April 28, 2012: (Sacramento) Davis Auto-X & Rehab BBQ Party

Hi Everyone,

Here is the latest:

The Sacramento Chapter has promised another excellent Auto-X this year with the 2nd annual AutoX Rehab BBQ after the event. Sacramento Chapter President Mark Baldwin will be running the Auto-X and hosting the rehab after at his beautiful facility just a few miles away from the Auto-X.

This year’s AutoX Rehab party will include a car wash area, available rack/equipment to assist with any repairs or mishaps from the day, music, and BBQ.

Meeting location:
NEW LOCATION for 2012!:
Event is at the old Mather Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova, CA.

Closest Address is:
10035 Missile Way
Mather, CA 95655

Google Map (will open in new tab/window):
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=204434252242194614676.0004be743539b2726d61f&msa=0&ll=38.56669,-121.317301&spn=0.035233,0.084543

Meeting Time:
7:30A (Gates Open)
8:30A (Drivers Meeting/Tech)
9:00A (Event Start)
Will end when runs complete (depends on number of drivers registered).

Cost:
-Pre-register and save (Price differences for VCOA members and non-members):
http://www.ggvcoa.org/?page_id=21®event_action=register&event_id=27&name_of_event=April+28th+2012+3rd+Annual+AutoX+and+AutoX+Rehab+Party
$20 per driver (1 car), $7 per passenger.

-Registrations accepted on day of event (prices will be slightly higher):
$25 per driver (1 car), $10 per passenger.

*Registering for more than 1 car? Please register each car separately.*
-If you would like to pay for more than (2) passengers, please contact GGVCOA directly:
http://www.ggvcoa.org/?page_id=16

-Prices DO NOT include lunch.
We are not allowed to sell food products at the event, so bring something to eat and drink (non-alcoholic only)!
Google Map (restaurant search; will open in new tab/window):
http://maps.google.com/maps?near=Auto-X+Location+%4038.563754,-121.308632&geocode=&q=restaurants&f=l&hl=en&sll=38.56971,-121.315069&sspn=0.036036,0.084543&ie=UTF8&hq=restaurants&hnear=&ll=38.573669,-121.317644&spn=0.036034,0.084543&t=h&z=14

-Main event / day runs are for Volvos only.
-After the Volvo drivers are all finished, we plan on selling laps for any type of vehicle to run the course ($5 per lap for charity).

Notes:
-Helmets are required. PLEASE BRING A SNELL95 OR NEWER HELMET FOR EACH DRIVER AND PASSENGER. If you have any spare helmets, please bring them with you on the day of the event!
-PLEASE BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR VOLVO IN PROPER WORKING ORDER, THERE WILL BE MANDATORY TECH INSPECTIONS BEFORE DRIVING THE AUTO-X COURSE.
-Tech will follow basic SCCA guidelines such as secured battery, no hubcaps, nothing loose in the interior or trunk (cameras, tools, etc.) , car in general good working condition, etc.
-Only two people per vehicle. NO rear seat passengers will be allowed.
-We need numerous volunteers to make this work.
Cone retrieval experts especially needed as well as event set-up (April 27 evening) and take down (right after the event ends).
-The event is based on giving all proceeds to charity.
-Sacramento Chapter President Mark Baldwin will be running the Auto-X and hosting the rehab after at his beautiful facility just a few miles away from the Auto-X. This years AutoX Rehab party will include a car wash area, available rack/equipment to assist with any repairs or mishaps from the day, music, and BBQ.

A Note from Mark Baldwin:

Note from 2011 Event:
I will be the event marshall and run the drivers meeting. I have a deputy working the gate to check that participants have paid and signed waiver prior to entering the track area. I have three independent tech inspectors already volunteering (Peter, Jacob, and Nick from Volvo Independent).

Will need volunteers at sign in table to collect money, have waivers signed, and stamp hands, etc. Will need timers also.

I am splitting the drivers into two groups. The first group will be driving while the second group works the track (flaggers, and cone pick-up). This will switch when the first group finishes their runs.

Note from 2012 event:
Will be needing volunteers on the friday evening before the autoX (March 27) to set up the course, and finalize the set-up. I will also need help after the event to wrap it up so we can get the autoX rehab party going at my place. I will have a dedicated car wash area with supplies and my lift/shop will be open for any incidents that occured during the day. Do we want to take up a collection after the autoX for the BBQ, or I can front it, and put out a contribution jar. You are responsible for your own "sodas". Just drop me your info if you plan on volunteering.
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4091109&postcount=45

If you have questions or are interested in volunteering, please e-mail Mark Baldwin:
http://www.sacvolvoclub.org/Home/contactus#CEF

We hope to see you there.

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Take care,
volvie!

