COVID-19 INFORMATION

all modified C.A.R.T. rules due to COVID-19 can be found in the "COVID-19 Information" tab under the "Schedule" tab.

Track Day Information

CONNECTICUT AUTOCROSS & RALLY TEAM, INC. TRACK DAY RULES

Cancellations must be made by two weeks prior to the event.

TRACK DAY RULES & INFORMATION
We ask your cooperation in being at the track as close to 7:30 A.M. as possible. Check in at registration so we know you’re here and the park, clean-out and ready your car. Please get to tech inspection quickly so we can get you on the track as soon as possible.

We also ask you’re assistance in providing us with “volunteers” to help with corner working. – friends, grown children, ex-spouses, whatever…. If we come up short drivers must work

AND REMEMBER…C.A.R.T. RUNS RAIN OR SHINE

C.A.R.T. will use the SCCA National Time Trial Classes. To class your car, go to https://timetrials.scca.com, under the National Rules button find where your car should be classed.

C.A.R.T. will not be using the tire treadwear rule. Exception is the Unlimited classes

We will classify the drivers on the basis of experience.

All drivers who are running with C.A.R.T. for the first time will be classified as Novices. The instructors will then class you based on their observations. Exceptions can be made by speaking to the event chair.

We have 3 levels of classification: Novice, Experienced and Advanced

Novices– As the name implies are drivers who have little or no on-track experience at the facility we’re running at, or are first time drivers with C.A.R.T. Instruction is available throughout the day for those who would like it, and an initial level of instruction is provided to all who have not run with CART previously, or at that particular track. We try to provide 1 instructor / 3 novices, and usually are able to meet that ratio. The instructors make themselves available all day to their students.
Experienced– Drivers who have some experience with on track driving and / or the track we’re at. Advanced drivers with less powerful vehicles may also choose to run in the experienced group.
Advanced– Drivers who have been judged by the C.A.R.T. instructors as being able to advance to our highest level of track drivers. This group consists of track veterans, driving higher powered vehicles than the experienced level drivers.

C.A.R.T. Track Days Safety Rules

HELMETS: Helmets are required (sorry no loaners). Every helmet must have Snell M or SA rating and proof of being manufactured within the last 10 years. Helmets must be in good condition (no cracks)

CLOTHING: Long-sleeved clothes made of non-melting cloth (cotton or NOMEX) and closed toed shoes are a requirement. At Lime Rock, this also applies to anyone in the PIT area or working a corner.

RESTRAINTS: Safety harnesses are reccommended, but not required if the vehicle is equipped with a factory restraint system. All cars must have metal-buckled seat belts in good condition with no cuts or abrasions. All cars must have shoulder harnesses. “Y” belts will not be allowed if the “Y” joint is sewn.

ROLL BARS AND CAGES: All open cars must be equipped with a SCCA or CART approved roll structure. A factory style hardtop is reccommended. The roll stucture must be properly and strongly fastened, and be two inches above the driver’s helmet. All modified class cars must be equipped with a SCCA or CART approved roll cage. Modified cars are defined as any car running non DOT approved racing tires, or any car that has been modified / altered to the point where it can no longer be registered for street use in the state of Connecticut and is competing in ANY “modified” class.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Drivers of all modified automobiles shall be equipped as follows:

A. Drivers suits made of fire resistant material.

B. Gloves made of leather or fire resistant material.

C. Socks & Shoes made of fire resistant material.

D. Drivers with beards and or mustaches shall wear a face shield (Head Sock) of fire resistant material

E. Fire systems: It is highly recommended that all cars in the modified classes have fire systems.

F. It is recommended that all vehicles be equipped with tow hooks in case of incident or on track vehicle failure.

RIMS: Multi lug pattern rims allowed with approval prior to the event.

TIRES: Must be in good condition with no defects and good tread. Higher than normal air pressure is recommended for street tires. Air is available at the track. If you are not sure about pressures, ask instructors for a ballpark starting point.

