2025 Autocross Classes

Event Format

Driver Registration and vehicle inspection will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:50 AM.  The Drivers’ meeting will be at 8:00 AM with the track walk immediately after that meeting.  Once both are complete, we will then begin practice runs.  If you miss the Drivers’ meeting, you will not be allowed to run until such time that the Autocross Chair has been able to ensure you have been fully briefed with all the information shared within the main driver’s meeting.

Run/Work Policy

We will be running two run groups, where one works, while the other runs.  You will run or work, then swap, then we will break for a one (1) hour lunch break, then repeat the morning schedule (run and work). You are required to work both in the morning and in the afternoon.

Attentive course workers are the key to a well-run event. While working on the course, there is no cell-phone use, sitting, taking pictures or chatting in groups. Safety first is critical. Always be alert and never turn your back to cars.

Anyone who does not report for their work assignment on time, or doesn’t report at all, will be disqualified from the event. It is critical to the event flow that nobody misses their work assignment(s). The event coordinators must find someone else to work, and no cars can run until the course is fully staffed.

Visitor Policy

Visitors are welcome at the event!

Visitors will need to check in at registration and will be asked to sign the appropriate waivers. You will be instructed by intake worker as to where visitors are allowed to view the event from. Please be aware that visitors are not allowed on course, must remain well off the roadways, must never cross an active autocross course and must remain very attentive to cars that are running. If you are unsure where you can safely spectate from, please ask. Photographers are not allowed past the grid area and must follow the safety rules set forth.

Car passengers are permitted on the course if they are 16 or older and are wearing an approved helmet. No backseat passengers are allowed.

Tech Inspections

Your car must be in good condition, and it must pass the on-site visual Inspection to participate in the event. Vehicles are allowed to run at the sole discretion of the Autocross Chair.

To help ensure that your vehicle and helmet fully comply with the Club’s inspection requirements, please review the following Tech Inspection Checklist:

 Tech Inspection Checklist

Helmet

• Each driver must wear a helmet. The helmet must be rated Snell MA2015 (or later) or Snell SA2015 (or newer).
• Non-compliant helmets will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.
• We only have a limited number of rental helmets available to us, so we ask that you please bring your own. Road America has helmets available to rent at a cost of $30/day.

Engine Compartment

• Motor mounts solid.
• Battery securely mounted.
• No cracked hoses, belts tight.
• No oil, gas, antifreeze, hydraulic, or other fluid leaks.
• Throttle must be free with no binding.
• Brake fluid reservoir must be full, no dirty brake fluid

Wheels and Suspension

• Tires must have adequate tread; no cracks, blisters, or cords showing.
• Lug nuts must be torqued to spec.
• Hubcaps must be removed.
• Wheel bearings must not show excessive play and must be properly adjusted.

Interior

• Solid brake pedal feel with no bleed down.
• Seat belts must not be frayed or cut.
• All loose items removed from interior, storage compartments, glove box, and trunk.
• Driver-side floor mat must be removed.

Numbers

• Numbers must be affixed to the car.  We prefer the numbers to be affixed to the body panels, not the windows.

How Your Runs Are Timed

Time Calculations

The average of each driver’s fastest morning time and fastest afternoon time is used to determine the finish order for each class.

Did Not Run (dnr)

If you did not start a run, it will be scored as a “did not run”, and you will not receive a time. The usual reason for a dnr is mechanical problems with your car.

Did Not Finish (dnf)

If you fail to stay on course during your run, the run is scored as a “did not finish” or dnf. Runs scored as dnf are not complete runs and as such are not considered for points.

If you knock over any cones in the stop box after the finish line, you receive an automatic dnf.

Did Not Place (dnp)

Unless you complete at least one morning run and one afternoon run, you will be scored as dnp or “did not place” for the event.

Each event usually lets you have four chances to complete a run in the morning and four chances in the afternoon. If you are new to autocrossing, or to the course, we suggest you try to find an experienced autocrosser to ride with you and help you stay on course.

Disqualified (dsq)

If you are disqualified, you will not earn any points for the event. The Autocross Chair may, at its discretion, disqualify any driver for dangerous or illegal behavior, use of alcohol or drugs at the autocross site, and cheating among other reasons. If this occurs, you will be listed in the results as dsq or “disqualified”.

Fastest Time of the Day

The fastest BMW and non-BMW run of the day (the FTD) is shown in the Autocross Results for information only.

