THSCC Forums

Anybody want to share info on Pro Solo in general and/or DC specifically? Like, what is going to be totally different from the way THSCC does things, stuff that I might somehow miss that I really shouldn't, where to stay, etc.

I just mailed off my membership application & registration form today, so I'll be DRIVING this time instead of just taking pictures.

Where to stay? I stay for free at a friends house, so I have no clue about hotels. Pro Solo's are fast pace. You need to get there on early on Friday and do practice starts. That will give an idea of grip level of the surface (which is quite high for asphalt), and will allow you to get used to the drag race tree, and launch RPM needed.

The site, depending on which lot they get, will probably be hilly, so expect to have to use the e-brake at the tree in order to not roll out of the lights. Reaction times count into the total time, so cutting a good light is key.

As for the courses, they will open up for walking around 5pm Friday. Get registered and walk the courses a LOT. I walked our Laurinburg course once just to try to force myself to look ahead. I will walk most Tour/Pro courses at least 10 times, if not more. Then I will run it through my head another 20 times that night. If you can't be aggressive from the first heat, you will fall behind and most everyone will continue to get faster as the event progresses.

Otherwise, just remember to have fun. It's your best time on each side, so don't lose sight of that. A lot of people have come from dead last to win events on their last series of runs, so nothing is a lock in the Pros.

- AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

What Aaron said.

Definitely do the practice starts.

Make sure you understand how the double grid works. I hear that it is different this season from in the past so make sure you talk to someone who has been to a pro this year.

Don't forget to go to impound and don't leave impound until the _impound_worker_ tells you it's OK to leave.

Don't redlight or DNF. Pros (particularly challenges) have been won with more than one cone but a DNF in a challenge takes you out immediately unless your opponent screws up as well.

Be ready to be humbled. There are a lot of amazing drivers at the national level. Don't let it intimidate you though -- I was able to beat Kevin Youngers in the wet every run at Petersburg last year. Unfortunately it dried out...

Don't make tire pressure changes when you're in line to run. It's OK to do that in grid but the car can't be touched while you're in the run line.

Tire blankets are illegal now. This is a pro-only rule. It's unclear to me if cooling down Azenis is illegal as well.

--Kevin H.

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2003 WRX (again!)

Now, all heat runs are done back to back to back to back (4 in a row ) Kevin is actually incorrect, you can have someone adjust shocks and pressures while in the staging lanes, as long as it does not keep you from missing your next run. You cannot however cool your tires with a spray bottle in the staging lanes (the reason why Kumhos are on my car), or have someone scrub your tires to remove any collected debris.

In regards to DNF's or redlights, don't worry too much about it. Take a look at the results of any Pro, and even the best redlight or DNF. It comes with the territory. Only in the Challenge is a redlight a no-no.

Cars are brought to grid about a 1/2 hour before your runs. Just be aware of what's going on at all times. You will need to be on your toes, for you run 4 runs on Sat. morning, 4 runs Saturday afternoon, and then 4 runs Sunday morning. All in 4 in a row fashion.

If you screw up completely and spin or go off course, use that as free look at the course, maybe trying a different portion of the course with another line you might have considered. I see all too often people spinning and just lazily coming back through the course. I say attack it to the finish and find the fine edge. -AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

That won't be me, but you probably already knew that. If I've spun it once, might as well see if I can spin it again.

Didn't know the course was open for walking on Friday. I'll definitely be out there a while.



I should have the car pretty well-prepared by then, but I'm definitely not going to show up expecting to win. Just going to do the best I can and see how we compare. A trophy sure would be nice, though.

They also used to have a novice meeting/Q&A period. I think it was after either before or after practice starts? They used to go over procedures, how the lights work, etc. If they still do I'll probably attend this year since it's been over a year since I've done a Pro

Howard used do it but I'm sure it's someone else now that is IF they still do it?

Other advice.

