Frequently Asked Questions - 2k11

What is SoloDex?
SoloDex, also known as Autocross, Solo II or slalom 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 takes part in SoloDex?
Most Dexers 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 360-9641, email us at carstt@gmail.com  visit our facebook page Carstt Solodex or our website at http://www.carstt.com or our Solodex forum on www.trinituner.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 all your questions as they would like so use the online forums to your advantage.

How much does SoloDex cost?
Solodex annual membership fee is $100.00 and entitles you to free gate entry and a reduced driver registration fee at competition events of $120.00. Non members pay a small gate entrance fee of $20.00 and driver registration fee at competition events of $140.00. The fee covers site and equipment rental, safety and other amenities, and normally gives you 4 timed competition runs on the course.  Competitors and spectators entering the compound will be required to sign an insurance waiver.  Additionally, at the end of the days competition you may also be able to take part in “Fun Runs” (time permitting) at $25 for 2 runs. Helmets are mandatory for all drivers and their passengers during competition and "Fun Runs" and a limited number are available for rent at a nominal fee of $45.00 each. BYCC event (practice day) registration is $120.00 for members and non members alike.

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 driver side mat.  Street tires must have measurable tread depth of 2mm 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 ten 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. The latter is rarely used due to facility restrictions.

Do Rookies stand a chance?
Newcomers to SoloDex competition (Rookies) are placed in separate Novice (NE1 and NE2) classes based on their vehicle base.  Drivers will be moved into the regular classes when they win two events in the Novice classes 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), EP (Subaru WRX) EP-R (performance mod Evos) and OPEN (race tuned cars).  Cars with performance modification will attract penalty points as detailed in the Club Rules (Refer to link on the Home Page).  Race compound tires attract a one class bump in all classes except Novice.  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 or cars to determine an Overall Champion Driver. Membership in CARS entitles you to the following:

• Free gate entry at all of the six SoloDex and four BYCC events

• Members pay $20.00 less to enter SoloDex competitions

• You are enrolled for a chance to take part in the overall year end championship

• You are eligible to vote at our CARS AGM at the end of the year

Where do I register?
You can register to take part in SoloDex and BYCC on the day of the event at the "Timing Tent". Officials will be there on the morning of the event making sure that all the registrations are documented. You can also register to be a member at this time.

How and when do I get the course map?
The course for each competition event is different. The course layout or map will be posted online on the above mentioned forums and also emailed to registered members.