2009 NICOFEST Carlisle: OFFICIAL NICOFEST CARLISLE INFO AND REGISTRATION THREAD

[EZcheese15]

Welcome to the 3rd Annual NICOfest autocross/drift registration thread at the Carlisle Performance and Style Show!

For those of you who are new to this event, Cars at Carlisle hosts various events throughout the year, and are national acknowledged for their excellent car shows. Two years ago, we brought NICOFEST to Carlisle during the Performance & Style show under one condition-we controlled the track event.

Needless to say, it was a huge success. We were invited back for the 2nd year, and it was even bigger and more successful. We're now on our 3rd year, and it's going to be even bigger!

If you want to do some reading to catch up on what this event is all about, check out the coverage on the past events:

2007 NICOFEST Carlisle

2008 NICOFEST Carlisle

For 2009, we are returning with the track event May 9th-10th, which will alternate between a drift setup and autoX setup approximately every hour.

This is a rare opportunity to run your own car as many times as you want on a wickedly fun autocross course or display your drifting skills without any fear of getting arrested. Or you can do both! We're talking unlimited runs over two days. No special modifications required for most cars, and the best part is it's free with your paid admission to the Carlisle Performance and Style show.

If you’re interested in drifting/autocrossing your own car while attending big Carlisle Performance and Style show, this is place to do it.

SIGNING UP

If you are already a member of NICO, it’s very easy. Just create a post on this thread (using the reply or quote buttons) and simply let us know that you’re interested in doing it..and you’re in (Please include your first & last name in your reply). There are no fees or penalties if you don’t show up (except for some possible teasing by your fellow NICOnauts). We do ask that you try to volunteer some time to help staff the event. For example, If you’re planning to just drift, we hope you will help staff the autocross sessions, and vice versa. We appreciate any help you can provide.

If you are not a member of NICO, it’s also very easy. Please take a few moments to register with NICO at the following link.

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NICOclub is completely free. There are no obligations, no fees, no hidden charges, no junk mail. You do not need to own a Nissan or Infiniti to participate in this event. Once you've registered with NICO, please return to this very thread. That link is below.

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Then just make a post on this thread (using the reply or quote buttons) advising us that you’d like to participate. And that’s it! You’re signed up. We will extract the rest of your information from the NICO profile that you just created. Please feel free to ask any questions or make suggestions by posting on this thread as well. It will be closely monitored by the NICO Staff. We also invite you to explore the world of NICO which is a large friendly community of Nissan/Infiniti enthusiasts.

Walk-in registration without signing up for NICO will also be available but there will be a $25 fee.

Registering for the NICOfest autocross and drift does not exclude you from enjoying the many activities that the Carlisle Performance and Style show offers.

Here are the general rules/requirements to participate in the NICOfest Drift/Autrocross event:



General Event Rules

- Participants must be 18 or older licensed drivers

- Event is open to all registered drivers with any make car that pass our technical inspection, and who have signed the necessary waivers. No special equipment is required for most cars.

- No SUV’s or trucks will be permitted to participate unless approved byeventmaster.

- All convertibles must have approved aftermarket rollbar or roll cageinstalled with minimum 4 pt belts. Convertible roll bars must also meet the “2 inch broomstick rule”, where there must be at least 2” ofclearance between the top of the drivers helmet and bottom edge ofthe top roll bar cross

- the tech requirements for your car appear later in this thread.

- The only insurance covering drivers and their vehicles during this event istheir own. Carlisle Events and NICO are not responsible for anydamages, injuries, thefts.

- This driving event is free to those who have pre-registered on this NICO thread. Participants must still pay admission to the Carlisle Performance and Style show.

- Un-registered participants (walk ins) are also welcome on Saturday/Sunday, but will be subject to a $25 fee to participate over and above the admission to the Carlisle Performance and Style show.

