The rising sun begins to punch its way through a heavy mist. All around you is silence and stillness until, off in the distance, the staccato bark of a racing engine coming to life shatters the tranquility. You can feel it. You’re going racing!
Since 1944, SCCA has championed one mission: To bring motorsports to the masses of American men and women who are passionate about automobiles, speed and competition. From National Championships to regional events, whether professional or amateur, we exist to organize, support and develop auto racing at every level and provide an outlet for you to get out of the armchair and into the action.
Nearly every weekend, somewhere across the nation, a band of amateur motor heads strap-in for the exhilarating thrills of door-to-door competition. SCCA operates at the best tracks and with the best trackside safety due to its experienced volunteer workers. Whether you want to be the racer or be a part of the race staff, SCCA is your place to participate in the best sportscar road racing available.
Read on to find your outlet for a great weekend rush.
Go Racing
Are you ready to take that step from watching road racing to getting behind the wheel? It’s not an overnight process, but SCCA has produced more road racers than anyone, so you’re in good hands. These are step-by-step instructions and guidance which will help you obtain an SCCA Competition License. You can also get great advice by attending a local race and talking to the racers themselves in the paddock.
If, upon reading this guide, you have questions or special requests, the Licensing Specialists at the SCCA National Office will be happy to help you. Write/Phone/e-mail them at P. O. Box 19400, Topeka, KS 66619-0400; 1-800-770-2055, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
It's very important that you become familiar with the General Competition Rules, otherwise known as the GCR. These are the rules that govern SCCA Club Racing. Rule books can be downloaded online at www.scca.com
IF YOU HAVE NO PREVIOUS RACING EXPERIENCE...
STEP 1 - Join the SCCA
Joining the SCCA has never been easier; simply click here for our Region’s form: http://www.atlantascca.org/documents/sccamemberapp.pdf
Or do it all online by clicking here for the National website:http://www.scca.com/joinnow.aspx
Next, you’ll need to go visit your doctor for a sports physical. You can download that form, as well as the Novice Permit form. If you are 16-18 years old and want to drive competitively or work in a hot area, you’ll need to complete the Minor Release and Waiver and Minor's Assumption of Risk Acknowledgment form (Form MS-L - MUST BE PRINTED IN COLOR). These are available for download, or you can contact SCCA to have one mailed to you. If you are under 21 and live in Alabama, Nebraska, or Wyoming, you will also need to complete the Minor Release and Waiver and Minor's Assumption of Risk Acknowledgment form (Form MS-L - MUST BE PRINTED IN COLOR).
STEP 2 - Submit your Paperwork
Submit the Novice Permit Application with all of the required documents and Novice Permit fee to the SCCA Central Licensing Department at P. O. Box 19400, Topeka, KS 66619-0400; OR you may obtain your Novice Permit through your local Region's licensing representative (see SCCA Divisions/Regions maps for links to Region Web sites).
NOTE: If you are 16-17 years of age, you must apply for all Competition Licenses through the SCCA Central Licensing Department at the National Office. The Novice Permit, often referred to as a "logbook," allows you to enter an SCCA Driver School and later, SCCA Regional Club Racing events. Almost anyone 16 years and older, who has a Motor Vehicle Operators license, is eligible for a Novice Permit.
Items required prior to issuance of a Novice Permit include:
1. A current Physical Examination dated no more than three months prior to application (if you have health issues, you must get approval from the SCCA Medical Board by contacting Central Licensing at 800-770-2055)
2. Two passport size photos
3. A photocopy of both sides of your Motor Vehicle Operators license
4. Minors, 16 and 17 year olds:
a. A completed Parental Consent, Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement form (original only, photo copies not accepted).
b. A completed Minor's Assumption of Risk Acknowledgment form (original only, photo copies not accepted).
