San Francisco SHOdown!
The 12th Annual SHO Club Convention
July 12-15, 2002

ThunderHill Motorsports Park RULES AND TIPS

Dear SHO High Performance Driver,

Welcome to the 2003 National Convention track day at Thunderhill Park! Your slot has been confirmed and we look forward to seeing you at the track.

First, we will do TECHNICAL INSPECTION at the car SHOw at the host hotel on Tuesday Morning. In your registration packet will be a sticker you should put on the left top corner of your windshield to indicate that your car is entered in the Thunderhill event. If you are in the SHOw too, your car can be inspected during the SHOw. IF you are not in the SHOw, then we will instruct you where to drive your car for inspection, check the bulletin boards in the lobby on Monday night or Tuesday morning. If you can’t be at the hotel on Tuesday, you will be able to do inspection on Wednesday morning at the track.

On Wednesday morning, the gates will open at 7 a.m. Please be there at that time. Because of insurance regulations, no one can be admitted earlier than that time. Grid Tech begins at 7:30 sharp for those that do not tech at the hotel on Tuesday, so please be prompt! After Grid Tech, you’ll wait to be called to the drivers meeting at 8:30am, this is mandatory, YOU MUST ATTEND! Full run-group schedules will be provided at registration.

There will be four run groups based on driver experience and vehicle level of preparation. Initial run order will be set for these groups. You may revise this order with approval of the person in charge of the grid. Run sessions will be approximately 15 minutes. When your group is called, get to the false grid area immediately and be ready to enter the track when the previous group gets the checkered flag and leaves the track.

For your convenience, the food concession will open for breakfast and lunch. Gasoline will be available at specified times through track personnel

Please be sure to have your enclosed Tech Inspection form completed by a trusted service facility. It is strongly suggested that participants do not inspect their own cars. All drivers must bring the completed inspection form to grid tech on Tuesday. We cannot perform full inspections at the track. You cannot drive without this completed form.

Please note our tech requirements. The Snell ’95 standard is a minimum for helmets (M95 or SA95). You cannot run without this sticker in your helmet, and it will be checked as part of grid tech. Remember to be prepared: extra brake fluid, front brake pads, coolant and other wear items come in handy, especially for older cars. Also be advised that we’ll be looking at everyone’s tires closely throughout the day. If we see any cord showing, we’ll have to park you until you find some new sneakers.

Despite our superhuman powers, we still have no control over the weather. Please be advised that the event will run rain or shine and will be cancelled only if the track is unsafe. We’re pleased to offer this exciting track to the SHO performance driving enthusiasts. If you have any track-related questions prior to the convention, you may address them to the club at shoclub1@shoclub.com

Driving Rules for Thunderhill Park Raceway

Thunderhill is a 3 mile, 15-turn road course. There is up to 250 feet of elevation change leading to a challenging course with a variety of fast sweepers and slow tight corners. A fun course for a SHO. Please study this sheet and refer to the enclosed course map as necessary. Questions may be brought up during event registration or in the morning Driver’s Meeting.

Although we will try to keep run groups as small as possible, you’re likely to encounter traffic during your run sessions. In all situations, courtesy and common sense must prevail. Remember: This is a performance driving experience, not a race. Any extracurricular foolishness will not be tolerated. Period.

Instruction: In-car instruction and mentoring will be available throughout the day on a limited basis. If you are new to high-speed events, or this track, you should seek out an Instructor or Mentor prior to your first session behind the wheel. These staff members are authorized to take participants on orientation runs. All other ride-alongs must be approved by the Event Chairman on a case-by-case basis.

We will try to do ride-alongs with some of the instructors before the driver’s meeting, if you would like to ride along and learn the line at low speed, be at the pits at 7:30am or as soon as possible after tech. No need to bring a helmet. You will ride with instructors.

Staging and Entering the Track: To prepare for a run session, bring your car to the grid, this area will be pointed out during the drivers meeting. "First call" for each run group will be announced approximately 15 minutes in advance. As soon as you see the checkered flag for the group on track, strap on your helmet, buckle up and be prepared to move onto the track at the starter’s signal. Please watch the starter carefully and follow all instructions! The starter or an assistant will be checking you to ensure you are in the right group and safely prepared to enter the track. Upon entering, keep to the right to avoid any fast-moving traffic coming down the straight. Stay right as long as necessary, and check your mirrors before moving to the regular driving line.

The pit lane is a "hot" lane set aside for cars coming off the track. Please don’t congregate there! Watch for traffic at all times, whether in the pit lane or on the false grid.

Entering the Pits: To leave the coursetake a late apex out of turn 15 and move immediately to the right, keep right and signal your intentions immediately after the exiting turn seven by raising your left fist through the window. Continue to give your "pit in" signal, keep right and enter the pit lane slowly. Do not enter the false grid directly from pit lane. Go to the end of the pit lane and turn right to enter the pits or wait for the grid director to signal you back out. If you need to stop and inspect the car, please do so in the pits. The speed limit in the paddock and pit lane staging area is 5 mph. Please no high speed jaunts through the pits! Speeding and burnouts will be reason to be asked to leave without a refund.

