If you're interested in auto-crossing your own car on a wickedly fun autocross course, or displaying your drifting skills without any fear of getting arrested, this is the place to sign up.
We're talking unlimited runs over two days, drift, auto-cross or both. Any make car is welcome. No track experience necessary, opened to all licensed drivers 18 or older. There are no special modifications required for most cars, no special skills required from you. For a small one-time $10 flat fee, (over and above the Performance and Style admission,) you can join us in the private fenced-in NICO paddock beside the track, test your skills with your car, or get an extra close view of the action. Non driving guests are welcome but they will be subject to the same fee.
For those of you who are new to this event, Cars at Carlisle is nationally recognized for their excellent car shows. Five years ago, we brought NICOFEST to the Carlisle Performance & Style show, and the nice folks at Carlisle allowed us unlimited use of their track for NICO members. Needless to say, it was a huge success. But rather than us being the only ones having all of the fun on the track, you are cordially invited to join us with your own car to test your skills and have fun. We're now on our 5th year, and this year will be the biggest yet . The plan is to once again alternate between drifting and autocross throughout the two days. This translates to literally hours of track time for both autocrossing and drifting.
The link below is a recap of last year’s event. This should give you a taste for what it’s about.
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nicofe ... -2010.html
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
2010 Formula D Champion, Vaughn Gitten Jr., will be at the even on Saturday, May 14th for 2 drifting demonstrations. He will also be signing autographs all day. Don't miss out on meeting the 2010 Formula D Champion!
SIGNING UP
Registration will be slightly different this year, but still very easy. For both NICO members and non-NICO members, please visit the registration link below. You will be prompted to Paypal $10 to NICOclub with Carlisle Registration as the subject matter. Please register separately for each guest. If the name on your Paypal account is different than yours, please indicate so in the comments field on the Paypal transaction. Only names registered through Paypal (or indicated as different in the comments) will be considered registered. No exceptions. If you do not have a Paypal account, major credit cards are excepted via the Paypal website as well. To verify your registration, click the button below. Please note your registration does not update live and may take up to a day after you submit payment for it to reflect on the registration list.
Online Registration Closed |
The Paypal link for the $10 fee will be for track registration only. It is completely separate from the Performance and Style general registration. This link is also safe. As in the past, there are no obligations, no extra fees, no hidden charges, no junk mail, no spam. You do not need to own a Nissan or Infiniti to participate. We welcome any make/model car to join the fun. Guests are welcome, but will be subject to the same one-time $10 fee.
Please use this thread for any questions or comments. It will be closely monitored by NICO staff, and we’ll answer you as quickly as possible.
"Walk-in" registration without signing up here will also be permitted, but they will be subject a one-time $25 fee. Good for the duration of the event, with all the same privileges.
Remember, registering for the NICOfest auto-cross and drift does not exclude you from enjoying the many other activities that the Carlisle Performance and Style show offers. It’s a huge show full of features and activities over two days.
Here are the general rules/requirements to participate in the NICOfest Carlisle Drift/Autro-cross 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, No special equipment is required for most vehicles.
- No SUV’s or trucks will be permitted to participate unless approved by the eventmasters.
- All convertibles must have approved aftermarket roll bar or roll cage installed with minimum 4 pt belts. Convertible roll bars must also meet the “2 inch broomstick rule”, where there must be at least 2” of clearance between the top of the drivers helmet and bottom edge of the top roll bar cross. Please note, Ffactory hoops are not acceptable, but secure hardtops are acceptable.
- No motorcycles will be permitted on track
- The tech requirements for your car appear later in this thread.
- This is an "at risk" event. That is, the only insurance covering you and your vehicle during this event is your own. Carlisle Events and NICOclub are not responsible for any damages, injuries, thefts.
- Driving on the track is restricted to those who have registered, paid, plus signed the waivers. Participants must still pay admission to the Carlisle Performance and Style show.
- Un-registered participants (walk ins) are also welcome to run on the track, but will be subject to a one-time $25 fee to participate. That is over and above the admission to the Carlisle Performance and Style show.
-There will be no rental helmets available, so participants must supply their own SA2000 (or newer) Snell rated helmets (no cracks). Motorcycle helmets are also acceptable, but they must have a Snell rating of M2000 or newer. We will also accept helmets with a BSI safety rating of 6658 Type A. Note, helmets with just an SAE/DOT rating are not acceptable. Please make sure you check your helmet to make sure they not only have a Snell or BSI sticker but that has a current one. If there is no valid Snell or BSI sticker, that helmet cannot be used. No exceptions. Bicycle helmets are also not acceptable. It is okay to share helmets, but please be forewarned, no one will be permitted on that track without wearing an approved helmet. Please advise during tech/registration if he or she is sharing helmets. If people are sharing helmets, the helmet only needs to be tech'ed once.
