Autocross Information
The following information will also appear in the Owner in a few weeks.
For the Autocross event at the national Alfa Romeo Owners Club 2008 convention, we will be using the parking lot at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, IL, roughly 7 miles/ 15 minutes from the hotel. To see a limited view of the parking lot, go to odeumexpo.com and then click on the “Photos” option. Within that, go to “Outdoor Events” to see some photos of a Porsche SUV event held in the lot. There are no light poles, storm drains, or major curbs to pose hazards for the competitors. The parking lot was re-surfaced within the past two years. We expect a clean, good surface for the event.
The event will be similar in structure to the most recent event at the 2007 convention in Detroit. To that end, we will be using the National Competition rules for classification of cars, and determining classes. Participants are strongly encouraged to at least review those rules prior to asking questions that are clearly answered in the rules. We may or may not have “loaner” helmets available, so we suggest competitors bring their own. We will also be using some of the proven procedures of the Detroit chapter to expedite runs. Three lines leading to the Start line will allow competitors with “hot” tires to immediately cycle back unto the circuit, while those with prior runs or awaiting their first run will be released on an “as available” basis. Our course will be designed to yield times of roughly 45 seconds and two cars on-course simultaneously. We expect to begin putting cars on-course no later than 9:00AM and finish by 1:00PM.
We are fortunate to have available as technical inspectors at least two veteran and highly regarded Alfa mechanics, Mike Besic of Besic Motorsports and Al Promisco of Italia Automobili. They will undoubtedly be very thorough and will eliminate any questionable cars, thereby enhancing the safety of all involved. If you have any questions as to the preparation of your car or it’s ability to pass tech, please contact us after you receive our e-mail packet with Autocross information and forms. We will be allowing those competing in the Time Trial event to pass through Autocross tech with minimal inspection. We will also provide tech inspections on both the Wednesday and Thursday nights in the hotel parking lot. These procedures should allow us to minimize the number of tech inspections on the Friday morning of the event, and thereby expedite registration and allow participants quick access to the course.
Our focus throughout this event will be to have fun. We hope to allow up to 5 runs (depending upon the time needed to complete the course) each for up to 60 cars, with all participants having an enjoyable and safe event. A course map will be made available roughly two weeks prior to the event, and participants will be allowed to walk the course the morning of the event prior to 8:30.