-There will be no rental helmets available so participants must supply theirown SA2000 or M2000 (or newer) rated helmets (no cracks). SAE/DOT rated helmets are not acceptable for this event. Bicycle helmets are also not acceptable. It is okay to share helmets, but each participant must advise during tech/registration if he or she is sharing helmets.

- Long cotton pants/cotton shirts mandatory while driving on track (jeansare fine, but no shorts.)

- No flip/flops or sandals on track. Closed shoes only (sneakers are fine).

- Windbreaker/plastic jackets (which melt in fires), are not permitted for ontrack driving.

- Cars only need to be tech’ed once for the duration of the event.

-There is no minimum or maximum # of runs. Run as often as you'd like.

-There will be no separate running classes.

-Only cars that have passed tech with registered participants that havesigned the waivers will be permitted on course.

- There can be more than one driver per car, but each driver must beregistered. Cars with more than one driver only need to be tech’d once.

- Runs can only be made while track is staffed and operating green. Nounauthorized private sessions allowed unless specifically approvedby the eventmaster.

- Each car will be assigned a number, please make sure it is displayed onon both sides of the car, preferably side rear windows

- Driver’s window must be open while on track. Sunroofs must be closed

- No passengers permitted on track unless approved by Eventmaster.

- If passengers are approved, they must have signed waivers and wear an approved helmet.

- One vehicle will be on the track at one time.

- Cars will need to be completely emptied of loose articles (including radardetectors, maps, tools, floor mats, etc. before going on the track.

- There will be a fenced in paddock area, but Carlisle Events and NICO assume no responsibility for any lost or stolen property.

- Autocross runs will be timed and tracked by car number.

- In-car video equipment is permitted but must be securely mounted, nosuction cup mounts. Must not obstruct drivers view. Eventmaster,NICO, or starter reserve right to refuse a setup.

-No alcohol beverages in the paddock or on track.

- Smoking is not permitted in the pit/track area.

- No pets

- No bedding of brakes or testing of vehicles in the paddock area

- Only park in designated areas. If you must jack your car up, please use wood or metal under the jack/jackstands to prevent damage to the asphalt.

- Please remove all used tires, parts, liquids, garbage before leaving.

- The facility will not have gas,oil, or air, so you’ll need to check your carsprior to arrival.

- Bad behavior may result in dismissal from event or facilities. Please followstarter/corner worker flag instructions.

-Participants are asked to volunteer to help operate the event, like corner working, registration, or tech. The cars can only run if the corners are staffed.

- Have fun



CAR "TECH" REQUIREMENTS

Here is what will be required to pass the technical inspection. Essentially if your car can pass a state inspection, it should pass tech.

Engine compartment: no leaks, fluids okay, belts tight, throttle free, no cheap tape on hoses.

Brakes: fluid clean, full.

Brake lights/signals: operational

Battery: mounted securely

Wipers: functional

Tires: legal tread, no cuts, no cord showing, no dry rot

Wheels: no missing lugnuts. Torque will be checked during tech.

Interior: all loose items removed, glove box empty, floor mats removed,

Restraints – factory seat belts are acceptable.

Fire Extinguisher – optional, but if present must be securely mounted

Trunk : emptied, and secured

Helmet: SA2000/M2000 ratings or newer. No cracks. DOT/SAE rated helmets are not acceptable,

Gas cap : present and secured.

VOLUNTEERS

Since this is a free event, we’ll need volunteers to make it happen.Volunteers are naturally welcome to drive. And with the track open for so many hours, we’ll need everyone to volunteer some time. Here are the areas where we are asking for volunteer help

Tech inspector: working a simple checklist, don’t need to be a mechanic.

Registration: Drivers need to register after passing tech, pretty straight forward. Involves signing and filing waiver forms, issuing numbers and wristbands.

Time Keepers for autocross. Operate stopwatch, update clipboard. .

Corner workers: for safety, picking up cones, watching for debris, spin outs, fluids, etc.

