Motorsports To Go! December 26, 2020
Welcome to Motorsports To Go! Each week, we will take a look at an upcoming event on MotorsportReg.com. We will tell you everything you need to know in order to participate. It’s the easiest way to get out of your recliner and into the driver’s seat. We’ll be covering everything from $25 autocrosses to million-dollar “gentlemen racer” opportunities, all of them explained in simple English via the same basic set of questions. Let’s get started!
What is it? SCCA Detroit Region RallyCross #1 — register at MotorsportReg.
Well, what is it? Rallycross is a combination of rallying and autocross, as you might guess. You’ll be driving at no more than about 45mph through a cone course marked out in a field or similar off-road venue.
Where is it? Crystal Motor Speedway, in Crystal, MI
What’s it cost? $60 for existing SCCA members, $75 including a temporary SCCA membership.
What kind of car do I need? All the details are in the SCCA Novice guide here but in general your daily-driven street car should do just fine. Don’t bring lowriders, sports-racing prototypes, or any supercar that requires a nose lift to get in your driveway. Subarus do well in these events, but so do Miatas.
What kind of personal equipment do I need? Long sleeves, long pants, and a helmet with a Snell certification of 2005 or after, including Motorcycle certified helmets.
How long will it take? 8AM to 5PM
Will there be someone to answer my questions at the event? Absolutely. SCCA Rallycross people tend to be highly novice-oriented and extremely willing to help.
Can I damage my car or get hurt? If you have a car that can drive across a grassy field at 45mph without exploding, chances are you will be fine.
Why would I bother to do it? RallyCross is a great way to experience the tail-out, rough-road joy of rallying on a pizza-and-beer budget.
What’s the hot setup, if I have time and money to prepare? Whatever Brianne Corn is driving. Some sort of lifted STi Subaru. Lifted Miatas (yes, that’s real).
Give me two tips or tricks to really shine. Winter tires are very popular with rallycross competitors, even in the summer. If you’re on loose dirt, start turning in on each cone about half-a-second or so before you think you need to, and see what happens.
