Design and set up safe, entertaining, and readable courses for any given site
This was a conversation starter that I originally shared with the Solo round table at the 2010 Midwest Division SCCA convention.
Issues
Cycle of site acquisition and site loss creates needs
Capable, adaptable course designers.
Different design element mix based on lot size and shape.
Maximizing the space for fun, efficient courses that sustain entrant interest.
Courses and novice enjoyment/retention
Autocross taxes skill, not readability.
Course outline in flour, chalk, etc. — find and commit volunteers every time, ahead of time.
A guided novice course walk is a must — again, find and commit a volunteer every time, ahead of time. - When/where to grid. - Getting to and from grid. - Don’t try to turn novices into pros by overloading with info. - Basic line and car behavior insight instill confidence.
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Novices should never be lost from lack of preparation by the region.
Consistent course design
Fundamentals of well-flowing, fun, safe, and readable courses are universal.
Awkward, painful construction and spacing can be no-fun situations, turning off future entrants.
Maximizing the number of cars on course as size and safety allows. - Lengthy wait for next car to start makes day long, reduces runs. - Corner workers can be tired, overworked because of avoidable design element. - Making time for fun runs can be profitable for small-margin regions/events.
Prepare for success
Absorb knowledge
Roger Johnson Course Design Guide is mandatory reading (http://houscca.com/solo/courses.php) - Visual, thorough “Bible” of course design — starting point for all - Application and benefit to all site types.
Visit outside events and note quality courses - Nationals, Tours, divisional events, and even neighboring Regionals. - Avoid what isn’t fun or safe, bring home good ideas. - Get feel for spacing, cone configurations, elements, style of higher-level event.
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Learn it, live it, love it.
First-time site use
Invite the club’s setup regulars to scope out site in advance, get core group on same page about setup.
Note crowd control lines, paddock, grid, and course areas in advance.
No time on the day of the autocross to figure out basics — volunteers needed for course, registration, tech, etc.
Course designers note surface imperfections, obstacles, be ready to adjust designs.
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Equipment
Regularly check timing function in advance, store against elements in well-labeled containers, and have volunteers trained in its setup.
Determine who is bringing equipment trailer every event and make sure it gets there early. No cones, no course!
Trip and tricks
Online satellite views can help speed design and setup.
Google Maps, Bing, Mapquest, etc., contain satellite imagery with a basic scale.
During course setup, aerial view helps rough coordinates for gates.
Permanent landmarks like trees, posts, and buildings establish a visual reference.
The faster you get cones on the ground, the longer you have to fine-tune.
If you have to perform same-day setup, erect the middle of the course first. This helps prevent early birds from walking the unfinished product and being an armchair course designer.
Start and finish are easiest parts to set up, so give clear instructions and delegate. Have others set up lights, exit lanes.
Get one or two trusted people to proof course setup. - Additional eyes spot confusing elements, gaps, awkward points. - Helps the setup person past mental blocks and not waste time on micro-adjustments.
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Fine-tuning is a given, but know your site and show up to setup with a plan.
Correcting myths
“Corvette” versus “Miata” course should be largely irrelevant with quality course design. - Flow comes from smart gate spacing, line choice, and balanced steering input ratios. - Tighter courses with slow exits appearing to be “Miata” courses often favor more powerful cars.
Don’t worry about designing for or against a particular car type - You will never please everyone. - The best drivers will still rise to the top.
Packing in more cones doesn’t assist novices and help readability - Overabundance of pointers and walls can create “sea of cones” effect. - “Mini road course” format is difficult to read for novice and pro alike. - Wide, too-even spacing of cones can be see-through, thus confusing upcoming elements at speed.
Watch-outs
Crossovers - Can limit number of cars on course. - If space-limited, can be difficult to clearly mark and read at speed. - May imbalance left versus right turn counts if you aren’t paying attention.
Gimmick course elements can be fun on occasion, but may be difficult to read and make the course run longer. - The usuals — offsets, sweepers, slaloms, etc. — are just as exciting as special/weird maneuvers when thoughtfully arranged. - Small site? A short, high-flow course is more fun than a busy, time-milking course.
Take-home questions
How can we set up course to minimize frustration among novices?
How can we develop and mentor quality course designers locally?
