Eastern Motor Racing Association: Time Trialing
Have you've ever watched a motor race on TV, and either have said "I could do that!", or being of sound mind "What a thrill that must be!" Regardless of what you may say or think, the opportunity to experience these speed and thrills is available with the Eastern Motor Racing Association (EMRA).
- For further Time Trial information contact EMRA's Time Trial Chairmanpeople:
- Michael and Julie Panczyszyn at TimeTrialChair@emraracing.org
- or our Chief Instructor - Marc Albert at
- ChiefInstructor@emraracing.org
- For information concerning upcoming events:
- Contact our Chief Registrar at Registrar@emraracing.org
What is Time Trialing?
In many parts of the United States, the SCCA hosts Solo I & II events. SCCA Solo events pits car and driver against the clock. Cars are classified to match performance capabilities.
Solo II competition is Autocrossing. Auto-X events are commonly run in large parking lots, and your assault is upon a twisting layout of cones. Solo I is SCCA's Time Trialing competition. Events of this nature take place on permanent race courses. Speeds are high, and the excitement not withstanding. EMRA has adopted the concept of Time Trialing and for the last couple of decades has been the premier Time Trial club in the Northeast.
Time Trialing provides motorsports enthusiast the opportunity to drive the tracks they've either spectated at or have viewed on television. On top of the shear experience, a person's driving skills and knowledge of handling an automobile at the edge are heightened. As you seat time grows, you will become a better a driver both on and off the track.
EMRA's day of Time Trialing provides several lengthy sessions of track practice. Late in the afternoon, timed runs (or competitive laps) are taken. These laps pit you & your car against the clock. The driver posting best time in class is declared the winner.
Who can Time Trial?
Just about anyone!!! EMRA welcomes experienced and non-experienced drivers to our events. If you have had prior track experience with an accredited organization, then some simple paper work is required to get you going. However, there are many people whom have never turned a wheel on a race course. For first timers, EMRA hosts a school (HPDE) at each event. The student will receive both off and on track instruction from one of the many experience EMRA Instructors. Proper driving technique, car control, and track awareness are stressed. In-car instruction is provided to show proper driving lines and the intricacies of the race track. If by the end of the school the instructor feels comfortable with the student's ability and mindset, the student is then licensed and permitted to drive on his/her own.
What's required?
EMRA understands that Time Trialest are true enthusiast. They are not likely to have a race prepared car, or the budget to build one. A Time Trialest's ride is very often their daily commuter!!! The following is a list of regulations that will prepare you for an EMRA Time Trial Event. For complete Car preparation rules and car classification please visit EMRA's Car Classifications and GCR's
The Driver......
- Must be 18 years of age, and possess a valid driver's license
- Clothing for the day: long sleeve shirt, long pants, no open toe shoes. (Full race equipped driver's suit recommended)
- Helmet: must meet Snell M2000, SA2000, M2005, and SA2005 certifications . (Closed faced recommended)
The Car......
- Mechanically sound: no loose body parts, no leaks, battery securely strapped down
- Working seatbelts: seatbelts required for driver and passenger. (Five pt. harness recommended)
- Interior: all items not bolted down will need to be removed. Good practice is to remove all mats, unnecessary tools and supplies before coming to the track.
Extras....
- Floor Jack: shop style and a set of jack stands
- Tape: headlights will need to be covered. Numbers will be required on both sides of door.
- Tarp: to protect items from rain, sun and sand
- Food: though all tracks have a snack bar, you may opt for a quick bite between runs.
Where and When?
EMRA hosts between 5-7 events a year. The schedule for the season has been posted.
What's left to know?
I'm sure we haven't been able to cover all the aspects of EMRA Time Trialing. If it did create some interest, and you would like to know please email our Time Trial Chairman at TimeTrialChair@emraracing.org.