Rules

ANNOUNCEMENT

Good news! - In concert with the lifting of many of the COVID guidelines by the State, Devens has relaxed our restrictions as well. Masks are no longer mandatory for those who are fully vaccinated, however, those who are not vaccinated or simply wish to continue wearing one are encouraged to do so. All occupancy limits are also lifted.
Please note we will continue to use the e-waiver system for the PCA Safety Waiver. The link for the e-waiver is provided on each registration page (Reminder - Season Registrants must also sign the e-waiver for each event)
 

I. Purpose

 

By defining the rules in this area, we are trying to maximize the numbers of runs for all PCA members competing in the Autocross Series. If an action or modification is not expressly allowed, it should be assumed to be illegal. Disputes over rules interpretation will be decided by the event chair in consultation with the autocross committee, where applicable. Proposals for rules changes may be submitted to the committee for consideration at anytime, however, decisions on adoption may be deferred until the following season.

A. Eligible Entrants

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license. Registration will be limited to 100 participants per event and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Junior Participation Program
Children of PCA members who are fully licensed, unrestricted drivers, who have a completed parental permission form, and have signed the Minor Risk Acknowledgment form and are accompanied by their parent may participate. Contact the Registrar for information.

B. Cars per Entrant

An entrant may drive more than one vehicle at an event provided that the second vehicle has been entered (fees paid), and passed tech inspection before registration closes. No points or trophies will be awarded for runs in the second car, and no entrant who drives a second car will get more runs than any other entrant in his/her run group.

C. Entry Fees

The cost per event for members and nonmembers will be determined by the Northeast Region Board before the series starts each year and will be updated on the website. See the Autocross Registration webpage for more details.

II. Scoring

 

For the purpose of accumulation of points toward the series championship, the following rules shall apply:

 

  1. PCA members of any class except the Novice Class are eligible for the series class championships including Non-Porsches (class 11). Any novice class entrant is eligible for the Novice of the Year award, independent of class position, as voted on by the autocross committee.
  2. Points will be awarded 9-6-4-3-2-1 in order of finish.
  3. A five-event series is planned. To qualify for the overall points championship, a driver must have participated in at least four events. If, due to weather or other unavoidable circumstances, we only run four events, a driver must have participated in three of those events. Points towards the championship will come from the driver's best four or best three events depending on the number of events in total. Novice Class winners will be transferred to their regular participation class to qualify them for that class championship subsequent to their winning Novice Class at an event. Novice Class participants will also be transferred to their regular class if their best time at any event is faster than that of their regular class winner’s best time for that event.
  4. Point ties at the end of the series will be broken by adding the single best runs of each event for each tied entrant for those events, which both entrants attended. The lower total time places higher.
  5. Ties within a class at an individual event will be broken by a single run each for the tied entrants. These runs will be done after all other official runs are completed, and within ten minutes of each other. The entrant with the better (that is lower) second -best time may elect to run first or second in the runoff.
  6. A two-second penalty will be imposed for knocking over a pylon, or if the pylon remains standing and is outside it's chalk box
  7. A re-run is granted if:
    1. The driver is flagged or otherwise stopped by a corner worker for safety reasons under no fault of the driver.
    2. The driver stops on their own accord for safety reasons under no fault of the driver, subject to approval of event chair.
    3. The driver stops and signals an out-of-place cone to the nearest corner worker and the driver has no cone penalties on their run prior to the out-of-place cone.
    4. The driver's run was interrupted or not properly recorded due to timing error, weather, or other circumstances and is approved by the event chair.
  8. In the event of a re-run, there must be a minimum of 5 (five) intervening cars, before the rerun is taken. If there are no intervening cars due to a re-run being issued at the end of a session, the car must be held for a minimum of sixty (60) seconds.
  9. Failure to complete runs prior to the session closing results in a DNS (Did Not Start).  Competitors are expected to complete their runs in a timely fashion. Under no circumstances will rule #9 be abridged, if a competitor through his/her own inaction has failed to complete their allotted runs.

