I just set up the insurance for a new event at CB 09. Chuck is planning an AUTOCROSS. Rev up those protouring Chevelles and El Caminos, ITS ON and ITS GONNA BE A BLAST. Beware little orange cones!!!!

We're gonna see how well a bone stock 69 does :yes:

Probably better than my bone stock '68 will.:( That big ol' block in the front will hamper the handling, but I gotta try.:D
Maybe I can talk Rose or Saville into competing with us.l:)
Will we be able to go to both the drags and the autocross?
BillL

Really?! That is pretty cool.
I might have to toss the convertible around. Bench seat and a lap belt means HOLD ON! :D

Autocross... Here's the scoop: Friday evening we'll head over to a big church parking lot behind the Kmart. (Those of you that have bee to CB before know it's right next to the on ramp/exit off I-65, across from Cracker Barrel). The course will be set up by the local arm of the SCCA, who will also be giving on-site instructions, providing loaner helmets for those that don't have their own, and also providing the timing equipment.

Also on-hand will be Detroit Speed & Engineering, who have come aboard this year as a Sponsor of Chevell-abration, and are also underwriting the autocross expenses. They'll also have several of their "mules" there that will be used to give rides and illustrate proper techniques, plus give y'all an idea of just how well their suspension stuff works compared to stock and even aftermarket components.

The course will be open for all CB participants from 5-7pm on Friday, which should give plenty of opportunity to scrub the sidewalls off your tires as you cruise through the course. Plan on showing up on time if you want to make as many laps as possible.

Couple of things to keep in mind: Make sure your tires are at least inflated to the recommended psi; you may even want to bring a portable 12v compressor to make pressure adjustments and optimize your cornering capabilities. If possible, bring your own helmet. As mentioned earlier, there will be "loaner" helmets available, but keep in mind it's June in TN, it's hot, and I don't know about you, but sticking my gourd inside a helmet that's already been soaked with somebody else's sweat. Before heading to Nashville, it may be a good idea to give you Chevelle's suspension a good once over in the comfort of your own garage, to ensure your control arm bushings, shocks, sway bar bushings/links are all in good condition.

This is an incredible amount of fun, which I'm sure anybody who's ever done an autocross (or even a slalom) will attest to. Also, it's not all about speed, but rather your lines through the course, smoothness through the transitions, and judicious use of the brakes. I've created an FAQ that should hopefully answer most questions participants have, and will attach it in another post in this thread.

Wow! I can't believe we're getting close... less than three weeks away. lookin' forward to seein' y'all, and having an incredible weekend of fun, friends, and incredible Chevelles to look at, cruise in, drag race, and now, autocross!

FAQ: AUTOCROSSING

Q: What exactly is an autocross event?

A: Autocross is a form of motorsports that emphasizes safe, low-cost competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a temporary course marked by traffic cones, rather than racing on a track with multiple other cars, as in road racing or oval racing. Autocross tends to place more emphasis on car handling and driver skill than on sheer horsepower.

Q: Why a parking lot?

A: Autocross events are usually held in large paved areas like parking lots or airfields. Typically, new courses are created for each event so drivers must learn a new course each time they compete. Prior to driving, a competitor will walk the course, taking mental notes, and developing a strategy to be refined upon subsequent runs. National organizations such as the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) sponsor autocross events throughout the United States, and many areas have independent autocross clubs.

Q: Isn’t it dangerous?

A: One of the primary attractions of autocross is that it is an inexpensive way to get involved in motorsports. The potential for car damage is low because of autocross' low average speeds, lack of physical obstacles, and lack of wheel-to-wheel racing. For this reason, most autocross participants compete in "daily drivers", which is not the case in most other forms of motorsport. Many clubs further reduce the barriers to entry by including classes and instruction specifically for novice drivers.

Q: Who participates in these events?

A: Only participants who are registered for Chevell-abration may take part. This limits the number of cars navigating the course, makes the event more manageable, and also maintains the demographic mix. The average age of Chevell-abration attendees is 43, making them mature, responsible, and respectful, with a pride in their machine and a lack of willingness to expose it to damage through irresponsible behavior.

Q: When will this event take place?

A: We will be set up in the parking lot from about 4:30 pm through 7:00 pm on Friday, June 5, 2009. The lot is attractive because of its size, or rather, its lack of size. We actually want a parking lot that limits the size of the course, and therefore the potential speeds of the vehicles.

Q: Who will be responsible for conducting the event?

A: The event will be manned and conducted by the Nashville arm of the Sports Car Club of American (SCCA), in accordance with the guidelines set forth by their national sanctioning body. Our plan is to have SCCA personnel arrive at the parking lot at about 4:30 Friday to set the course up, and have participants arrive from Moss-Wright Park at 5pm. Participants will continue to navigate the course until 7pm, when we will shut the course down, remove the cones, and any related equipment.

Q: Will there be any damage to the parking lot?

A: There should not be any damage. Once completed, the only evidence that we’ve conducted the event will be some black rubber marks, left by participant’s tires as they navigate some of the tight and tricky turns that are part of the course.

Q: Whose insurance will be in effect during the event?

A: The American Chevelle Enthusiasts Society (ACES) will have appropriate event insurance to cover the possibility of injury as well as physical or property damage. We will provide proof of insurance prior to the event, just as we do for the City of Goodlettsville.