Selected Event updates from Turbobricks forum topic:
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=252201

3-11-12
Will be needing volunteers on the friday evening before the autoX to set up the course, and finalize the set-up. I will also need help after the event to wrap it up so we can get the autoX rehab party going at my place. I will have a dedicated car wash area with supplies and my lift/shop will be open for any incidents that occured during the day. Do we want to take up a collection after the autoX for the BBQ, or I can front it, and put out a contribution jar. You are responsible for your own "sodas". Just drop me your info if you plan on volunteering. Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4091109&postcount=45

3-28-12
Got a poll question for you all attending the 2nd annual AutoX Rehab Party at my place concerning the BBQ:

1. Collect money at AutoX and grab Costco grub on the way to the party (like last year)?
2. I buy in advance and put out donation jar?
3. I have a buddy buy/cook and handle it and charge $5 a plate for dog or burger, beans, drink, and chip bag?

Let me know what you think...Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4114951&postcount=99

Note: Option three was selected by the forum members.

4-10-12
The AutoX is at the same spot as last year. I know it was tight and slow for some of you, but it was also the result of those who showed up the night before to help me set it up. It can be much faster if we like. Show up at 6pm and help me lay it out. It is way big enough to speed it up a bit and take some of the kinks out of it. I will head out this week and remeasure it and come up with some ideas.

With so few AutoX's available, lets make this one rock.

As for refunds....we are trying to make some money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with this event. So I would say no to the refunds. Think of it as a donation and your chance to help others and kill some cones.

Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4129956&postcount=192

4-10-12
Remember this is a Volvo AutoX. All non Volvo's will be allowed to run for charity cash at the end of the event if we have enough time.
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4130152&postcount=199

4-12-12
Here are the rough dimensions of the space for the AutoX: The entrance and start area is 8,875 sq.ft. / The course area consists of a rectangle with a large pie shaped area at one end. The rectangle area is 51,200 sq.ft. (bigger than a NFL football field of 48k) / The useable pie shaped area is roughly another 9,000 sq.ft. / The pie shaped area is bigger, but has a pavement transition that wont work for us. I think we can figure out a fast course with room for runoff and not taking out the perimeter fence.

Teaser Time: Met with the new airport director today, retired AirForce Colonel; he is proposing moving the event to the end of an access ramp at the airport. The space is smooth concrete, no elevation changes, clean, and over 100k sq.ft. He will know by monday if we can have it. I already have the special use permit fo the old space, so we are set one way or the other. He promised the new space for all future events, so who knows, we might score this year, but will have the ultimate space for future events.

Also, need a few volunteers to meet me early next week at the current space to run a few laps to start the layout process. I would prefer during the day at lunch time or around four. Let me know if anyone has the time and the car to meet me. Of course, this will not be needed if we get the new space.

Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4132416&postcount=213

4-12-12
Had a meeting with Casey Turner over at Turner Volvo of Sacramento. He has been a great help and sponser of previous VCOA events in the past. He has graciously offered to show off a new car at Davis and supply some serious bling for the Raffle. This event is going into the epic stage......
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4132668&postcount=221

4-20-12
from gsellstr
So...guys....got some bad news on the autox...

We didn't get the location we had 2 years ago, sorry...


We didn't even get the site from last year...


We got THIS lousy site...


Just to get you an idea, this is with a full size college football stadium at the same zoom level...


All those images are at the same zoom level...

Met with Mark tonight when he broke the news to me. Such a tragic bit of info. There's a few other surprises as well, of which I'm not at liberty to say...
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4143866&postcount=280

4-20-12
This has gone EPIC!! This is the dream space and it is ours. All level and clean. We are the test group for this space as they want to make it the AutoX for the other groups wanting to use the airport (Porsche Club and SCCA). Make sure to bring shade, and lots of non-adult beverages. There is no excuse not to be at this one..... Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4144004&postcount=287

4-22-12
Directions to the AutoX: Event is at the old Mather AFB in Rancho Cordova CA. Actual closest address is 10035 Missle Way. From Hwy 50 take Bradshaw Rd south, Right [Left] on Old Placerville Road, Right on MacReady Ave (Systems Parkway), [Right on Rickenbacker St. (Mather Blvd),
Continue on Neely Way,], Right on Missile Way and follow to the very end at gate 704. I will place signs at most of the corners.

[Google Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=204434252242194614676.0004be743539b2726d61f&msa=0&ll=38.56669,-121.317301&spn=0.035233,0.084543]

Remember that we are the test group for this new location. Please refrain from engaging the warp drive while on the base. I promise you will get your speed freak on with the course. The airport will have a monitor at the event to ensure we don't violate any homeland security stuff.

Top gear course would rock...but we sticking with the SCCA layout. I currently have gsellstr, orie, magnum TE, Fritz and his bud Mike as the only voluntees for the set up that have not flaked or have a hair appointment or something. This course is big and I need several more for fri at 5:30-6:00pm. Should only take a coupe of hours. Call me at [removed].

Also, if you have any banners (racing type, volvo, auto related, flags, etc) to hang at the event for the day would be great. Rumor is that a car magazine rep might be on scene. I want to make the event looking like we mean business.

There is no shade, so bring the pop up, and lots of non-alcoholic beverages.

Gate opens at 0700, for sign in and car prep. 0830 is drivers meeting, walk the course, and tech of the cars. 0930 we start event. Everyone will be divided into two groups (A ad B). A group will run first (3 runs of one lap each) while B group works the course. After A group is done, we will switch places. We will give the B group time to get their cars warmed up.

