https://sscc.us/

I’m interested to enter the Sept event but would appreciate hearing feedback from anyone who has done it.

As a first time entry to the race, I would be limited to the Rookie class which has a speed limit of 110mph. I’m not really excited about that but if I enjoy the experience I would certainly be back and would qualify for a higher limit.

I’ve ran SS twice about 10 years ago in a 993 C4S. Great event. True car junkie experience. Car qualified for 175 MPH class with harnesses, roll bar and fire suits. SS is a stickler for safety inspection. Tires are a major cause off road excursions. Expect your tires to be date inspected and then checked multiple times leading up to your run. We ran old school with only a stop watch and charts, without any electronic gps or other navigation. Most cars run with some form of Navigatiion. We finished 5th in our 125mph run group which was .05573 over our target speed. That gives you an idea how competitive certain run groups. My suggestion is to pick a class that has fewer cars where you are comfortable if you want to strive for a podium finish. Have fun and be safe.

I did some reading on the rules and noticed that they are very specific about things like fire extinguisher mount and tire weight rating. Is it advisable to have a co-driver?

Yes, I did. I believe the majority had a codriver/navigator in the under 150 groups. However, that may have changed with improved rally navigation apps. You can’t run the entire course at one set speed. The co-driver/navigator can help you adjust pace. My navigator had a chart that had a target speed for each mile marker and was able to calibrate the adjustments. on the fly. We had preplanned a 10 mile stretch at red line and the canyon (?) at 85mph. We filled in the other mile markers to balance our overall time.
Also the course is a normal 2 lane state highway which drains to each side. There are certain blind turns where you are going to cross over the center ridge of the road to properly set the car. We had points marked on the chart and my navigator was able to remind me in advance where to position the car. Finally, things can happen quickly at speed. The more advance sighting of issues ahead will avoid dangerous over reaction. It’s best to have another set of eyes watching for stopped or slow cars, animals etc.

I also recommend driving the route several times before the event. However, be cautious. The road is heavily patrolled before the event and you may yourself funding the local policeman’s ball.

I had over 1000 track hours before driving the SS. It’s a much different animal than driving on a track. Greatest difference is your sense of speed. On a track you are at top speeds in bursts and I find myself more aware of controlling the car. In the SS you are running at sustained high speeds for prolonged periods. After a few minutes at 165 mph it feels like 65. I had to keep telling myself how fast I was really going and to stay smooth. A jerk of the steering wheel or quick braking can upset the car. I am sure with more experience that sense of speed and skills improve. However, few of us get enough seat time to really master driving at sustained speeds over 100mph.

Hope all this helps. I’m sure others with more experience will weigh in.

Thanks, that helps a lot.

I’m on my way east on I-40 traveling from SoCal to WGI. Saw a handful of Corvettes with those number plates on them on open trailers headed east in AZ or NM as well. Is it a stage race, or a flying mile (or more)?