-----Original Message-----
From: joshlocklear@juno.com <joshlocklear@juno.com>
>As I read all of these messages, I am amazed that there are actually
>people who protest this sort of thing. I'm a rookie auto-xer with Ohio
>Valley Region, and all of our events are pretty laid back. As a novice,
>this rulebook lawyer thing scares me, and I'd like to think that these
>people don't make up a large percentage of us. It's all about having
>fun, right? I autocross for fun, not for bloodthirsty competition. I'm
>not good; if i don't win, I accept that, and I move on. Shouldn't we all
>do the same? If I decide to attend a CenDiv divisional, will I be
>attacked by rabid rulebook lawyers citing passages of the rulebook that I
>don't even know about? What's it really like? Some opinion on the
>"atmosphere" at the different levels of competition would be
>appreciated...
Keep in mind that many of these questions are bounced around by folks aiming
at national-level events -- serious competition, and in some cases, serious
$$ (at least by autocross standards). In my experience, it's rare to see a
protest at regional events -- most of the time, someone will just take you
aside, point out the violation, and expect you'll fix it or reclass yourself
by the next event. Even then, it has to be pretty obvious, since there's no
formal impound.
At divisionals, it's a bit tighter -- as you'd expect. After all, there's
greater glory and some actual contingency $$ at stake. You're expected to
have a copy of the rulebook, and know both your preparation rules and your
car. There's a formal impound where everyone gets to look over everyone
else's car -- but unless you've placed well, no one is likely to inspect
you. As the stakes get higher for Tours, Pros, Nationals, so does the
possibility of a protest -- but again, no one is likely to bother you unless
you're in contention for an award.
The bottom line: as a beginner, don't let the possibility of minor
preparation violations bug you. People are more likely to offer friendly
help to sort them out, rather than jump down your throat.
Jamie
'92 Prelude Si
Speed Demon Racing
http://www.mindspring.com/~jsculerati/sdr
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