Fees will be collected at the cashiers table. You will sign a waiver and be given a race number, tech sheet, hand stamp, and official laynard. Place the tech sheet on your dash or under your windshield wiper after filling it out. If the tech sheet is not filled out fully, you will fail the tech inspection. Tech inspection is standard stuff. No loose crap rolling around the trunk, interior or under the hood. Battery secured, no wheel trim (hubcaps, beauty rings, etc), damaged tires, vehicle in good general condition, helmet up to modern times. Make sure to leave all doors, trunk, hood open for tech guys along with your helmet while we are having our meeting and walking the course.

Vehicles will be limited to one front seat passenger that has signed a waiver, paid fees, has helmet, and hand stamped. No back seat passengers this year. SCCA doesnt allow passengers to hold a camera in their hands for safety reasons, so I am also going to not allow passengers to have their hands tied up filming the event. Go get a mount for your video camera please.

As the event Steward, I am responsible for the safety and enjoyment of the event, so if someone can't play well with others of follow basic rules, I will ask them to leave.

Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4147991&postcount=362

4-24-12
Have Volvo Independent mechanics (Peter and Nick) tech-ing for us. I can really use your help on set up on fri night after 530pm. [If you paid online,] CJ said you can print a receipt and I will also have a list of those who have paid.

Thanks, Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4148321&postcount=365

4-26-12
I will have a couple of helmets available if needed. Both are ex-motor cop helmets so its ok to make siren sounds when you are driving.
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4151001&postcount=426

4-27-12
AutoX Rehab Party 2.0 Update: As a little charity fundraiser, I have a Mitsubishi on hand that we are going to send back to the JDM gods with a sledge hammer. Do your special exercises and be prepared to do some swinging. Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4152573&postcount=474

4-27-12
Almost forgot; Got a email that Euro Tuner Magazine will be on scene at Davis for photos and an event write up. He won't be able to make to the AutoX, Mark

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4152577&postcount=475

4-27-12
Quote:

Originally Posted by gsellstr
Just for clarification Mark, for those either driving at the autox or riding, are closed toe shoes and pants required?

No open toe shoes is about the only real limitation. SCCA allows shorts and a t shirt. No swimwear please while driving. Also no mullets.
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4152865&postcount=483

4-27-12
Announcement:

If you are attending the Auto-X or Davis and have prepaid, you are advised to bring your receipt. We will have a list, but if for some reason your name is not on the list you will have to pay. You will be re-imbursed if you did pay and wind up having to pay twice. Be prepared, while we make every effort to make this a smooth registration process, we all make mistakes. This is the only way for us to handle this.

If you are a VCOA member bring your card if you're paying at the gate to receive your discount. If you do not have your card you will not receive your discount, no exceptions. This applies to the Auto-X or Davis.

Many last minute raffle items arrived today for Davis. Goodie bags are prepared and we're all ready to go. We do still need some judges. If you can judge, feel your an expert on one model or another WE need you! Volunteer today!!, OK Sunday morning...got a bit carried away.
CJ
[url=forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4153255&postcount=492]forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4153255&postcount=492[/url]

Selected highlights from Turbobricks forum topic:
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=252201

4-28-2012
Track setup last night was great, only 1 semi-fatality leading to a late-night repair on Elliott's car. That said, the track is AWESOME, there will be much wheelspin, there's PLENTY of high-speed stuff, certainly a need for a limited slip diff and good braking. It's enough to get my brakes up to temp, plus one stretch I was hitting 2nd on the AW71.

This should be AWESOME!

Bring shade and chairs if you have it folks!
gsellstr
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4153494&postcount=500

4-28-12
Frickin AWESOME autocross this year.

A HUGE thanks to Mark for all his footwork getting the new spot, it rocked like no other as did the course! Also the CATERED BBQ at the shop and the demolition car were an awesome finish to a great day!

By some STRANGE miracle, every car survived the autocross without damage to anything other than tires and brakes, thanks to a really fast and fun course.

Time to grab some zzzz's and get ready for the meet tomorrow which proves to be promising as well!
gsellstr
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4154126&postcount=510

4-28-12
Some pics of the autox









122power
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4154161&postcount=511

4-28-12
BBQ at Marks.





122power
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4154163&postcount=512

4-29-12
What a day! This has to be the best group of people ever. Thanks to all of you that shagged cones, timed, raced, assisted those who didnt know how to race, helped each other with car issues, etc.......Thank You! I had a great day. Tommorow should be a nice relaxing day in the shade. Already looking forward to next years AutoX and AutoX Rehab Party 3.0.
Mark
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4154195&postcount=514

4-29-12
Great events! Thanks to all who participated. It was the best weekend all around! Auto-X, Car Smash, BBQ, Car Show, WOW good stuff.
CJ
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4154975&postcount=520

4-29-12
Thanks for hosting us and putting on a great weekend. Definately be back next year.

It was great chatting with you both days. Next year I'll be driving in the auto x for sure.

Now for the long drive back home in the am.

Sean
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost.php?p=4155053&postcount=526