 

III. Awards

 

All classes will be eligible for a minimum of three awards irrespective of the number of entrants. Obviously, in less well subscribed classes (i.e. classes with only one or two entrants) the number of awards may be limited by the number of entrants.

At the discretion of the autocross committee a "Worker of the Year" and a "Rookie of the Year" trophy may be presented at the annual dinner.

IV. Classification

 

By defining the rules in this area, we are trying to afford all entrants the fairest possible competition while keeping a practical upper limit on the number of classes. It is the responsibility of each participant to classify his own car. If a model is not covered here, the participant must apply in a minimum of 1 week in advance for classification. Failure to do so may result in the car running unclassified for the event -or- may be classed at the discretion of the chair. A competitor in the same class may protest a car's classification, but must do so before the first competitive timed run. Conflicts over classification will be resolved via a Classification Committee appointed by the Event Chair. Their decision will be final, and may involve bumping a car into a more appropriate class.

A driver may be registered and participate in more than one vehicle for the event. However only one vehicle can be used for competition purposes and must be designated as the competition vehicle for the event prior to the event start. All runs taken in the non-competition vehicle are considered educational runs and will scored as a DNF. The total number of runs taken will not exceed the normal number of competitive runs for the event.

A. Class

Except for the Novice Classes, cars shall be grouped into classes according to the class chart shown below. Those participants qualifying for the Novice Classes, as noted in paragraph H below, may drive any vehicle listed in any other class in the chart below.

   2024 NER Autocross Classes  
  Class Model (types) Years
  1 356 (all) 1948-1965
  912 (all) 1965-1969, 1976
  911 (all except Turbos) 1965-1994
  914 (all) 1970-1975
       
  2 924 (all) 1976-1982
  944 (all) 1983-1991
  928 (all) 1978-1995
  968 1992-1995
  Cayenne (all) 2003-
  Macan (all) 2014-
  Panamera (all) 2011-
       
  3 911 930 Turbo 1975-1989
  911 964 Turbo 1990-1994
  993 Carrera (base, Turbo) 1995-1998
  996 Carrera (base, S) 1999-2005
  997 Carrera (base) 2005-2012
  997.1 Carrera S (not S-X51) 2005-2008
  997.2 Carrera (S) 2009-2012
  986 Boxster (all) 1997-2004
  987 Boxster (base, S) 2005-2012
  987 Cayman (base, S) 2006-2012
  981 Boxster (base) 2013-2016
  981 Cayman (base) 2013-2016
       
  4 987 Boxster Spyder 2010-2012
  987 Cayman R 2011-2012
  981 Boxster (S, GTS) 2013-2016
  981 Cayman (S, GTS) 2013-2016
  718  Boxster (base, T) 2017- 
  718  Cayman (base, T) 2017-
  996 Turbo 2001-2005
  997 Carrera S-X51 2005-2008
  997.2 (GTS, Speedster) 2010-2012
  997 (Turbo, Turbo S) 2007-2012
  991 Carrera (Base)  2012 - 2019
       
  5 981 Boxster Spyder 2016
  718 Boxster (S, GTS) 2017-
  718 Cayman (S, GTS) 2017-
  718 Boxster GTS 4.0 2018 -
  718 Boxster 25Yr GTS 4.0 2019 -
  718 Cayman GTS 4.0 2020 -
  991 Carrera (S, GTS, T) 2012- 2019
  992 Carrera (base, S, GTS, T) 2022 -
       
  6 981 Cayman GT4 2015-2016
  718 Spyder 2020-
  718 Cayman GT4 2020-
  718 Cayman GT4RS 2022 - 
  996 (GT3, GT2) 2004-2005
  997 (GT3, GT3RS) 2006-2011
  997 (GT2, GT2RS) 2008-2012
  991 GT3 2014-
  991 911 R 2016
  991 (GT3RS, GT2RS) 2016-
  991 (Turbo, Turbo S) 2014-2019
  992 (GT3, GT3RS) 2021-
  992 (Turbo, Turbo S) 2020 -
  992 911 Sport Classic 2023-
  992 911 Dakar 2023-
  Taycan (all) 2020-
  980 Carrera GT 2004-2005
  918 2014-2015
       
