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| VSCDA Sport Touring Group Information (PDF version) |
| Classroom: |
Thursday |
May 1, 2008 |
7 PM to 10 PM |
| On track sessions: |
Friday |
May 2, 2008 |
7:30 AM to 5 PM |
| Spring Brake Race Overview |
The Sport Touring Group is a way for a person to experience some of the thrill and excitement of getting around a track really fast, while not actually racing. The group gets the exact same instruction as the race cars, with the exception of actually taking practice race starts in the last session of the day. My own experience with the STG came in 1999 when I took the school at Blackhawk in my 70 Boss 302. It was a great learning experience. I took it to better understand the drivers’ experience out on the track when I am "Black Flag." It was great fun, but the results really showed up when I went out to autocross and run in open track days, particularly at Blackhawk Farms. It has helped me lower my lap time at Blackhawk over 12 seconds. Last March, I believe the experience and confidence in car control I gained through the school helped me to avoid a head on collision with a tractor trailer who did not see me and decided to turn across my lane onto the access ramp of I-39. I would strongly recommend it to someone who thinks they may want to go vintage racing, but is not sure. This is a way to get great instruction and learn advanced car control and what goes on once you get out on the track.
What do you need to go out in the Sport Touring Group? –A properly prepared safe street car. If it is a convertible it must have a roll bar. No, the Viper’s bar does not qualify as a roll bar, nor does a Saab’s, Boxter’s or S2000’s. The car must have, as a minimum, the OEM 3 point harness. The driver must wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, nomex gloves and a SA1995 or newer helmet. Tires must be speed rated with an H rating minimum. The tires, steering, suspension etc. must be in good condition with no play or looseness anywhere. All loose objects must be removed from the interior and trunk compartments of the vehicle. No leaks of any kind of fluid will be tolerated. Your numbers must be placed on all four sides (front, rear, both sides) in contrasting colors. I use black stick numbers on a white magnetic circle. The circle then had it’s entire leading edge scotch taped onto the car to prevent the airflow from getting under the front of the circle and peeling it off. This worked like a charm. The numbers must be a minimum of 8" high with a minimum width of 1–1/2" stroke. If you are a rookie with VSCDA, you must also have an X in a contrasting color on all four sides of your car.
Bill Dalton
Chief of Tech
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Sport Touring Group (STG) Requirements
The Car:
- If it is a convertible, it must have a roll bar. No, the Viper’s bar does not qualify as a roll bar, nor does a Saab’s.
- The OEM 3 point harness
- Tires must be speed rated with an H rating minimum.
- The tires, steering, suspension etc. must be in good condition with no play or looseness anywhere.
- All loose objects must be removed form the interior and trunk compartments of the vehicle.
- No leaks of any kind of fluid will be tolerated.
- Your car number must be placed on all four sides of the car, in a contrasting color. The numbers must be a minimum of 8" high with a thickness of 1–1/2". Contact brand paper works best and will not mar the paint. Wax painted area first before applying for easier removal later. Bring extra paper along, as there are often changes required.
- Rookie "X"s in the same location if so noted on your return registration forms, If you are a rookie with VSCDA or a rookie, period, you will be required to have an "X" alongside your number.
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The Driver:
- Long sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Closed shoes
- The pants and shirt should preferably be made of cotton. Nylon and rayon burn in a very nasty manor and should be avoided.
- Nomex gloves
- SA1995 or newer helmet.
Bill Dalton
VSCDA Chief of Tech
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How old do I have to be?
A. You must be 18 years of age.
Q. Must I be a VSCDA member to participate in STG?
A. Yes. If you are not already a VSCDA member, you must join in order to participate in the Sport Touring Group. You may opt to purchase a complete VSCDA annual membership for $70, or you can take advantage of the special 4 day membership being offered for the Sport Touring Group participants for $15.00.
Q. Do I need a medical exam to participate in STG?
A. No medical exam is needed, but a brief trackside medical form must be completed and turned in at registration.
Q. Where can I find a STG entry form?
A. Sport Touring Group (STG) entry is an option on the Spring Brake entry form. This is located on the VSCDA web site (www.vscda.org) under the 2007 event schedule.