 Trophies

Autocross trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class at the end of the event.

 Trophies

Autocross trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class at the end of the event.

Autocross Classes

Autocross Classes

Your car will be classed automatically as part of the event registration process, but we have listed a general class breakdown below.

BMW Autocross Classes

Each BMW is assigned base points according to model and year. Additional points are added for each modification that improves the car’s performance. Cars are then classed by total performance points accumulated.

The MINI is part of the BMW family and runs in the BMW classes.

Self-Classification for BMW and Mini Classes

To begin the classification process, find your car’s model and year on the “Model Grid”, then use the IMF to calculate any and all modification points. Your total points determine your car’s class based on the following grid:

Only BMW and Mini drivers should use the self-classification process.

The self-classification process starts with a base number of points assigned to each BMW according to model and year. Additional points are added for each modification that improves the car’s performance. Cars are then classed by total performance points accumulated.

BMW and MINI Model Grid

BMW Class A is unlimited. The Event chairs reserve the right to move a car from class AR car to class M if the car is modified to an unreasonable level. NO car in the A-F classes will be allowed to have a stripped interior. All side panels, windows, seats (rear bottom seat pads optional if interferes with seatbelts/harnesses) must exist, or you will be considered an A car.

Removal of rear seats, and the installation of roll cages in BMWs and MINIs is allowed. The following points will apply:

• Removal of the seat bottom for the purpose of installing aftermarket harnesses: No penalty points.
• Roll cage installed: No penalty points
• Removal of the upright portions of the seat, or the seat bottom, not for the purposes of installing aftermarket harnesses: 5 points

Cars will be moved to class A if interior panels, sound deadening, carpets, etc. are removed from the car.

Any car found to be over in points for their class will immediately and retroactively be bumped up to the next higher class.

 Inspection and Modification Form (IMF)

The IMF clarifies the penalty points to assess to determine your vehicle class. Download the IMF.

Drivers that do not submit their IMF need to understand that their times will not count, and they will be required to have a tech inspection prior to each event.

Non-BMW drivers will all be in X Class.

BMW and MINI Model Grid

BMW Class A is unlimited. The Event chairs reserve the right to move a car from class AR car to class M if the car is modified to an unreasonable level. NO car in the A-F classes will be allowed to have a stripped interior. All side panels, windows, seats (rear bottom seat pads optional if interferes with seatbelts/harnesses) must exist, or you will be considered an A car.

Removal of rear seats, and the installation of roll cages in BMWs and MINIs is allowed. The following points will apply:

• Removal of the seat bottom for the purposes of installing aftermarket harnesses: No penalty points.
• Roll cage installed: No penalty points
• Removal of the upright portions of the seat, or the seat bottom, not for the purposes of installing aftermarket harnesses: 5 points

Cars will be moved to class A if interior panels, sound deadening, carpets, etc. are removed from the car.

Any car found to be over in points for their class will immediately and retroactively be bumped up to the next higher class.

 Inspection and Modification Form (IMF)

The IMF clarifies the penalty points to assess in order to determine your vehicle class. Download the IMF.

Drivers that do not submit their IMF need to understand that that their times will not count, and they will be required to have a tech inspection each event.

Non-BMW driver will all be in X Class.

Day of Event Information

Prepare for the Weather

You need to come prepared to brave the elements. Bring multiple layers (coat, sweatshirt, sweatpants) gloves, a cooler (water, pop/soda, sports drink, lunch), comfortable shoes, towels, rain gear, sunblock, an umbrella, a hat and anything else that you would want for a day spent outdoors. Please bring plenty of fluids; you can become dehydrated even when it is cool and cloudy. We recommend at least a gallon of water per person. Also, bring a tarp or bin etc. to protect your personal items. There are bathroom facilities available.

Check-In

Gates open at 7:00 AM. Please arrive as soon as possible so we can check in driver/visitors and get cars through tech ASAP. Arriving early will give you time to set up your pit, prep your car and have it inspected before the driver’s meeting. You must attend the Drivers’ Meeting in order to drive.

Have your valid driver’s license & Helmet ready at driver registration…DO NOT FORGET THEM. They will be checked for expiration while you are signing the Liability Waiver.

All participants, guests, and spectators 16 years or older must sign the Waiver of Liability form in order to enter the grounds, and everyone under 16 must have a parent or guardian sign a release form.  Entry to the grounds is not allowed without signing these forms.

