The Greater Washington Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) holds a monthly autocross, every month from April through November.
An autocross is a timed event, usually held in a parking lot, with one car on the course at a time. The course is laid out with pylons (orange cones) and is changed for every event.
Cars are classed, so we don't compare oranges to pineapples. At our events, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have separate classes, usually aligned to our National Events Rule Book. All non-Mercedes cars are indexed using the SCCA PAX index.
MBCA does not require that you own or drive a Mercedes-Benz to be a member, nor do its various sections across the country. However, national events which are held around the country -- this year: September in California (StarFest); and, in New Jersey in October (Tri-O-Rama) -- require that you drive a Mercedes. HOWEVER! It appears that the club will accept
smart cars for these events! I'll confirm shortly. And, of course, you can still attend
all local and regional events.
The next autocross in our area will beheld this Sunday in Winchester, Virginia -- about an hour from the Beltway. If you'd like to register to participate, we recommend that you arrive by 8:00 AM or so. If you'd just like to watch, you're welcome to come out at any time. We usually finish at about 4 PM. The registration fee is $25 for MBCA members and $30 for nonmembers. You can expect to get at least six tries at the course. We do require that all participants join MBCA after enrolling in two events as registered nonmembers.
We have "loaner" helmets on hand and instructors who will walk you through the intricacies of the course and how to attack it. We'll have water and soft drinks too. What do you have to bring? Your car... smart or non-smart. Yourself. Something to store your goodies in while driving -- a plastic bag will be just fine and will protect your valuables in case of rain, and we do run rain or shine. (There are plenty of fast food places nearby for lunch and restrooms.) A hat or covering -- it gets hot in the sun. Sunscreen -- same reason. That's about it. Oh! We've already had one smart participate and expect a second this time -- ours!
We use Millbrook High School which is right off Route 7, just before you get into the town of Winchester. For more on the location and the event, go to
Greater Washington Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and select "Events." While at our web site, spend a few minutes and look around. You'll be surprised at how much we do -- driving, events, social events, technical, and more. You can read the latest edition of our newsletter by clicking on the Metro Tri-Star link on the right.
If you'd like to learn more about the national club please go to
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
You can post any questions you have here in this thread or drop me a private message.
Hope you can join us!
Joe
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