Autocross Team
NCR Autocross Staff
Autocross Chair | Dan Quaroni |
Consultant | Joe Kraetsch |
Administration | Dan Quaroni |
Registrar | Jeremy Mazzariello |
Chief Instructor | Dan Quaroni |
Novice Captain | Ed Moschella |
Sound | Erick Aubin |
Timing & Scoring | Jeremy Mazzariello Lisa Roche Gareth Peters |
Course Design | Chris Darminio Justin Chen Rob MacAlpine |
Waivers & Onsite Checkin |
Lisa Burke Erick Aubin |
Grid Captain | Read Fleming |
Results | Daniel Quaroni |
Safety | Rob MacAlpine |
Classification & Protest Committee |
Joe Kraetsch Jeremy Mazzariello Dan Quaroni |
Tech Inspection | Georges Rouhart Neil Halbert Chris Lindquist Bill Aubin |
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NCR PAX Information
What is PAX?
The PAX (Professional Auto-X) Index has been used by SCCA® and other clubs for years. It is a handicapping system that attempts to account for performance differences between car classes allowing the drivers' performances to be compared. A PAX factor, based on performance potential, is assigned to each base class. The fastest cars have a PAX factor of 1.000; other PAX factors are a percentage relative to the fastest cars. Each driver's actual time around the course is multiplied by their car's PAX factor to calculate their PAX time. This PAX time is also called their indexed time or factored time. PAX times can then be compared across classes.
It is impossible to come up with a PAX index that is perfect just as it is impossible to come up with a class system that is perfect. Everyone believes that someone else has a softer(i.e. easier) PAX factor.
What is an Indexed Class?
An indexed class is a class that combines several classes into one class and uses factored times to compare the results. We do not get enough entries to populate the individual classes so we need to combine multiple base classes to offer competetive classes. By forming indexed classes. the factored (aka indexed) times provide a more equitable comparison of the results than the raw times.
2023 NCR PAX Index
The NCR PAX Index is based on the PAX/RTP Index developed by Rick Ruth that is based on hundreds of autocross events nationwide. The NCR Porsche Street Category is separated into base classes that map to SCCA® classes. The PAX factors for the corresponding SCCA® classes are used for the NCR base classes. The exception is Street Class 6 which contains street Porsches that are excluded from the SCCA® Street Category. For class 6 we use a PAX factor between the SCCA® Super Street (SS) and SCCA® Super Street Prepared class (SSP) classes.
NCR Class | SCCA Class | PAX Factor |
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1 | ES | 0.792 |
2 | CS | 0.810 |
3 | BS | 0.818 |
4 | AS | 0.821 |
5 | SS | 0.830 |
6 | SST | 0.841 |
For the NCR Porsche Race Category and for all non-Porsche classes, we use SCCA® classes as base classes so we use the SCCA PAX for the base class.
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Online Driver Meeting
Arriving at the Site, Check-in & Waiver
- You should arrive between 7:00 and 7:45AM
- Do not arrive before 7:00 unless you are on the setup crew
- Drive courteously and obey the local traffic laws and please report anyone not doing so
- Local police know we are here and often use radar before and after our events
- Everyone MUST Stop at the "gate" at the top of the hill (where the chain-link fence ends). Here you will:
- Sign the Waiver -- this includes participants, guests, spectators, etc.
- A PCA Minor waiver, signed by parent(s) is required for anyone under age 18
- Check-in with on-site registrar(s)
- All particpants must show their driver license and tell the gate workers their name, class and car number
- If you have any changes or owe money, you will have to come to the timing tent from 7:30-8:00 to make those payments and changes.
- Everyone will get a wrist band after signing the waiver
- One color for novice and intermediate drivers
- One color for qualified instructors
- One color for guests
- Nobody enters the site without a wristband!
- Once you are checked in:
- Park in the paddock
- Prepare your car by removing all loose items, including floor mats, and affixing the number you were assigned.
- Then put your car in the tech line with hood and trunk open.
- Bring your helmet(s) to the tech line.
- At 8:15 sharp, be at the Mandatory Driver Meeting near the timing tent
- The course will be open for walking after the Driver Meeting
- Autocross is an all day rain or shine event
- plan to stay until 5:00 if necessary
- pay attention to the forecast and plan accordingly
General Rules and Guidelines
- No drugs or alcohol allowed on site at any time
- Speed limit 5MPH at all times in pit area
- Children must be supervised at all times and are NOT allowed in the hot grid
- Pets must be supervised/leashed at all times
- Pets are NOT allowed in the hot grid
- NO SMOKING smoking in the grid
- No skates, Heelys, scooters, bikes etc allowed
- Stay away from timing tent
- If you need help please see event chair or an instructor, they will be glad to help you
- Pick up any trash- Leave the site cleaner than when we arrived
- Use the Dumpster
- Devens will fine us if trash is left on site
- Support the local merchants
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- Tell them you are there for an autocross event at Moore Airfield
- DO NOT park in front of the Cottage restaurant in town.
