OPEN TRACK INFORMATION
SECTION 1 — GENERAL OVERVIEW
SAAC’s High Speed Event at Virginia International Raceway will be similar in concept to the open track events held at past national conventions. This is not a competitive event. There will be no classes, no times taken and no trophies awarded. Simply put, SAAC’s High Speed Event is an opportunity for you to drive your car at a speed you feel comfortable with, under the safest conditions we can conceive. Safety is of paramount concern. We want everyone to have an enjoyable time, but we also want to continue to make high speed events part of all national conventions. One serious accident or mishap could result in the club’s not being able to secure the event insurance necessary for future high speed events. This would mean an end to race track rentals and the beginning of really small, dull conventions. The event insurance SAAC carries specifically stipulates that this portion of the convention be a non-competitive event.
Due to some vintage racing and club-related incidents in the past (thankfully, none involving SAAC), insurance requirements have been significantly tightened and compliance to the requirements we’ve outlined is mandatory. The alternative would be to do what other clubs have been forced to do: hold low speed parade laps or limit cars on the track to only those which are race-prepared to current competition standards (roll cages, fuel cells, full Nomex, etc.). Or to simply hold no high speed event at all. So when we advise you of a rule or requirement, it is not negotiable. Your choice is to comply and participate or refuse to comply and be a spectator. If you understand that going in, we should be able to avoid heated discussions during the event regarding the interpretation of specific details. Once the event gets under way everyone in a position to listen to complaints will be busy. We have zero tolerance for quibblers, whiners and malcontents.
SECTION 2 — THE TRACK
Virginia International Raceway is one of the most scenic road race tracks in the country. It is actually a complex made up of four courses: the Main Course combines the North Course and the South Course for a 3.27-mile track. A smaller 1.1 mile course is in the center. We will be using the North Course which is 2.25 miles in length. It is made up of 21 corners and has a 3000’ straight and several elevation changes. This is a very challenging course and it will require 100% of a driver’s attention at all times. Cones will be set out to indicate the correct turn-in points, apexes, and turn-out points on all corners.
SECTION 3 — PADDOCK ACCESS / PADDOCK PARKING
VIR has a good amount of paddock parking. It is on gravel Spots will be available on a first come/first served basis and there should be enough space for everyone. Once you find a spot and set up you will not have to move for the entire convention. Access to the interior of the track and the paddock is across a bridge over the track. It will accommodate all large 18-wheelers. SAAC Registration out at the track’s front gate will open at 8 am. each morning. The track will close after the cook-out on Friday evening and at 6:30 pm. on Saturday and Sunday
SECTION 4 — GARAGES
The track has 18 garages under construction and they believe they will be ready by the time of our event. They were all reserved as soon as we announced the convention details. Don’t even ask - just bring a tent or canopy.
SECTION 5 — TECH INSPECTION
SAAC’s Safety/Tech inspection should be little more than a formality because you will, no doubt, have thoroughly inspected your car yourself, as if your life depended on it. Because it does. Tech inspection will be in the Tech Barn in the paddock. It will be clearly marked. Tech will be open from 8:00 am to 3 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. We strongly urge you to get your car through tech the day BEFORE you run so that in the event a last minute problem crops up, you will have time to deal with it. There is a mandatory drivers meeting in the Tech garage at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Miss it and you will not be allowed on the track that day. Everyone driving on the track must attend this meeting. If you are driving both days you must attend the meeting on both mornings.
We expect your car to be track-ready when you arrive at Tech. The track’s paddock area is NOT the place to work on your car in order to make it safe. Anything that needs to be done to it should be done BEFORE you leave for the convention. This event is not a competitive event, but it IS a high speed event. This means that the smallest mechanical failure has the potential of turning into a major disaster VERY QUICKLY... one that could involve other drivers and other cars — not just your own. We take this event very seriously — and we also expect you to. The safety/tech inspection your car will undergo will only check a limited number of critical items. You should not rely on the tech inspectors to find every little thing that may be wrong with your car. Our tech inspectors are good, but they will not have the time to spend on your car that you will prior to the event. The responsibility of putting a safe car on the track rests with YOU. The following list will help you to make a thorough check of the condition of your car. The inspection team will be looking at these items in general... you need to be specific:
•OPEN CARS. All open cars or convertibles must have roll bars (exception: Shelby Series 1s). All convertibles must run with tops down. Cobra or Tiger hard tops are acceptable in place of roll bars. Late model Mustang “sport bars” are acceptable. Single-loop roll bars in Cobras are acceptable.