Q. Can I drive a race car in STG?
A. No. STG is only for street legal cars. All cars must have adequate mufflers and no convertibles will be allowed without a hardtop and an approved roll bar.
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Q. Do I need race tires and brakes to participate in STG?
A. No. We encourage the use of street tires for all participants. No novices will be allowed to run R-Compound tires. Race pads designed for racing may not be appropriate for STG. Use DOT approved pads, and bring one extra set of pads per driver.
Q. Do I need a driving suit to participate in STG?
A. No. Although a racing suit is encouraged, a cotton long sleeve shirt and long pants is better than synthetic (fire protection). Wear sneaker type flat soled non slip shoes and socks. No high heels! No boots or sandals!
Q. What type of helmet do I need to have?
A. You must have a helmet that is Snell approved SA spec 1995 or newer.
Q. Must I have a fire bottled mounted inside my car?
A. No.
Q. Do I have to get my car teched before going to school?
A. The car must be teched prior to going on the track (tech is usually open for a few hours before the Thursday evening school and an hour before school starts on Friday).
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Q. What will tech do?
A. Tech will check your car for all of the required safety gear, including but not limited to driver and passenger restraints and helmet. They will also check the general condition of your car and tires, particularly looking for loose items.
Q. Does my car need a passenger seat?
A. Yes. A passenger seat is required with restraints equal to that of the driver. Belts must include a lap and shoulder restraint.
Q. Is fuel available at the track?
A. Yes, but we encourage you to fill your tank before you come to the track.
Q. Can someone come with me?
A. It is helpful to have a friend with you who can fuel your car, check your oil and tire pressure. Your friend is welcome to attend the Thursday evening class.
Q. Must I attend the Thursday evening class?
A. Yes. You must attend the Thursday evening classroom session from 7PM to 10 PM in order to drive on Friday. In that class, you learn flagging, what will be expected of you on Friday, racing terms, strategies, etiquette, rules... You will be assigned your instructor. The classroom session will also give you a understanding of what vintage racing is all about. It will also give you insight on what it takes to be a race car driver. This may be helpful in your decision to move further into the sport of auto racing.
Q. What is the instructor to student ratio?
A. We try to keep the instructor/student ratio 1 to 1.
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Q. What supplies can I get at the track?
A. Racing fuel, air and water are available at the track, as well as food and beverages.
Q. Are tires available at the track?
A. Tires are not available at the track.
Q. What do I need to know about Friday?
A. Be well rested. Bring plenty of water or Gatorade and do not be late. We start on time.
Q. How do I get to know how to drive the track?
A. We start out by acquainting you with the track. You will ride in various vehicles (not race cars) showing you the correct racing lines and braking points.
Q. When will I get to drive my car on track, and will I be instructed on how I performed?
A. Your first session out, you will drive your own car following an instructor in a conga line. After each session in the car you will have a critique session in the classroom. There is plenty of time to ask questions either in the classroom or directly with your instructor. The interplay is very important. This is why it is helpful for you to have a buddy to help you with your car as you do not have much time after your classroom session to take care of checking the needs of your race car (fuel, water, air, tightened lug nuts, oil, etc.).
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Q. Are all students on the track at the same time?
A. Yes. The sport Touring Group is run as a single group.
Q. How much track time will I have?
A. You will be on the track all day, intermittent sessions with other race groups. Typically, you get 6 sessions or approximately 2 hours of track time plus your classroom critique sessions.
Q. If I pass the school, will I be permitted to race with VSCDA?
A. No. The Sport Touring Group is an introduction to racing and car control. It is not considered to be a race school and thus does not give you racing privileges with VSCDA or any other race group.
Q. What can I expect to get out of this school?
A. You will get direct exposure to motor sport racing and come away with a better understanding of what is involved in becoming a race car driver and driving on a closed race circuit at speed.
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