Crewing 101

Taking care of your Driver because he probably can't take care of himself

This outline is from a "How to be a Crew Member" class that is taught at SCCA Driving Schools at Nelson Ledges.

• Before Leaving for Track
  • Get a Crew License
  • Have entry form sent in on time
  • Read the supps!!!
  • Proper Licenses, Vehicle Logbooks (Homologation papers - Formula Cars & Sports Racers), and all Medical Forms
  • Photo IDs
  • Signed minor waivers (if applicable)
  • Be familiar with the GCR
  • Pack tools, spare parts, and supplies (try to develop a kit)
  • Driver's equipment packed and clean
    • Helmet (with proper information on the back) and visor
    • Suit and underwear, socks, hood, gloves, and shoes
    • Misc. - ear plugs, dental appliances, spare glasses or contacts, sunglasses, aspirin, suntan lotion, pass holders, rain coats, bug spray
  • Motel reservations confirmed or camping arrangements made
  • Directions to the track
  • Check registration hours
  • Emergency cash, credit cards
  • Pack food, fluids, and snacks that the driver likes - the track may not have the food you like or are familiar with
  • See what is available at the track - fuel, water, air, ice, etc.
  • See if there is testing before an event
• Arrival at Track
  • Make sure everyone has signed a waiver at registration and has been issued the proper credentials.
  • See if you must put your trailer in a special place
  • Become familiar with the track/paddock layout and track personal
    Locate gas, air, water, tech, scales, timing & scoring, timing & scoring line, results, damage area, impound, Black flag station (in Pits), and Medical.
  • Before Practice/Qualifying
    • Unload car, unpack and organize paddock area (a tarp or canopy are good to shield the sun and rain, indoor/outdoor carpeting is always a nice convenience for under the car.)
    • Prepare Driver's gear and car for Tech
      Check oil and water levels, Fuel, brake fluid, tire pressures, Torque lug nuts, clean car inside and out, clean the glass (car & helmet.)
  • Practice/Qualifying/Race
    • Put on Tech Sticker
    • Get the car to the Grid on time and the proper equipment to pit lane
    • Help the driver buckleup, etc. - Encourage the Driver
    • Keep A Log - tire pressures (hot & cold), jet settings, weather conditions, ambient temperatures, total engine time, type of fuel, timing settings, gears, tire sizes, spring rates, caster, camber, toe in, plug gap, etc.
    • Record laps, overall times and split times.
  • After Practice/Qualifying/Race
    • Dring and wet towel for Driver - check hot tire pressures, check car condition
    • Clear pit lane as quickly as possible - take car to impound (if necessary)
    • secure a copy of results from T&S for each session and add to log
    • Collect Trophy
• Things to Remember
  • If you don't know - Ask!
  • Read the Supps
  • Plenty of rest - Moderate consumption of alcohol - plenty of fluids
  • Proper attire for pit lane (read the supps)
  • Proper conduct - the driver is responsible for the behavior of his crew, guests, children, and pets
  • Check the rules for all support vehicles - four wheels, three wheels, and two wheels
  • Remember all the workers (officials) are volunteers, thank them
  • Have a safe weekend