What is autocross?
From the Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs: “[Autocross] is a timed competitive motorsport in which drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on a sealed or an unsealed surface. Autoslalom emphasizes safe competition and differs from circuit racing in that there typically is only one car on the track, driving against the clock rather than other cars. As an entry-level motorsport, it provides a stepping stone for drivers looking to move into other more competitive forms of racing such as time attack or road racing…The course is formed by setting up pylons (traffic cones) to form a miniature racing circuit. Competitors take turns negotiating the course as quickly and smoothly as possible without knocking down pylons. There is no wheel-to-wheel racing or passing since cars are released on the track one at a time and maintain a safe distance from each other.”
About Street Cats Car Club
SCCC began hosting sanctioned autocross events in the summer of 2022. In our inaugural year, we hosted four events at the Western Financial Place in Cranbrook, BC. Our goal is to host between eight and ten events in 2023, potentially in different locations around the area. More details on dates and memberships will be made available on this page in the coming months.
FAQs
What are the rules?
In short, be safe, wear a helmet, keep it between the pylons, and have fun. A complete set of regulations including vehicle eligibility, driver eligibility, and other requirements can be found on the CACC’s website.
Do I need a helmet?
Yes. This is non-negotiable. All drivers and passengers must have their own properly rated helmet that fits them correctly. There are no exceptions. Approved helmet regulations can be found here. Helmets will be inspected at registration to ensure they comply with these standards.
Is my helmet allowed?
Helmets must conform to the approved regulations. Motorcycle and other DOT-approved helmets are not guaranteed to be allowed. Please check that your helmet has a sticker bearing the approved safety standards, found here. Helmets will be inspected at registration to ensure they comply with these standards.
Will my car be inspected before racing?
Yes. All vehicles racing will be subject to a tech inspection by a certified scrutineer before every event. This inspection is to ensure that the vehicle is safe to participate and that it is in the correct class for scorekeeping. This tech inspection sheet shows the elements that our scrutineer will be looking for. We recommend printing off this sheet and going over your vehicle yourself before registration to ensure your vehicle is eligible.
Is it competitive?
Yes and no. In autocross you are mostly racing against yourself and the clock, trying to improve upon your own times with every run on the track. However nobody will fault you for trying to go for glory against your buddies. In 2023, SCCC hopes to run a structured club championship. More details will be available before the 2023 season.
Do I need a license?
You do not need a racing license to compete in autocross, however you do need a valid driver’s license. Novice drivers or other provincial equivalents are permitted to race. Learner drivers or other provincial equivalents are permitted to race as long as they have a passenger over 25 years of age with a valid driver’s license.
Can I take passengers along for a ride?
Yes, at the discretion of the event marshals. Passengers must be at least 14 years of age and ensure they have a properly fitting, properly rated helmet. Passengers under 19 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver for them. No passengers are permitted in the rear seats of the vehicle.
Are spectators permitted?
Absolutely. SCCC events are and and always will be free to spectate. Spectators must remain outside the designated restricted area, including the pit lane, and must adhere to the directions of marshals and other event officials.