MUFFLERS: Vehicles must fall within the requirements of the track hosting the event. See track websites for details.

SUSPENSION: Will be checked for ball joints and bearing wear; a floor jack may be used. Be sure to tighten all lugs. All lug nuts / studs must be in place. Lug nuts should be re-torqued after each run.

REAR VIEW and SIDE VIEW MIRRORS: Mandatory on all vehicles.

NUMBERS: Car numbers should be clearly visible to all course workers. The numbers should be a minimum of 8 inch high and of a contrasting color. The numbers must be places on both sides of the car (the door). Vinyl number may be placed on the side glass.

For cars with two drivers (Two numbers), only one number will be allowed on the car at one time on the track. Have the number(s) on the car before tech. Competitors shall provide their own numbers, 8” in height

NOVICES – We REQUIRE a large letter “N” on the rear of your car to signify that you are a novice. We define a Novice as any driver who is a first time participant in a C.A.R.T. Track Day. Experienced drivers may be granted an exception from being classed as a novice at the discretion of the Event Chairperson.

LIGHTS: All cars are required to have rear brake lights in working order

TRACK AREAS: All competitors will keep their cars parked in the paddock area. The only time a car should be on the pit lane is while entering and exiting a practice group. There will be absolutely no servicing of cars on the pit lane at any time during the day. All work must be performed in the paddock area only.

TECH INSPECTION: Your vehicle will be required to undergo a technical inspection at the event. The tech inspection checklist is provided at registration. A copy is available here. Due to the strenuous nature of HPDE events it is recommended you have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle prior to arriving at the track.

The car must be presented to tech ready to run. This includes: tech sheet, numbers applied, all forward facing glass lights taped, interiors completely devoid of loose objects including floor mats, exhaust system as it is to be run during the event, helmet available, etc.

Cars without these items completed will be asked to return through tech again when they are completed. Please save us all some time and be ready the first time through. Convertibles must comply with SCCA regulations governing convertibles.

OVERALL CONDITION OF THE CAR: Cars must be in good mechanical condition.

Any rust areas will be inspected for safety, structural strength and to insure that no metal or other materials will fall off on the track.

NOTE: We do not require fire extinguishers

Participant Conduct

The CONNECTICUT AUTOCROSS & RALLY TEAM, INC. expects sportsmanlike conduct from everyone involved. Under no circumstances will liquor, alcohol or drugs be consumed anywhere on the grounds during the event. Anyone caught in violation will be expelled from further competition that day.

Please cooperate with us to ensure a safe, enjoyable day for everyone involved.

CART Cancellation and Refund Policy.

CART will issue a refund for cancelled track days up to 1 week prior to the event. If a cancellation is necessary within a week of the event, CART will make every attempt to issue a credit towards a future event. Cancellations must be made in writing to the event registrar. Failure to attend an event without notification forfeits the entry fee with no credit issued.

Autocross Information

C.A.R.T. maintains a good neighbor policy:

Any competitor or crew found driving in the pits or on the street in an unsafe manner will be ejected, and forfeit any fees paid.
Vehicles that are judged to be too loud will receive one warning to correct the problem before they will not be allowed to run. CART has a 90db Limit at 75 Feet for all Vehicles, CART Reserves the right to delay a vehicles runs due to noise until the issue is corrected

Registration closes promptly at 9:30 a.m. Any entry after that time cannot be accepted.

Any car (street legal or race) may compete. No Trucks, SUV’s or Motorcycles. For safety concerns CART reserves the right to decide a vehicles eligibility during the course of an event.

In order to promote more competition between drivers and prevent single car classes at each event, we have decided to combine the SCCA classes into groups based on their PAX times. This will essentially group classes that run very similar times together and hopefully promote more competition at our events. The ten classes will be grouped as shown in the link below.

