What is Solo?

About Solo

If you’re passionate about cars or motorsports, and looking for a low-risk, cost-effective way to get started, Solo might be for you.

Solo is the SCCA brand name for autocross competition. Solo events are driving skill contests that emphasize a driver’s ability as well as the car’s handling characteristics. This is accomplished by driving a course that is designated by traffic cones on a low hazard location, such as a parking lot or inactive airstrip. While speeds are no greater than those normally encountered in legal highway driving, the combination of concentration and car feedback creates an adrenaline pumping experience. It is like being in a movie chase scene, only you’e holding onto the steering wheel instead of a box of popcorn!

The primary reasons for attending a Solo / autocross event are the dynamics of the event (organization, competition, variety of cars, etc.), and most of all, the friendships formed and renewed during the event.

How Solo works

Events are held across the country at local shopping centers, airports, and stadium parking lots — or wherever competitors can find a large amount of pavement to safely lay out their courses. The sport typically attracts ordinary sports and sports-type cars used for daily transportation, as well as heavily modified vehicles used for competition only. Owners of “street” cars usually just inflate their tires to higher-than-normal pressures, remove the hubcaps, empty the interior of loose items, buckle the seat belt, and have a go.

You don’t need much to get started. Basically, you need to possess a valid driver’s license, a mechanically sound car, and an approved helmet.  Don’t worry if you don’t have a helmet right away. While one is required for competitors, to get you started, a few loaner helmets are available on-site. Nearly all passenger cars are allowed to participate. With a few exceptions, many trucks, vans, and SUVs are not eligible to use. The SCCA annually publishes the Solo Rules to classify a full range of imported and domestic sports cars, sedans, and purpose-built race cars, as well as to layout the basic rules behind Solo competition. The Solo Car Classifications are provided so that you may determine what types of cars are typically competing in Solo, although there is a class for just about any vehicle. For local events, we are allowed enough leeway to add classes to suit our particular participants, and their requirements if the situation calls for it. If you’d like to see if your vehicle is eligible or better understand how it migt be classed, ask our Chief of Tech, Solo Chair or Assistant Solo Chair to be sure.

If you’d like to learn more about Solo – how it works, what you need to get started, etc., contact our Chief of Novices. He can answer any of your questions to help you get started. For a comprehensive look at all the things you need to know take time to look at the Solo Handbook here.

The NEOhio SCCA Solo program

Within the Solo / autocross community, there are literally hundreds of clubs around the country. While they are all similar at their core, each club has its own approach and feel.

The NEOhio region’s Solo program emphasizes fun, camaraderie, and competition. We believe these traits can all co-exist, and with a healthy balance.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love it if you’d come out and join us.

To get a better idea of what Solo is, take a moment to watch these videos. They were shot in Lincoln, NE, which is the new home for the Solo National Championship!