- The owner is very particular about saving those parking spots for his customers
- Stay away from the police cars
- Drink plenty of water
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- It is easy to get dehydrated--even on a cool cloudy day
- Anyone taking photos MUST use a spotter. They are your eyes and ears for safety.
- Everyone must work
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- You must work both morning and afternoon sessions.
- If you need to leave early please see event chairperson prior to leaving
- Attendance at the Driver Meeting is mandatory
- Results are announced live and broadcast on 89.5 FM
Grid
- Grid workers will help drivers get lined up in grid
- We grid 2 cars deep
- Dual drivers go to front of grid
- Grid workers will get dual drivers on course to keep runs in synch with single drivers
- If you have a rerun go to the rerun lane
- Grid workers will get you out for rerun after a minimum of 5 cars have gone
Instructors and Passengers
- We have assigned instructors for the event
- First time autocrossers must use instructors until instructors feel driver is ready to drive alone
- If you want an instructor put you flashers on and an instructor will hop in the car with you
- Passenger rules (Starter will be checking):
- We encourage passenger rides for learning purposes
- Only registered entrants are allowed in cars
- Either driver or passenger MUST be an approved instructor
- Approved instructors are identified by wrist band color
- Passenger must be back in the grid in time for their next run (or lose the run)
NOVICES
- Novices running in the novice class will run with their base class
- For example- if running in a 2010 Boxster S with no mods you will run when base class 6 runs
- If you win novice class you will no longer be eligible for novice class at future events
- There is a Mandatory Novice Meeting and course walk lead by our novice Captain
- Grid, course elements, penalties etc. will be covered
Corner Captains
- A Captain is assigned to each corner
- Captain is usually an experienced worker
- Captain will have the radio and the red flag
- Captain also shags cones
- If you are assigned as captain and feel you can't do the job please let us know and we can make a change
- Radio
- You MUST call in ALL penalties and ALL re-runs
- Keep transmission short… “Control this is corner 4, car 8-8-7, 2 cones”
- Wait for acknowledgement from control
- If you do not get an acknowledge from control check if they got the call
- Red Flag
- Keep the red flag in your hand at all times, never put it down
- Keep the flag unfurled (NOT rolled up) and hidden from drivers
- If red flag is needed waive it vigorously in a figure 8 pattern to get drivers attention
- If you see something unsafe use the red flag
- Spread the workers out
- Workers standing in one place makes getting to downed cones difficult and causes unnecessary reruns
Working the Course
- We allow cars to be driven to work stations
- Park cars at least 100 feet from course
- Do not park in line of sight of drivers
- Park cars out of the spin zone
- No sitting on course while course is hot
- No cell phones, cameras, pagers, etc. use allowed on course at any time
- Be ready to run in case of car spin or to reset cones
Cones
- Watch behind the car as a lot of cones are hit with rear of car
- Each cone tipped over or moved completely outside of the box is a penalty:
- Cones before the start are subject to the same penalties
- Any cone penalty after the finish lights is an automatic DNF
- Pointer cones DO NOT COUNT as penalty but must be replaced
- If a cone wiggles or is not centered in the box, reset it
- Move quickly, fix the cone and get out of the way of the next driver
- If not enough time, stay out of the way--your safety is more important
- NEVER turn your back to an oncoming car!
- Use the following hand signals to indicate penalty:
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DRIVING
- Car numbers must be visible at all times
- Large enough to be seen by workers on course
- Numbers must be contrasting color to car
- If you get in trouble, save the car not the run!
- "If it starts to spin -- BOTH FEET IN"
- Save the equipment
- If you damage the equipment (Timing lights/transmitters etc) you will pay for repair or replacement
- Devens has very strict sound requirements
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- If your car is over the limit you will be black flagged and given 1 opportunity to fix it
- If you have a second violation you will be done for the day
- Always drive through the finish lights, even if you are getting rerun, off course, etc.
