If you have never attended an official car race before, then it is likely that you will feel a little out of your depth. This is perfectly understandable. After all, to the uninitiated, they can often seem a little confusing. However, if you are thinking about attending one, then it is likely you are already fairly in the know. This is especially so if you are actually competing in the race yourself. The most important thing here is to know what to expect on the day. That way, you can properly prepare for what is to come. And that gives you a much better chance of competing well, as well as allowing you to enjoy the experience more. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the day is likely to pan out. Here is a rundown of what you can expect at the majority of these events.
Scrutineering
After you have had your official documents checked by an official, you will then have the scrutineering phase. At this point, you will have your equipment checked over by a professional in order to ensure that it is all above board. More than anything, they are looking for a high standard of safety. However, they will at the same time be on the lookout for anything untoward, so be warned. They will also be going over the car itself at this point, to make sure that it is as safe as possible. To avoid any disappointment, it might be worth taking a look at the safety measures before you go. That way, you can check yourself before the big day.
Briefing
This step does not always take place, but it does tend to be a fixture of most races. During the driver briefing, you will be informed of any potential issues which might pose a problem for you. It is likely that the time and location of the briefing session will be written on the information pack handed to you upon entry. Ensure that you attend this briefing. If you don’t, you might well have to pay a fine. In some cases, you could even be disqualified.
Racing
Once you have all been briefed on the individual track, then it is time to actually start racing. In most cases, there will first be a qualifying round. If you successfully qualify, you will then be onto the main event itself. Starting procedures vary from track to track, so it is hard to say exactly what you should expect. However, you will have been given Final Instructions by an official to help you out on this front. With every luck, you will finish in the top three. Those who do are likely to receive medals and possibly even trophies.
Race Control & Review
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that everything is over once the race has finished. The truth is, there might be one or two judicial matters to go over. If that is the case, you might be called up to race control to discuss it with the judge. However, if all goes to plan, then this step will not be necessary.