After much thought and hard work, we are ready to announce the
particulars of the NOPI National Auto-X Tournament held at Atlanta Motor
Speedway on September 18-19, 1999.
NOPI (a large company specializing in marketing performance parts) will
be making a SCCA sanctioned autocross event part of their big NOPI
Nationals Show held at Atlanta Motor Speedway annually. The Atlanta
Region has been participating in this event for several years. We've
tried several different approaches in the past. But 1999 is different and
we expect to see this new format to be a huge attraction to the 40,000+
fans that must walk by our event to get into the show.
NOPI is paying real dollars for the top drivers in each of 5 categories.
The purse for each category is $500 plus merchandise. The NOPI Nationals
Auto-X Tournament is also sponsored by Grassroots Motorsports. See the
Supps below for more details
This event will be a head-to-head double-elimination tournament
autocross. Two cars will start the course at the same time and each
finish line is in close proximity to each other so that judges can
clearly see which car finishes first. If any of you have run Rocky
Entriken's Mirror Khana, you will be familiar with the concept. See the
Supps below for more details
You may register on-line at www.NOPINATIONALS.com
Below are the Supplemental Rules governing the NOPI National Auto-X
Tournament. Below that is the hotel/motel information.
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NOPI National AUTO-X Tournament I
What is an Auto-X Tournament?
An Auto-X Tournament differs from a standard autocross (Solo II) in that
cars compete against one another in head-to-head matches rather than
against the clock. The two cars in a match start halfway around the
course from each other and compete through the whole course to see who
gets back to his/her own finish line first. Both finish lines are aligned
to clearly show who wins.
Tournament Brackets
The event is a double-elimination tournament. All competitors will be
grouped into one of 5 brackets. Each competitor will remain in the
tournament until he/she loses two matches.
Brackets
NOPI pays a purse for each of 5 brackets. We will be setting up those
brackets based on the actual entries to the event. Below find the
preliminary brackets (Subject to change based on actual entries):
1. DS, GS, HS, ES, ST
2. STU, DSP, STR, BS, CS
3. BSP, SS, ESP, AS, FS
4. AP, BP, EP, Fjr., DP, CP, ASP, CSP
5. AM, BM, F125, CM, EM, FM, DM
Competitive Handicapping
We are using a distance handicapping system based on the RTP (Racer's
Theoretical Performance) Index. A car from a faster indexed class will
start a calculated distance (plotted on a spreadsheet) back from the
start line to help to equalize competition.
Prize Money
NOPI pays prize money in each of the 5 brackets:
· First place $350 and a set of 4 Toyo tires
· Second place $150 plus products
TheNOPI National Champion (Overall) will receive additional products to
be determined before the event.
Practice
Saturday will be a practice day. Everyone will get at least two practice
laps, one from each start lane. Cars will be run two at a time during
practice just like in the tournament. Each Bracket will get at least a
One-Hour practice session.
Auto-X Tournament Rules
Working - Each competitor will be given a work assignment and are
required to work to compete.
Entries per car - There will be a maximum of 2 entries per car.
Entries per driver - Each driver may enter the Auto-X Tournament only
once.
Order of running - The brackets will run in numerical order. Each bracket
will complete its entire competition and determine the winner for that
bracket before the next bracket runs.
NOPI National Champion Bracket - 8 Competitors.
The winners of the 5 brackets will automatically qualify for the final
bracket to determine the NOPI National Champion for the event. The 5
runners-up will have a drawing. The winner of the drawing will
automatically be in the final bracket. The other 4 runners-up will have a
single elimination bracket to determine the last two slots. Depending on
time available, the final bracket will be either double or single
elimination.
Pairings and Lane Choice - Each match and lane assignment will be
established by event officials. When your bracket is competing, drivers
shall stay with their cars, in grid, and be ready to be called to the
start at any time.
The Start - After both cars are lined up at their start lines, the
starter will point to each competitor. Nod big or wave if you are ready.
When the start light goes on, start your run.
The WINNER - will be the first car back to its own finish line. Two
judges must agree, without consultation, which car arrives back first
(except in the case of DNFs or cones hit). If the match is too close to
call the match will be rerun from opposite lanes.
Cones - If any cones are hit during a match the competitor that hits the
fewest cones wins.
DNFs - DNFs lose. If both drivers DNF in a match, the worst DNF loses. If
both DNF's are equal the match will be rerun.
5 Ways to DNF - (Listed in order of importance)
1. Passing the other car is a DNF, unless a course worker waves you on.
2. Not Running Missing a match is a DNF for that match (except for Byes).
3. Not Finishing failing to finish your run.
4. Jumping the Start The Starter and Judges will determine if you start
before the start light goes on.
5. Going Off Course or missing part of the course.
Byes - There may be times you have no opponent for a match. You may run
or not and still advance. It is your choice. But you must tell the grid
official(s) what you want to do.
Co-Drivers in same match - If co-drivers are matched to run against each
other a timer will be used to determine the winner. Co-drivers will be
bracketed to limit such matches.
Protests - Protests will be handled according to the 1999 SCCA Solo rules
except that the protest fees are doubled.
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The following motels are available at Exit 70 of I-75 (the closest motels
on the interstate to Atlanta Motor Speedway).
Brittany Motor Inn 800-654-6305
Budget Inn 770-957-9683
Hampton Inn 770-914-0077
Econo Lodge 770-957-2651
Masters Economy Inn 800-633-3434
Red Carpet Inn 800-251-1962
Comfort Inn 800-228-5150
Best Western 800-528-1234
Ben Thatcher
Atlanta Region SCCA Solo II co-chair
NOPI Nationals Auto-X Tournament - Event Chair
Phone 770-474-1402
FAX 770-474-0938
Email- bthatch@juno.com
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