  7 Race and Improved  
       
  8 Non-Porsche  PAX Group A SCCA Street Category (AS, BS, CS, DS, ES, FS, GS, HS, SS. SSR)
  9 Non-Porsche PAX Group B Race Tires or Not in SCCA Street Category
       
  10 Novice Porsches  
  11 Novice Non-Porsches  

New for 2024 - Non-Porsche Class SCCA Solo II Class and PAX Scoring:

We've split the non-Porsche Class into two classes (8 and 9). Times for Non-Porsche Classes 8 and 9  are adjusted using SCCA’s Solo II PAX index. We've expanded the non-Porsche Class into two classes (8 and 9) with lower PAX ranges in one group and higher PAX ranges in the other. The PAX index attempts to equalize the field by assigning a time adjustment for each run based on the car’s potential performance.

To determine the PAX index for each car, we must know your car’s SCCA Solo II Class. You will be asked for your car’s SCCA Class during online event registration so the timing system would be able to PAX your score. If you don’t know your car’s SCCA Class, please find it using the SCCA National Solo Rules which may be downloaded from the SCCA website at www.scca.com. and go to Programs > Autocross > See Autocross Guide > Solo-Cars and Rules > 2024 Solo Rules Download. If you still have questions, please contact the Autocross Registrar at [email protected]

Also New for 2024 - Our Novice Class has been split into two classes (Class 10 for Porsches and Class 11 for non-Porsches)

 

 

 

 

 

B. Minimum Cars

A minimum of one entrant shall constitute a class for any given event.

C. Tire Classing

For cars in classes where an S/R designation must be determined, classification decided on the basis of the tire wear rating as specified on the sidewall of the tire. Cars equipped with tires displaying a wear rating less than 180, or shod with non-DOT tires, are deemed to be in class 10. For cars other than class 10, all tires must be DOT approved and display a wear rating greater than or equal to 180. Cars with S designated tires can elect to run in R. Cars are classified, not drivers. If a car is co-driven, it must run with a single class designation.

D. Free Modifications

In this area we have tried to adopt a loosely interpreted, more lenient, version of the Parade Competition Rules (PCR's). This allows for various upgrades and replacement of troublesome items within a model range without bumping an entrant into a modified class.

 

Free modifications allowed in "stock" classes shall be as follows:

  1. Changes within class (including engines and transmissions within model range, i.e. body style for years sold in US). See section IV. G. for further clarification on model ranges.
  2. Modified ignition and distributor
  3. Cross bar supports on shock towers
  4. Modified carburetor jets
  5. Electric fuel pump
  6. Wet sump modification
  7. Modified oil cooler/filter
  8. Engine rebuilds (cannot exceed factory tolerances and specifications).
  9. Substituted chain tensioners/guards
  10. Exhaust modifications after the head (not to include open exhaust)
  11. Limited suspension modifications (no machining)
  12. Substitution of coil springs, torsion bars, shocks, sway bars, coilovers
  13. 356 Rear camber compensator
  14. Any DOT wheel/tire combination fitting stock fender configuration (Subject to tire rules in Section IV.C. above)
  15. Roll bars
  16. Spoilers
  17. Gear shift linkage
  18. Limited slip differentials
  19. Cross drilled rotors and/or competition brake pads
  20. Carburetors can be substituted for engines originally equipped with MFI or CIS injection systems. Cams, must remain stock.

