Redline Time Attack - Getting Started

For those of you looking for basic information about Redline Time Attack events, how they run, what to expect and how to prepare yourself, we created this article for you to refer to. If you have any questions after reading this article, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Info@RedlineTimeAttack.com

661-992-4384 or 661-992-2390


What is Time Attack?

Time Attack is a new twist on one of the purest forms of motor sports: time trials. The phrase "time attack" has its roots in Japan, where the spprt remains VERY popular, and as is the case with many automotive trends (sport compact cars, drifting, etc.), time attack events migrated to the United States in 2005. Time Trial events have been held for well over 100 years, however, time trial just isnt as "sexy" as Time Attack. :-)

Redline has upped the ante when it comes to time attack and time trial events in North America. Our rule set and mindset would lend many motor sports enthusiasts to compare time attack to "Run What Ya Brung" drag racing.... but with braking and turning! Time Attack has a very loose set of rules for each of the four Classes (Stock, Street, Modified, Unlimited) that become increasingly more open as you progress your way up to Unlimited. Time Attack is an excellent way for Man/Woman and their machine, to work as one, and determine who is the fastest on a given road course on a given day in a given set of conditions. The Clock Doesn't Lie! There is no judging, there are no "cliques", there is no playing favorite. He/She who runs the fastest time, WINS! It is very simple.

The Redline Time Attack Series is the ONLY professionally organized and promoted automotive racing series dedicated to the motor sport of Time Attack in North America. It is not uncommon for our larger events to surpass 100 racer entries and surpass 3000 attendees. The sport is growing very steadily, and rapidly. The United States has a very long history of supporting sports car and road racing. However, the younger generations (Gen X, Gen Y, etc.) have largely been ignored and alienated by the existing sports car racing series (SCCA, ALMS, etc.). The newest crop of enthusiasts and participants are largely "not welcome" or not interested. It's completely different with Time Attack though! The cars seen on the track are built by, driven by, tuned by and showcased by companies and individuals the fans and enthusiasts know and can relate to.

Sports Car racing has become boring, with low car counts, limited assortment of makes/models of cars, the same winners week after week, cars that are not "sexy", and series that are not promoted well and are thus not seen as "cool" and worthy of the attention of those people who actually matter: automotive enthusiasts. Redline Time Attack has taken a different approach than the "status quo" racing series. We have opened our arms to the enthusiasts and allowed them to interact in ways that no other racing series allows. The same enthusiast watching the Professionals race on Sunday, could have participated with their car, on the same track, that Saturday as part of our High Performance Driving Event. The paddocks are open, the garages are open, drivers and teams are friendly and approachable. Events sanctioned and promoted by Redline Track Events are the future of sports car and road racing events in the United States. Yes, that is a lofty statement. But it is backed up by the last 5 years of phenomenal growth, support from the industry and an ever increasing fan base.

Redline has a number of "game changing" plans in the works for 2010 and beyond that will put the "status quo", good ol boy networks of sports car racing series, on their ear! You've read it here! Now keep your eyes and ears out for announcements, giving a glimpse of what will be a VERY exciting future for sports car racing, motor sport and automotive enthusiasts!

  How Much Track Time Should I Expect to Receive?

Saturday is most often an optional practice day for time attack participants. Saturday is also available as an HPDE for enthusiasts just looking for track time. Time Attack competition typically only happens on Sunday. Time Attack competitors are not required to sign up for Saturday. We simply provide the day on Saturday as a practice day.

On Saturdays, each participant can expect to receive 5 separate practice sessions of roughly 25 minutes in length each. Drivers will be split into 3 groups (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced), of their own choosing. We take the participants word for their skill level and vehicle prep level. If we find that someone should be moved up or down a group, we can do that. Participants are not locked into one group for the day either. If you find yourself to be fast in the group you start off in, we can always move you to the next highest group.

On Sundays, each participant will receive 2 morning practice sessions, each 25 minutes in length. Directly after Lunch, we begin the first Time Attack Session.  Following the conclusion of the first round of Time Attack competitions, we begin the 2nd Time Attack session.

How Does the Time Attack Work?

There are 4 Classes at all Redline Time Attack events: Stock, Street, Modified and Unlimited. For most events, we have Stock and Street Classes practice together. For the Time Attack sessions, we grid all cars in a given Class together, based on each car's fastest time from that morning's practice session. We then break the Class up into "Heats" of cars, typically numbering 5-10 cars in each Heat. We run the slowest qualifying Heat of cars first, with the fastest car in that Heat, at the front of the line. Cars are released out onto the track spaced by 5-7 seconds. Each car gets one warm-up lap, 3 Hot Laps, and 1 cool down lap. A green flag will be waived to signal the start of the Time Attack the first time by the Start/Finish Line. A Checkered Flag will be waived when the Time Attack Session is over. When one heat completes their TA Session, the next heat will be sent out onto the track in the same fashion.

Street Class is run alongside Stock Class, based on time. So it is common to have Stock cars mixed in with Street cars.

We repeat the process for Modified and Unlimited.