Passing: Eventually you’ll come upon a slower car, or a faster car will overtake you. If both drivers follow proper procedures, a safe pass can be executed. Three passing zones have been designated: The main straight between turns 15 and 1, Between turns 13 and 14 and we may open up a passing zone between turns 6 and 8. But not for the first session or two, we will explain this at the drivers meeting. (see your map) Passing is prohibited at all other points.

No exceptions, and certainly no excuses!

Please be courteous to your fellow SHO lovers. Check your mirrors frequently. If a car is following closely, or if you seem to be leading a string of cars longer than your average freight train, ease off the gas at a passing zone, move to the right and and signal the pass on your left by sticking your left arm straight out. In the passing zones, move to the right, slow down and point out your window to the left. To indicate the car can pass on your left. Let the faster car execute the pass. Don’t create an unsafe situation by trying to outrun or outguess the other guy.

Remember: You’ll still have to make the next turn after completing your pass. It’s easy to run out of room on the straight, so look for a big gap after the cars you let by, and get back up to speed and back on the racing line. Since most of our SHO’s are similar in power, back off the throttle as you wave someone by; don’t create a drag race to the corner. All passes must be completed before the marked braking zones begin. Never enter a turn next to another car. If in doubt, back off and give the lead driver a safe, clear line into the corner. If you are pointed by but you are out of the passing zone or their isn’t room to pass, do NOT pass, back off and let the car in front get in.

Flags: We will have a full crew of experienced course workers to inform you of any unsafe conditions ahead. Make it a point to locate each flag station on your first lap and make a visual check of each station on every pass. On your cool-down lap, please acknowledge each station with a wave, a toot, or a flash of the lights.

The flags and their meanings are as follows:

Stationary Yellow – Slow down and be prepared to take further action. This flag indicates a car off the track, a much slower car on the track, or some other situation that requires your attention. Absolutely no passing!

Waving Yellow – Serious trouble! Slow down and be prepared to stop. Something (a car, deer, debris, oil, cows, etc.) is on the track, and you may be required to take evasive action. Again, no passing!

Yellow with Red Stripes – This is the debris flag. When it is displayed (alone or with a Yellow Flag), you are being told that some foreign matter (oil, antifreeze, gravel, car or gopher parts) is on the track. Proceed with caution, and be prepared to alter your speed and line as necessary.

Red – The run session has been stopped. Slow to about 10 mph as quickly and as safely as possible and stay to the far right side of the track. Do not leave the track surface; in wet conditions you may get mired, and in dry conditions the heat of your brakes or exhaust may ignite the grass. If you’re in a turn, proceed slowly past the apex and then proceed safely and slowly on the right side of the track. Try to maintain visual contact with the next corner station. STOP if they indicate you should. When it’s safe to proceed, each station will display a standing yellow flag, and the black flag stations will display a standing black. Always proceed directly to the pits following a red flag situation. You may use the back entrance to the pits if that is closer. NEVER turn around! Stop if the track is blocked.

Blue – The blue flag can be used for one car or a group of cars. If you see it, it means that you are being overtaken and should allow traffic to get by at the next passing zone. If presented to a group, it means to spread out. Failure to do so by the next lap may result in a black flag.

Black – The black flag means "come into the pits." Something could be wrong with your driving, your car or some combination of the two. If you see it, it is for you. To bring a single car in, the course workers will point the black flag at the vehicle. If your entire group has to be brought in ("black flag all"), all stations equipped with a black flag will display it, and other stations will display a standing yellow. Under any circumstance, acknowledge the black flag with a wave, flashing lights or horn, and come into the pits for a conference.

Checkered – The checkered flag will be displayed at the end of each session at "pit out" on the front stretch. Acknowledge it, reduce your speed for a "cool-down" lap, and proceed directly to the pits. No passing on the cool-down lap. The Cool Down lap is called that for a reason. Slow to a speed that does not require using your brakes much at all. This lap is for your safety! SLOW DOWN!

Should the gods conspire against you and you find your car heading for the boondocks at an odd angle, the best general course is to lock up all four wheels and use the friction to haul yourself down. If the car is going backwards while in gear, push in the clutch or grab neutral at the same time as the brakes to avoid engine and transmission damage. The key three words: Both feet in! If the situation is not quite so dire and you still have control, drive the car straight off the track, braking only in a straight line. Come to a complete stop and get a grip on yourself. Return to the track only with a signal from the nearest corner worker. Never try to turn the car while in a spin. Always avoid entering at anything near sideways. Wheels dig in and cars flip, even at relatively slow speeds. It is also unlikely you will be able to drive through a gravel trap, NASCAR efforts not withstanding (that’s why they call them traps!). If you get stuck in trap, stay in your car and wait for corner worker instructions. Remember: Never try to jerk the car back onto the track after a wheel leaves the pavement. Drive off smoothly, stop and return safely. After any spin or off-course excursion, proceed to the pits to have your car checked for damage.