•DRIVING SUITS. Nomex driving suits are recommended, especially in Group A, but not required.
•SEAT BELTS. "DOT" approved or competition type belts are required. Belts must be in good condition with no cuts or frays; must be mounted securely. Shoulder harnesses are recommended.
•MIRRORS. Each car must have at least one rear-view mirror. Two are recommended.
•INTERIOR. Seats must be mounted securely. All loose objects must be removed. There should be no loose wires under the dash. A fire extinguisher is recommended; the fire extinguisher bracket must be metal — not plastic, which could break in an accident and make the extinguisher a 2 lb. projectile inside the car.
•BATTERY. Must be securely mounted; terminals tight and in good condition. Positive terminal must be taped or covered.
•TRUNK. All loose items must be removed including jack, spare tire, lug wrench, etc.
•TIRES. Should have at least half of the original tread (unless they are race tires); side walls should be in good condition (free of cuts, cracks or deep scratches). Should be the proper size for the rim width. Visually check tread for foreign objects (nails, screws, glass, etc).
•BRAKES. Brakes will be tested for pedal fade when car is stationary and for correct fluid level.
•BRAKE LIGHTS. Must be operational (Grand National and Winston Cup cars please take notice!)
•FLUID LEAKS. None allowed. Cars will be checked while running; includes oil, coolant, brake and fuel lines.
•WHEELS. Should be on tight, with all lugs in place. Will be checked for cracks. Hub caps or trim rings must be removed.
•STEERING. Manual steering should not have excessive play; power steering should be free of leaks at hoses and seals. Fluid levels of either should be checked. Front wheels should be tight at bearing and spindle; steering linkage (tie rods, idler arm, etc). should be in good condition.
•GLASS. Window glass should not be cracked or broken.
•EXHAUST SYSTEM. Entire system must be in good condition and securely mounted. Unmuffled exhaust is encouraged.
•RADIATOR OVERFLOW CATCH CAN. Mandatory. Must be securely mounted (although it need not be permanent).
•THROTTLE RETURN SPRING. Two required on all cars with carburetors. No exceptions.
•NO OPEN-WHEEL CARS. All cars must have fenders; no Formula cars, Indy cars, F5000 cars. They are too hard to larger, full-fendered cars to see.
•REPLICA COBRAS. Cobra kit cars will be checked more critically due to recent problems encountered by special interest insurance companies, some of which have stopped writing policies on these cars because they are being built with engines which are blatantly more powerful that those originally intended by the kit manufacturer. Cars which we consider to be overpowered will not be allowed to run based on safety concerns for that car’s driver as well as other cars sharing the track. Cars rejected for this reason will receive a full refund.
Cars passing tech will receive a non-removable tech inspection sticker for their windshield each day. No cars will be allowed on the track without the proper tech inspection sticker. A maximum of two people may share one car.
SECTION 6 — TECH INSPECTION FORM
The pink “Tech Inspection” form sent to everyone who signs up for the open track must be filled out in advance, when you give your car the final inspection prior to leaving for the event. Bring this form with you to Tech Inspection. If you lose it or forget it we have more at Tech.
SECTION 7 — MEDICAL FORM
A white “Driver’s Medical” form must be filled out in advance, one for each person who will be driving your car. These forms will be collected at Tech Inspection and are given to the track EMT/Ambulance crew. In the event of an accident where you are unable to communicate with emergency medical personnel, they will be aware of your medical history. If we don’t have one of these forms from you, you will not get out on the track. Extra forms are available at Tech Inspection.
SECTION 8 — HELMETS
Your helmet must carry a “Snell SA 2000” or “Snell SA 2005” rating. Older “Snell SA 90” or “SA95” helmets will not be allowed. The Snell Foundation rates and certifies helmets and they upgrade their certification every 5 years. Helmets do not last forever. After 5 years their protective qualities begin to decline. After 10 years helmets must be replaced. The “SA” designation stands for Special Applications and is directed towards requirements unique to auto racing. The performance tests for these helmets are somewhat different that what motorcycle helmets are subjected to. In addition, “SA” rated helmets have stricter requirements for flame retardance. Please do not show up with an inferior or outdated helmet because you will not be allowed on the track. Motorcycle helmets (“Snell M 2000” or “M2005”) are acceptable with a Nomex head sock..
