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Welcome! The following is a statement of basic policy from the Ferrari Club of America's Track Event Manual:
"The purpose of the Ferrari club of America's track events is to provide the owners of Ferraris a venue where they can have the pleasure of driving there cars safely at speeds for which the cars were designed. Today this can be done only at the race track where highway speed limits are not in effect. The protection of drivers and spectators requires supervision of events by qualified persons who will enforce reasonable regulations.
The FCA does not conduct races per se, i.e., events in which a 'winner' is determined by the times laps or 'finishing position' relative to the other cars. 'Wheel-to-wheel' competition is to be avoided. A driver may overtake and pass a slower car in designated areas. However, primary consideration must be given at all times to safety. Differences in experience of drivers, the value of the vehicle being driven and the high cost of repairs should also be recognized. Passing may take place only in designated areas and then only when the driver to be passed signals the overtaking driver to pass and points to the side on which to pass. This is the club's track event policy. It is the policy underlying this manual. Those who are overly aggressive and choose not to carry out the spirit of the policy will be warned and if, in the opinion of the chief steward and/or assistant chief steward, discipline is warranted, may be disqualified from further participation. There is no appeal from their decision and entry fees will not be refunded. The goal is to make it possible for Ferrari owners to have the pleasure of driving fast, each within his own limitations, i.e., within both safety and pleasure." In other words, the objectives of the track events is for everyone to enjoy themselves without creating problems for others. Please review the materials carefully; it is a summary of the briefing that will be given by the event organizer. We must comply with both insurance and track requirements. So, if everyone "plays by the rules", the event should be fast, fun and safe for all. You, not the club, nor the organizers, nor the track personnel are responsible for your own and others' safety. By participating in the event you are agreeing to that principle. Everyone bringing their car to drive on the track pays the same fee. So everybody has the same "rights" at the events... i.e., everyone is equally entitled to have a good time, in their own way, within the guidelines, of course.
Authorized Marques Ferraris are given priority, and at some events may be the exclusive Marque. Other sports cars may participate with the approval of the event organizer. Club Membership Ferrari owners must have a current membership in the FCA to participate in the most track events; in others, you may be "sponsored" by or be the guest of an FCA member. If you are not a member of the FCA, merely inform the event organizer, and they will advise you how to join (the fee is nominal, and the benefits are terrific). Drivers/Safety Meeting Attendance is mandatory!!!! In order to drive -- or even ride -- in the event, you must have attended the drivers/safety meeting for that event. Wrist bands may be provided as proof that the individual participant has, in fact, attended the drivers meeting. You will have to sign at least one waiver, probably two. Technical Inspection Your car must be tech inspected to be driven on the track (exception: some event organizers permit non-tech inspected cars to be driven ONLY in a lunch-time 60mph touring group. Do not drive your car on the track if you know there is something wrong with it (such as lack of brake lights, etc.). The Tech Inspection form is available HERE and must be filled out within 30 days of the event and brought with you. You may receive a "tech" sticker for your windshield. Car Preparation Remove all loose items from the trunk and passenger compartment (tools, radar detector, CDs, papers, etc). Such items can hurt the driver, passenger or the car itself (tool kits in older 308s are notorious for coming loose and causing dents in the fender.) Tires: to avoid undue wear, to improve handling and to prevent tire disengagement from rims during hard turns, it is recommended that tires be inflated 4 to 10 additional lbs./sq. inch of air. Compressed air is not always available at the track, so do this when you gas up on your way there. Gas: There are gas stations within 10 minutes of the track. It is best to gas up when you get off (or drive by) the I-20 overpass. Check your oil, coolant and brake fluid levels frequently. The mid-engine Ferraris should have proper level of oil, and as little as 1/8"-1/4" under the full mark on the dip stick can result in the engine running up to twenty degrees hotter than normal. Weather permitting, your windows should be rolled down while the car is on the track. Convertible tops should be in the down position and targa-type tops should be removed while such cars are on the track (again, weather permitting). Floor mats and removable floor carpeting (drivers side) are recomended to be removed (loose floor mat/carpet can jam against your accelerator pedal). A fire extinguisher securely mounted is recommended. For sample mounts, click here.Dress Code For most of our events, anyone driving on the track must wear leather shoes with non-skid soles (tennis shoes are adequate) and long cotton or cotton blend pants.For most events, and all FCA-sponsored events, you must wear a Snell SA-95 or later/better approved helmet ("M"-rated helmets are not acceptable). Either open or full face styles are ok.
