Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

If you've found this web site, you're obviously interested in some form of motor sports. Now, you need to decide how you're going to fulfill your need for speed. Do you want to become a road racer? Do you think you want to become a professional race car driver? Are you just looking for a weekend activity that's inexpensive that will let you run your "daily driver" in competition, but with relatively little wear and tear on the car? Do you want to be around racing, but aren't really interested in wheel-to-wheel competition? The best way to find the answers to some of these questions is to attend one of our monthly meetings, called socializers, and talk to other SCCA members. You can talk to autocrossers, road racers, rallyists, and race workers, and find out how they got started, or built their cars, and how you can become more involved. Talking to other members will help you figure out what you can do with your SCCA membership. The best part of our socializers, which are usually held on the last Wednesday of every month, is that, with the exception of September, they are all held at Speeds Indoor Karting, 3651 East Main Street, in Columbus, Ohio, where you can drive the go-karts in between visits with your new SCCA friends!

How do I become a member of the SCCA?

Becoming a member of the SCCA is easy. You can download the membership application from our web site, fill it out, sign it, and mail it to our or to the SCCA national office at one of the addresses listed on the bottom of the form, along with your check for one year's dues (or you can use a credit card). Within a short time, you will start receiving the national SCCA magazine, SportsCar, as well as the Ohio Valley Region/SCCA's magazine, The Observer's Stand. You will receive a membership card from the national office that confirms your membership has been received and accepted. If you join the SCCA at your very first OVR autocross, your entry fee for your first event is FREE!

I already got an SCCA membership when I bought my Subaru. What can I do with the membership now?

You probably bought that new Subaru because it looked sporty and fast! You can drive your new Subaru in autocrosses (also called Solo events), and compete against the clock for trophies. Autocrosses are not wheel-to-wheel competition – they are timed, precision driving events through a course set up with pylons – driver and car against the clock – at speeds that are not any faster than the legal speed limit. All you need to compete in autocrosses are a good, secure seat belt (the factory belt is fine, so long as it is in good condition), and a helmet. If you're not sure you want to invest in a new helmet right away, we have loaner helmets available at our events for beginners. Before you decide that driving around on a parking lot doesn't sound like a lot of fun, you should come out and try it first!

I'm not 18 years old yet. Does the SCCA have a place for me?

Of course we do. The SCCA has a reduced membership dues rate for new members under age 21 called First Gear. Dues are $45.00 per year, and First Gear members receive all the same benefits as full SCCA members, except that they cannot hold speed event competition licenses (road races, performance rally, etc.).

SCCA's minor members, with a state of Ohio learner's permit or valid Ohio driver's license, can compete in OVR's autocross/Solo events, with the permission of a parent and/or guardian. Parents must sign a minor waiver of liability acknowledging the minor's permission to compete as a participant. (Please note: the downloadable minor waiver form must be printed on a color printer, in red and black ink!)

Passengers aged 12 and above are allowed to ride with autocross/Solo competitors. Minor passengers must have properly filled out minor waivers. We also have a Formula Junior Driver's Program, with four different classes for go-karts, for children ages 8 to 15. See the Solo Supplementary Regulations for classes.

Children also make great navigators on rallies – a great way for parents and their children to enjoy an afternoon drive.

Minor waivers for children are very, very important. A minor will not be able to compete or otherwise attend an event as a participant without a signed minor waiver. Please review the SCCA Rally/Solo Release and Waiver Guidelines from the SCCA Risk Management Department to be certain you have properly completed your paperwork. We do not want you to be turned away from having fun at an event because your paperwork was not correct.

Autocrossing is a good way to teach a teen driver car control, and it is a great way for the family to spend a day together. We also strongly recommend The Mid-Ohio Teen Defensive Driving Program at The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, which offers discounts to good students. Your teenage driver should also look into the Ohio Safest Young Driver Contest – he or she could win a brand new car!

I have a Speed Freakz membership, but understand the Speed Freakz program goes away June 1. Can I renew my Speed Freakz membership at the lower rate before June 1, even if it expires after June 1?

According to the guidelines from the SCCA national office, any current Speed Freakz membership can be renewed prior to the June 1, 2003 deadline, even if it would expire after June 1. The key is renewing before June 1, 2003.

Do I need a special license for autocrosses?

You do not need a special competition license to drive in autocross events. All you need is a valid Ohio learner's permit or current, valid, state driver's license.

I have an older car. Can I drive it at any SCCA events?

So long as the vehicle is mechanically sound, and the safety belt or other safety equipment (based upon the preparation level of your car) is in good condition, even older vehicles are welcomed at autocrosses and road racing events. Vehicles do go through a technical inspection, and if a Tech Inspector feels that your vehicle is not safe, you will hear about it!

Do I need any special equipment?

For autocrossing, you do not need any special equipment to start – we have loaner helmets available, so you do not need to invest in a helmet until you decide you are willing to make the commitment to stick with autocrossing. If you don't feel like sharing a helmet with other "sweat-heads," you need a motorcycle helmet with a Snell rating of 95 or better. You should purchase a copy of the Solo rules, available from our Solo Chair or the merchandise chairperson, if you plan to continue competing in autocross/Solo events.

For road racing, you and your vehicle will need a number of safety items, again, based upon the preparation level of your race car, including a driver's suit and helmet, five-point harness, and a roll cage, just to name a few. The rules for equipment are contained in the General Competition Rules ("GCR"), which is available from our or our .

I want to go road racing. How do I get started?

First you will need to be a member of the SCC You can download the application from our web site, or from the national SCCA web site. You will need to complete an application for a Novice Permit, as well as having a physical from your doctor, who will need to complete a medical form confirming you are fit to race. Once the application and medical form are completed and signed, contact our to obtain your Novice Permit. He can help you find an SCCA driver's school within a reasonable distance of your hometown and further explain the requirements for licensing you to race. For more information, please read the SCCA's Guide To Obtaining Your SCCA Competition License.

I want to be part of the action, but I don't have a car to autocross or race. What can I do?

You can volunteer to work at our races, and there are many positions to choose from – from greeting people at registration and issuing their credentials, to flagging track conditions to the racers on the track from the corners! To work in "hot" areas, you must be at least 18 years of age. Panic not, however, because we have worker specialties in "cold" areas too – like registration or timing and scoring.