From Scott Kahler
February 2, 2022
Dear Autocrossers,
I’m writing to inform and explain some of the changes / requirements that will take place this year.
As you are no doubt aware, last year we started to charge a $10 fee for each participant (driver only) at each autocross. This is being raised to $15 for 2022. Here is an explanation. Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) require a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy for any organization reserving one of their facilities. Our insurance policy is being provided through the Austin Healey Club of America (AHCA).
In 2021 the AHCA went with a new insurance carrier which provides the proper insurance for our needs. The cost of insurance for each event was $200. This was the first time there was ever an additional cost from AHCA to cover a local chapter for an autocross event. At the end of the season, we were approximately $300 short of being self-sustainable; but the Flatwater club covered the excess cost of insurance.
The cost of insurance this year has been increased to $225 per event and the Flatwater board made the decision to raise the individual cost to $15. Any shortfall will again be covered by the club, and if there is a surplus it will go into the club’s general fund.
Also, we will be purchasing “Grabber Cones” for better securing the autocross site as well as purchasing “loaner” helmets to meet AHCA requirements. This will total approximately $1000.
Now to AHCA requirements. The insurance carrier AHCA is using requires any chapter competing in an autocross type event follow the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) safety requirements. The club will post these requirements and I will send them to you in a separate email. The tech sheet from last year should still be good for 2022. Our biggest concern is the helmet requirements.
Here are the Autocross Helmet Rules Extracted from “AHCA Gymkhana Full Operating Rules:”
Helmets: Helmets meeting the following standards must be worn while on course:
Snell Memorial Foundation standards EA 2016, SA2020, SA2015, SA2010, SAH2020, M2020D, M2020R, M2015, M2010, K2020, K2015, K2010;
SFI standards 31.1/2015, 31.1/2010, 41.1/2015, 41.1/2010;
ECE 22.05 or R22.05;
FIA standards 8860-2018, 8860-2018-ABP, 8859-2015, 8860-2010, 8860-2004.
*NOT VALID AFTER 12-31-2021:
Snell SA 2005, M2005, K2005;
SFI 24.1/2005, 31.1/2005, 41.1/2005;
British Standards BS6658-85 type A/FR, BS6658-85 Type A.
For maximum protection, helmets must fit securely and should provide adequate peripheral vision. The chin strap must be securely fastened. Loaner helmets should be available to vehicle occupants not having their own.
Everyone’s personal helmet should meet the above requirements. The club is purchasing (4) Zamp RZ-18H open face helmets from Speedway Motors at a cost of $166 each. They are Snell SA2020 rated and will be available to anyone who needs a loaner helmet.
Please check your helmets and make sure they meet current specifications. A helmet meeting 2020 standards will be good until at least 2030 if not 2035.
The tentative dates for autocross this year are:
4/24 5/22 6/26 7/31 8/28 9/25 10/23
All at Seacrest Field in Lincoln.
As always, if you have any questions or comments you can contact me at 402-450-7902 or skahler57@gmail.com
I’m looking forward to warmer weather and driving the bugeye again. Until then,
Scott
