Frequently Asked Questions

Autocross is a timed driving event on a temporary cone-marked course built on a large paved parking lot or asphalt area. You drive your own car, one vehicle at a time, and try to complete each run quickly and cleanly. PMC Event Staff assigned to Corner Stations observe the course and record displaced cones; each penalized cone adds two seconds to the elapsed time.

Yes. Most eligible daily drivers and performance cars can participate if they meet the event requirements and pass Tech Inspection. A special race car is not required.

No. Beginners are welcome, and PMC provides a Course Walk, mandatory Driver Meeting, Safety Briefing and access to experienced instructors.

No racing license is required. Drivers must be age 18 or older and hold a valid driver license.

It depends on how many drivers sign up, but at PMC's 2026 events most drivers got about 9 to 12 timed runs, and some got up to 15. Every run is timed, and your best run is your result.

No. Most drivers bring their everyday car exactly as it is, on the tires it already has — no modifications needed. Your car only has to pass a basic safety Tech Inspection at the event. You don't need to figure out your class either — PMC assigns it automatically from your car.

No loaner helmets — bring your own approved helmet (see Safety & Helmets).

Look for a helmet with a current Snell sticker (SA2020 or M2020 or newer) or an accepted FIA rating — the full list is on the Safety & Helmets page. A Snell M-rated (motorcycle) helmet is usually the least expensive accepted option, and motorsport retailers often discount last year's colors and sizes. Buy new rather than used, check the certification sticker inside, and make sure it fits snugly. DOT-only or ECE-only helmets are not accepted.

No. Cars are released separately. You race against the clock, not against another car beside you.

Many street cars are eligible. PMC will help confirm vehicle eligibility and class before the event.

Yes. Every driver needs an approved, properly fitted helmet — see the Safety & Helmets page for the accepted standards. Passengers are not permitted; the only exception is a PMC-approved instructor riding along while providing instruction, who must also wear an approved helmet.

Bring your driver license, approved helmet, water, closed-toe shoes and basic sun protection. Remove loose items from your car before inspection.

Gates open for participants at 7:45 AM. You check in (all drivers must arrive by 8:30 AM), sign the required waiver, complete Tech Inspection, attend the mandatory drivers' meeting and safety briefing at 9:15 AM and the instructed course walk at 9:30 AM (mandatory for beginners), and meet your instructor if needed. When called, you report to Grid, proceed to the Start Line for your timed run, cross the Finish Line, and return to the Paddock as directed by PMC officials.

No corner work is required for drivers. PMC assigns approved Event Staff to Corner Stations and other required event roles separately.

No. Membership is not required for standard event registration.

Standard entry is $85 per driver total.

Yes. At every PMC Autocross event, one registered driver in attendance wins one free entry ticket to a future PMC Autocross event. PMC Event Crew and Staff, including Marshals and Instructors, are not eligible for the free-entry raffle.

PMC Solo Event points are recorded by class under the published scoring rules and build the Season Standings. Year-end awards are presented in every class.

Each participant has one official driver record. After every confirmed event, PMC attaches verified class results to that record and updates the Season Standings.

Approved Event Crew roles may earn one free entry to the next eligible PMC event after the completed shift is confirmed by Admin.

No — an Event Crew shift does not discount the event you're working. A verified shift earns one free entry credit toward a future PMC Autocross event instead, issued only after PMC confirms the completed service.

Registration, Media, and Other volunteers help PMC but do not automatically receive the Event Crew free-entry benefit.

PMC Practice & Tune Day is designed for learning, instructor guidance, vehicle setup and meaningful seat time in a low-pressure format.

PMC Solo Events use official timing and published class results. Season Results and Driver Standings are updated from eligible results under the published rules.

Yes. No racing experience is needed. PMC provides clear pre-event guidance, a Course Walk, mandatory Driver Meeting, Safety Briefing, Tech Inspection and access to experienced instructors.

PMC uses a controlled, closed course with one vehicle released at a time. Every driver completes Tech Inspection and attends the mandatory drivers' meeting and safety briefing before driving; beginners also join the instructed course walk. Safety always takes priority over run count or competition.

PMC may immediately stop the participant's runs, disqualify or remove the participant, cancel the registration, require the person to leave the venue, and deny future participation. This includes intentional drifting, burnouts, donuts, reckless or aggressive driving, abusive or threatening behavior, ignoring officials, or damaging venue, PMC, or third-party property. A conduct-related removal receives no refund, credit, or transfer, and the participant may be held responsible for damage caused.

For licensed drivers age 18 or older, repeated controlled runs can build car-control awareness, smoother inputs and confidence in understanding how a vehicle responds. Autocross complements — but does not replace — licensed driver education or professional emergency-response training.

PMC events are planned for licensed drivers age 18 or older. The vehicle must pass Tech Inspection, the driver must sign the official event waiver, and an approved helmet is required.

PMC accepts Snell SA2020, Snell M2020 or newer, and qualifying FIA 8859-2015 or FIA 8860-2010 helmets or newer. Snell SA2015 and M2015 are accepted only through December 31, 2026. DOT-only and ECE-only helmets are not permitted. Every helmet is subject to PMC Tech Inspection.

All registration fees are non-refundable. Notify PMC in writing as soon as possible, preferably at least 24 hours before the published start time. PMC then moves your registration to the Deferral list and issues one Event Credit, valid for one PMC event held within 90 days of the original event (shown in My Registrations with its expiration date). Later requests — for example, a breakdown on the morning of the event — are reviewed at PMC's discretion. A no-show without any notice receives no refund, credit or transfer. See the Cancellation Policy and the Event Credit Policy for full details.

Your registration automatically transfers to the rescheduled date. If you cannot attend that date, PMC can move it to the Deferral list and issue an Event Credit (see the Event Credit Policy). No cash refund is issued unless PMC expressly announces otherwise.