Untitled Document

LOG 24 LOTUS LIMITED

AUTOCROSS GUILDLINES

An autocross is an all-forward-motion, skill-driving event, in which a car is timed over a course laid out on a paved area (often a large parking lot) and is marked by short, soft road pylons (cones) and, in some cases, white lime or chalk. An autocross is not only competitive, but is always educational and social.

The competitive aspect involves negotiating a pre-designed course averaging about one to two minutes in duration. Cars are usually divided into classes according to performance capabilities. The elapsed time on course for each car is timed and recorded. A one or two second penalty is assessed for each pylon tipped over or knocked out of place, and the penalty is added to the elapsed time. The corrected time is compared with others in the car’s class and is used to determine event placing. The educational aspect involves learning the characteristics of the car, its strength and limits, and how it will respond to driver input in a variety of conditions. The social aspect includes getting to know the other drivers from within our Lotus club and other potential members.

Car Classes –

LO1 Modified and race cars.

LO2 Sevens and variants, Elise, 340R, and Exige.

LO3 Esprit turbo and V-8, Carlton/Omega

LO4 Elan, Europa, Esprit S1 and S2 (non-turbo), M100 Elan SE (turbo), Sunbeam.

LO5 Plus 2, Cortina, Elite, Eclat, Excel, M100 Elan (non-turbo).

NL1 Non-Lotus

Event Wavers – Each participant must sign a waiver and release forms. All persons in attendance, including workers and official, must sign the wavier.

Licensing - All drivers must have a valid state driver’s license and be eighteen (18) years of age or older. It is recommended that entrants be required to show their license when they register for the event.

Other Safety Preparations –

Persons under the age of 18 and pets are not allowed to be on the active course.
LOG 24 forbids the use of alcohol beverages, narcotics, dangerous drugs, etc. on the part of any person (participant, worker, and spectator) on the site until the event has ended. This policy should be announced at the drivers meeting before the event begins.
Course workers should be provided with red flags to halt cars in case of hazardous conditions or timer malfunctions. All flag signals must be obeyed promptly.

Safety Inspection – There will be a safety (tech) inspection prior to the day of the event, which means that every car must be checked before it may be run. It is understood that passing the safety inspection is not a guarantee against mechanical failure during the event. A sticker signed by the inspector will be placed on the windscreen to indicate the vehicle passed inspection. As a minimum the following items should be checked: See LOG 24 Autocross tech form for specifics.

Older cars should be checked for structural integrity. Safety updates are encouraged on these cars.
Each car must be equipped with adequate seat belts. Where than original factory design is used, the belt mounting must be securely anchored. Eyebolts must be welded shut.
All wheels must have no visible cracks or structural faults. All lug nuts must be in place and torques to spec.
Tires must be free of visible cracks. There must be a safe amount of tread rubber remaining on all four tires with no cord showing. Tires must not be under inflated. Tires should not rub the fender or wheel well.
The brakes and brake system must be in proper operating condition with serviceable thickness and clean fluid. We recommend that the brake fluid system is flushed and replaced with new fluid.
The car must not have and fluid leaks and filler caps must be secured.
There should not be excessive wheel bearing play.
Batteries must be held in place securely.
There must not be any loose objects inside the passenger compartment or trunk(s).
Roll bars are strongly recommended for all open cars.

Driver Preparation –

Drivers should wear long sleeve shirts and long pants made of natural fiber and are suggested. Any clothing made of nylon or similar flammable synthetic materials is not allowed because these fabrics can melt into skin when exposed to fire.
A driver’s suit is advisable in modified or race prepared cars.
Shoes should have a low or no heel and be flexible.
Helmets are required and should have the latest or immediate proceeding Snell Memorial Foundation approval date SN-95 or newer. Drivers of open cars should wear a full-face helmet and face shield.

Final Inspection – before any car is allowed to run, the local event inspector(s) should make a final inspection of the course and equipment.

Event Operation

Drivers/Workers meeting – Before the first car runs, the event chairperson should explain all of the “ground rules” and safety rules to all participants.

The meaning of each flag.
Procedures to be followed in case of a “Red Flag” situation.
Emphasis on safe conduct in the grid area and in the general site area.
Reminding course workers to remain alert and observant, to watch each car as long as it is on the course, and to carry their red flags at all times.
Reminding all that the use of alcohol or drugs is forbidden.
Reminding all that only entrants and approved instructors (for the sole purpose of instructing) are allowed in the cars.
Reminding all participants that all pylons after the start will count as penalties.

Grid Operation – A grid worker at the course entrance will make a final check of the car including a properly fastened seat belt, helmet and other safety items.

Attendee Control - Many entrants come to autocrosses with family members or friends. It is essential that no attendee be allowed to venture into an unsafe area. Under no condition should anyone be under the age of 18 or pets allowed on or near the course when it is active.

Passengers/Instructors - Only one registered entrant is allowed in a car during a timed run. However, an instructor may ride with the entrant or an entrant may ride with an instructor. No guests, friends, children, workers shall be permitted to ride in a car at speed on the course. The workers on grid will enforce this rule.