LEARN TO DRIVE YOUR PROWLER
…at speed, safely
…plus a Bonus during the weekend


What: Autocross
When: September 23 and 24
Where: Monterey, California
RSVP: Phil Horvath (phorvath@prodigy.net)
Info: Gary Myers (geegm@aol.com)


The Challenge:
If you’d like to test the limits of your Prowler but not the risk damage to it or yourself, this Prowler autocross is for you!!!  You’ll learn about under steer, throttle induced over steer, turn-in and brake points, late apexes, and trail braking.  Sound like fun—reserve September 23 and 24 in your calendar.  This event will be held at the Marina airport, near Monterey, and is organized by the Porsche Club of America.  A limited number of Prowlers have been invited to attend this PCA Autocross (AX) as “guests.”  PCA (that’s Porsche Club, not Prowler Club) will supply timing equipment, in-car instructors and course setup.  You supply the Prowler, add the AX challenge and that equals FUN!!

The Details:
The AX entry fee is only $25/driver per day (two drivers per car, max).  We are “invited” to attend both Saturday and Sunday, although a fewer cars typical register on Sunday which means more runs and more track time for us.  A list of nearby motels will be provided, as well as a map with directions, to those interested.  No pre-registration is necessary but if you’re interested in participating please let Phil Horvath know (phorvath@prodigy.net).  If you have questions, contact Gary Myers (geegm@aol.com).  The definitive source of AX and Solo I racing hints is contained in a paperback book The Secrets of Solo Racing by Henry A. Watts distributed by International (1-800-826-6600; $14.95).  This book is recommended reading for those serious in preparing for autocrossing.

The Bonus:
Cherry’s Jubilee is happening the same weekend, September 22-24, in Monterey.  This event is the largest gathering of hot rods on the Central Coast-1200 cars.  It’s similar to Hot August Nites in Reno, with a Friday night street cruise, show and shine on Saturday and Sunday in the Laguna Seca paddock, and hot lap rides (for $25) at speed around the world famous race track on both days.  This event is not open to Prowlers—sorry, 1972 and earlier cars only, but is a great spectator event and cheap, too--$8/person.  Check out the web site, www.svmh.com (foundation, calendar of events), for more information.

Autocrossing:
Is a performance driving event. It is competitive, but is also very educational and social.  The competition involves negotiating a pre-designed closed course averaging about two to four minutes in duration.  SAFETY is the overall concern of the course layout.  The course is usually laid out in a parking lot and is marked by short, soft road-pylons (orange cones).  Only one car is on the course at any given time.  Cars are divided into classes of similar performance.  The course-run elapsed time is recorded by stop-clock.  A one second penalty for each pylon knocked out of place is added to the elapsed time.  The corrected times are compared with others in the car's class and are used to determine event placings.  Drivers usually get 4-6 runs per day, depending on the number of drivers who show up for the event.  Drivers “work” between driving runs, which includes timing and scoring and resetting any cones knocked over.  Autocrossing is a very SAFE and inexpensive way to learn to drive at the limits of a car, and is a great way to meet other people with the same interest and cars.

What Do I Need To Get Ready?
Your Prowler should be in good mechanical condition--no cord showing on tires; brakes in good condition, no loose wheel bearings (grab the top of your wheel and tug in and out--there should be minimal play); no parts ready to fall off.  Fill with oil and inflate tires according to your owner's manual.  Show up with 3/8 tank gas--more is okay, but adds extra weight.

What Time Should I Show Up?
Registration is open from 7:00AM-8:30AM.  Afternoon registration is 11:30AM-12:00PM.

What Should I Bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for driving/walking/ running.  Bring food and drink.  A hat and sunglasses are advisable as it's usually pretty sunny and warm toward mid-day. If you have a helmet with a 1985 or later Snell sticker, bring it.  If you don't, we have loaners, but you’ll need a Credit Card or Driver's License as a deposit.

