Frequently Asked Questions - 2k6

What is SoloDex?
SoloDex, also known as Autocross, Solo II, slalom or gymkana is one of the most popular amateur motor sports in North America.  In the USA alone approximately 1100 events are held each year totaling more than 10,000 entries.  The event involves drivers negotiating a course consisting of a collection of turns and straights marked by traffic pylons in a wide-open paved area.

Who Autocrosses?
Most autocrossers are motor sport enthusiasts; people who want to improve their driving and those with an itch for speed!  Drivers from both sexes and from every walk of life enjoy the chance to drive hard and smart and actually seek out opportunities to compete against each other.

Why SoloDex?
SoloDex is an inexpensive, safe way to discover your car's capabilities and limitations and makes you a better, safer driver on the road by developing your car handling skills.  You drive the course a number of times alone (Solo), and probably the greatest thrill is the challenge of beating your own time in successive runs, while having loads of fun.

How do I start enjoying SoloDex?
To join the fun, just go to the next event.  If you bring your car, you might be able to register and compete.  To find out about the next event, contact CARS at 689-3390 or email us at cars@tstt.net.tt or visit our website at http://www.carstt.com.  Make every effort to attend a SoloDex briefing meeting.  The officials will be able to answer any questions you have about SoloDex and about driving the course designed for the event.  Realistically, on competition day it will be more difficult for the drivers or officials to devote as much time to your questions.

How much does SoloDex cost?
A SoloDex event in 2006 will cost $100 per driver if you register at the briefing meeting.  The fee covers site and equipment rental, safety and other amenities, and normally gives you 4 timed competition runs on the course.  There is a small entrance fee for spectators entering the compound and you will be required to sign an insurance waiver.  Once in the compound, you can pay a small fee to be a declared passenger in a vehicle for the day, or register as a second driver in a car.  You may also be able to take part in “Fun Runs” (time permitting) at $25 for 2 runs.

What is a "Fun Run"?
Fun runs are non-competition runs open to anyone holding a valid driver’s license, and may be available after all competition runs have been completed.  Drivers doing fun runs must do so in a vehicle that has passed scrutineering.

What is Scrutineering?
Scrutineering is a mandatory pre-event safety inspection of your car to check for such things as working seat belts, working brakes, a securely fastened battery, tight lug nuts, no excessive play in your steering and an interior free of loose articles including mats.  Street tires must have measurable tread depth and must not have cord showing.

Can I use my Regular Car?
Any car, excluding SUVs and Pickups, can be used as long as it passes scrutineering and is Street Legal.  Your car will be grouped in one of six classes of comparably equipped cars based on the vehicle’s Power to Weight Ratio (PWR) or by measurement of ¼ mile times using timing equipment.

Do Rookies stand a chance?
Newcomers to SoloDex competition (Rookies) are placed in a separate Novice (NE) class no matter what vehicle they compete in.  Drivers will be moved into the regular classes when they win two events in the NE class or compete in six events, which ever comes first.

How are the cars Classified?
Classes ranked in order of increasing power are GS (Sunny), HS (Wingroads), ES (Corollas), ESP (Civic SiR), SS (Integra-R), and EP (Subaru WRX).  Competitors using either coil over shocks, racing suspensions, wheel widths greater than 7.5”, or brake proportioning valves will be bumped up one class.  Race compound tyres are allowed without penalty in all classes except NE.  Sample PWR & ¼ mile times are:

How should I prepare my car for SoloDex?
Your car should be well maintained at the very least.  Clean out your car, removing everything that you don't need.  As part of scrutineering, officials will make sure there won't be anything flying around your cabin while you are on the course.

Do I have to become a member of CARS?
You don’t have to become a member to join in the fun; however, membership costs just $100 for the year, and allows you free entrance, as well as the option to enter the Championship which gives you a chance to win great year-end prizes.  Champions in each class also enter a year-end shootout where they drive the same course in the same sponsored car(s) to determine an Overall Champion Driver.