May 30-Jun 1: SoPac National Challenge, Porterfield RX #2 & #3

[woodrufj]

May 30-Jun 1: SoPac National Challenge, Porterfield RX #2 & #3

Coming off our record breaking weekend we get to move right into what I believe is the nation’s second most competitive RallyCross.

A National Challenge is basically a higher stakes RallyX. There is competition runs on both Saturday and Sunday. The National Challenge results are the accumulation of all runs from both days. This is scheduled to be a total of 12 runs. We will be running ALL National Classes (i.e. RWD and FWD will be separate classes).


Registration for the May 30- Jun 1 National Challenge is OPEN:
http://www.motorsportreg.com/events/...9#.Uxc_Jz9dV8E
Yes, it’s a different registration system, more on that in the next message down!
Once again we will also be using the National Challenge as Porterfield RallyX Champ events #2 and #3, but it will be a simple “double score” over the weekend rather than separating out each of the days.

What other differences? Read the cheat sheet in the next message!!

Also, there have been some policy and procedural changes in the last month:
First Timers Guide – Everyone, including veterans need to read this at least once.
Photography Policy & Services – Read all about it here.
“Staff Writer Needed!” – Read about that here.

Also worth pointing out up here:
For the first time we will be having a Friday Test & Tune!. This will be approximately half a day on a short duration course.

I'll update info on this thread as it comes.


And don't forget, there are still a couple RallyX events leading up to the National Challenge, get your practice in!
Johnson Valley EnduroRallyX


Its a good time to be a RallyXer!

Jay W

[woodrufj]

National Challenge Cheat Sheet:

The National Challenge (“NC”) event is coming to Glen Helen and you’ll be noticing a lot of changes from our normal events. Here’s a quick run down of what’s going to be different on the May 30-Jun 1 weekend.

Firstly, there is a special set of rules (Southern Pacific National Challenge Supplemental Regulations) written explicitly for this event. Find those at this link:
http://jaycomservices.com/Event_Mana...upps_sopac.doc

Below is basically a cheat sheet summary of the drab SPNC Supp Regs

Different Pre-Registration System – The NC technically belongs to the National office in Topeka, we just host it. One consequence of this is we must use the National Office's established pre-registration system. The MotorsportsReg.com system that National uses is at least as functional as the one we use locally, but it means you may have to create a new account with that website. The different system also means I don’t have all the usual admin powers over the system, so any special requests will probably take a couple more days than usual. The good news on all this is that the National office eats the pre-reg system bill!

Required Decals – In the grand tradition of National level racing, there will be a handful of required decals so our sponsors and benefactors can get their due. Subject to change, the current requirements will be

1.“SCCA RallyCross” windshield banner.
2.2x SCCA RallyCross Decals on the sides of the car
3.2x Porterfield decals on the sides of the car
4.2x RallyInnovations decals on the sides of the car
5.1x JayCom Vinyl decals on the car
There’s really no exceptions to these requirements any more. In the past the windshield banner had some lenience, but not anymore. If you have an existing windshield banner, be prepare to substrate over it then apply the required banner, or place the required banner just below.

Currently in work is a plan to have “Sticker Depots” around the Southland. At each of these depots the required decals will be available for pick up. It is highly recommend you don’t wait until race day to apply the decals, it always takes longer than you expect.

Contingencies! – Contingencies are basically prizes for competitors driving particular equipment or car manufacturers sponsored by those manufactures. They are “Contingent” on you using their equipment, meeting the requirements and performing well. In particular this year there are contingencies available from

1.Subaru of America
2.Mazda Motorsports
3.Honda Performance Driving
4.Hawk Performance
5.JayCom Vinyl
Each contingency program has its own requirements. Most commonly you need to pre-reg for the contingency program, run the proper decals in the proper locations and then actually do well. It is the driver’s responsibility to be sure they are meeting these requirements. In many cases the event officials will be verifying contingency claims. You must be an annual SCCA member to qualify for most contingencies.

Format! – New this year we will be adopting the preferred National event format. Namely everyone will have three driving sessions. Session one will be Saturday Morning. Session two will be Saturday Afternoon. Session three will be Sunday Morning. We are targeting 4 runs per session. It is expected that Saturday will be an extra long day and Sunday will be wrapped up early.

