Introduction to SoloDex and FAQ

ByCARS

SoloDex is a timed automotive event held on a paved, flat surface through a course defined by traffic pylons. The event emphasizes car handling skills and maneuverability rather than car power and speed and stringent safety measures are upheld to safeguard car, driver and spectator alike. Drivers vie for class and overall prizes by negotiating the course one car at a time in a class of similar cars.

The goals are to improve car-handling skills and to develop a heightened respect for automotive safety and responsibility in T&T, while having loads of fun! A SoloDex event consists of a single course run a number of times. Drivers see the course just prior to the event's start when they will be allowed to walk the course to become familiar with the course layout and defining convention. Drivers also use this time to develop what they consider the optimal driving lines for the fastest passage through the course. Courses are made up of turns, gates and slaloms demonstrated by standard traffic pylons, which are heavy enough to prevent movements other than those caused by contact with a vehicle.

Their locations are marked with a chalk box around the entire base of the pylon to assure accurate replacement and assessment of penalties. A penalty is given if a course cone is knocked over and if the cone remains standing but is outside of the box. No penalty is given if the cone remains standing and is partially in its chalk box or touching the box. Courses are open enough to allow good competition between cars with different levels of modification or enhancement but avoid sustained high speed, extremes of maneuverability and they are also tight enough so cars run the entire course in their lower gears.

Courses are designed to limit speeds on straights to 80kph, and the fastest portions of the course are those most remote from spectators and property. Corner boundaries are never marked by curbs, buildings, poles, trees, soft shoulders, or other hazards likely to cause damage to a car and the course boundary does not pass closer than 25 feet from solid non-moveable objects or curbs. The course normally ends with the driver coming to a complete stop in a Finishing Box at least 50 feet after the Finish Line. The Finishing Box is no less than 50 feet from any spectator area or non-moveable object.

Each run is timed separately and drivers have a minimum of three runs of the course. For each cone penalty, 2 seconds is added to the run time, which is done to at least one hundredths of a second. Multiple Drivers may register with a car for the day's event, but each Driver can only register for one car, which must be 'Street Legal'. While a helmet is recommended for safety, drivers are required to wear an approved safety helmet if their car is fitted with a roll cage. Drivers may take along a passenger who must be over 18 and who must wear a safety helmet if the driver requires one.

Cars of similar performance potential are placed in the same class and classes are ranked into either Stock, Street Prepared or Prepared Categories. Each class carries a Performance Adjusted Index (PAX), which compensates for vehicle performance potential. Run times are PAXed then penalties added to give the driver's score for the run and the winners are determined by using each driver's single best scored run. Each event forms part of the SoloDex Championship. The Event Championship Winner is awarded 100 points and all others are awarded points relative to this score.

The Championship winners by class and overall are determined by totaling the Participant's Championship points earned in their best four events for the year. To qualify for Championship Points and prizes, you must enroll in the championship prior to the close of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is SoloDex?
SoloDex, also known as Autocross, SoloII, slalom or gymkana is one of the most popular amateur motor sports in North America. In the USA alone approximately 1100 events are held each year totaling more than 10,000 entries. The event involves drivers negotiating a course consisting of a collection of turns and straights marked by traffic pylons in a wide-open paved area. Who Autocrosses? Most autocrossers are motor sport enthusiasts, people who want to improve their driving and those with an itch for speed! Drivers from both sexes and from every walk of life enjoy the chance to drive hard and smart and actually seek out opportunities to compete against each other.

Why SoloDex?
SoloDex is an inexpensive, safe way to discover your car's capabilities and limitations and makes you a better, safer driver on the road by developing your car handling skills and driving ability. Since you run the course alone (Solo),there is almost no risk of damage to your car. Probably the greatest thrill is the challenge of beating your own time while having loads of fun

How do I start enjoying SoloDex?
To join the fun, just go to the next event. If you bring your car, you might be able to register and compete. To find out about the next event, contact CARS at 672-2962 or email us at cars@tstt.net.tt. Make every effort to attend a SoloDex briefing meeting. You will be able to pick up many pointers and tips about SoloDex and about the course in particular. Also, the officials will better be able to answer any questions you have. On the day of the event the officials would not likely be able to devote as much time as they would like to your questions.

How much does SoloDex cost?
A single day event will normally cost $75 per driver, which covers site and equipment rental as well as safety and other amenities. There is also a small charge for spectators entering the "Pit" or restricted area where you will be required to sign an insurance waiver. Once in the Pit area, you may pay another small fee to be a declared passenger in a vehicle for the day.
What is a "Fun Run"? Fun runs are non-competition runs which may be available (time permitting) at are reduced cost after all competition runs have been completed. Drivers doing fun runs must do so in a vehicle that has passed scrutineering.

What is Scrutineering?
A mandatory pre-event safety inspection of your car to check for working seatbelts, working brakes, a securely fastened battery, tight lug nuts, no excessive play in your suspension or steering and an interior free of loose articles including mats. Street tires must have measurable tread depth and must not have cord showing.

Can I use my Regular Car?
Almost any car can be used, as long as it passes scrutinizing and it is StreetLegal. To even out competition, your car will be grouped in a class of comparably equipped cars in either Stock, Street Prepared or Prepared Categories. Stock cars are base model vehicles (not necessarily the economy models) available for purchase new from a dealer in T&T.
Permitted modifications include any tire with a treadwear rating of 120 or more, any wheel that does not extend beyond the original fender, any shock that attaches to the stock mounting points, any exhaust mods from the catalytic converter back, any intake from the air filter forward and any brake pads.
All bolted assemblies must remain (the spare tyre, jack and tools can be removed). The stock category contains classes SS and A thru H in an approximate order of descending performance. Street Prepared (SP) cars are allowed significant modifications over stock including any springs that fit stock attachments, any sway bars or tower braces, any wheels and tires (except slicks), any intake or exhaust (except the addition of turbos) and any performance enhancing bolt-on modification like harnesses, racing seats etc.
Camshafts in the engine must remain stock Prepared (P) cars are allowed substantial modifications but must be licensed for street use. Interiors may be gutted, cams and pistons are free, and suspensions may be significantly modified.

How should I prepare my car for SoloDex?
Your car should be well maintained at the very least. Clean out your car, removing everything that you will not need, and take out everything.

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