Car Numbers:
Although every attempt was made to assign requested car numbers, we were unable to accommodate everyone. Please arrive with your assigned number, as it will not be possible to make changes at the track.
Car numbers must be a minimum of 8” high with a 1 ½” minimum stroke width, displayed on a contrasting background, affixed to the hood and both sides of the vehicle. Or, instead of the hood, you can affix a white number 4” in height in the upper right corner of the windshield.
This can be accomplished using vinyl numbers, magnets secured with tape or a strong grip tape.
NOTE: Drivers in cars using harness systems MUST use head and neck restraint systems, such as HANS.
Safety is our #1 priority during this event, and we want you to feel as strongly about it as we do. We expect you to do everything in your power to make it safe for you, your fellow participants, the PCA Chicago and National Staff, workers, guests, and Road America personnel.
Since we are guests of Road America, all registered participants, crew, and guests must comply with the Rules of Road America. Registered participants are responsible for informing your crew and guests of these rules.
Absolutely no parking on any roadways, fire lines, under concession eves, the cement in front of the VIP tower, or any place that impedes the movement of emergency vehicles or traffic.
Passing Rules:
A DE event is NOT racer education. The road course is available to an entire run group of drivers working together to the benefit and safety of all participating.
Passing slower cars should not be viewed as eliminating the competition, but more like a dance since coordination is necessary with your partner drivers—and nobody wants to be trampled! This is a serious part of the learning process, above and beyond the fun you have with the car with whom you are dancing.
Maintaining a free flow on the track is a prime safety consideration. Therefore, passing is only permitted on the designated straights and only when the car being passed has given a clear signal to proceed.
The car being passed will remain ONLINE while the passing vehicle will move OFFLINE to perform the maneuver.
Run group passing rules and track-specified locations will be reviewed during the MANDATORY daily driver’s meeting. Some, more experienced run groups may be given additional passing zones.
Check your mirrors frequently, especially at the beginning of a passing zone. Remember, this is NOT a competition—let faster drivers pass. If a car is behind you that was not there the last time you looked, it is faster than you. Signal it to pass.
Lastly, pay attention to the pass flag (blue with orange diagonal stripe) from the corner workers. They are letting you know there is a faster car behind you. Indicate that you acknowledge the flag with a head nod and then signal the pass when you reach the next available pass zone.
To Allow a Pass:
- Remain ONLINE
- Put your arm OUTSIDE the window and point OFFLINE (left or right over the roof) to direct the passing car around you. Point with authority. If your car is equipped with a window net or Lexan windows point using your right hand high enough that the car behind can clearly see your direction through the rear window. Alternately, a turn signal can be used to indicate the direction in which you want the faster car to pass
- Back off the throttle to allow the pass to occur in a timely manner. Though your car may have more horsepower in the straights, if you continue to see the same car in your mirror as you exit corners, you should let them pass because they are carrying more speed in the corners. Follow them; you could learn something
- If you intend to allow more than one car to pass you MUST signal a point to each car individually
- Initiate passing at the beginning of a straight, not near the end, to maintain safe maneuvering
To Pass:
- Maintain a comfortable distance (at least 3 seconds) from any car you come upon until the next passing zone
- Wait for a distinct signal, then accelerate and pass on the side indicated by the lead car
- Ensure you have sufficient time to complete the pass and get back ONLINE prior to initiating a pass. Corners can come up fast when you are concentrating on a pass. Just because you receive a point doesn’t mean you are obligated to pass—use good judgement and pass when you are comfortable so it can be completed safely for all involved (don’t dive bomb into corners)
- Once comfortable, you are encouraged to gain experience/comfort level with cornering from the inside or OFFLINE
Passing Zones:
DE1
Passing is only permitted with a point or turn signal, when yellow flags are not present, between corners:
- 1 and 3, 3 and 5, 5 and 6, 6 and 7, 7 and 8, 8 prior to the bridge, NO PASSING between the carousel and the kink, 11 after the kink to 12, 12 and 13, 13 and 14, 14 and 1
No passing in the corners. Make every attempt to complete passes BEFORE the brake markers. Let up on the throttle to allow passes to occur, especially in the bold ‘courtesy’ areas. Do not expect a point in every passing zone. Too many deep pass infractions will result in a black flag!
DE2
Passing is only permitted with a point (no turn signals), when yellow flags are not present, between corners:
- 1 and 3, 3 and 5, 5 and 6 (if you feel comfortable), 7 and 8, 11 after the kink to 12, 14 and 1
No passing in the corners. Make every attempt to complete passes BEFORE the brake markers. Let up on the throttle to allow passes to occur. Do not expect a point in every passing zone. Too many deep pass infractions will result in a black flag!
When the DE groups are combined on Monday, the passing rules will follow DE2 rules to ensure maximum safety for participants at all levels of experience.