Some effects this has:Expect three shorter than normal work groups (one for each session). Expect a fast paced day, be attentive to your work/run schedule. There will be no “One Day” options to entry. Local points will be simply “Double” the outcome of the weekend (rather than one point set per day’s results).

Grid Spots – For this event your first session grid spot will be randomly determined. Some special considerations will be taken for two driver cars. For the second session the run order will be flipped. For the third session (Sunday), the grid will be re-ordered based on current standings. Please be aware of this set up and follow directions promptly as to not create a traffic jam.

Lunch – Provided as part of your entry fee on Saturday! Thank a college student and feel free to tip them.

Classes – We will be using the National Class set in its entirety. Namely that means rather than having S2, P2 and M2, we will have SF, SR, PF, PR, MF and MR available. For local points purposes results will be combined to create virtual “2wd” classes.

Friday Activities – Due to the elevated nature of this event there will be quite a bit more activities going on Friday.

1.Course Set Up
2.Tech and Registration
3.Test & Tune – For the first time we will be hosting a Test and Tune session the Friday before the event. This will be approximately half a day and on a ‘short duration’ course.
4.Course Walking
5.Cocktail Party!

Award Ceremony – With the tweaked format there will only need to be one award ceremony. This will take place on Sunday after all competition. Even if you aren’t expecting a trophy, please hang around as we’ll be having several great raffle prizes all of which “Must be in attendance to win”

Same as last year we will have “stand in” trophies to use in photographs. Nice customized trophies will be given to the drivers at a later date (mostly hand delivered).


Jay W

[BM96]

Also, there have been some policy and procedural changes in the last month:
First Timers Guide – Everyone, including veterans need to read this at least once.
Photography Policy & Services – Read all about it here.
“Staff Writer Needed!” – Read about that here.

Good morning, Jay, I’m Larry Houghton of Late Apex Photo. I wanted to comment on the recent photography policy at the Rally X events. While I don’t think we have ever met, I have seen you competing in Solo for many years beginning with the truck. I ran BM for nearly 20 years and since about 2009 have been doing photography at almost all the San Diego Solo events. Motorsports photography has always been a hobby for me since the 70’s. I created Late Apex Photo to provide a place for interested participants to view the photos I took of them. I started getting so many requests for copies, prints, etc. that I decided to create the website. And yes, I do sell my work at a very reasonable cost. But, one of my lenses costs more money than I’ve ever made in a year. This was never intended to be a profession, just a place for people to enjoy seeing their friends and themselves competing in their chosen hobby.

I find it both distressing and distasteful that you have chosen to set up an exclusive “Professional” photographer for the SCCA Rally X events. While I completely understand and agree with the need for safety regarding photographers on course, this policy seems to be overkill for that purpose. It would seem to be a financial incentive that may be driving this policy as SCCA has been able to police safety for many years without this methodology. I can still shoot a SCCA Championship Tour on course with a spotter. I have never had the opportunity to shoot a Rally X as they were always out of town. Now that I have retired, I was going to respond to the requests of a few of the competitors to come up and shoot some of your events. That seems to now be out of the question.

Solo and Rally X have been entry level SCCA events since their inception and are intended as amateur events. I have my own reservations about the growing sponsorship trends that began with the beginnings of Pro Solo. It would seem that you are perpetuating that trend effectively banning all other photographers to the general viewing areas while favoring one. Consider me one of the people that do not find this a welcome change. If safety was the paramount consideration, there are certainly other ways to provide safe operating conditions.

[woodrufj]

Good morning, Jay, I’m Larry Houghton of Late Apex Photo. I wanted to comment on the recent photography policy at the Rally X events. While I don’t think we have ever met, I have seen you competing in Solo for many years beginning with the truck

Larry, I can appreciate your position, but I believe your opinons are too strong for someone who hasn't even attend a RallyX event, let alone one at Glen Helen. The policy was put in place for many complex reasons, some of them safety, some of them fincial, but most of which only event managment has real insight to.

thanks,

Jay W