SECTION 9 — RUN GROUPS
There will be 3 different run groups, based on a combination of the driver’s level of experience and the car’s performance potential. The purpose in forming run groups is to put cars on the track which are as evenly matched as possible. You will be assigned to your run group when your car goes through Tech. Two drivers sharing the same car will be placed in the class dictated by the driver with the least amount of experience.
Each run group will get approximately 15 minutes per session. If the session is halted due to a car which has stopped in an unsafe position on the track and needs to be towed in, the time it takes to do that will be subtracted from that session. There will be 2 sessions in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. If two people are sharing the same car but each has paid individually (which would qualify the car for two different run groups in each session), bring this up at tech so the car can be placed in two different run groups. We will try not to place such cars in back-to-back run groups.
SECTION 10 — DRIVER’S MEETING
A driver’s meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday morning in the classroom in the Timing Tower. These meetings are mandatory for everyone who drives on the track that day. At the end of each morning’s meeting each driver will get a special wristband and no one will get out on the track without one. There will be no open track refunds for individuals who miss the driver’s meeting and are then not permitted out on the track.
SECTION 11 — FLAGS
The only method event officials and corner workers have to communicate with drivers out on the track is by the use of flags. The flag stations will be shown at the driver’s meeting. Drivers should identify each flag station on the first lap, which will be run under a yellow flag (no passing). After that drivers should watch each flag station as they approach it for any signals that might be given.
The following flags will be used:
YELLOW - slow down; be alert for a potential problem (spun or stalled car off the track, debris or fluid on the track).
WAIVING YELLOW - slow down and be prepared to stop; there is a stalled car or serious incident somewhere on the track.
RED - come to a full stop safely and park your car on the edge of the track; stay on the pavement. Do not move until told to do so by an official vehicle. A red flag will be used to indicate that there is an emergency vehicle on the track.
FURLED & POINTED BLACK - pointed directly at your car: come in immediately and report to the Chief Steward at the far end of the Hot Pits. Drivers who fail to report to the Chief Steward following a black flag will not get back on the track for the rest of the convention. The Chief Steward will know your car’s number.
STANDING BLACK - session is over; reduce speed, exit the track at the next opportunity. The black flag will be shown at all stations.
SECTION 12 — PRE-GRID
The pre-grid is the Pit Lane. This area is wide enough for 3 separate lanes plus an emergency lane which must remain open at all times. You should have your car on the pre-grid when the group ahead of you is on the track. When you get to pre-grid you should stay in your car. When the signal to go is given, the time you waste in pre-grid is time you will lose on the track. When the group ahead of you is on the track you should be in your car with your helmet on and seat belts buckled. This is the time to adjust your mirrors. This is not the time to check your oil, talk to other drivers, take pictures or wander away from your car.
SECTION 13 — EARLY LAPS
Start off slowly. Familiarize yourself with the track and check the conditions (they could have changed since your last session). Identify the flag stations. Bring the car up to speed gradually and bring yourself up to speed gradually. Check your gauges.
SECTION 14 — PASSING ZONE
The only place on the track you may pass a slower car is on the main straight that passes the pit lane. The slower car’s driver MUST point you by first. The driver will use his left arm, pointing straight out to the left if he intends to be passed on the left or across the roof if he intends to be passed on the right. As the slower car’s driver is pointing the faster car by, he should lift off the throttle momentarily, until the faster car passes him. A series of 3 cones on each side of the track will signify the beginning and the end of the passing zone. If the pass is not completed by the time you reach those cones, the faster car must slow and tuck in behind the slower car. The passing zone will be observed by safety crews. Failure to follow this procedure will result in your being black-flagged. It may take the Chief Steward time to get to you, so you can probably count on missing the rest of your session. A second black flag for passing in a no passing zone will make you a spectator for the rest of the day.
SECTION 15 — CAR PROBLEMS ON TRACK
If your car stops running you should immediately raise your left hand out the window to tell drivers behind you that you are slowing down. Drive or coast off the active asphalt. You should pull as far off the track as possible (at the inside of a turn - not the outside) and as far away from the actual track’s edge as possible. The safest place is in your car. Stay there and keep your helmet and seat belts on. Do not get out of your car and attempt to assess the problem. If your car is in a safe position, one of the safety crews will come to you after the session is over to find out if you need to have the car towed in. If your car comes to rest in an unsafe spot the session will be black-flagged until your car can be towed off the track.
