Sunday was great fun.
It was my first SFR SCCA event.
So I am a true novice, no 33+% issue here!
I found the location no problem as when I got onto
highway 17 in Los Gatos I saw a white s2000 hauling
a trailer with 4 tires. At 6:30 AM he had to be going to
Oakland so I followed him all the way him right into the parking lot
to the sign-in tent.
I had been planning to stop to get water and a sandwich but
since you had the chuck wagon on site it all worked out just fine.
But back to the waiver line...
I never saw one.
I got there at 7:15 AM and there was only about 15 or so
people around the tent. No one was out at the fence/gate doing waivers.
We signed a waiver while waiting in a line and I bought a
SCCA Rule book. Then I showed my SCCA membership,
license, got my run card to fill out, sign up for work as a novice
and got a number and some tape. I also asked about being a
novice and what to do, where was the tech etc.
I was hoping that there was some sort of Novice orientation
or course walk through which is why I showed up so early
even though the Class I wanted to run was not until the afternoon.
But there did not seem to be any official novice help.
The first 3 people I talked to were also first timers.
We were all looking for help.
Do not get me wrong, there was plenty of unofficial help.
Just ask anyone and they were all helpful. Very nice
group. I did get a very detailed walk through from one
of the other members that was running again for the first time
in two years. He took plenty of time explaining stuff and
was helpful throughout the day.
I just expected some sort of organized assistance.
Or possibly even some sort of instructor types to
go on rides with you as a passenger and critique you etc.
But no one mentioned anything to me about needing a
wrist band in order to run. Some how I missed it on the table
or something as the other novices seemed to get theirs OK.
Later, when it was time for me to run, group 5, I asked in the
drivers meeting, since I noticed everyone had one except me
and they said I needed one and to get it at the registration table.
I went over there and no one was there. I waited for some one to come back
from the
camper and they just gave me one. The bands were all just sitting there
on the table unguarded.
I guess my question is what was the point of the wrist band?
If it was for proof that you signed why didn't I have to re-sign it
so they knew I had signed up?
Maybe it was just a glitch.
I did think that things moved pretty
smoothly. But I sure could have used a closer porta-potty!
(Yes I know they usually have them.)
I was also impressed that Pat Kelly came by to talk to me
and asked why I was driving her car! Well one like it. I thought it was nice
of her to talk to me, a virtual nobody in autox.
Anyways it was a bunch of fun, even if I am a bit
on the slow side. ( I am talking about my driving here not
my thick headedness) Well, I guess as I get older I get slower!
Maybe a bit grumpier too, sorry about that.
Thanks again for a good time, hope to meet more of you on the 17th.
-Stacey
|