Hello and welcome to the Sports Car Club of America – San Francisco Region’s Autocross page! We’re thrilled to have you here, and we’re sure you’re eager to know what autocross is all about. Whether you’ve just heard about autocross or are taking the first step towards attending an event, this page is designed to give you a jumpstart.
What is Autocross?
Autocross is a timed motorsport that emphasizes safe, low-cost competition and individual performance rather than the car’s capabilities. Participants navigate a course set up using traffic cones on a large parking lot or unused airstrip. Each driver tries to clock the quickest time without knocking over cones or going off course. It’s the perfect place to learn car control, hone your driving skills, and simply have fun behind the wheel!
What Level of Prep Do I Need?
If it’s your first time, don’t stress about car modifications. At the event, you’ll see everything from stock Civics and Corollas to purpose-built race cars. As long as your car is in good working order and meets the basic safety guidelines, your car is good to autocross as is!
Registration
Pre-registration is handled via MotorSportReg. Typically, events open for pre-registration 2 weeks prior to the event date, and remain open until the Wednesday before the event (though always check the MSR sign-up window so you don’t miss out!).
If you are a first-time registrant, please don’t put your license plate number as your car number.
On-site registration is also available at an increased cost on the day of the event. Save yourself some cash and pre-register!
What Class Is My Car?
This can get tricky as the rule book is HUGE! However, it does have a section that can tell you directly what class your car falls under. The key is picking the right class based on mods. Here’s the general idea:
- Street Classes:
- Catback exhaust
- Aftermarket shocks/struts (with OEM springs)
- Drop-in air filter
- Wheels (+/- 7 mm from stock wheel offset, and +/- 1 in. from stock wheel diameter)
- One sway bar
- 200+ treadwear tires
- Street Touring Classes:
- Intake (no intake manifold modifications)
- Full exhaust
- Coilovers
- Brake kits (rotors cannot be smaller than OEM)
- Wheels
- No limit on diameter, but width must conform to specific class rules.
- AST (AWD), CST (AWD), and EST: 7.5 inches
- DST (AWD): 8.0 inches
- AST (2WD), CST (2WD), DST (2WD), and GST: 9.0 inches
- BST: 11.0 inches
- SST: no limit
- No limit on diameter, but width must conform to specific class rules.
- Tires
- Must conform to specific class rules.
- AST (AWD), CST (AWD), and EST: 225 mm
- DST (AWD) and GST (AWD): 245 mm
- AST (2WD) and CST (2WD): 255 mm
- DST (2WD) and GST (2WD): 265 mm
- BST (AWD, RWD mid-engine, and RWD forced induction): 295 mm
- BST (FWD and RWD N/A): 315 mm
- SST: no limit
- Must conform to specific class rules.
- Both sway bars
- Limited slip differential
- 2WD vehicles (in all classes except EST) may use any mechanical LSD unit.
- AWD vehicles (in all classes except EST and GST) may substitute one differential (front, rear, or center) with an aftermarket mechanical LSD.
- ECU tuning (e.g., COBB Accessport in a Subaru WRX)
- 200+ treadwear tires
- Street Prepared:
- Everything allowed in ST and more! Wheel/tire size is no longer restricted, diffs are not restricted for AWD, tires only have to be DOT R (like Hoosier A7), and ECU restriction lifted.
- Street Modified:
- Everything in SP, but now with aero allowance, some weight reduction mods, forced induction modification, engine mods, and engine swaps (if same manufacturer).
- Everything Else:
- Crazy purpose-built shenanigans.
Below is a quick reference for which mods are allowed in each class, along with the page number in the 2023 Solo Rules helping you further understand what is and isn’t allowed.
You can also check out this classification assistant if you want a guided walkthrough of what mods you can and can’t run in each class. Please note that the assistant is not officially managed by SCCA, and may display outdated information. When in doubt, please consult the SCCA Solo rulebook or ask a seasoned participant.
Once you figure out your class, check out the Regional Classes page to see which local class you fall under.
What to Bring
- Helmet (there are limited loaners available)
- A SNELL helmet certified within the last 10 years. A full list of supported safety classifications can be found here.