Reruns
- If you are red flagged you will be given a rerun--unless you caused the red flag
- If you see a cone down or in the wrong place STOP
- Get corner worker attention to verify cone is out of place
- If cone is verified to be out of place corner worker must call in rerun to control. If not called in no rerun will be given
- Once moving again drive course quickly, no slow driving as other cars are coming behind you
- Make sure to go through the finish lights
- Return to grid and get into the rerun lane
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Event Schedule
Time |
Activity |
Notes |
7:00 | Gates Open | Gates open at 7:00. Most people arrive between 7:15 and 7:45. |
7:00 - 8:00 | Checkin | Everyone needs to check in. If you are preregistered, paid and confirmed, you will be checked in at the gate. Please have your Driver's License and PCA or RMC Membership Card ready. |
7:30 - 8:00 | Registration Tent Open | If you owe money or have changes to your registration you must report to the registration tent. There is no on-site registration. |
7:15 - 8:15 | Tech Inspection | All cars must pass a safety inspection and receive the official inspection sticker. Remove all loose items from the car, change your tires, and display your car number prominently on both sides of your car. You must also bring your helmet to be inspected (Snell 2010 or later approved). |
8:15 | Drivers' Meeting | Mandatory. All entrants must attend. |
8:30 | Novice Meeting | All Novice entrants must attend. Any other first year participants are also welcome. Includes a guided course walk. Meet at the Start Line near the timing tent. |
8:30 - 9:15 | Course Walking | Everyone should walk the course, at least two to three times. If you're new to autocross find someone to walk the course with. Most people are more than willing to show a newcomer the way around the course and answer questions. No wheels allowed (no bikes, no scooters, no roller blades, heelies etc); walking the course means walking the course. |
9:30 | First Car Off | One group will work while the other group runs (groups will be announced at the drivers' meeting). Then you switch over, usually after about 60-90 minutes, and 3-4 runs each. After everyone has run, that's the end of the morning session. The afternoon session is a repeat of the morning session, with everyone getting another 3-4 runs. |
4:00 | Awards | We're usually done running by around 4:00 (but be prepared to stay until 5:00 if needed). Then we announce the results and present the awards. |
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Devens Information
Moore Army Airfield, located near the former Fort Devens, was built in 1940. During the Second World War it was also used by the Navy, and was referred to as Ayer Naval Auxiliary Air Station. The airfield originally consisted of three paved runways, taxiways and a ramp. Moore Army Airfield was declared excess when Fort Devens was downgraded to a training area, and was closed in the late 1990s. You can read additional information here .
It is on these now disused runways where the autocross events take place.
Note: Moore Army Airfield is just off of Route 2A which is separate from the former main Army base.
NOTE: We use the State Police entrance on Rt 2A (Fitchburg Road).
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NCR Autocross Series Championship
For 2023, a five event series is planned. All events are held at Moore Airfield, Devens, MA.
The following rules are used to determine the Class Champions for the Autocross Series:
- PCA members from any region are eligible for the Autocross Series Class Championships.
- Championships are awarded for all Porsche classes except Novice.
- Championships are awarded for non-Porsche classes at the discretion of the Autocross Chair.
- Points for each event are awarded as follows:
1st place 9 points 2nd place 6 points 3rd place 4 points 4th place 3 points 5th place 2 points 6th/lower 1 point DNS/DNF/DSQ no points - To qualify for a series class championship, a driver must win points in that class in at least four points events and at least one first place finish in that class.
- One event is dropped from the point total of each driver so a driver's best four finishes in the five event series count toward the championship.
- Season point tie breakers:
- Most First Place Finishes.
- Total of class sizes for First Place Finishes. DNS/DNF/DSQ drivers not included.
- Lowest total score obtained by adding each driver's score for events included by both drivers.
- The decision of the Autocross Chair is final.
A Top Driver of the Year and the John MacDonald Most Improved Driver will also be awarded.
Awards will be presented at the NCR Annual Autocross Party on February 4, 2024.
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Junior Participation Program
Full details of PCA's Junior Participation Program (JPP) can be found in the PCA Library. (You must login to the PCA website to access these documents.) The highlights of this program are:
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Prior approval of the Autocross Chair is mandatory.
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Junior Participation Program Drivers must hold a valid, full privilege Driver’s License in their state of residence. If there are state-imposed conditions placed upon the Driver’s License (e.g. corrective lenses, no passengers below a certain age, etc.), such conditions must be complied with in addition to all PCA guidelines.
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JPP Drivers must present their license at time of registration for events involving moving cars.
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At least one parent of the JPP Driver must be on premises during the time the JPP Driver is actively participating in the event.
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The parent of the JPP Driver must present the Junior Participation form and the Minor Release Form at time of registration to the Event Chairman, Event Registrar or Region President.
The following forms MUST be presented at EVERY event registration. Since BOTH parents must sign the form we STRONGLY suggest that you fill this form out before coming to the event. Contact the Autocross Chair for assistance.
Minor Release Form (must be printed in color):
Junior Participation Program Form
If you have any questions, please contact the Autocross Chair.
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