FAQ
What is Madison Motorsports?
We are a group of James Madison University students and alumni, dedicated to learning to drive faster and safer. Our members do not take part in street racing or other illegal on-road driving. There are numerous, legal activities in which our members participate each semester.
What does Madison Motorsports do?
MM members participate in a wide variety of activities. One of the most popular is autocross, with track days close behind. We also host an annual car show, work and spectate at track days, and host “wrench days” for our members to work on our cars with the guidance and help of other members.
Do I have to own a car?
While owning a car (or motorcycle) is nice, you do not need to own a car to participate with MM. All you need is interest! Some members have more of an interest in activities such as motocross or off-roading. We will try to accommodate as many aspects of motorsport, as long as there is interest and members willing to help manage the sub-divisions.
What do the club dues help pay for?
Club dues provide a club T-shirt and sticker (that adds at least 10 HP). By being a club member, you are also eligible for discounts through the Blue Ridge Region SCCA (for autocross). Dues also help offset the cost of our twice-annual trip to G-Force Karting in Richmond, VA. This lowers the per-member cost of karting.
You mentioned autocrossing. What’s that?
Autocross is a timed event where each driver attempts to navigate a course of cones in a large paved area (such as a parking lot, landing strip or race course) as fast as possible. Speeds are relatively low, with fast courses reaching up to 55 mph, and the object is to drive smoothly and keep your vehicle under control. Smooth, controlled driving yields faster course times.
Entry fees for autocross vary, but typically span $25 to $40 for several runs through the course. Different clubs host these events, and each club decides how many runs you will receive for your fee. We typically run with the Blue Ridge Region and Washington DC Region of the SCCA, as they are the most local.
The risk of damaging your vehicle is very minimal – the only thing to run over is cones. There is a safety steward who examines the course before drivers are allowed to race, and the steward also monitors the drivers for unsafe driving.
Cars competing in autocross are sorted by classes, based on the car’s performance and modifications (if any). If you’d like to know where your car fits in the SCCA’s classes, click here.
What do flaggers do?
Flaggers, also known as corner/course workers, are the people at stations on a race course. Flag stations are typically located on every corner. Flaggers are in constant communication with other corners as well as the grid and start/finish line, and will display flags to alert drivers to changing conditions on the track. Different flags let drivers know when there is a hazard on track, debris on track, slow moving traffic on track, and others.
Flaggers are vital to road racing and track
events, because drivers must look ahead at all times. If they do not know of upcoming situations well in advance, they will not have time to react or change their driving style to avoid an accident.
Madison Motorsports provides flaggers for NASA-VA events, and receives credits toward track days and other bonuses in return. Flagging is a great way to learn more about track events – and to get close to the action.
Can I drive my car on a race track?
Most likely! NASA – the National Auto Sport Association – of Virginia holds High Performance Driving Events. These HPDEs are essentially track days with classroom instruction incorporated. Your instructor will ride with you and teach you how to drive safely and correctly on track. MM members are frequent participants in these events, and they are run in a safe, organized manner. HPDE is not wheel-to-wheel racing, and if anyone is driving in an unsafe manner, they are asked to leave.
You are allowed to do HPDEs with your completely stock street car, if you choose. Certain convertibles may need a roll bar installed before being allowed on track.
Will participating in HPDEs affect my insurance?
If you are participating in a HPDE with NASA, your insurance should cover it. This is because HPDE is not technically racing – it is first and foremost a driver education event, and therefore covered by your insurance. If you are still not sure about your coverage, call your insurance company and ask. Be sure to call anonymously, as insurance companies are notorious for increasing premiums for asking the “wrong” questions.