Hi all,

What are the rules or recommendations for choosing an automobile number?

My wife & I would like to whip up some silkscreened door magnets for our 996, but are worried that, being newbies to the sport, the number we invest in will turn out to be a mistake; prohibitively popular, socially verboten or otherwise reserved. Is it best to employ a two- or three-digit number over a one-digit number?

Thank you.

Dave

 

In general, it's first come first choice unless there are "permanent" numbers assigned to individuals. It depends on who's putting on your driving event. You can make several individual numbers so you have a choice when you get to your driving event. Single digit numbers should be preceded by a zero. I have 336 for my local PCA autocrosses and DE's. I'm going to order a set of individual numbers for the SCCA events. Magnetic numbers definitely look better than painters' tape and shoe polish!

 

I would check the rules of whatever organization you autocross with, if they have any relevant ones.

The SCCA requires at least 8 inch high car numbers and 4 inch high class letters, with a 1 inch wide stroke. It's pretty safe to go with their requirements.

I would recommend going with single numbers on individual panels so you can make multiple numbers, e.g., individual 1's, 2's, and 3's can be used to make 23, 123, 13, etc. Buying/making a set from 1-4 should be plenty. This allows you flexibility in case someone else already has your number. Also, for double drivers, most people usually put a '1' in front for the second driver, e.g., 1st driver is 23 and second driver is 123, which would require a separate magnetic number '1.' SCCA national events actually require this.

For the above reasons, I wouldn't buy/make a 2 or 3 digit number on a single panel. Use individual ones.

Also don't use die-cut numbers (where the magnetic is cut exactly around the shape of the number). Instead, use numbers on rectangular panels. Die cut numbers, while they look great, will eventually bend at the corners and come flying off during a run.

 

Check with the people putting on the events in which you plan to participate, there's a lot of good advice here already but very little of it is valid everyplace! For example, the events I participate (PCA-NNJR) require 2 driver cars to have an odd number and an even number (eg, 23 and 32) as cars are run as odd and even groups and only 1 driver is permitted per group. Each group is run in numerical order, so don't pick a number like 999 unless you want to run last. lastly, the regulars can request a permanent number, either a number of their choice (if available) or of the club's choice. Permanent numbers are first come-first served and usually carry on from each year to the next (I'd probably have to sit out a year before they'd give away '14' to someone else), numbers that are not reserved are issued first come-first served to entrants at registration.
For a new participant I'd suggest that you get out there and have fun for the first couple eventswithout worrying about the number. After 2-3 events (read; once completely addicted) you can find out who to talk to at the event about numbers to find out if a permanent number is available and how to get it.

 

So Dave, it took you THAT LONG to get hooked on this stuff?

Geez, after my first run of my first autocross I was hooked!

As stated above, if you run with a club regularly, they can assign you a permanent number.

BTW: It is very easy to make your own 'semi-professional' numbers. Here's the procedure I did:
1. In MS-Word design your numbers (I used an oval, yellow background, black numbers)
2. Print on a high quality laser color printer.
3. Cut out the shape of your number.
4. Go to Staples and get the number laminated. (runs about $1.00 a page)
5. Go to Michaels, AC Moore, or the Rag Shop (or any good craft shop) and buy a sheet of magnetic material that has adhesive on on side.
6. Attach your laminated number to the magnetic sheet, and cut out around the edges, leaving at least a 1/4 inch border (so the laminate doesn't pull off the paper)

Viola! Cool looking numbers! Here's mine:


Another, more simple solution is to get magnetic strips, cut the tops and bottoms like this: /\ and create numbers like a digital clock's numbers. Looks like this: (Not the best picture, but you can get an idea...)



As for two person cars, try numbers like 18/81, 86/98, 99/66...etc. You see, 18 flipped upsidedown is 81, 86 is 98...etc. Makes it easier to manage the numbers! (Just don't forget to flip both sides when changing drivers! )

Hope this helps,
-Z.

 

Only thing I would add to Z-Man's technique is to consider getting the magnetic backing material from a sign shop, which is thicker and will adhere better to the car (unless you have a Corvette!). The Hobby Lobby, etc., variety is thinner and will work, but the thicker the better.

 

Now that you mention it, a local guy found out the hard way that magnets don't stick to a 928 very well!!
A local craft store did carry the sign store grade (local sign store wouldn't sell me the material unless it was made into a sign!), it comes on a roll and is sold by the foot. The stuff at the chain craft stores is indeed not as good but I did make it through 1 event without that stuff coming loose. My method was cheaper and easier than Z-mans. I printed it on my inkjet, sprayed contact cement on the top of the magnetic material and the back of the paper, stuck them together, cut out and used a sharpie to make the edges black, sprayed with a few coats of clear krylon to seal out moisture. The whole thing took an hour!

 

A little bit of clear tape on the leading edges will help keep the numbers from peeling off at speed, especially important for DE numbers.

 

If you have a quarter window, just use word or photoshop to create a oval with a number that fits on a 8.5x11 sheet and print onto a heavy bond paper. Cut to shape and apply clear box tape at 12,3,6 and 9. This keeps the mounting tape from ripping up the back of the number. Then use a little black electrical tape to adhere it to the inside of the window. Weather proof and reusable.

 

Black electrical tape leaves a nasty black residue if it's in the sun for a while, other colors leave clear residue that is much easier to remove

I always keep some red or white electrical tape in the autocross toolbox.