In addition C.A.R.T. features their own classes:

Pro-Class

Pro S (Pro Street Car) - Essentially an "open class" limited to 200tw+ tires, with some exceptions.
Pro S – All vehicles entered into CART “Pro Street Car” class must be four-wheeled vehicles appropriate for street use. All vehicles must use hood, fenders and body panels as produced from the factory. Scoops, flares and other modifications are acceptable. All cars must run “Street Tires” as defined by the SCCA at the time of competition. CART “Pro Street Car” class is designed specifically for Drivers of performance street cars.
Vehicles built specifically for competition or “race cars with license plates” are not within the spirit of the class. CART officials will make the final determination of eligibility.

Pro R (Pro Race) - A completely 100% open, unrestricted class

Pro R – (Pro Race) this class is essentially an open class. R Comp tires are legal in this class, as well as any modification. This class is meant to be an unrestricted class with no prohibition of modification.

Pro G (Pro Geezer)

Pro G- This class is designed to promote competition among all our participants who are 65 years of age or older. Any vehicle qualifies as long as the driver meets the legal age requirement.

The marking for these classifications on cars should be Pro R and Pro S and Pro G.

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Car and Driver Requirements

Car number must be clearly marked on the car. Car numbers should be 8 inches high. It is recommended to also mark class on the car in 4″ letters to the right of car number

Minimum age to compete is 18 years old for non club members. 16 years old for club members (any club members 16 and 17 years old must be accompanied by an active member parent or legal guardian and have a waiver signed by said parent prior to competing). All drivers must have a valid driver’s license. (We do check!)

Helmets are required and we do have loaners. You must purchase a headsock to use a loaner helmet $5.00.

Every helmet must have Snell M or SA rating and proof of being manufactured within the last 15 years. We accept the current and two previous Snell rating periods for autocross helmets.

Apparel – Closed toed shoes are required for all participants (Sneakers boots etc), no sandals, please.

All cars must be in good mechanical condition. This includes brakes and mechanically secured battery (no elastic cord). All cars must be muffled to a level determined by the Event Chair or any Officer.

All attendees will be required to work at least one work shift per event. Failure to work your assigned shift will result in loss of ALL recorded times.

This is a non-spectator event. Only drivers and “crew” allowed. Pets must be on a leash at all times

CART is a guest at all facilities used. All trash needs to be picked up and taken with you as you leave.

We broadcast event times on FM radio. Bring a portable radio and stay in touch with the event. You can also access you times via a smartphone. Connect to the “CARTCT” network at the event and enter the URL on the side of the trailer into your phone’s browser.

Novices

We welcome novices and other first time participants. A walk through with instruction and tips is held before the drivers meeting for novices by a CART instructor and an instructor will ride with you on your first run.

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New to Autocross? Never run with CART before? Haven’t run with us this year?

Registration is easy.

1) Get a car number and car classification at the table located to the back of the trailer. (Once you have a number, this will be your number for this year, and you can skip this stop at subsequent events.)

2) Go to the The trailer window, and have your car number and information entered into the timing computer. You must do this at each event.

3) Go to the other side of the trailer to pay your entry fee, get your wristband, and your work assignment. You will not be allowed to run without a work assignment wristband. The wristband you received at the gate allows you to be on the premises, you need a different wristband to compete.

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Event Agenda

•8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration – CART MEMBERS receive a discount on the entry fee. CART also is pleased to offer our active duty military members, member pricing on events. You must have a current year CART issued car number to register. Car numbers are issued at the registration trailer in separate line from regular registration. Your vehicle will be classed at that time, please be prepared to inform us of modifications or changes to your car. If you already know your car’s class, it will speed up the process.

•8:30AM – 9:30 AM Registration and Vehicle Safety Inspection (Tech)

•9:30AM – Novice Walk

•9:50AM – Mandatory Driver & Crew Meeting EVERYONE PRESENT ON THE LOT MUST ATTEND

•10:00 AM – First car off. CART does not run in heats, we use a numerical running order.

•Trophy presentation on site after the event