drivers, instructors and volunteer workers read and absorb the 2006 Time Trials Rules to be fully prepared to participate in any position for this exciting opportunity to experience motorsports in a new and rewarding way. More information can be found on the National web-site. A good starting point is the National Time Trials page found at the SCCA web site. We look forward to your participation in these excellent instructional and competition events. |
| |
| |
|
|
|