Don’t forget to think! There are always choices to make when you’re on a racetrack. Turn one, for example, involves braking from top speed and entering a relatively fast corner. If you find yourself carrying too much speed through the braking zone to make the turn, simply drive straight off on the thoughtfully provided escape roads. Don’t force the turn if you’re unsure. Once the car is stopped, re-enter the course near the point you left it, with (and only with) a signal from the flag station.

In most sections, Thunderhill has plenty of run-off room. Don’t be afraid to use it. If you’re wide at an apex and find yourself running out of track, just straighten the wheel and drive off under control. Driving off is always preferable to spinning. Don’t be worried about driving off; we won’t give you a hard time for doing the right thing. If your car does leave the track and is unable to proceed, stay in unless there is a threat of fire. The nearest corner workers will come to your assistance and give you further directions.

Do note that after two "off track" excursions, we will reserve the right to end your day. So keep yourself WITHIN your limits after you have one off-track experience.

While you and your trusty steed cool off in the paddock, it’s a good idea to take a look under the hood and check your tires for wear and pressure. Remember that oil consumption can be much higher than normal at track events, so bring a few extra quarts with you. Keep an eye on your brakes; bring extra brake fluid (and even an extra set of pads) makes good sense. Are your tires working properly, or are they rolling over so far that the sidewalls are scuffed? Adjust your pressure as necessary, and check each tire for chunked tread and exposed cord. While you’re at it, don’t ignore your windshield. Use some glass cleaner between runs so you don’t have to squint through the bugs and dirt. And remember, don’t set your parking brake immediately after coming off the track – the high temperature may cause damage!

While you’re tending to your car, don’t ignore its most vital component – yourself! Make sure to bring appropriate clothing for both on and off the track. July at Thunderhill is generally quite warm. You’ll be outside for a good deal of the time, so some sunscreen might be a good idea. Regardless of the climate, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids, either from the snack bar or from your own supply. One very important point: No alcoholic beverages, including wine coolers, may be consumed by anyone during the event. Period.

In the meantime, just relax and keep tabs of your pit crew. For maximum safety, you must supervise your children at all times! Because of traffic, bicycles and skateboards cannot be permitted at the track. No one under 16 should be across the barrier to the pit lane. Dogs or other animals should not be brought to the event (we have enough wildlife already).

Cars must be inspected by a reliable service facility or knowledgeable owner, no SOONER than two weeks prior to the event. You must bring this completed form to grid tech at the track. We cannot perform full tech inspections at the track.

Driver #1 Driver #2

Car Model Year Color Number

q Brake fluid: clean, DOT 3/4 fluid less than 3 mos. old; DOT 5 acceptable; reservoir full

q Brake pedal: firm

q Brake lights: all working

q Wheel bearings: tight, not binding

q Battery: securely mounted

q Fan belt: good condition; no cracks

q Fuel lines: no leaks; good condition

q Throttle linkage: no sticking or sloppiness

q Engine hoses and wires; good condition; secure

q Engine mounts: no cracks or distortions

q No oil leaks in engine compartment

q Fuel lines & inlet: no leaks or wetness; good condition

q Glass: no severe cracks or scratches

q Mirrors: left-hand exterior and inside rear-view required

q Windshield wipers: working, good condition

q Steering: no excessive play at wheel

q Tires:2/32" tread minimum (except for race tires): no excessive wear pattern or sidewall cuts; H, V or Z speed-rating recommended; speed rating must not be below OE specification

q Wheels: not bent; no cracks

q Brakes: calipers–clean and dry; hoses & lines–dry in good condition

q Brake pads: minimum ¼" thick

q Tie rod ends: tight

q Struts: firm; no leaks; securely mounted

q Suspension location points: no cracks or excessive rust

q Engine/transmission/oil lines: no leaks

q Exhaust: no undercar leaks; securely mounted

q CV joints: no grease seepage or looseness

q Rear wheel bearings: no leaks

q Unusual conditions or modifications (list)

q Seat belts and shoulder harnesses: required for all passengers; properly mounted 5 or 6 point harnesses or OE belts only; any aftermarket belt must have anti-submarine belt–no 4 point harnesses permitted (Note: quality four-point harnesses will be permitted, owne/driver assumes responsibility for safety factor and quality of the harness.  If in doubt, use the factory belts.

q Roll bars: adequate padding at any possible contact points for driver and front passenger

GRID TECH at the TRACK

 

q Al deficiencies noted on front page corrected

q Seat belts: OE or acceptable aftermarket installation

q Front and rear glass: clean and unobstructed

q Brake fluid: clean; reservoir full; cap tight

q Brake lights: all working

q Wheel bearings: tight

q Tire pressure: adjusted for track conditions

q Hub caps: removed

q Lug nuts: none missing; tightened to specs; wheel locks removed

q Gas cap: tight

q All loose items removed from trunk & interior

q Special accessories securely installed

q Car numbers: on both sides of car; at least 8" high

q Helmet: Snell M95 or SA95 sticker required

q Clothing: natural fibers (cotton, wool) or fire-resistant material/suit; long sleeves & long pants requires on track; lace-up–rubber soled shoes preferred

Driver #1__________________________ Driver #2_______________________________

(date)    ______________                           (date)  ________________