Welcome back!
We'll have some other "stuff"/course set up apart from the novice school so come on down.
Just getting back into it after a long delay, I wouldn't worry too much about car classing and what mods you have to make. Just get out and drive. We'll help you class the car properly and then work on it and make changes between the events. Classing should be one of your lesser worries and just getting driving is more important.
Having said that, there is a link to the rules elsewhere on this site(use the search engine on the top right).
But perhaps you are more concerned about "car condition" and whether it is fit to run? Someone can do that for sure at the site. Some basic stuff to consider are no leaks of fluids, good tires, good bearings (no play - shake by the tire/wheel and you should not feel/hear any clunking), ball joints, suspension pieces etc. (should not be worn out ... e.g. fit for the road).
One of the most common problems we see is a loose battery. Believe me, you don't want that chunk of PVC, lead and battery acid (sulfuric acid) flying around underneath your hood (or trunk in some cases)! Acid makes the inside of the compartment look very nasty if the battery shatters/leaks.
Steering should have no play in it (e.g. suspension pieces, rack etc).
Your throttle should not be sticking ... Is that obvious?
Your brake pedal should be solid when you press on it. Again, obviously, it is a good idea to have brakes that work ... even if we don't use them too much in autox. Maybe they need to be bled if the pedal is soft etc.
Your fluids should be topped up (and not leaking) ... although an empty windshield washer container can save weight ...
Your drivetrain should not be making strange noises ... e.g. worn out and, say, ready to throw a rod out the side of the engine block or some such thing. Just in generally good running condition. Same for your transmission. If it is making grinding, clicking etc. noises chances are it is on its last legs. A worn synchromesh is not a deal breaker but may slow shifts down ... particularly if you have to double-clutch ... which will slow your runs down (just get it fixed ... won't stop you from running but ... ).
Ah, what else?
Well, some basic stuff like remove all your "stuff" from the car. Stuff flying around and perhaps getting lodged in your pedals is not a good thing. Just take them out. Also, if big and heavy enough, they can damage your interior and I'm sure you don't want that either. Include the driver's mat (and passengers' mats) among the removal items. With the aggressive driving they tend to move and around and, yes, bunch up under the pedals with poor effects.
Just basically the car has to be in safe condition ... e.g. would it pass a safety test essentially?
Look for the videos I'm about to post after this ... some basic prep for an event.
And, yes, spectators are free to come out ... and even ride-along at our local events. Some National-level events we do not allow passengers but it is free otherwise and most will take you for a ride if they have time and if they are not fighting to get a better time on a last run or doing some testing etc.
Again, welcome! Best thing is to just come out and run. Just throw your hat in the ring and join in. Ask questions from people around you etc. Go with the novice coordinator, Dan, in the morning to get a course walk and some pointers.
Cheers,
R
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