It's almost that time! Time for the special two-day instructional driving event held by the Chicago Region SCCA called "The Learning Curve". This event will be held on April 9th and 10th. For more information go to www.scca-chicago.com or just read on!

Basics
For those of you who do not know what this is, it is a two-day event where you are stuck with an instructor (which many have gone to Nationals) and another student. The instructor will teach and/or fine tune your technical autocross driving skills during the two days where you will be taking MANY runs and lots of seat time. Both the instructor and the student will most likely have a similar car as you so you will get the best advice as how to get around the autocross course.

Who should participate?
Anyone really! If you are new to autocrossing, there is no better way to get more seat time than this, along with specific guidance from a very knowledgable and experienced instructor. And even if you've been autocrossing for years, it's always good to fine tune your driving skills!

What goes on during the two days?
If it's anything like last year, the first day will consist of 2 short courses meant for having short runs but lots of it. There will be different kinds of turns so how you approach each and every turn will be different. Also, you will learn how you "work" during an autocross. This is where you will be assigned a corner or some other job and work accordingly. The second day will consist of the timed runs. This is where it gets really fun, because at the end, you will be able to compare yourself to other students AND the instructors.

So how much is it??
Again, it's like last year, it should be $100 for the two days. This is a very, very good deal considering you get so much seat time, an instructor, AND lunch. It's money well spent.

How did you benefit from The Learning Curve?
I heard about The Learning Curve going into my second season of autocrossing. And because I also got a spare set of wheels and a nice set of Falken Azenis tires to over the winter, I also thought to "upgrade" my driving skills. I became very competitive after this and it led to a very successful season of autocrossing for me where I even won HS for the last SCCA event I participated in! Of course results will differ, but The Learning Curve will do nothing but good for you.

Where do I sign up?
You can sign up on the Chicago Region SCCA website @ www.scca-chicago.com but I don't think the sign up forms are up yet. There are limited slots so make sure to sign up early and check the website to see when the sign up is up.

Well that's about it for my novel. If anyone has any questions or comments about anything, feel free to reply to this thread or PM me. Happy driving!

 

My feet are getting twitchy!

d

 

wow only one post so far? interesting..

donour, im expecting u to make it to this event

 

If you are interested in Autocross this is the best $100 you can spend.

 

Hrm, are there any cheap-*** motels next to that track?

 

It's held in the parking lot at the Route 66 Dragstrip (which is next to the NASCAR track) in Joliet, IL.


You should be able to find a motel/hotel pretty easily.

http://www.route66raceway.com/ (track Website)

http://www.cityofjoliet.info/ (Joliet Website)

Here is a google search:

http://www.google.com/local?hl=en&lr...sa=X&oi=localr

http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/2004/learncurve.html (Chicago Region Website)

The Learning Curve

SOLO II
A fun, inexpensive, safe way of testing your driving ability and car performance. Solo II events are a form of automotive competition in which one car at a time negotiates a prescribed course in the shortest possible time. The events are open to anyone who has a sports car, compact or small sedan. The only requirements to compete are a valid state driver's license and a car which will pass a safety technical inspection. Drivers compete in numerous car classes for stock street cars, modified street cars, race prepared cars and modified race cars.

THE LEARNING CURVE
Chicago Region Solo II drivers school is an excellent way to learn about and become involved in Solo II events. It is a two-part school that consists of a classroom session and a day and a half of on track instruction. Instruction will be provided by experienced, award winning drivers (many with National Championship credentials). Because the entry is limited to only 80 students, there will be a very favorable student/teacher ratio allowing for maximum driving time and personal instruction. The school is for novice drivers with less than one year or no solo experience. Students must attend both days.

Hope to see you there (I'll probably be working on the course)

 

I'll second that recommendation! I had a blast last year, it's a great way to get your feet wet and learn how to participate in these races if you have never done it and just want to get involved (warning, you will get addicted). The instructors are all really great and you will learn a ton! It's also a place to meet other car enthusiasts - I met a few cool guys like Bob, Bill and Jerry there last year and we all had a blast!
Best $100 I ever spent!

 

I actually became friends w/ a bunch of cool Subaru guys too. One of them eventually saw the light and picked up an RS.

Here are some videos from last year courtesy of donour.

http://www.donour.com/cars/scca-7-24-2004/

I like going to meets and everything, but actually racing beats the hell out of bench racing anytime.

 

aww i was expecting to see at least one video of me instead of Bartek A MILLION TIMES haha. jk!! I got a trophy during that TSSCC event tho (the one at Alsip).

But yea, this is such a great event where you can make lots of friends too. I know I did. I made friends with, of course, the Evo guys and not only them but made real good friends with a STi dood and a TT guy..it's great fun which leads to even more fun..mmm...fun....

 

Bob's former teacher autox's.

 

well i never had class with him, but he knows my brother pretty well. The first time i actually met him was during the learning curve!

 

Um, isn't it 200? That's what paypal charged me.

donour

 

no it's 100, u better get that checked.

 

More info on this event on their website:

http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/2005/learncurve.html

 

Yeah, but I thought it was 100/day -- 200 total. I'll send 'em an email.