2008 Alabama Region SCCA Solo season

The 2008 Alabama Region SCCA solo season was kicked off this past Sunday with its first points event,which incidentally was also the first day of Daylight Savings Time which didn't remotely resemble anything close to "daylight" when myself and the solo team hit the parking lot of Birmingham Race Course to set up the course and prepare for the event . The weather started off a bit chilly but warmed up quite well by 9A.M. Registration was smooth and free flowing due in part to having 2 lanes instead of the 1 that we have used in the past. The course, setup by such solo greats as Clay "coneman" McCool and his trusty sidekicks James McCool, Jay Parcon, Tim Engle and many more, was flowing, fast and approved by the safety steward by 8:30 or so. The drivers meeting was led by myself along with some words from our new regional executive Hans Mohnen. I for one was encouraged by his attendance and interest in coming out on a Sunday morning to check out our conedodging festivities. There were hard fought battles throughout the various classes with the difference in 1st and second being just .007 of a second in one class. I am still "getting my legs under me" so to speak as the newby solo chairman, but I was quite pleased with how the event went as a whole. Thanks to my longwinded drivers meeting, we didn't get first car off untill about 10:30, but the first run group went quickly thanks to the barcode scanner being successfully reintegrated into T&S,and we all got 6 timed runs, a 1 hour lunch break between run groups, were breaking down the course at 3:45, had trophy presentation and left the site at 5:15. The financial end wasn't particularly ideal, but rest assured, I'm on top of it. Some tightening of the belt may be felt in the very near future in order to offset extra expenses of the truck and trailer storage and transport arrangement that I presently am faced with coupled with some much needed equipment repairs. I will keep you all in the loop. Thanks to all the folks who came out and offered compliments, constructive criticism and made it a great way to spend a day off of work. Ricky Ragan, Solo Chairman SCCA, Alabama Region

Solo

Solo, also called auto cross, is a driving skill competition, where you and your car negotiate a closed course marked with traffic cones. Cars and drivers are divided into classes, with the lowest time winning in each class. It’s just one car at a time, so there’s little risk of trading paint with other cars. Solo speeds are relatively low, typically second gear for most cars. The turns come up quickly, with four times the turns of a road race. To get a good low time you must be smooth and precise, and quick. The skills you learn in the parking lot will greatly improve your car control, and help make you a safer driver on the street. If you’ve always been interested in competing, but can’t afford to buy a separate race car, Solo may be the sport for you. The risk of hurting yourself or your car is much lower than most other motorsports, and it’s a great place to learn car control skills while having a lot of fun. Event Site Birmingham Race Course 1000 John Rogers Dr. Birmingham, AL 35210 Tips from an Old Timer New to Solo? Read this article to get tips on driving and preparing for a Solo.

Solo Event Schedule

We normally try to follow this schedule for our events. Local conditions may alter this schedule.   7:00 Gates Open 7:30-9:00 Registration 8:00 to 9:00 Tech Inspections 9:00 Registration Closes 9:00-9:15 Devotional 9:15 Driver’s Meeting 9:45 Workers on Course 10:00 Start Timed Runs 5:00 Trophy Presentation 5:30 Clean Up SOLO events are held at the Birmingham Race Course 1000 John Rogers Dr. Birmingham, AL 35210

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