- Long cotton pants/cotton shirts mandatory while driving on track (jeans are fine, but no shorts, please.)
- No flip/flops or sandals. Closed shoes only (sneakers are fine).
- Windbreaker/plastic jackets (which melt in fires), are not permitted for on track driving.
- Cars only need to be tech'ed once for the duration of the event. There is a Tech session planned for Friday afternoon at the official NICO hotel. More information to follow.
-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 have signed the waivers will be permitted on course.
- There can be more than one driver per car, but each driver must be registered. 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. No un-authorized private sessions allowed unless specifically approved by the eventmaster.
- Each car will be assigned a number, please make sure it is displayed on driver side rear window.
- Driver’s window must be open while on track. Sunroofs must be closed
- We only allow passengers to ride with instructors or staff. If you’re not staffer or instructor, expect to be denied.
- Passengers must have signed waivers and wear an approved helmet.
- One vehicle will be on the track at one time for autocross. Multiple cars on the track for drifting will be at the sole discretion of the eventmaster.
- Cars will need to be completely emptied of loose articles (including radar detectors, 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.
- Auto-cross runs will be timed and tracked by car number. If you are sharing a car, not the primary driver, and want to be timed separately, please speak to the starter each time you stage.
- In-car video equipment is permitted but must be securely mounted. 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 cars prior to arrival.
- Bad behavior may result in dismissal from event or facilities. Please follow starter/corner worker flag instructions.
- All 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.
- And most importantly, 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. Please be sure to check your over carefully before coming. It would be a shame not to be able to run because of something small.
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: Autocross: no cuts, no cord showing, no dry rot. R-compounds or slicks are permitted
Drift: no tire requirements.
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 (only) rated helmets are not acceptable
Gas cap : present and secured.
VOLUNTEERS
We’ll need volunteers to make it happen.Volunteers are naturally welcome to drive. But 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: checking in attendees, signing waivers, assigning car numbers, issuing wristbands.
Corner workers: for safety, picking up cones, reporting knocked over cones, watching for debris, spin outs, fluids, etc.
Starter: In charge of safety, launches drivers. Coordinates with corner workers.
OTHER DETAILS
You will go through tech prior to registration. Tech is located at the NICOfest tent just outside the entrance to the paddock. Once you,your car, and your helmet pass tech, you then register at the same tent, where you will sign waivers and be issued a wrist band and a number for your car. The number is to be taped to the inside of the driver side rear window. Please wear the wrist band for the duration of the event (All weekend).
If your car already has a number, we will let you use it, but please let us know that number when you register, so we don't give it out to someone else.
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 and I-81.
The track is located on the north side of the property, and can be seen from the PA turnpike. Once you come through the gate into the fairgrounds, and pass the buildings, you will turn left and head for the big tent.
The track itself an out-and-back asphalt course with a grass infield. There are some on and off camber turns that make this course much more interesting than a normal parking lot auto-cross setup. It is a second gear course. You should find it easy to navigate, but challenging to get through fast. There will also be a lot of spectators which adds to the excitement. Both the track and paddock are fenced in.
We will publish the auto-cross/drift schedules as soon as they get finalized. The drifting will be featured by the show so expect plenty of spectators.
To register for the Performance and style show itself, please refer to Carlisle's Registration page here: http://store.carlisleevents.com/SearchR ... asp?Cat=22 and make sure to choose "NICO" as your club affiliation. This will get you credentials to get into the show. Once you are inside, if you are registered for the track event, simply come on down to the paddock and check in. There is also plenty of parking if you choose not to run on the track.
Some other tips.
You are on your own for overnight accommodations. There will be no camping at the fairgrounds. We will announce where most of the staff will be staying, but you under no obligation to stay there. There are many places to stay in the Carlisle area in all price ranges.
If you are after maximum runs, we recommend getting tech’ed/registered on Friday afternoon, and arriving at the Fairgrounds early on Saturday so you can get on track immediately. Tech lines can get long on Saturday morning. The lines to get on track traditionally have been smallest early on Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon until closing. The drift/auto-cross schedule runs tight, so if you’re planning to run, you might want to give yourself time to get prepped before the session begins.
That's it for now, please stay tuned in case of any changes or announcements.
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.
Any questions can be addressed here and either Joel (Bubba1), the eventmaster, or any other staff member and we will do our best to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
Thank you,
Torry