- Number/class magnets (or painters tape in a contrasting color to your car)
- Water, Snacks, Lunch (Closest food is a 10-minute drive).
- Hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing: Wear layers, as the weather can change throughout the day. Crows Landing ranges from the 40s in the winter mornings to 100+ in the summer afternoons.
This is a pretty bare-bones list of the minimum you need for a day of autocross. For a more extensive list, check out the general information and see what things you’ll frequently see.
Arriving On Site
Check here for how to get to each site. You’ll want to get there nice and early to give yourself time to walk the course ahead of time. Plan to arrive before 8 AM to give yourself ample time to prep your car and get a couple of course walks in.
Note to First Timers: Once you arrive on site, make sure to check in at the registration table. Registration should be able to point you in the correct direction of our novice instructors and get you set up for the day.
Typical Daily Schedule
7:00 AM: Course setup begins. If you are a setup worker, you will want to arrive on site beforehand.
7:30 – 8:30 AM: Same day registration/check-in, and course opens for walking. Non-novice drivers who pre-registered online do not need to check in; you have already been checked in, and your work assignment has already been assigned.
~8:20 AM: Novice course walk begins at the starting line.
8:40 AM: Course closes for walking.
8:45 AM: Drivers meeting at the trailer.
9:00 AM: First car out. We usually have 3-4 run groups, and each participant gets 5 runs in their designated group.
After Competitive Runs (Roughly 1 to 3 PM): There will be a 30-minute fun run session, where you can get an additional 5-8 runs. It’s a great time to practice or just enjoy the track a bit more!
How Do Run Groups Work?
Once the event sign-up has closed, run groups will be assigned and posted here. You’ll see two different groups, a run group (RG), and a work group (WG).
During your assigned Run Group, you’ll drive your car up to the grid and park in any spot (if you have a co-driver, go to the 2-driver section). Once parked, you’ll want to double-check your car is ready to go (all loose items removed, and your numbers are properly displayed). Tech is done in grid, so if you don’t have a tech sticker yet, you’ll get one there. From there, just wait for the chief of grid to give you the go-ahead, and they will direct you to the line when it’s your turn to run.
During your assigned work group, you’ll check in at the trailer and be assigned a station to work. Here you’ll grab cones and radio in penalties for other cars running in their run group. A full guide on the different worker positions and how to work course can be found here.
Everyone at the event is expected to check in for their work assignment. Failure to do so will mean you may be uninvited from future SFR events.
Instructors Available!
If you’re new or just looking to improve, we have experienced instructors ready to help. They can offer guidance, ride along for feedback, or even show you the ropes on a demo run. Be sure to ask at registration or the morning meeting if you’re interested.
Next Steps
Before your first event, you’ll also want to take a look at our General Event Information page to help familiarize yourself with the basic event flow, and some additional information.
FAQs
Q: How many runs do I get?
A: In the morning, you’ll get 5 competitive runs, and then an additional 5-8 runs in the afternoon during optional fun runs. While all your runs for the day will be timed, only your runs in the morning will count for points in the seasonal championship. Afternoon fun runs are just to practice and hone your skills. Since we are entirely a volunteer based org, we do ask you help stack and pack a few cones if you opt in for fun runs.
Q: Can any car participate in Autocross?
A: While most cars can, some high center-of-gravity vehicles may not be allowed due to safety reasons. A full list of approved cars can be found in the official SCCA Solo Rules.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes! Safety is our top priority. Speeds are generally low, and there’s nothing to hit but soft traffic cones.
Q: Do I need to be an SCCA member to participate?
A: Yes. While an SCCA membership is required to participate, Weekend SCCA memberships are available for $15 (Covers both Saturday and Sunday). A weekend membership also comes with a $15 code off an annual membership if you later decide you can’t get enough autocross in your life.
Q: Can I bring my friends or family?
A: Absolutely! They can watch, and those over 18 can even ride along as a passenger during your runs! (they will need a helmet). Everyone on site will need to sign a waiver through SpeedWaiver or at the gate, and minors will need an additional waiver. More info on spectators can be found here.
Q: How do I know what class my car is in?
A: We have a classification guide to help you figure it out. If you’re still unsure, ask a seasoned participant or an event official.