Tech Inspection

Your car must be in good condition, and it must pass the on-site visual inspection to participate in the event. Vehicles are allowed to run at the sole discretion of the Autocross Chair.

You must take everything out of your car (including the driver’s side floor mat) and put your numbers on the car. Bring your helmet with you.

You will be directed as to where to pull your vehicle for its inspection. Please stay with your car until it is inspected in case there are any issues.

Helmets must be Snell 2015 or newer – all others will be confiscated for the day. However, we DO have limited rental helmets.

The single most common reason for failing Tech Inspection is loose objects inside the car. Cell phone in the door pocket? Jack stand loose in the trunk? Glove compartment not empty? Please clean these out in advance.

Driver’s Meeting

Everyone that wants to participate in the event must attend the driver’s meeting. Safety topics and special announcements are covered in this meeting, so don’t be late.

• After the Drivers’ Meeting you will immediately walk the course.
• After the course walk, get ready to either drive or to work
• We’ll start practice runs around 9:00 AM, which means you must be ready to drive or work (depending on your run group) by about 8:45 AM.
• Check-in with the Worker Boss on your way to your work assignment.
• Check-in with the Worker Boss again in the afternoon on your way to your work assignment.

Course Walk

The course will be open for walking, and you can only walk it AFTER the Driver’s Meeting. Walk the course once or “jog” twice, then get ready to either work, or run. Bicycles and non-motorized scooters are allowed for “walking”. We’ll start practice runs around 9:00 AM, which means you must be at your work assignment or ready to drive by 8:45 AM.

Run Groups

Participants at each event are assigned to one of assigned run groups based on the car’s class and number of participants in each class.

Cars are classified when you register for the event. Each run group is made up of participants from specific classes. For example, a run group may consist of classes A, B, and C.

After the Driver’s Meeting, the first run group lines up in the staging area. The second run group works while the first run group drives.

After everyone in the first group has completed their runs, the second run group stages (lines up) to drive. The first run group reports to the timing and scoring booth for their work assignments.

When it is your turn to swap between working and running, please do your best to make the swap QUICKLY! Don’t make everyone wait for you.

Lunch

We will break for a one (1) hour lunch.

Course Workers

Please know that this is one of the most important assignments. The events literally cannot run if the course is not maintained. Please remember:

• Keep an eye on the contact patches to ensure they don’t leave the pavement.
• NEVER turn your back on cars.
• Cars are sent approximately every 30 seconds so you must keep track within your zone.
• If a Driver loses control within your zone, you can Red Flag the next car. Be sure to radio in to Control so that they can hold additional cars.
• Your safety is critical! You must always be attentive. Therefore sitting, cellphone use, taking pictures and chatting in groups is absolutely not allowed.
• Red Flag Conditions:
  • A car is about to overtake another car.
  • Car parts in the path of the next driver.
  • Car breaks down on course.
  • Car leaking fluids (be sure to get the car off the course as quickly as possible)
  • Animals running across the course (no joke, this has happened).

• Do not Red Flag:

• • • For missing numbers or numbers flying off.
    • If another corner has red flagged, unless instructed to by Control.

Course Workers

Please know that this is one of the most important assignments. The events literally cannot run if the course is not maintained. Please remember:

• Cones must be placed back exactly in the chalk-marked box; even if they are only slightly moved out of position
• Watch the cones (not the cars) to see if they wiggle out of place.
• NEVER turn your back to the cars.
• Cars are sent approximately every 30 seconds. You must move quickly to replace cones. If you are more than halfway across the runway, continue across. Do not try to run back. Run back after the car has passed.
• If it is not safe to replace the cone do not run out.
• If a Driver takes out too many cones to replace before the next car, you can Red Flag the next car. Be sure to radio in to Control so that they can hold additional cars.
• Your safety is critical! You must be attentive at all times. Therefore sitting, cellphone use, taking pictures and chatting in groups is absolutely not allowed.
• Red Flag Conditions:
  • A car is about to catch up to another car.
  • Car parts in the path of the next driver.
  • Car breaks down on course.
  • Car leaking fluids (be sure to get the car off the course as quickly as possible)
  • Animals running across the course (no joke, this has happened).
• Do not Red Flag:
  • • For missing numbers or numbers flying off.
    • If another corner has reflagged; unless instructed to by Control.