What’s your favorite autocross worker assignment? | Garage Rescue Miata

"Media"

In reply to JG Pasterjak :

Grid is my usual favorite. It makes the time go by quickly, and there's some social interaction.

One year at Nats, "grid" became "the person who hands out the times to the drivers." I had a Post-it pad and a pen. As people came off the course, I wrote down their times and handed it to them. 

Talk about being present for the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. 

I really enjoy the "starter" position. In everyday life I tend to be an introvert but for some reason when starting I try to provide a little encouragement to each driver (trying to not distract anyone that has their race face on), check to see how their day is going, see what they are struggling with on the course if anything, and being extra welcoming and encouraging to any new drivers or drivers from other regions, all while keeping tab of everything happening on course. It makes the time go very quickly.

Grid would be my second choice as it allows similar interaction at what is likely a better time to do so from the drivers perspective relative to the getting in the right mind frame to compete.

Tech Inspector. I get to check out all the cars (including seeing what cars I fit in for future reference) and then after the morning rush is over, I get to sit back and watch the other run group race. 

Also, I have been trying my hand at Course Designer this year and last and I really have a blast, although my courses end up a tad extreme.

In reply to NickD :

Martin Sports Car Club requires all members to host an event, with duties usually including setup/teardown as well as course design. Not only does it help spread the load, but it gives you insight into what goes into an event, including course design. 

Anywhere but the inside of the track.

My first assignment was inside a carousel (I don't know what you call it, like 80% of a circle), and after the first car I quickly realized I could get smooshed from both sides. It was terrifying. I repositioned myself pretty quickly after that.

In reply to Opti :

Yeah, that doesn't sound safe. Workers should never be placed in a dangerous position. 

Timing.  I like the pace, it's a good spot to watch the action from, and if it's not air conditioned, there's at least shade and a fan. :)  If not that, send me out on course.  Grid's frustrating at local events -- there's always two or three people who want to run at their own pace, rather than the event's.

Waiver control at OCCC is product of the site...since there are trees surrounding the site, half the course stations often have shade as well.  Do waivers at Daytona, or the FIRM, or Lakeland, and you need the nylon tree if you want shade!

I was Chief of Tech for multiple years. Get there early, the cars run through tech, and I was done before the heat of the day. 

Starter...I'm too old to run after cones any more. There should be an exemption for people over 70.