(This article was written by Nick Dunlap, the Solo® Events Board (SEB) chair, offering an insight into the SCCA® Autocross program from the SEB’s perspective.)

Competition rules do a fantastic job of offering consistency for all involved. Rulesets allow drivers and organizers access to the same documentation stating which cars are legal, what modifications are allowed, how events are to be run, and more. Only, SCCA’s rules are constantly changing and improving because sometimes adjustments or clarifications are needed. The problem is, the current letter-writing system isn’t the best at resolving all varieties of requests, as letters vary from classing needs and allowance adjustments to a simple clarification about what a rule’s meaning truly is.

This is something the SEB is actively working to improve on – and soon.

Shortcomings of the current process

The current protest process is an elaborate battle-hardened procedure developed over years of competition. It is designed to determine legality and impose penalties on anything from decisions made by event officials to actions of competitors to legality of vehicles and modifications. When a protest is initiated, it kicks off a whole slew of actions including collecting the protest bond and assembling a protest committee. There are times when a competitor would like clarification on vehicle legality or competitor actions and their options during the event are either to discuss it directly with the vehicle owner/builder, submit a protest, or send a letter to the appropriate Advisory Committee or SEB and potentially wait months for a response. An unmoderated discussion between two parties can go a variety of different ways and a protest process turns it into a lengthier process involving at least a handful of people. What if there was an easier way? Enter the Inquiry process that the SEB and SCCA National Staff will begin to pilot at some National Solo events.

Goals of the new process

With the addition of the Inquiry process, the SEB hopes to provide competitors with a more approachable method for getting questions answered on the legality of a vehicle or competitor. The Inquiry process is not used to question the decision made by event officials. This is also not the ultimate say in the legality of a modification or competitor action. This is a moderated discussion with experienced individuals who should be able to provide guidance and opinions on the legality of something to the individual raising the Inquiry. While the Chief Steward or representative is the initial point of contact for the Inquiry, they may utilize experienced Advisory Committee or Solo Events Board members present at the event to help with Inquiries.

While a similar concept has been used in the SCCA Time Trials space, it’s a new concept in the Solo world. As such, the SEB and SCCA National Staff are looking for feedback from the membership on the process such that it can be refined and tailored to Solo as appropriate.

For 2025, the Inquiry process will be added to select event Supplemental Regulations.

Sneak peek of the new process

The Inquiry process is a pretty simple procedure. Participants will begin an Inquiry by talking with the Chief Steward or a representative (such as an Ops Steward or other official). From there, event officials will find someone appropriate to help with the Inquiry, which may be the Chief Steward or they may find a representative. The intent of this new process is to produce an environment where the legality or actions of a competitor or vehicle may be questioned without the added steps of a full protest and with some guidance and council from an independent third party. However, during or after the Inquiry, if the participant wants to move to an official protest then they may do so as long as they are within the allowed window of time per Section 8 of the Solo Rules.

Photo by Andy Shultz