1) Show up early. That means show up early to grid, to work, everything. You have to read to schedule and know where the places you have to be are and approximately when you should be there. The SCCA staff doesn't mind Noob's but they hate people that don't even try to know when and where they should be. If you are unsure ask one of the THSCC folks there, we will get you pointed in the right direction.

2) Don't get intimidated. You are a good driver and you deserve to be there. Don't let the fact that someone in your class shows up with $1500 worth of alignment gear or 16 diferent sets of tires bother you either. That Bling, bling stuff will probably just be a distraction for them.

3) As much as you can don't let the surroundings/procedures of the event throw you off your game.

4) Apologize to your wife in advance. Tell her that this race is very important to you and you may have an elevated stress level during the competition, if you snap, growl, or otherwise act like a jerk, etc. it in no way reflects the true feelings of respect and admiration that you have for her.

5) Do the practice starts.

6) Have a lot of fun.

Shawn

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OK so I'm back in. Now which tire should I buy??

Kevin,

I've been to a "few" Pro Solos (too many to count). The advice so far is great . . . saved me a bunch of typing!

A few other suggestions/comments.

If you go to the DC Pro, keep in mind that the traffic at the south end of the beltway intersection with I-95 (aka the mixing bowl) can back up for an hour or more at almost any time but especially during the several hours of commute. Make sure your schedule and your bladder can handle the delay. Other aspects of either side of the beltway can also be very slow. Drivers in DC act like they are all above the law (I wonder why) if they are local. If they aren't they are tourists.

If at all possible, try to get to the site by noon on Friday. Establish a paddock spot, get your car ready, and get ready for the practice starts. Have your car as ready as possible by early afternoon. I've always been able to walk the courses before the practice starts while the view is clear. Of course you will then walk them again that evening and again the next morning and then again at the noon break (looking for where the marbles have collected from the morning runs and looking for places to go faster).

It pays to bring food. We bring Subway sandwiches, etc. Leaving for a meal typically doesn't fit in.

I think you need a rule book for tech and/or registration. Membership card (except first event) and probably driver's license for registration.

Decals must be on the car for tech which happens after registration. A lot of times you can get the decals before tech opens . . . look for the trailer.

When walking the courses, look for any differences between the sides. This includes slopes, gate differences, pavement texture differences, potholes, etc. Even with a center seat car like my FF, the courses will look different when driving so with a normal car, pay real close attention to the "look" of the course from each side.

One of my tricks for remembering Pro courses is to use "inside" and "outside" rather than "left" or "right" to remember which side of course element the course goes.

When you see the courses, you will wonder what all the fuss is about after being used to looong Tarheel courses. The fuss is because to do well you need to drive those simple little courses at 100 percent of the car's limits. That means you cannot have much left to "learn" as you take runs. This is true even if the weather doesn't deteriorate during the event.

Remember to keep your cool no matter what "you" or anyone else does. It gets very hectic but it is also a major rush. If you keep your cool, it will be fun . . . and you will do better.

I wish I was going. A Pro in a Formula Ford is REALLY fun!

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Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

Howard and staff still do the novice introduction to the light system, and it's usually done around 7:45am on Saturday before run groups start. It's a complete question and answers session too, so if you are confused, don't just sit there, speak up! - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

who do you think you are kidding

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05 MCS

There is a distinct difference between "hoping" and "expecting" - I might expect to be able to win, but I wouldn't expect to win.



Thanks for all the advice, fellers. And to Shawn for making the wife & me laugh.

No problem But it's good advice, ask me how I know

Let's just say that below is an example of what we looked like on some trips home from Nation level events

Brenda---> <----Shawn

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OK so I'm back in. Now which tire should I buy??

When is the event? I've always wondered about how they run, might make a trip to come and watch.

Peter - http://www.scca.com/amateur/solo2/nationalsolo.html

Hmmm... I wonder whose yellow car that is?

I've found that drinking copious quantities of alcohol the night before the event greatly enhance my performance!

Scott

fixed your post for you.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.