Local autocross, rally and other motorsports

everlast · 03-28-2010, 04:57 PM

Hey guys,

I know some of you have some affiliation with the MCO and the local race scene. I'd like to start a thread where we can post the most important news and information about

- MCO organized SOLO II events
- rally events that are within a few hours drives from here
- track days (but this is less important here as they are so much $$)

I find the MCO website a total mess to find any information. The general area (from the menu on the last from the home page) is often hopelessly outdated. Normally the forum has the most up to date info. Unfortunately, the forum is run by and intended for people who already know what's going on, so people unfamiliar with the processes can find it confusing.

So, to start, here's what I've found today:

SOLO II

The tentative Autocross (SOLO II) schedule:
http://www.mco.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11262

Rally

Here's some rally races that might be appropriate for Ottawa area people.

http://www.mlrc.ca/rallycross/
http://www.lhfr.ca/
http://www.tallpinesrally.com/

Questions

What *exactly* is the process to get your ready for autocross, and what do you need to do the weekend of? Surely there must be a post somewhere with a "newbie" faq with a step by step of what to do to get into solo2. If no post, a nice detailed account of what we need to look for and where we need to pay attention to hear news of when and where the solo2 is. The MCO site doesn't list fees, car requirements, where the event is held, etc.. I'm sure all the people already know it or where to find it, but its maddeningly frustrating using that site.

For rally, does anybody have any experience with rally? I believe there are some rallies in QC that are the "Timing" or Navigation style events. Experiences to share are very much welcome!

carjoe · 03-28-2010, 08:21 PM

Are you on MR? they're pretty big on lapping and solo 2. There's a great FAQ for all this on there forums.

I'm planning on doing at least one lapping day this summer. If I can get the car sorted out, i should be at bogie with the BMW club.

gervs · 03-28-2010, 08:53 PM

Yeah i'd love to do an event or two as well. Keep us updated on your findings.

msinger · 03-28-2010, 10:22 PM

likewise, team fuhraze!

msix · 03-28-2010, 10:57 PM

I will try to answer a few questions about MCO or Solo 2 or Auto-X as some call it. I cant give you much information about Rally, but you should find stuff on the MCO website as well ... just have to look for it.
I know, the MCO website (and a few of the Directors) are not very newby friendly ... they give some news, but do not provide links for information and expect everyone to just find it.

On their main page is a menu on the left side that sends you to the various categories. Here is the Solo 2 link that should clear a few of your questions:
http://www.mco.org/cms/index.php?opt...ross&Itemid=15

In regards to their schedule, MCO is holding the Auto-X event at the Scotia Bank Place (former Corel Centre) Parking Lot. The SBP does not give ANY dates available until the Senators are out of the Play-off. Right now there are only 'Tentative dates' on the schedule (it's listed on the Home page)

2010 Tentative Solo2 Season Schedule
Solo 2 School May 21/22
1: Saturday June 12 [MCO members only event] -TENTATIVE
2: Saturday June 19 Interprovincial cup -TENTATIVE
3: Sunday July 4 -TENTATIVE
4: Sunday July 18 -TENTATIVE
5: Sat July 31st -TENTATIVE
6: Sat Aug 14th -TENTATIVE
7: Sun Aug 15th [limited attendance: possible pro solo] -TENTATIVE
8: Sun Aug 29 -TENTATIVE
9: Sat Sept 11th -TENTATIVE
10: Sat Sept 26 - + Shootout [MCO members only event] -TENTATIVE

Once dates are CONFIRMED by the SBP, on-line registraion is opned with links provided for each event. I am not sure what the price will be for this year, previously it was $25 or $30 for members,

Basicly to start at Solo 2, you dont need much, a safe car, dont worry about how fast you will be, you will NOT be in the top fo rht efirst few races. If you dont have a helmet, it can be rented on site, if you intend to do more events it is worthwhile to become a MCO member. If you have questions in regards to the classifications, ask on the forum, the Tech guru (Bruce) will give clarifications. Like I said, dont worry about how to modify your car, keep it simple (stock) and learn how to drive.
Lately this series has become a victim of it's own success and attendance has often exceeded 100 participants that caused delays and few runs. So last year they decided to put caps on the numbers allowed at the event ... with mixed results. I think it will take a little while until this levels out again. They also now schedule events that are "members only", so better join to be part of this.

