Rookies and Instructors: MOWOG 1/2

[JCN]

In order to help Rookies / Super Novices / Uber noobs to feel comfortable, drive faster, and have more fun, we've come up with a proposal we'll roll out at MOWOG 1/2 in limited form.

Basically green tape on the windshield to identify new autocrossers. This will help us get you help and instruction. It will hopefully reduce anxiety, improve skill, decrease frustration, and reduce safety issues.

For MOWOG 1/2, we've committed to providing an instructor for at least your first competition run.

Here's the official party line:

For MOWOG 1/2, this is how we will be implementing Charles' proposal:

1. When a driver is unknown, tech will the driver if this is their first competitive autocross event. For all such drivers, a piece of neon green tape will be placed next to their tech sticker.

2. All cars identified in this manner will get an instructor for at least their first run. Once the driver & instructor feel the driver is ready for a "solo" run, the tape should be pulled off the car.

3. ANY driver can request an instructor for any competition run.

[JCN]

Novices and Instructors, I'd welcome your feedback before and after the event so we can improve the program.

Also, as a point of clarification: We do not consider Novice School as a competitive event. You still qualify for Green Tape.

If you are not sure if you qualify, feel free to PM me or comment here.

If you've done six events last year and did Novice school this year, I'd probably not call you a Green Tape candidate.

If you noodled at one event last year and still are very hesitant and prone to getting lost on course, I'd think it's okay for you to consider yourself a "Super Novice" even if you're not technically a Rookie (2nd season).

We're going on the spirit of the proposal, there are no hard or fast restrictions here.

[murph]

If you guys need to beef up instructor representation for this purpose I'm happy to volunteer at least the first part of the heat, even though I won't be signing up as a work assignment. (doing registration earlier)

[Rex Jr]

I assume this is the case but just to clarify, not having a green stripe doesn't exclude a driver from being able to take an instructor on a run or two. Correct?

[porkbone]

I assume this is the case but just to clarify, not having a green stripe doesn't exclude a driver from being able to take an instructor on a run or two. Correct?

I think that's why #3 was there:
3. ANY driver can request an instructor for any competition run.

[JCN]

INSTRUCTOR LIST: MOWOG 1/2

Car number, instructor name, year and model of car.

78 Bahl, David 92 Chevrolet Corvette Z0-7

127 Berman, Josh 01 BMW 330i

182 Donahue, Shane 04 Subaru WRX

7 Ethier, Phil 79 Lotus/Caterham Seven Series 3

82 Frisvold, Lee 04 Subaru Wstx

75 Garnjobst, Steve 04 Mini Cooper

4 Gettinger, Don 71 Corvette Coupe

191 Jongbloedt, Aaron 95 VW GTI vr6

22 Kral, Dave 91 Acura NSX

46 Lowe, Alex 93 Red Devil F500

31 Meschke, Steve 90 Mazda Miata

728 Parsons, David 00 BerZerkin S3

1 Washburn, Patrick 89 Honda Civic SI

194 Wrolson, Darryl 93 BMW 325is


Novices, take note of car numbers and types so you can identify instructors and hound them for ride alongs.

Instructors, we'd love a little extra help for the am SI class if you can donate 60-80 seconds of your time here or there to hop in a Novice car for their maiden voyages.

[rdub]

I will be instructing my friend on Sunday
You can add my name to the list for others also
HEY can I keep the green stripe on when I run?

[JCN]

I asked 914 Dave if we could open up this particular initiative to all "Novice School Instructors" and not restrict it to "Season Instructors" only.

It would make sense, as the goals would be similar to Novice School for this initiative.

However, we're just piloting the program and will see how it goes with the "official" instructors.

I think it'd be great if Murph, myself, and a few Novice School Instructors were on standby just in case the workload winds up being too heavy for the Season Instructors during the SI heat (and yes, I know all Novices aren't in SI and all SI aren't Novices, but that's where the majority are located).

[JCN]

I will be instructing my friend on Sunday
You can add my name to the list for others also
HEY can I keep the green stripe on when I run?

I'll have to hear back from the powers that be.

Currently, the list posted above is the "officially unofficial" season instructor list cross indexed with the MOWOG registrations. There may be more or less people on the list, but I'd have to hear back from the board.

[Chippy569]

I think I'll need a full banner of green tape, lol.

This sounds like a great idea but might put a lot of extra wear on your instructors.

Maybe novices have to buy the first round (of water bottles) afterwards?

[JCN]

I think I'll need a full banner of green tape, lol.

This sounds like a great idea but might put a lot of extra wear on your instructors.

Maybe novices have to buy the first round (of water bottles) afterwards?

That's why we're thinking we might need to expand the instructor pool to include Novice School Instructors (an additional 20+ people) to cover the first runs. It makes sense for MOWOG 1/2 where there might be the highest proportion of new people. Later events would probably be fine with just the season instructors.

Maybe we should take a poll of the "Season Instructors" to see how they feel about having "Novice School Instructors" help out as reinforcements.

Then again, most things in MAC are there for a reason. There might be an insurance / historical subtext that we're not appreciating.

[Rex Jr]

I think that's why #3 was there:
3. ANY driver can request an instructor for any competition run.

Duh. I guess I should've been paying better attention...

[Rushin]

This is a great idea. I will for sure need an instructor for the first couple runs.

[awsumb]

I am not an official instructor but I will be at the teen school. If you need more names put Alex Awsumb down. I'll be at both M1 & M2

[rdub]

I thought you wanted people to sign up to be Wookies.........thats completely different
never mind

[murph]

I thought you wanted people to sign up to be Wookies.........thats completely different
never mind

Randy, please refrain from references to your furry fetish here, thanks! ;)

[barrowcadbury]

As an Uber-n00b, I think this is a great idea. MOWOG 1/2 will be my first performance driving events, and while very excited, I've also been a bit nervous (mostly about getting lost in the sea of cones).

Having an instructor on the first run or two would really help to calm my nerves (and of course provide valuable feedback). And will really help those of us who may be otherwise too shy to ask for help ;)

Thanks for looking out for those of us who are new to the sport! :rockon

[JCN]

As an Uber-n00b, I think this is a great idea. MOWOG 1/2 will be my first performance driving events, and while very excited, I've also been a bit nervous (mostly about getting lost in the sea of cones).

Having an instructor on the first run or two would really help to calm my nerves (and of course provide valuable feedback). And will really help those of us who may be otherwise too shy to ask for help ;)

Thanks for looking out for those of us who are new to the sport! :rockon

Glad to hear it's well received. :rockon The goal is more fun and less frustration for everyone.

[Vampyre]

Am I good with asujosh1 as my co-driver? Will he be in the car when I run and visa versa?

[914 Dave]

No, you can have an instructor in the car with you if you choose during your timed runs, or you can drive alone of you'd rather not carry the extra weight... those are your options for the timed runs. You paid for your runs, we want you to get all of them behind the wheel.

During the "fun runs" that we often have at the end of the event, (with approval of the Event Master) you pay a buck to the starter, this money goes to the club general funds, and you can have another crack at the course, or have your co-driver ride with you, or ride with your co-driver, or have an instructor or other driver drive your car. Fun Fun Fun.