Photographer: to post shots on NICO’s website

Starter: In charge of safety, launches drivers. Coordinates with corner workers.

OTHER DETAILS

You will go through tech prior to registration. Once you,your car, and your helmet pass tech, you then register at the tent a few feet away, where you will sign waivers and be issued a wrist band and number for your car (the numbers are to be taped to the inside of the side rear windows. Please wear the wrist band for the duration of the event.

You only need to register once for the duration of the event.

The Carlisle main gates will open at 0800 both days. the official address is as follows:.

Carlisle Fairgrounds1000 Bryn Mawr RoadCarlisle PA 17013-1588

Carlisle is just west of Harrisburg PA. convenient to the PA turnpike andI-81.

The track itself is located on the north side of the property, and can be seen from the PA turnpike. It’s an out-and-back asphalt course with a grass infield. There are some on and off camber turns that make this course more interesting than a normal parking lot autocross setup. It is a second gear course, but you should find it quite challenging. There will be a lot of spectators which adds to the excitement. Both the track and paddock are fenced in. Once signed in you will be issued a wristband which will give you unlimited access to the paddock.

We will publish the autocross/drift schedules as soon as they get finalized. We will be alternating sessions between autocross and drifting. The drifting will be featured by the Carlisle Performance and style show so expect plenty of spectators.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask here. We hope you will join us at the Carlisle Performance and Style show for some extra special fun with your car.

To register for the event, please visit Carlisle P&S Registration. This will get you credentials to get into the show. Once you are inside, if you are registered for the track event, you will be allowed to park in the pits. Otherwise, there will be parking just outside of the pits next to the NICO tent.

Spectators must pay to enter the pits. It will be $10 per person to enter the pits if you are not driving the track. If you are running on the track and have additional people you need in the pits, let a NICO staff member know and we may wave the $10, depending on how many people it is and what the car car setup is (a stock Sentra doesn't need 25 pit crew members, but a trailered drift car might need a couple).

That's it for now, but stay tuned as we make tweaks to the rules and also add more info.

[richiev8s13]

count me in on coming

[Bubba1]

count me in on coming

Confirmed

[ambushdrift]

Dan BerryDriftingIll be there!!

[Bubba1]

Dan BerryDriftingIll be there!!

You're on the list.

[Fr0zEn]

Ray BeemanDrifting and Auto-X tentative. Hope to be there but maybe at academy.

[ca18datsun510]

Tires: legal tread, no cuts, no cord showing, no dry rot

.

for drifting?

[mcheddadi]

- No passengers permitted on track unless approved by Eventmaster.

- If passengers are approved, they must have signed waivers and wear an approved helmet.

who's the Eventmaster? I want to ask him if I can have my friend in the car as a passenger while I autocross

[EZcheese15]

for drifting?

Yes, even for drifting. Just because you are burning up the tires doesn't mean you don't need to do it safely.

[EZcheese15]

who's the Eventmaster? I want to ask him if I can have my friend in the car as a passenger while I autocross

Well Joel (Bubba1) is the one who will be in charge of safety rules, but you can ask anybody on the NICO staff. Just look for somebody wearing a NICO polo. We'll be easy to find.

[ca18datsun510]

so what you are saying is we are not allowed to have worn out tires for drifting?

seriously? safety?

what?

[Bubba1]

for drifting?

It's greared more toward autocross but it applies to both. We found the majority of attendees did both drift and autocross.

Think of it this way, if you're a drifter and you begin the very first drift session with tires already worn down to the cord. How long do you think those tires are gonna last? You'll find we're lenient when it comes to drift tires. If you read the rules, we only tech once at the beginning. After that, it's entitrely up to you.

[Bubba1]

Well Joel (Bubba1) is the one who will be in charge of safety rules, but you can ask anybody on the NICO staff. Just look for somebody wearing a NICO polo. We'll be easy to find.