Optional, but recommended are: Driving Groups
For our smaller events, we do not assign "driving groups" in the way you may be familiar with if you have driven at larger events. Since we normally won't have more than 15 to 25 cars total, we allow 4 or 5 (you'll be told at the safety meeting) cars on the track at any given time, and groups are not necessary. If there are already several cars on the track, just wait at the end of the pit lane until one comes in, and then you can go out and take their place. We have found that it rarely requires a wait of more than 3 to 5 minutes before it is your "turn". Because of the variety of cars and drivers, space yourself out and there should be very little problem of "bunching up". If you do have a car behind you that is much faster and you are holding them back, you will signal them to pass you "off-line" on the front straight only. This will be covered in more detail in the drivers/safety meeting before the event.
While in the pit lane, always drive your car in the same direction as the flow of the cars on the track. The speed limit in the pits is 5 MPH. Depending on the group, the conditions, and other elements, a "pit marshall" may do a grid inspection during "line up" or may do so when you are leaving the pit the first time to enter the track. Follow his directions if he is there; otherwise, if so instructed during the drivers/safety meeting, enter the track according to the rules provided when it is safe to enter.
When entering the pits from the track, signal your intention to do so by holding your clenched fist perpendicularly up and out of the window and/or using your turn signal blinkers. Well before entering it, stay to the side of the track where the pit entrance is; Do not abruptly cut across the track to enter the pit lane! Children under 14 are not allowed at the track. Children under 16 are not allowed in the pits unless they are preparing to get in a car as passenger if/when permitted. No pets, even on a leash, are allowed in the pits. Pets should never be allowed to run loose. Better yet, do not bring pets to a track event. No one is permitted to be at or near the wall between the pits and the track unless you are providing a safety signal to the drivers. However, you may be on the viewing stand near the pit wall. Driving on the track We often have an informal "driving instruction" service available where an experienced driver will ride with you to help you master the line of the track and improve your skills. Below are some of things that may help you.
The term "Line" refers to an optimum path on the track, on which the course can be driven as smoothly and quickly as possible. Cones are placed at the entrance, apex and exit of terns, and sometime at braking points. Do not "aim" at the cones, but rather , drive tangentially to them. By so doing so you will be on the "line". As you drive on the track, train yourself to look further ahead then you usually do when driving on the highway. this will help you anticipate any action you should take. Have an instructor or other experienced driver ride with you to point out the line and how to utilize the cones, etc. You may wish to also ride in an instructors car, or have him drive your car at your option, so you can better see how an expert completes the circuit smoothly and quickly. Watch your mirrors! In the immortal words of Carle Conway, ”If there’s someone behind you, GOD didn’t put him there. He got there because he’s faster than you are!” Let him pass you. You do this by (A) maintaining your line, (B) maintaining your speed, (C) indicating that you wish him to pass BY POINTING IN THE DIRECTION THAT YOU WANT HIM TO GO! (This is obviously the reverse of regular highway procedures). Do not signal him to pass and then ”floor it”... let him get by safely. It is the overtaking/passing driver’s responsibility to make the pass safely. Again, check your mirrors frequently for cars coming up behind you, so safe passing is facilitated. Do not allow a line of cars to accumulate behind you in the turn, and then accelerate down the straight so that they can’t pass; that’s poor form. If you spin, ”put both feet in”. That is, depress your clutch and brake (to lock up the brakes) pedals simultaneously, and keep them depressed. This will result in your car continuing in a straight, predictable direction... as a result, you’re less likely to get hit by another car.
If you go off the track onto soft ground (like wet grass), DO NOT TRY TO IMMEDIATELY STEER BACK ONTO THE TRACK... you’ll potentially flip your car over if you do. Stop, take a few moments, gather your wits, and check out where the other cars are on the track before you reenter when you see it's safe. Keep arms and hands inside the car at all times (exception: when signaling). If you see smoke coming from your car or if your car flips or is damaged, immediately turn off the ignition (this helps prevent and/or contain fires by stopping the fuel pump). If you turn off the ignition while moving, do not remove the key or turn it too far, as this will ”lock” your steering wheel. If your are off the track, and your car has come to a stop but you are all right, signal that your are okay by holding one arm straight up with the ok sign. If the car and you are okay, it is recommended that you remain in the car. This is done so that others don’t run a long distance lugging a fire extinguisher, only to find out that you don’t need their help. If you do need their help, beckon them toward you.
Beverages No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the track, pits, paddock and track property by anyone (non-drivers, spectators, etc.) from the time the track opens in the morning until it is closed at the end of the day.
Miscellaneous Some people apply masking tape to portions of their cars to help prevent stone chips/dings. Duct tape can also be used, but may damage your car’s paint when removed. Better is "racing tape" specifically designed for the task. Generally, this track is maintained in good condition, so this hasn't been much of a problem. Conclusion
These notes were put together in the spirit that they’d be helpful to the event organizers, and would contribute to a safe and enjoyable time for all. |