MNSOC Winter Car Control Instructional Driving Event!

No, your SA rated helmet is fine. A snell M rated helmet would be fine as well.

Snell standards are higher than D.O.T.. Most snell rated helmets also pass dot standards. The point is to have a helmet that is at least d.o.t. rated so that those who may already have a d.o.t. rated helmet, but not a snell rated helmet, need not acquire a new one.

Don't read too much into this. The venue does not require helmet use since this is NOT a competitive event. However, MNSOC and the event instructors are requiring helmets.

edit: On a side note, for those looking at purchasing a snell rated helmet for future autosport events, here is a page with more info:
http://www.soloracer.com/helmettech.html

 

At least 1 of the 7 instructors (may not be the same instructor after the change-over) will be in the classroom.

So 6 on-course instructors with alternating A and B groups. 2 students per each A and B group. 6x2x2= 24.

For example, Instructor Tsuchiya-san will be assigned 4 students. 2 of them in group A and 2 of them in group B. In the morning, his group A students will be in the classroom with a different instructor while his group B students join him on the course. At the mid-morning change over, his group B students go to the classroom and his group A students join him on course.

It's alittle confusing. I'll try to re-write the description for clarity.

We would love to have you either way. We will need course workers and volunteers with specific duties. We plan to have designated photographers, so please contact me if this is a role you would like to be involved in.

 

MNSOC and the instructors have decided against video recording. We want this to be a safe and instructive learning environment. Although I agree that video footage can be helpful with analysis, we discourage any competitiveness or show-boating. Certainly, one can video tape themselves without the intent of capturing some great dori dori footage, but we understand the temptation and want to eliminate it.

As a compromise, MNSOC will be working hard to have photographers available for plenty of action shots. Although this will not substitute as a post-event analytical tool like video footage would, we are confident that our course design and instruction will be enough to keep you thinking about your driving for a long time.

Considering the layout, time frame, and cap size, we are expecting a ton of seat time.

Although we hope we don't have to use it, there will be a tow vehicle on site. However, as was already stated, careful consideration will be taken into account when designing the course. We will also make impromptu changes as necessary. I can't stress enough that this event is about safety. You will get the added bonus of seat time, confidence behind the wheel, and exceptional direction and feedback from our diverse group of seasoned, accomplished, and talented instructors.

Speaking of instructors, most of us are familiar with their accomplishments and talent, but we still plan to have short bios section so everyone can get to know them a bit better.

Also, each student will be paired with a specific instructor based on the student's needs and driving level. There will be a short questionnaire attached to the registration sheet and the instructors will deliberate on how best to match up the student and instructor teams. We hope this structure will provide a very individualized and intensive experience for our participants.

 

Once the registration sheet is typed up (give me a couple days), we will start taking deposits and you are "in."

 

sounds good. We'll start a new thread in a day or 2.

thanks for the resource!

 

hint: don't get hit

 

LMAO, that would be hilarious!

I've been out of photography for ~8 years, so I'm not up on the fancy schmancy digital stuff. I wonder how action shots will turn out tho... What with the high shutter speeds and really bright snow everywhere.... might be tricky to get shots that don't look like the cars are parked.

At any rate, there will be a volunteers/workers meeting. We may want to have the photographers touch base with each other as well.

 

We are VERY lucky to have such talented and humble members who are willing to instruct. We will have instructor bio's up soon.

 

So will there be a newb to sliding a car section in this, or will it be for more advanced drivers? The GF is interested in doing this, but she isn't the kind of person that has gone out and had some fun in the snow nights. So her driving while the car is sliding is pretty limited. Given, if there is some good snow before the event, there can be some extra seat time to be had, but I am just wondering what levels of driving ability will be covered.


Martin, don't worry about it. We will be able to get ya some base settings to start with, then it is just up to you and how steady you are. Most of my rally pics are 1/120 to 1/200 and the af is a mix (will be different since I am nikon). I was going between single point and multi point since the dust/dirt was throwing off the camera, so it will depend a bit on how much slop is flying. If you can go slower, you will get much more motion blur, but then you need to pan with the car to keep the car crisp.

Russ

 

Yes, Instruction will be totally individualized at the instructors' discretion. We expect to have a wide variety of drivers with different driving ability, experience, and needs. We are confident that we can match students with instructors. From there, the instructors will get to know each student and get a feel for areas where they need help.

The focus is on winter car control that you can use on the street to avoid dangerous situations or get you out of dangerous situations. This includes low traction braking and maneuvering that may include sliding and skidding. That said, even basic principles like vehicle dynamics, foresight, feel, and weight distribution are things that every driver, regardless of skill and experience, encounters and deals with whether they realize it or not. What you do with the knowledge we present to you is totally up to the student. That way, even a very advanced student can apply the technical knowledge they gain from the classroom sessions and apply it to a maneuver on course like maintaining a slide. Again, we have very specific rules on safety, and the instructors have the ultimate authority to tell their students whether they need to dial it down (or up) a notch.

 

Thanks Chong! Feedback is a very good thing... dialog and active discussion is even better!

Speaking of feedback, I'm just about to start on a post-event feedback form for the drivers, instructors, and volunteers.

I'm 90% done with the registration form. I just need to tie up some loose ends and I'll post up a new thread for those interested in registering for this event.

 

Will do!

Payment options and more event details will be posted in the registration thread. There will be a paypal option as well as cash/check/money order mailed to or handed to 1 point person... the club is up to it's neck with goats already, so they will not be taken as payment this time around.

Like I said, I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before slapping a thread together. Please be patient with me as I iron out all the little details.

 

!!!UPDATE!!!

Register for this event here:
http://mnsubaru.com/forums/showthread.php?p=555866