E. Penalized Modifications

Cars which have one or more of the following modifications will be placed in the appropriate improved class unless it meets the criteria for the modified class. In this context "stock" is taken to mean components and configurations for the model and year which were/are readily available from Porsche as standard equipment or options as delivered through normal US dealers and intended primarily for street use:

  1. Engine
    1. Displacement increase from stock of more than 5%.
    2. Compression ratio increase by more than 0.1 points.
    3. Non-stock camshaft(s)
    4. Head modifications beyond polishing (e.g., porting, oversize valves)
    5. Turbo/supercharging if not originally so equipped.
    6. (Turbo cars) Modifications increasing boost, including waste gate mods, chips, non-stock turbocharger, etc.
    7. Nitrous injection
    8. Any engine swap outside of the model range. See secton IV. G for further information on model designations.
  2. Drive train
    1. Non-stock gear ratios (intermediate or final drive)
  3. Suspension
    1. Relocation of mounting points, including camber plates, etc.
    2. Non-stock or modified components which alter the suspension geometry and/or allow adjustment beyond that obtainable within the normal adjustment range.
    3. Change of type (e.g., coil-over replacing torsion bar)
  4. Body
    1. Significant lightening by substitution of stock body panels or glass with lighter weight components.
    2. Significant lightening by removal of body components (e.g., bumpers).
    3. Lightening by substantial gutting of interior components.

F. Race

The Race class is for cars originally constructed or modified such that the primarily or sole intended use is racing and competition. A car will be placed in Race if any of the following criteria apply:

  1. The car was originally constructed by the factory primarily or solely for racing/competition use.
  2. The car is modified such that the primary or sole intended use is racing/competition. i.e., it is no longer "streetable".
  3. The car is running on non-DOT racing tires (e.g., racing slicks).
  4. The car is unregistered or unregisterable for use on public roads.

Cars meeting one or more of the criteria for Race may be placed in an appropriate improved or stock class by appeal to the classification committee. The burden is on the entrant to show why the car should not run in Race. For example, an otherwise stock car which is unregistered and trailered to the event would be placed in the appropriate stock class. Committee decisions are final and apply for the remainder of the season, unless something has been changed which warrants reclassification.

Modifications not falling into any of the above categories shall be reviewed by the Classification Chair for suitability and safety. Decisions relative to those items, and classifications or reclassifications by reason of additional modifications, shall be made by the Classification Committee at its discretion.

G. Collapsing of Ranges for Earlier Porsche Models.

Owners of earlier Porsches face several issues in maintaining their vehicles. To ease these difficulties, each of the following groups is deemed to be a single model. This affords them parts interchangeablity, including engines and transmissions, within the rules as detailed in section IV. D. within each model definition.

  1. All 912/911 models produced from 1964 -1989 excluding 1989 964 models (i.e. no 3.6L engine transpants are allowed).
  2. All 914-4s.
  3. 944S, 944S2. 968.

 

H. Novice Classes

Participants who have attended four or fewer autocross events in the current and prior seasons have the option of registering in one of the Novice Classes (Porsche or non-Porsche). If a Novice Class participant wins that class at an event, they will be permanently transferred to the appropriate class for the vehicle they are driving. Novice Class participants will also be transferred to their regular class if their best time at any event is faster than that of their regular class winner’s best time for that event.

V. Safety

All entrants are required to wear an approved helmet in good condition and seatbelts while driving in the events.

Acceptable helmets include those with a Snell Memorial Foundation 2010 safety rating or later (2015; 2020), types EA (Elite Automotive Sports), M (Motorcycling), K (Kart Racing), or SA (Competitive Motor Sports). Helmets approved for PCA Club Racing, such as those required for PCA Driver Education events, are also acceptable.

A three-point seat belt, with metal to metal fasteners, is required in all vehicles. Four-, five- or six-point harnesses are acceptable if properly installed as defined by the standards of the Driver Education program.

Roll bars are recommended in all automobiles. Roll bars or factory rollover devices, such as the roll hoops in Boxsters, are required for all open cars using R-compound tires or tires with a wear rating lower than 180. Roll bars are required in all swing axle automobiles (e.g. 356 convertibles). Roll bar specifications are as defined by SCCA® National Solo® Rules.

Tires must have visible tread with no cord showing. If cord shows no runs or further runs will be allowed until the problem is corrected.

Footwear must be non-slip. Open-toe shoes or heavy-duty soles, such as those found on hiking shoes or work boots, are NOT permitted.

Trucks, SUVs and vans are not allowed to compete in the non-Porsche class.