Last two years, we restricted passengers to riding with staff only. We'll have to discuss whether to extend beyond that. I don't know at this point.

[mcheddadi]

Last two years, we restricted passengers to riding with staff only. We'll have to discuss whether to extend beyond that. I don't know at this point.

I'm coming all the way from canada, please please please! I want to show my mad autocross skills to my friend that coming along with me from canada too

[Bubba1]

I'm coming all the way from canada, please please please! I want to show my mad autocross skills to my friend that coming along with me from canada too

Distractions from the passenger seat is one of the main reasons virtually all track events don't allow passengers except if either the driver or passenger is an instructor. As I said earlier, we'll discuss it.

[mcheddadi]

ok, thanks!

[NSRsheets]

Going to try to make it again. Probably auto-x with the tiburon.

[frapjap]

I have vacation days this year. I'll be there!

Auto-x, please. I'll volunteer do tech inspection or corners.

Any hotel group rate again?Who needs a roommate to split the cost?

[DrifterXRPS13]

Count me in homies!

[EpicNightMayor]

I'll be there, it's may 9th and 10th, right?I'm not going to be participating in anything though.If my coupe's not ready, I'll drive up in something else.

[Bubba1]

I'll be there, it's may 9th and 10th, right?I'm not going to be participating in anything though.If my coupe's not ready, I'll drive up in something else.

Correct. May 9-10, which is a weekend.

[mattdoc]

I'd like to autox my Volvo S40. If signups are separate for the two events, I'm definitely not drifting (FWD).

[EZcheese15]

I'd like to autox my Volvo S40. If signups are separate for the two events, I'm definitely not drifting (FWD).

It's the same sign up for either activity. You simply get in line at the pits for which ever event you want to do.

[corey240]

There should be ride alongs if the person has a helmet per driver rules. Thats how they do it at Summit Point. I know my gf will want to so it should be ok, this is us at Summit Point in December courtesy of Wrecked Magazine..

[the converted]

I don't want to speak for Joel on this but I think it might be possible that Saturday morning there won't be any ride alongs, but in the afternoon the drivers that have shown that they know what they are doing may be permitted to bring a passenger. That sounds reasonable to you Joel?

On a side note I'll be there to tech, corner work, whatever again this year.

[nctarheel1089]

Im in! Possibly the only subaru running all weekend again!

[Scuffed_ChukiCoupe]

How much is it for nico members to get in? Im coming regardless.

[DJ Raijin]

Carlisle???? That's like 30 minutes away at most. I'll be there.

I'll also volunteer to help with registration. shoot me an email if you need more information

[Bubba1]

I don't want to speak for Joel on this but I think it might be possible that Saturday morning there won't be any ride alongs, but in the afternoon the drivers that have shown that they know what they are doing may be permitted to bring a passenger. That sounds reasonable to you Joel?

On a side note I'll be there to tech, corner work, whatever again this year.

For the last 2 years, the only ride alongs permitted were with staff. Naturally anyone who steps into a car (driver/passenger) to ride on that track will not only have to wear an approved helmet but also must have signed all the waivers. If the passenger is under 18, the waivers would have to be signed by both the passenger and their parent/guardian

As I noted a few posts up, I can't say at this point whether we'll allow non-staff to take passengers or not, but we will definitiely discuss it. Fair enough?

[Bubba1]

On a side note I'll be there to tech, corner work, whatever again this year.

Awesome, thanks

How much is it for nico members to get in? Im coming regardless.

Since you've posted on this thread? Free with your paid admission to the Carlisle Performance & Style show. Walkin's during the show will be charged a fee. Here's the link to Carlisle Event's website for admission to the show itself.

http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/...style/

Carlisle???? That's like 30 minutes away at most. I'll be there. I'll also volunteer to help with registration. shoot me an email if you need more information

That's great, thanks! :

Im in! Possibly the only subaru running all weekend again!

You're now signed up.