I'm wondering because we just had a big to-do about it here. Up until last year they would let anyone ride - over the age of 12 - including fellow competitors, but after some drivers complained that it provided an unfair advantage - seeing the track at speed- they changed it for last season and would not allow any competitor to ride until they had completed their timed runs. Turned out that was VERY unpopular with a lot of the members who wanted to be able to help novices, wives, friends, etc. So this year we've gone back to unlimited riders, fellow competitors included. What is the policy in your regions?

 

In the our region (KY #17), no riders under 12 and none get a look at the course before their runs. Only seems fair. There's always someone else that can ride with your significant other.

 

Up here in the Northwest SCCA we have traditionally let PAX drivers and instructors ride prior to the comp runs. It was working out so well that they've gone ahead and allowed anyone ride at anytime (subject to the age limits of the insurance).

The other marque club series does not allow it due to insurance restrictions.

Karm

 

We have two local clubs running on SCCA rules. In the Texas Region SCCA it's not allowed unless you are 12 or older and your parents sign a waiver if you're under 18. Even then we don't allow competitors to ride unless they have approval of those in their class. Typically passengers are only there to help a "newb", otherwise we go solo. The exception is anyone entered in the Novice class. Novices can ride as often as the like with as many other drivers as they like.

Our other non SCCA club has the idea that it's founded not only on competition but also on learning. Anyone can ride anytime as often as they like as long as they are 12 or older.

FWIW both of these clubs are running Jr. kart programs as well. We have kids who are 6 years old and they are as hard core as us adults You can tell already some of those kids are going to be very fast by the time they are old enough to drive.

 

TRSCCA (Tennessee) permits unlimited riders provided they signed the waiver. Haven't been this year yet but I doubt it has changed.

 

ARSCCA (Arkansas) doesn't care, provided they're over the age of 12. Yes, allowing other competitors to ride before they race is slightly unfair, but so is allowing workers to work the course (and watch others drive) before they race. Can't win 'em all.
I just wish they made a standing rule- novice class runs first. That way they:

1) Can get help from the experienced folks in the beginning- which helps both novice AND experienced driver since hegets to see it at speed.
2) Clean off the course for us
3) Allow us to work the course so we can see it before we drive.

But that's just me. My group has been stuck running first three times already. It is teh suckage.

 

Our club let's anyone ride if they can fit in a helmet. The basic reasoning is that autoX is about developing your skill and learning to become a better driver. The whole point is to learn, so we actually encurage rides. When a novice can't get the course and keeps DNF'ing, we stick him in about 6 cars until he learns the course.

Some regions will let you take passengers, but disqualify your time because it changes the ballence of the car.

 

Some people take this sport way too seriously. Its about having fun and driving hard.

I always tell 1st timers to take a ride or 2 with someone else to see the course at speed.

I am in tne CFR (Central Florida) region and anyone can ride as long as they have a helmet. My 10 y/o son has ridden with me. But he also runs a JR Kart.

They only restrict riders here when we have faster higher speed events. I.E. Sebrings back straight away where we were seeing over 100 MPH.