SECTION 16— OPEN TRACK SCHEDULE
The open track schedule (printed on goldenrod paper) will be adhered to as closely as possible. Once you know your run group, you need to know what time your group goes out on the track. It is your responsibility to have your car at pre-grid BEFORE your group goes out. You should be on pre-grid when the group ahead of you is on the track. If you miss your group, that track time is gone forever. You cannot go out in another group to make it up. Any changes to the published schedule will be announced at the driver’s meeting. We will not have a PA system: it will be your responsibility to be on the pre-grid before your group goes out.
SECTION 17 — NO PASSENGERS
Passengers can no longer be taken at SAAC open track events. The liability exposure to the club and its directors is a greater risk than we are willing to take. This is a major consideration in today’s increasingly litigious society. We wish things could be different.
SECTION 18 — VIDEO CAMERAS
Only securely mounted video cameras are allowed. If you intend to videotape your on-track sessions the camera must be mounted in the car prior to the car’s going through tech inspection. The reason for this is for safety. Should the driver lose control, an improperly secured camera could become a flying projectile inside the car. Velcro, nylon tie-wraps, elastic bands and bungee cords won’t cut it.
SECTION 19 — RACE NUMBERS
Race numbers are required on both sides of all cars (8” - 10” in height work best). Temporary numbers (liquid shoe polish or tape) are okay. Duplicate numbers on more than one car in a class do not present a problem. Numbers are used by corner workers to identify cars on the track. Cars without numbers will be black-flagged and sent back to the paddock to get numbers. SAAC member Bob Shaw (Operations Plus) makes nifty static-cling numbers and circles that can be used over and over, again and again. They’re custom made. Order them from him by calling 714-962-2776.or by his website:
SECTION 20 — RACE GAS
Sunoco 110-octane leaded race gas will be available at the track’s pump which is located in the paddock area. The pump accepts credit cards, so it is in operation at all hours during the event. If you use pump gas (unleaded) we suggest that you fill up each morning when you leave the hotel.
SECTION 21 — INCLEMENT WEATHER
We will run rain or shine. There will be no refunds due to inclement or less than ideal weather.
SECTION 22 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
They are prohibited inside the track during the entire event. Drinking and driving don't mix. You already know that. Please don't make us be tough guys. Self compliance works for everyone.
SECTION 23 — BIKES, TRIKES & SCOOTERS
The track’s policy is NO wheeled vehicles of any kind are allowed inside the track except golf carts. This means bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. For the track it is a safety/insurance issue. For us, there are valuable cars everywhere and some of these forms of transportation are difficult to control at times. They only invite damage to cars — especially in the hands of youngsters. Golf carts are available for rent at the track.
SECTION 24 — REFUNDS
Any car which fails to pass safety/technical inspection due to mechanical problems and which can not be brought into compliance prior to going out on the track will receive a credit towards a future national event open track. Cars which arrive at tech and are visibly not in compliance (i.e. cracked glass, inadequate tires, defective wheels, etc.) are not eligible for refunds or credits. Cars which break at some point during the event will not be eligible for refunds or credits for that session. They will receive credits for subsequent sessions if they have signed up for them.
SECTION 25 — REJECTION ON GENERAL PRINCIPLE
Any car which appears to be unsafe or unfinished will be rejected. This decision is made at the discretion of the Senior Tech Inspector or the Event Chairman. Such a decision will be weighted towards the other drivers and vehicles on the track who should not have to tolerate an obviously unsafe and/or unfinished vehicle in their midst. SAAC reserves the right to deny the privilege of participating in this event to anyone for reasons that may be related to safety, attitude problems, car appearance or any other reason deemed appropriate by the Event Chairman, even after granting advanced acceptance by mail. In such cases, SAAC will grant a full refund of the open track fee on the spot. SAAC will not be responsible for any car preparation costs, travel or lodging expenses or any other costs associated with participation in the event for those participants who are rejected.
SECTION 26 — QUESTIONS
If you have questions, we've got the answers. We suggest you ask them before the event, while things are fairly calm around here; because as the event approaches things tend to move into fast-forward. Please keep in mind that we get no pleasure from playing the tough guy and telling anyone "No," but we will if we have to. All our decisions are based on safety and, believe it or not, are for your own good. We look forward to seeing you at Virginia International Raceway in July!
Rick Kopec PO Box 788 Sharon, CT 06069
Fax: 860 - 364 - 0769 E-Mail: saac@saac.com