Racing can be risky. Some of this risk can be mitigated with the application of some very basic safety equipment. In Midwestern Council, we strive to achieve a reasonable balance between safety and risk.
EVERYONE must meet these first two safety requirements.
Helmets are required for Everyone participating on track at our events, regardless of vehicle class/category. There are several different types of helmets and the helmets we use are specific to our sport. We only accept Snell helmets with an SA, K or M rating and with a 2000 or newer certification date. We do NOT accept helmets that only have a DOT rating.
Open face or closed face helmets are allowable assuming you still have a windshield on the car. If you have a formula car or other car without a windshield, you will need a closed face helmet. Balaclava's (or head socks) are NOT required, even if you have facial hair but these are always a good idea because they help keep your helmet clean on the inside.
Everyone needs to be wearing full coverage clothing made from natural fiber like cotton. (Jeans and long sleeve shirt / sweatshirt is just fine). We don't allow short pants, short sleeve shirts, or open toe shoes. Even on hot days, we require full coverage clothing.
On this same note, we DON'T require driving gloves.
Many vehicles that race with us don't require the installation of a racing harness. The three point OEM belts that came with the vehicle is often good enough. What class and category your vehicle races in will determine if you need a harness installed. Any vehicle that can race in our Stock category can race using the OEM belts. Also, in the points based class, vehicles that can race in B, C, D, or E in the Prepared Category can race without a harness. And ve hicles that can race in C, D, or E in the Modified Category can race without a harness. In the Street Tire class, vehicles in the Restricted and Modified categories can race using OEM belts. All Race category vehicles need a racing harness installed.
If you have any questions where your car falls, please feel free to contact us directly at autocross@mcscc.org.
We require roll bars in open top cars like convertibles or formula / spec cars. Some convertibles now come with roll over protection from the manufacturer. If you have a vehicle like this, we may allow your car to participate at our events. Before we do so, we are going to need two things: proof from the manufacturer that the device is designated roll over protection, and that the top of the roll over protection is 2 inches higher than the top of your helmet with you seated normally in the vehicle.
If your convertible does not meet both of these requirements or does not come with roll over protection from the manufacturer, then you will need to install a roll bar. Convertibles that have a hard top installed are still considered convertibles unless the vehicle manufacturer specifically states the hard top is roll over protection.
These often go hand in hand with roll bars. If you have an open top car like a convertible or formula car, we require that you use arm restraints when out on track. You can avoid using arm restraints if your convertible has a removeable hard top and it is installed.
We don't require any Autocross participants to use a drivers suit, but it is certainly a good idea.
Again, we don't require these, but if you have the funds, it is a worth while investment.
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