5. If you are 18-21 years of age and live in Alabama, Nebraska, or Wyoming, a notarized Minor Waiver Release form.
6. Pay the Novice Permit fee.
STEP 3 - Prepare to enter an SCCA Driver School Event
Check the "Calendar" section of SportsCar magazine or the SE Division website (a link to the SE Division site is on our homepage) to find the next Driver School in your area. Most of the registration process is handled online by the host Region. Some Regions hold Drivers Schools only in the Spring, others conduct them year round; however, you may attend an SCCA Driver School anywhere in the country. To attend an SCCA Driver School, you must arrange for your own properly prepared race car. You will also need approved driving gear, including an SCCA approved helmet. If you do not have a race car, you will have to rent or lease one in order to attend a school. Renting allows you to concentrate on driving and also permits you to consider which class best fits your goals before you buy a car. Rental prices generally range from $500 - $2,000 depending on the car type. Contact our Region's Competition Chairman for assistance in obtaining a rented vehicle (find the Chairman's contact info is in our Race Board contact list).
There are also professional race schools that advertise online and in SportsCar magazine. If you can't find a rental or find crew help, the professional schools take care of that using their own vehicles and mechanics. Of course, this path involves more "out of pocket" expense but it can lead to a Competition License in a compressed schedule.
READ AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE GCR BEFORE your first school, paying special attention to the section on Flags! This is where you'll find information about specific vehicles as well as equipment requirements and standards.
STEP 4 - Driver School Checklist
Upon receipt of your event entry packet, READ ALL the information provided. Most importantly, note the rules and regulations specific to the event and the race track. Complete your entry form in its entirety and return it to the person listed. Make absolutely certain your personal driving equipment, (i.e., Helmet, Driving Suit, Gloves/Shoes, etc.) is in good order, and that your car is race-ready BEFORE the first on-track sessions. Be punctual for your classroom sessions. These are mandatory.
Make every effort to have a qualified mechanic on hand to ensure your car runs properly, as you successfully must complete all the on-track sessions in order to get credit for the school.
STEP 5 - SCCA Regional Competition License...and Beyond
Upon completion of two Driver Schools and two Regional Races (you’re still a Novice for your first two), you are eligible to receive an SCCA Regional Competition License. You have two years from the date of issue to complete the Novice requirements. Once the requirements are met, send your completed Novice Permit, signed off by the event Chief Steward at your second Regional race; a copy of your Physical Exam; and the Regional License fee to the Central Licensing Department. You will soon be the proud owner of a Regional Competition License. After successfully completing four Regional events, you may upgrade to a National Competition License.
If you have attended, or plan to attend, an Accredited Professional Racing School...
Ordinarily, you would have to attend at least two SCCA approved Driver Schools. However, if you attend an accredited racing school, it may count as one, or even both of your required SCCA Drivers Schools.
• If you attend a private racing school before your first SCCA Driver School, the Chief Steward of your SCCA Driver School may waive your second SCCA Driver School.
• If you attend a private racing school after your first SCCA Driver School, you must request a waiver from your Divisional Licensing Administrator. You can obtain the address of your Divisional Licensing Administrator from this web site (or write/call/ the SCCA Central Licensing Department.
NOTE: While the SCCA Driver Schools and private racing schools have similar names, they are somewhat different in scope. A primary goal of an SCCA Drivers School is to teach novices how to race safely and expose them to racing in the SCCA.
If you Have Previous Racing Experience...
Depending upon your previous racing experience, some or all of your licensing requirements may be waived by the Chief Steward of your SCCA Driver School or by your Divisional Licensing Administrator.
An example: If you are a kart champion and pass your first SCCA Driver School without difficulty, Chief Stewards may waive your second SCCA Driver School. Another example is a driver who previously held an SCCA National license but has not raced for a few years. Depending on this individual's previous racing record and the length of the layoff, it's possible the Divisional Licensing Administrator may waive the driver back to a Regional or National license. Or, the Administrator may require a "retread" to complete a Drivers School or a private racing school before a waiver will be considered. If you have previous racing experience and would like a waiver, document your experience and present your request to your Divisional Licensing Administrator.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Your passion for motorsports may present itself in a number of ways. Motorsports is more than just driving, and there are a million-and-one ways to get involved. Running an event requires the talents of a wide variety of dedicated individuals. Whether you’re talking Rally, Solo or Road Racing, our members enjoy serving in all types of exciting positions. Get started now and who knows where you’ll end up? After all, the SCCA provides staff to every major road racing event from CART to NASCAR and Formula One.
