What is Autoslalom
⚙️ Oshawa Motor Sport Club uses rubber traffic cones to build a course on either an empty parking lot or paddock at a local race track. Because of this the hazards and risk level is low, with speed generally no greater than what would be encountered in highway driving. The combination of concentration and precision maneuvering leaves many drivers with their heart racing and hands trembling after a run.
Although there are many ways to autocross, and the effort can be as easy or as intense as you want, the basics of autocrossing remain the same and simple.
⚙️ What do i need Vehicle in good working condition - We may not be going door to door racing, or driving high tech race cars. But the safety of everyone involved is our highest priority. You will want to make sure you have no loose objects inside your vehicle, your vehicle battery is securly fastened, your tires have no cord or metal showing, your suspension is not loose or worn, your brakes and seatbels function properly.
⚙️ Helmet You need to wear a helmet at all times on course, as well as passengers. If you do not own a helmet we do offer a loaner helmet but you should not rely on this. Helmets need to meet specifications, qualified helmets are:
Snell 2010M or SA - valid until 3/31/2025 - Snell 2015M or SA - valid until 3/31/2030 - Snell SA is required with a rollcage
16 years or older - Due to being a closed circuit. Competitors must be at least 16 years of age, anyone 18 and under will need a parent to sign the parental waiver. The parent will also need to remain at the event at all times.
⚙️ How to participate Find an event - Oshawa Motor Sport Club host's several Autoslalom Events each year. Ranging from Spring straight through until the Fall. We are also affiliated with CASC whom has handfuls of clubs affiliated, meaning you can also attend those events of affiliated clubs!
⚙️ Register Depending on the club and event, you may be required to "pre register". Pre registration is done online before the event in order to speed up events and processing entries, this also gives volunteers a great idea on the numbers to expect. Oshawa Motor Sport Club does not require any "pre registration" unless we are hosting a "regional autoslalom" in which it will be specified.
⚙️ Regional autoslalom you ask? A regional autoslalom is more of a series that takes places across ontario. Several clubs host events called "regionals" in which results and points are tallied at the end of the year. This is the top level of autoslalom and it can become very serious with car modifications, and then there's the fact you will be travelling far to some events.
⚙️ Drivers Meeting - Before every event we host a drivers meeting, we go over any event specific details and go over some rules and details to remind competitiors. This is also a good time to ask questions and state your new to autoslalom, usually someone will take you under their wing and guide you through the day. Finding help at an Autoslalom event is not going to be challenging, members and competitors alike lend a hand or advice without hesitation.
⚙️ Walk the course - Because you only do six guarenteed runs at an event, we offer a course walk directly after the drivers meeting. It is important to plan your lines for certain areas of the track, and plan an attack for the day. Depending on the location and track, it can take 5 - 10 minutes to walk the course, make sure you leave ample time for doing so.
⚙️ Help out - The one most important thing that makes Autoslalom less expensive than other forms of motorsports is that competitors are also organizers and helpers. That person who helped you sign a waiver? they're probaby driving today. The person keeping times? Yep, also driving. Most competiors are required to "marshall" which involves standing course side chasing cones that get taken out and replacing them, we plan this in the drivers meeting.
⚙️ Drive - Finally, you get to drive. Its self explanatory from here. Have fun!
That wraps up the basics of Autoslalom with Oshawa Motor Sport Club, more or less with CASC as a whole and other related clubs in general. As you can see, its possible to start with a minivan, and work your way up to a full modified car competing regionally for a title. How hard you compete and how far you take it is up to you, If your looking for information on classing a vehicle or autoslalom schedules be sure to follow the links on this page!