All cars must pass a tech inspection performed prior to the event. The purpose of this tech inspection is to perform a quick visual inspection of the major components including among other things, properly torqued wheels, tires in good condition showing no cording or cracking, battery firmly secured, wheel bearings tight, throttle not sticking, no loose object in the cockpit or trunks, and no significant fluid leaks.  This inspection is a cursory one performed by volunteers.  It should in no way be construed as a professional appraisal of a competitors car and its worthiness to compete. All competitors are strongly encouraged to have their vehicle checked prior to an event by the qualified mechanic of their choice.

If a car leaves the course surface or hits an obstruction, it must be re-inspected.

VI. Policy

 

Objectives

  1. Improve driver education and driving skills of novice participants
  2. Provide instruction to help develop the  basic skills training necessary to effectively compete

 

Instructor Qualifications & Designation Process

  1. Must have completed a minimum of twenty (20) autocross events (4 years)
  2. Demonstrate an ability to compete at a high level (minimum 1 contested class championship or ten top ten time of day finishes)
  3. Demonstrate both the knowledge and ability to communicate clearly on topics pertinent to autocrossing
    1. Physics of car control
    2. Autocross strategy
    3. Line and course analysis
    4. Ocular driving techniques
  4. Receiving an instructor designation will require the recommendation of two officially designated instructors, as well as the approval of the current autocross chair(s).

 

Rules for Instruction during Autocross Events

  1. Rules #3-#5 detailed in the passenger rules section apply
  2. Instruction of novices is deemed a work assignment.

 

Identifying Instructors

  1. Instructors will be designated at the drivers meeting as their work assignment for the event.
  2. Novice participants will be advised of all available instructors during the drivers meeting.

 

VII. Passengers

 

Objectives

  1. Improve driver education and driving skills of all participants at all levels of accomplishment.
  2. Continue to provide a level playing field on which all participants may compete equally.

 

 Rules and Requirements

  1. Under no circumstances may anyone other than a registered competitor participate in on course activities.  Any participant found to have an unregistered person as a passenger in violation of this rule will be subject to permanent expulsion.
  2. If there is more than one person in a car, at least one of the participants must have completed a minimum of 10 (ten) autocrosses (2 years) with NER.  Out of region participants with sufficient experience may apply for a waiver which can be issued at the discretion of the autocross chair or his/her designee.
  3. Competitors are only allowed to drive the car in which they have registered for the competition. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Autocross Chair and will typically only be granted in the case of a kind competitor allowing the owner of a car that breaks to drive his car.
  4. While there are no hard numeric limits on the number of passenger rides any participant may take, there is a practical limit.  If a participant fails to be ready to take their runs within their designated run session, there will be no make up. The untaken runs for that session are forfeit for the event. See the section on Scoring #8, #9. It is the responsibility of each participant to manage this privilege and it is unacceptable to force workers to remain on station even a minute longer than is necessary.
  5. This program is not an avenue for showboating or showing off. Its purpose is to raise the group's level of competency. If any participant is, in the judgement of the autocross chair or his/her designee, misbehaving intentionally, driving erratically or abusing this policy to the detriment of the competition,  their privileges can be revoked, they can be suspended from the event and banned from future events.

 

VIII. Noise

 

For 2024, the new sound restrictions require that we test from two locations throughout the entire event.  Measured noise levels of each car must not exceed 87 decibels (db) from a distance of 75 feet as measured at a designated location on the course, and must not exceed 8 db over the ambient noise level as measured at usual location at the end of the main runway. 

As you prepare for the season, please consider adding additional muffling or changing up your exhaust system – especially if your car’s exhaust system has been modified. Cars that previously passed may NOT pass with the new regulations and those regulations may change as the year evolves. Bring turn downs, bring steel wool, bring whatever you need to quiet down your car. NER will have discretion to remove a car even if that car is not violating the meter but still produces noticeably high sound levels. Please think twice before bringing a car with a very loud exhaust. If your car exceeds the noise limits, we can’t allow you to drive it at the event.