Trackside - Get Down and Dirty
Flagging and Communications
This worker takes a position along the course and uses flags and hand signals to communicate track conditions to each driver. This position serves as first responder to any incident on the course, maintains the link between the steward and the drivers, and keeps the fun moving at all times. These people go home dirty.
Marshals
Marshals oversee activity in the paddock, at the start, on the course and in the pits. Marshals get their face next to the race, snort the fumes, keep it real.
Starters
If your idea of fun is to have all eyes focused intently on you while you savor your moment of total control, you'll have great fun being a starter. The starter also calls the end of the race, and is hooked into the communications network throughout.
Emergency Services
If you have training in medical response, fire fighting or vehicle recovery expertise, you can put your specialized skills to work by providing crucial event support. While there is nothing fun about emergency situations, these folks are the lifesavers.
Officials - Keeping it Clean
Scrutineer
Scrutineers get real fun when they’re poking around under the hood. Pre-race safety inspections, preparation compliance, post-race inspections, mechanical teardowns. If you like to stick your nose in stuff, and know how it works, this is the job for you.
Timing and Scoring
These positions collect the numbers that tell the story – who drove how fast and in what place each driver finished the race. You’re on the computer, using advanced technology to measure, collate, verify and deliver the results.
Registrars
The registrar is the intake person. Meet and greet arriving participants and issue and verify their credentials. Be the first official face they see, point them to where they need to be and make sure everyone gets started on the right track.
Stewards
Run the show. Make sure everyone is doing what they're supposed to be doing. Verify that everyone knows the rules and follows the rules. Keep everyone safe. Solve problems. Make sure everyone gets real fun.
Workers & Officials Programs
Getting involved as a worker or official is as easy as going to a local event and volunteering to help. Workers are issued a license just like the competition drivers, and can work their way up through the four levels of licenses by participating at different events and gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to hold a national specialty license. SCCA licensed workers help staff most of the motorsport events held in the United States in one capacity or another.
If you would like more information, please e-mail one of our Race Board members and express your interest. Each specialty has a Chief and you will find e-mail addresses in our Race Board contact list.
Once you get involved and find a specialty you like, getting an Official's License is the next step.
License Grades (the "fine print")
There are three grades of licenses that may be issued based upon levels of experience and participation. Any additional requirements for each specialty are outlined in that specialty’s Operating Manual. The three license grades are:
Regional - This license is issued to all new members entering a specialty. It is the license grade held while training and developing the skills required by the specialty. The official will become moderately proficient in the core competencies outlined in the specialty’s Operating Manual. It is recommended that a Regional license be held for a minimum of two years with active participation. There are no minimum participation requirements to maintain the Regional License, however, an individual demonstrating outstanding ability and progress may be upgraded early.
Divisional - The Divisional License is recognition of accomplishment within the specialty. The license grade is considered the "Standard of the Industry." The official will refine their basic core competencies as outlined in that specialty’s Operating Manual. The license holder will learn advanced skills and begin training in the managerial and administrative aspects of the specialty. The license holder will be competent in all non-managerial/non-administrative phases of the specialty. A minimum of 8 days of participation - typically 4 race weekends -is required to maintain a Divisional License.
National - The National license is issued to officials who progress beyond the typical qualifications and accept the responsibilities of leadership. The license holder will demonstrate advanced general expertise in the specialty. The National license holder will have the knowledge to perform the managerial/administrative functions of the specialty including training and the chief of an event. A National license holder is expected to share their knowledge with new workers. The same participation requirements apply here - 8 days.
Upgrades - All license upgrades will be approved by the Regional and Divisional Administrator of the specialty. A letter of recommendation outlining the meeting of the requirements and any additional qualifications of the individual will be sent from the Regional Administrator to the Divisional Administrator with the upgrade request.
