Auto-X & SCCA (Noob questions)

[kooltechie]

I'd like to start participating in So. Cal auto-x and would like to obtain a SCCA license, but don't know exactly where to start.
after doing some online research, I now know I need to get the SCCA membership for SCCA auto-x events.

the next step is to join one of the local clubs, and here's my first question:
- could some of you seasoned auto-crossers recommend what clubs in So. Cal to join?

I'd also like to get the SCCA license, but going to Skip Barber would be very expensive.
I'm thinking about going to Fast Lane Driving School at Willow Springs instead and here's my second question:
- do they provide SCCA license to the 3-day program participants? (Skip Barber provides SCCA license with their 3-day program)

if there are other racing schools, preferrably in So. Cal, that provide SCCA license, would you please share the info as well?

thanks!

[millerracer]

kool - also look into NASA. It is possible to do some HPDE driving events in NASA and obtain a NASA license, then from that - request an SCCA license. SCCA now allows NASA license holders to be eligible for an SCCA license.

SCCA clubs also holds their own schools on certain double regional weekends. I'm not a huge fan of those - because i don;t feel the level of instruction is as good as going to other schools, but if you are just going to be autoX'ing - it is an economical way to start.

Do a search for racing schools on here - there has been a lot of discussions regarding how to obtain an SCCA license. Good luck!

[kooltechie]

thank you for the response, millerracer!
I'll do some more digging on racing schools

could anyone from So. Cal recommend any local clubs????
thanks!

[V-8]

millerracer already gave you some great information and just to add to it here's a document from your area (Cal Club SCCA region) on how to obtain an SCCA competition license:

http://www.calclub.com/html/html2/school_letter.pdf

I attended the SFR licensing school in March and it was relatively cheap, but as mentioned there wasn't much instruction. Another potential problem for you is that the SCCA licensing schools require a race prepared car, not a street car, to participate. I decided to rent a Spec Miata for my school which was an additional $1,000 for the 3 days. I had a great time at the school though and the two races on the last day were a lot of fun.

I actually got my license through Skip Barber because I did the 3-day school, 2-day school, and then a few race weekends. This qualified me for a National SCCA license. I think the 3-day is the best way to go, but of course it's costly.

NASA is another option now, but unless you're already pretty good you will have to do a number of HPDE's to get into HPDE-4 (advanced group) and then go through their evaluation process. It works, but there's no real competition training involved and the level of instruction will vary. I'm also not sure if the SCCA will accept a novice NASA license, so you might end up having to do a few NASA races to qualify for an SCCA license anyway.

Here are more links/information for you:

Cal Club SCCA region:
http://www.calclub.com

San Diego SCCA region:
http://www.sdr-scca.com

NASA SoCal region:
http://socal.drivenasa.com

NASA license information:
http://www.nasaproracing.com/proracing/license.html

[kooltechie]

thanks a bunch, V-8!

maybe I should just go to Skip Barber for 3-day program - it's been one of my "dream vacation" ideas.

[V-8]

maybe I should just go to Skip Barber for 3-day program - it's been one of my "dream vacation" ideas.

Not a bad idea. Consider the Mazdaspeed course though if your interest is sports car driving, which it sounds like it is. I think you'll have more fun in those than the formula cars and you'll probably be able to apply more of what you learn to your car. Also, it looks like Fast Lane is an SCCA accredited school so I would suspect their 3-day course could get you a provisional SCCA license too. It doesn't look as good as Skippy though...

[millerracer]

definitely do the mx-5 course... it will teach you a lot more about your road car!

[minira]

thanks kooltechie for starting this thread. i'm also interested in getting an scca lic, but i don't want to auto-x. i'd like to get into a barber school, but not sure yet. thanks to miller and V-8, you guys help out lots also. i'd like to eventually get into some competative racing, although i know it's hard, but it's a dream of mine and while my dad never influenced me to race, i've always been hesitant but now i'm saying f'*k it. my fiance wants me to do it so now i'm serious about it. kool good luck with the licensing stuff

[millerracer]

No problem - keep us posted and by all means.. if you have questions, feel free to ask! I am a wealth of knowledge and if I don't know, someone I know does :-)

[A4Superstar]

What about doing the Audi track driving? I think you could go to audidrivingexperience.com or audisportscarexperience.com I went to an event last year in Sonoma and got to drive the R8 on the track. It was insane. Well worth the $600 or so registration fee!!! I HIGHLY-RECOMMEND it!

[V-8]

What about doing the Audi track driving? I think you could go to audidrivingexperience.com or audisportscarexperience.com I went to an event last year in Sonoma and got to drive the R8 on the track. It was insane. Well worth the $600 or so registration fee!!! I HIGHLY-RECOMMEND it!

I've done the 1-day Driving Experience and the 2-Day Sportscar Experience in the R8, and you're right, they're great, but they're not very good for driver training. They do do teach you a few basic things, but it's not enough to send you out on the track by yourself. That's why all of the track sessions are lead-follow. These programs are geared towards experiencing different Audi models more so than learning how to drive them.

[millerracer]

What about doing the Audi track driving? I think you could go to audidrivingexperience.com or audisportscarexperience.com I went to an event last year in Sonoma and got to drive the R8 on the track. It was insane. Well worth the $600 or so registration fee!!! I HIGHLY-RECOMMEND it!

Problem is - that is just an enthusiast day - you don't leave there with true training on techniques or able to get an SCCA license.

[topcat]

several of us in ATL have attended and are continuing to attend various skip barber courses. What was formerly the panoz driving school at road atlanta is now run by skip barber. Instruction is top knotch and the varying programs allow for a wide range of skill and goal levels.