What Happens When I Get There?
The first thing you do is find the registration table where you pay your money, sign a release, pick up a registration card (with your car number on it) and sign up to work.  While you are learning, the position you want to work at is "Course Worker".  Your job is to pick up any cones that get knocked down by cars.  It gives you a good opportunity to watch how others are driving the course.

The next thing you do is fill our your registration card and stick it under your windshield wiper. The only tough question will be what class you are in, but all the Prowlers will be in one class, so no problem.  If you are interested, however, you can usually pick up a rule book at the registration table that lists the different cars and classes, or you can ask for help at the registration table.

Next, you empty out your car, front seat, floor, and trunk--everything that's not bolted down. Most people take out their jack and spare tire, but since we don’t have a spare, again no problem.  If you want to look like a pro, find and pull our your wiper fuse, so you don't turn on your wipers accidentally.

After your car is emptied out you put it on "grid.”  Grid is where the cars line up to run.  The rows are labeled A, B, C, and 2nd Driver.  Put your car in the row corresponding to the number on your registration card.  You can leave your keys in it along with your helmet.  Workers will "tech" your car to make sure it is safe.

Now it's time to walk the course.  Find a group of people who look like they know what they're doing and walk with them to get familiar with the course.  They will be fretting about the proper line to drive.  For your first time out, just worry about the basics.  Do we go clockwise or counter clockwise?  Where do we enter?  Where do we exit?  Get a mental picture of the course and where the sharp corners and other tricky parts are.

At the driver's meeting when they ask "Who wants an instructor?” raise your hand. If they don't ask, go up to the person with the microphone and tell them your want an instructor.  A friendly, experienced instructor will be assigned to you. He or she will answer all your questions and help you learn the smoothest, quickest and safest way to drive your car.


Will I Hurt My Car?
No, Prowlers were engineered to be driven this way.  Your car has a hot rod heritage and if you listen, it is begging you to take it autocrossing.  Courses are laid out so they do not come close to light poles and other immovable objects.  You will wear out tires and brakes faster, but the wear is not significant from a single autocross.

Is It Dangerous?
About as much as crossing a busy street. When you are working course, the most important thing is your safety. Always keep your eyes on the car on course. Always double check that no cars are coming before you run to pick up that pylon.

Directions to the Site:
From 101 take SR 156 to the Monterey peninsula which blends to Highway 1.
Take Highway 1 south of Castroville toward Laguna Seca Raceway
and Monterey. Take the Reservation Road exit south toward Marina. After one short block, turn right in order to stay on Reservation Road. Follow the road through Marina and approximately two miles south of town. Turn left at signal into Marina Airfield. Turn right after the first large building on the right and follow the cones to the autocross site.

Motels:
Here's the scoop on the motels in the Marina/Monterey area that are close to the Autocross track.  All are within a couple of blocks of each other and right off Highway 1 at the Reservation Rd. exit in the town of Marina which is adjacent to Monterey--

Super 8 Motel (831/384-1800 or 800/550-0055) -- 2 nite minimum for that weekend; prices range from $79.88 to $99.88 before tax; 72 hour cancellation required; donuts and coffee in the morning.

Motel 6 (831/384-1000 or 800/466-8356) -- does not require 2 nite minimum; prices range from $53.99 to $59.99 before tax; 24 hour cancellation required; no breakfast but there is a Denny's next door.

Monterey/Marina Travelodge (831/883-0300 or 800/578-7878) -- 2 nite minimum for that weekend; prices range from $99 to $109; 72 hour cancellation required; continental breakfast.

Comfort Inn (831/883-4000 or 800/228-5150) -- does not require 2 nite minimum; prices range from $129 to $149; 48 hour cancellation required; continental breakfast.

All of the above prices are subject to change.  As of yesterday each motel had vacancies but I'd recommend calling as soon as possible since Cherry's Jubilee is going on that weekend and rooms will become scarce.  We've booked a room for ourselves for the nites of September 22 and 23 at the Motel 6.

Some other sources of Motels in the area:
Resorts II Me Roomfinders  (800 757 5646)
Monterey Peninsula Reservations  (888 655 3424)

Prowler Main Autocross Page.

My Prowler Page.