The fastest time that each competitor runs, in either the 1st or the 2nd TA Session, is the time that is used to determine the final placement of each car. So there are only a total of 6 laps that count THE ENTIRE WEEKEND! Competitors need to make sure they perform in the clutch to succeed in Time Attack! Competitors are not required to run both TA Sessions. This happens frequently, as cars experience mechanical failures, preventing the competitor from running the 2nd session. So long as you lock in at least one green flag lap during a TA Session, you will record a time towards the competition.

How are My Lap Times Recorded?

Redline Time Attack will be introducing a new, state of the art timing and scoring system for the 2010 season. Utilizing RFID tags and wireless networks, Redline will now be able to equip 100% of the cars participating each day of our event weekends with a timing tag. Each track will be split into three sectors, just like Formula 1. Participants will have every lap and every sector time recorded, and stored for future reference in our new timing & scoring software. The results are immediately viewable on any web-enabled device (computer, iPhone, etc.), and will be stored indefinitely. Printouts of lap times will also be made available to our competitors at the event.

  When Does Tech Inspection Occur?

Tech inspection may occur during any day of a Redline Time Attack event. If you are attending a 3-day or 2-Day event, you do not need to wait until the competition day (Sunday) to have your vehicle teched. You may opt to have your car inspected on Friday or Saturday. You may also choose to bring your vehicle to our offices at Willow Springs Raceway where we can perform the inspection. Every vehicle only needs to have one initital inspection. Post race inspections will be performed on every vehicle finishing in the Top 5 of their Division, immediately following each Time Attack session.

  Where do I Receive my RTA Number Plate?

RTA Number Plates are distributed at Drivers Registration at each event. You will be able to select a number from those we have available at the event you're attending. There may be other stickers you are required to place on your vehicle. You will be instructed as to which stickers you need and where to find them, during the mandatory drivers meeting at the event.

  Who Can Participate in an RTA Event?

Redline Time Attack events are open to the general public. All makes and models of vehicles are welcome to attend. This is not an "Import Only" event. All skill levels of drivers are welcome to attend and participate as well. It is highly recommended that a driver have a few track days under his or her belt, before competing in a time attack event. This way you will be prepared for driving your vehicle on a track, you'll understand what the different flags mean, you'll have a grasp of proper track etiquette, and you'll be mentally prepared for competition, which is a HUGE adrenalin rush and can be quite nerve racking, for those new to the sport.

However, even if you have NEVER participated in an Open Track Day or HPDE, you may still attend a Redline Time Attack event. We have a very open and comfortable environment at our events, with available instructors (no additional fee) and drivers who are willing to assist you.

At many RTA events, we will have Instructors available to assist you in getting up to speed and learning the track. For those events where we don't have official Instructors, we often have the more experienced drivers volunteer their help to those just getting started or looking for some pointers. Never hesitate to ask an RTA official for help, we will point you in the proper direction.

Do I need a Race License to Participate in a Redline Time Attack?

You do not need to already possess a racing license to participate in a Redline Time Attack event. Redline Time Attack is its own sanctioning body and issues its own licenses. You do not need any prior experience to be granted a license by Redline. We have three different levels of Time Attack license: New, Time Attack, Wheel to Wheel. Based on your experience level, we will issue you one of these licenses. All three of the license levels allow you to participate in the Time Attack.

If you do possess a license from another organization (SCCA, PCA, BMWCCA, etc.) please be sure to list that on our License Application. You may fill out a License Application when you arrive at your first Redline event, or you may call/email us and request that we mail you the License Application ahead of time.

  What Else Can I Expect to Find at a Redline Time Attack Event?

Redline Time Attack often hosts Car Shows and other attractions at our Time Attack events. Most events also have Vendor Midways with product displays from our sponsors and race teams. For event specific information, always refer to the Event specific section of our website.

How Can I Help Spread the Word About Redline Time Attack?

We could certainly use your help to spread the word about Redline Time Attack. The easiest thing you can do is tell all of your friends and family about what it is you are participating in. Post our website URL on message boards and in emails. [www.RedlineTimeAttack.com][1] Be sure to post new threads on message boards about events of ours in your Region of the country.

Redline Time Attack launched a number of new initiatives, including a Twitter feed, www.Twitter.com/RedlineTA where we post up to minute updates direct from events. We also have our very own Channel at StreetFire.net where you can catch many Redline Time Attack videos.

  Redline Time Attack Cancellation Policy

Redline Time Attack Refund Policy

Cash refunds will only be provided for cancellations made more than 7 days prior to an event. If a cancellation is made for an event less than 7 days from an event you are registered for, we will only provide "Credit" equaling the price of registration you paid, towards another Redline Time Attack event. If you choose to simply "not show" at a Redline Time Attack event you are registered for, and attempt to contact us after the completion of the event, no refund or credit will be given to you.

If your vehicle experiences a failure of any kind while participating in a Redline Time Attack event, that prevents you from continuing, regardless of how many laps you have completed during the event, no credit and no refund will be issued. This includes 2-Day registrations as well, meaning that if you experience a vehicle failure on Saturday that prevents you from participating on Sunday, you will not receive a refund/credit for Saturday OR Sunday.