These are good event, the SBP is a great lot, I have participated for years there, but not very much lately. Last year I went on the road with the Ontario Regional series and also went to the US driving in the SCCA National Tour. This is pretty serious stuff and nowhere near as relaxed as the Ottawa events.

One thing for sure, Auto-x is the best way to learn how to drive, get a feeling for the limits and a great stepping stone before you go on the track.

Hope to see you out there this year, I will probably be instructing at the School and maybe do a few events ... just look for the fastest car ..

carjoe · 03-28-2010, 11:03 PM

Awesome post. Thanks for the info! I think solo 2 compared to lap days might be more wallet friendly!

What's the rule on ride-alongs at SBP? Aside from a helmet.

msix · 03-28-2010, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carjoe

Awesome post. Thanks for the info! I think solo 2 compared to lap days might be more wallet friendly!

What's the rule on ride-alongs at SBP? Aside from a helmet.

Most Clubs, including MCO, allow ride alongs for participants.
Even if you dont compete, just want to check things out, watch, grab a helmet and hopp in a car for a ride along.

everlast · 03-29-2010, 01:39 AM

Thanks a lot Klaus, those little bits of missing information really help!!

gervs · 03-29-2010, 09:35 AM

Awesome info! Thanks for that!

So is anyone thinking of going to a few of these? I would like to at least try it out this summer. I'm just worried I won't be able to follow the track and get lost lol.

ScotcH · 03-29-2010, 03:01 PM

Friday April 30th lapping at CMP, and during the race school as well (sat sun). Awesome rates, and tonnes of track time! Check it out here: http://www.mco.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=11280

msix · 03-29-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScotcH

Friday April 30th lapping at CMP, and during the race school as well (sat sun). Awesome rates, and tonnes of track time! Check it out here: http://www.mco.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=11280

I am always VERY hesitant to recommend a Lapping day for Novices. Lapping days are good for experienced drivers to get more seat time. For people that have never been on a track or even for those with very limited experience, Lapping days are dangerous. You just let a bunch of (inexperienced) drivers on a track without guidance is always looking for problems.

Performance Driving Schools such as the BMW School are maybe a little bit more expensive, but you get a TRAINED Instructor with you for the whole day, have classroom sessions where you learn the basics of car control ...etc and an Instructor is sitting all day / weekend with you in the car to teach you to become a better driver.
If anyone is looking for a easy way on how to make the car faster, the cheapest and best modification is to train the driver.

ScotcH · 03-29-2010, 06:10 PM

Good point Klaus ... it really is a steep learning curve, and taking it on your own is not a good idea. However, the link is good for more experienced drivers

everlast · 03-29-2010, 07:22 PM

There is a driving school on May 10 that appears to be geared towards people new to tracking their car. And if you are indeed new, it is very reasonably priced!

http://bmwccottawa.org/smf/index.php?topic=658.0

carjoe · 03-29-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everlast

There is a driving school on May 10 that appears to be geared towards people new to tracking their car. And if you are indeed new, it is very reasonably priced!

http://bmwccottawa.org/smf/index.php?topic=658.0

That's the one I'm aiming for. Just have to find a bucket that's reasonably priced...

dannyb · 03-30-2010, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msix

If anyone is looking for a easy way on how to make the car faster, the cheapest and best modification is to train the driver.

True, I went for ride alongs at an open track event for the subaru club you can see the difference between some with experience on the track vs someone who just started. Theres a guy with a 2.5RS(stock engine) that was lapping the guys with the WRX STI. My brother drives for a living and I still felt safer riding with the experienced driver in the RS.