Q: What do I need to compete?

A: a car, a valid driver’s license, and a legal helmet (loaners available)

Q: When/Where do I show up?

A: A map and directions from Wichita will be posted here: http://www.wichitascca.org/ RallyX.html Registration will run from 8:30am through 12:00 noon the day of the event.  This will be followed by a driver’s meeting explaining how the day will go.  Also allow time to have your car teched, and take a chance to walk the course before the driver’s meeting.

Q: Does my car need anything special to compete?

A: Most cars and some trucks are allowed to compete in rallycross.  While they don’t have to be street legal, each car must pass a safety inspection before being allowed to compete.  This covers things like making sure you battery is tied down, your steering and brakes work, and all loose items are removed or tied down.  Trucks are allowed to compete at the discretion of the safety steward,  If you vehicle poses a roll-over  risk when driven hard, it may not be allowed.  Contact the event chair or safety steward prior to the event to inquire about a certain car/truck.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The same as a regular SCCA autocross: $20 for members, $35 for non-member with weekend membership.

Q: Will it hurt my car?

A: In my experience it’s no different from driving through a construction zone or a bad road on your way to work.  The course’s undulations are less severe than some potholes, and when driven aggressively, dirt will yield to your tires, concrete won’t.

Q: Is there anything special I need to do to prepare my car?

A: Compared to an Autocross, you’ll want to turn down the damping on your shocks to let the wheels travel. M&S rated all-season tires are fine for rallycross, and will let you get a feel for you car on dirt.  Snow tires generally do just as well as a purpose built rally tire due to their soft tread compound and wide sipes.  As for tire pressures, make sure to run enough that you don’t blow a bead off the tire.

Q: What should I bring with to an event?

A: Besides your car, your helmet, $20 entry fee, and enough gas to make it through the event, Other helpful items to bring are:  Drinking Water, Sunscreen, Tire Pressure Gauge, Also keep in mind you’ll be working the course out in a field with cars kicking up dust all around you.  So wear clothes/shoes you aren’t too fond of, socks/pants to keep the weeds off you legs, and bring some bug spray if you aren’t fond of little critters crawling on you.

Q: Did you say Work?!?

A: Yes, each competitor is required to work for an equal amount of time that they are running.  This is a volunteer organization, and if we don’t work, then we can’t play.

Q: Do I have to compete against real rallycars in my wife’s Volvo wagon?

A: There are 3 general classes: Stock, Prepared, Modified.

The classes are then broken down by drivetrain, Front Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive, and All Wheel Drive.  Stock basically allows different tires and struts.  Prepared covers most common bolt-ons. And Modified is the catchall for everything else.  If you are wondering if a certain modification bumps you up a class, check out the rulebook: http://cms.scca.com/documents/Rally%20Rules/2009rxr.pdf