About this event
2023 NER PCA Autocross School
Sponsored by Conway Autoworks
NER's Autocross School is for novice drivers ONLY! If you have previously attended more than 4 autocrosses, you must obtain special permission to register!
Attendance is capped at 42 and the event is likely to sell out, first come, first served.
Novice attendees at the Autocross School will all receive FREE participation in one 2023 Autocross event as an impetus to experience the camaraderie and excitement of actual competition. Simply use the discount code NOVICE2023 (case sensitive) when signing up for your first autocross event after the Autocross School.
We are taking a new approach to the Autocross School this year to maximize student driving time and engagement between students and the instructors. The two morning exercises will include a slalom and an offset clamshells, both with additional elements. One instructor will be assigned to a pair of students for both exercises to provide increased instruction and feedback on the students' driving. The afternoon will consist of 4 - 5 student runs on a full autocross course with the option of letting your instructor drive to demonstrate the propoer line through the course. While attendance at the school is not requisite for attending events during the season, it is highly recommended. Regardless of whether you intend to autocross or not, this is a fabulous introduction to the art of driving at a fraction of the price of most schools of its kind. Teenage drivers are encouraged to attend. Licensed teens (full license, not a permit) under the age of 18 must provide a signed waiver and have at least one parent present throughout the course of the event. For more information, please contact the registrar.
You must be a novice to attend this school. Please don't sign up expecting a Test n' Tune.
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Location: Moore Airfield, Ayer MA
Price: $60 (Pre-registration only)
Registration Closes Sunday April 30, 2023 at Midnight - no exceptions
Pre-registration is REQUIRED for this event. No unregistered drivers will be admitted to the school on the day of the event. The car control clinic has a 48 person limit which fills rapidly so to avoid disappointment please plan to register early. We no longer accept payment at the gate. All payments must be made online.
Autocross COVID-19 Protocols: in concert with the lifting of many of the COVID guidelines by Massachusetts, 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.
What is Autocross?
Autocross is a sport in which you navigate your car through a defined course of pylons faster than your competition. Autocross courses are set up using soft orange traffic pylons which will not damage your car. Events are run at speeds usually between 40-65 MPH, usually in second gear. Unlike some other venues, we are extremely fortunate to have access to one of the premier autocross venues in the Northeast. Where many clubs are consigned to parking lots, we are privileged to be able to design courses that regularly exceed 1.25 miles in length with runs lasting well over a minute. You'd be amazed at how much excitement can be packed into 60 seconds.
Autocross is not only a "performance driving event", but a safe way to learn how to drive your car at its limit. You not only learn how to handle your car at speeds that you drive daily, but you also:
- Gain confidence in your driving ability.
- Learn the limits of your car's tire adhesion
- Learn the limits of your car's brakes
- Learn correct seating, hand, and feet positions
Autocross is a great way to exercise your driving skills in a safe environment. For anyone that would like assistance, there will be instructors available to work with you at all events. Each autocross has a different and unique course design and will undoubtedly provide you with a fun driving experience. Finally, Autocross is a social gathering of new and old friends and lots of fun.
Who is eligible?
You must have participated in fewer than 4 autocrosses.
Price: $60
Any questions email registrar Jeff Johnson at autocrossreg@porschenet.com
Event requirements
NER's Autocross School is for novice drivers ONLY! If you have previously attended more than 4 autocrosses, you must obtain special permission to register!
Event Requirements:
- Minimum age 16 with a valid driver's license (not a permit) and parental consent and one parent attending event, 18 years of age otherwise.(see below for forms)
- Helmets - Helmets with a SNELL 2010 or later sticker are required. Snell types M (motorcycling), K (kart racing), and SA (competitive auto sports) are all acceptable. Helmets certified by the FIA are also permitted. We have about 7 loaner helmets if you need one – various sizes – first come, first served.
- Your car must be able to pass a technical inspection, which includes tires with visible tread, secure lug nuts and operable seat belts (factory installed belts are a minimum). No other special equipment is required.
- Roll bars or factory rollover devices, such as the roll hoops in Boxsters, are required for all open cars using R compound tires and swing axle automobiles (e.g. 356).
- Cars will be tested with a sound meter and noise should never exceed 10 db over the ambient noise level as measured at two designated off-track locations.
Again this year 16 and 17 year-old children can participate in autocross events (must have full license, not a permit). To be eligible, permission forms, which can be found on the PCA website, must be obtained and signed by the entrant's parents. If you have questions about the forms, email the registrar, Jeff Johnson at autocrossreg@porschenet.com.
Day of Event:
Students should be be on site no later than 8:30 AM. (Instructorswill be required to arrive by 7:00 AM.) Chalk talk will begin at 9:00 AM with exercises commencing at 9:30AM. The two morning exercises will include a slalom and an offset clamshell, both with additional elements. One instructor will be assigned to a pair of students for both exercises to provide increased instruction and feedback on the students' driving. The afternoon will consist of 4 - 5 student drives on a full autocross course with the option of letting your instructor drive to show you the propoer line through the course.