How do I become a member of Lakeshore Sports Car Club?
It’s easy, just download and fill out the membership application form, then mail your yearly dues to our membership chair. The application form can be found on the Join Lakeshore page.
What is the difference between Lakeshore Sports Car Club and Midwestern Council?
Lakeshore Sports Car Club is an affiliate club of Midwestern Council.
Where do we race?
While the yearly schedule changes, we most often race at Blackhawk Farms, Autobahn Country Club and Road America. We have also had events at the Milwaukee Mile, Gingerman, and Grattan.
This is my first HSAX event, what should I expect to bring on race day?
You will need to bring your valid State Driver’s License, club membership card, and payment for the event (cash or check). Bring your helmet and wear long pants with a long sleeve shirt. A cooler with lots of water and snacks to keep hydrated throughout the day is a must. Tents are allowed on the grassy areas of most tracks we race at.
What happens if it rains on race day?
Events are not cancelled due to weather, so bring your rain tires if you have them. In severe cases, the events may be delayed for safety concerns.
Can I bring my family?
Of course! Most events allow children under 12 in for free too. An additional waiver will need to be signed by guardians for minors at the racetrack. Most tracks allow leashed dogs also.
I don’t have a car, but I would like to be involved, how can I?
We could always use volunteers, from race planning and preparation to helping out at the track. Don’t have any experience? We don’t care; we’ll train on the job. Contact a member of the Lakeshore board to find out where you can help.
How do I find race event information?
Race information is loaded onto MyAutoEvents.com about one month prior to the event.
What is a GCR and where can I find it?
The GCR is our General Competition Rules and can be found here: mcscc.org
What class will my car run in?
Your club steward will be able to help you determine that. Email Jeff for Wheel to Wheel cars and Email Tom for High Speed Autocross cars.
Do I need to participate in a driver’s school?
High Speed Autocross events and HPDE events do not require a competition license. Wheel to Wheel drivers will need to have a current competition license from either Midwestern Council or one of the listed accepted licenses in the GCR. High Speed Autocross school gives a lot of great experience and knowledge, but is not required to participate. Students that participate in and pass the Wheel to Wheel school will be issued a Novice competition license.
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Tech Tip #1: Fluids
Having fresh fluids in the car help with the longevity, they are an easy and relatively inexpensive investment to help save the life of your race car. Thermal degradation of fluids reduces their effectiveness which can lead to catastrophic failure. Upgrading to high quality synthetic motor oil and changing it more often will help give you many more track days on your motor. Change your oil filter after every race weekend to help keep the oil clean.
Always bring extra brake fluid, oil, and distilled water with you to the track and check levels throughout the day. Don’t forget paper towels, RainX rain repellant and glass cleaner too!
Tech Tip #2: Shocks
The oil in your shocks gets dirty and worn out just like in your engine, and needs to be changed. Rebuildable shocks are your friend and the oil needs to be changed at least once per season. Firm shocks that compress or rebound hard force the oil through smaller holes and will create more heat, which breaks down the oil faster.
Tech Tip #3: Hydration and Nutrition
Sports car racing can take a toll on your body, so make sure you are prepared when it comes to your day on track. Drinking plenty of water almost seems too obvious to mention, but should not be ignored. Sports drinks help replenish lost electrolytes to prevent dehydration but should be consumed with water also. Isotonic drinks contain the same concentration of electrolytes as the blood in our bodies, and sports drinks are specially formulated to replenish in the proper concentrations. For a lower sugar option, instead of grabbing for the low calorie versions, drink coconut water instead. Coconut water is nature’s perfect beverage, as it is a naturally occurring isotonic beverage that helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells and can quickly rehydrate your body.
Eating plenty of food on race day is almost as important as proper hydration. Carbohydrates are a great way to start the day so you have enough ‘fuel’ to get you through your sessions. Throughout the day, snack on bananas and protein to help rebuild and recover. Finish the day with a lot of protein to help repair those overworked muscles. Dairy products contain valuable amounts of protein, electrolytes, calcium and potassium. For those who have a hard time eating after a vigorous workout in the car may find drinking low-fat chocolate milk to be a great way to help get their protein and electrolyte levels back.
Tech Tip #4: Budgeting Track Time vs. Car Modifications
We all have budgets that we need to adhere to in racing, and when the option is either spend the money on an entry fee or buying extra horsepower with another car modification, spending money on track time goes much further at reducing lap times. Consistency is the best way to have quick lap times. With the exception of putting money towards safety upgrades, seat time is almost always the better investment for the long term.
Tech Tip #5: Tire Pressures
Check them, and check them often. Yes, one or two pounds of air pressure can mean the difference of a quick car and one that is unpredictable. Know what hot pressures are ideal for the tires you run, and adjust them as quickly as leaving the track as possible. Ambient temperature changes tire pressures, so if your tires are ideal in the cool morning, they may not be ideal during the warm afternoon sessions.
Tech Tip #6: Sway Bars – RWD Cars
Anti-sway bars keep the car body from pitching on its axis. Start with a big front anti-sway bar, see how it handles after the apex of a corner. If the car has a tendency to go straight, or “push”, then it is causing under steer. A rear bar will help it turn but if the rear bar is too large, it will make the car want to turn too easily, or feel “loose”, which is over steer.
Tech Tip #7: Cleaning Tools
Vinegar is a cheap and easy way to help clean rust off of small hand tools. The acetic acid found in vinegar cuts through grease, grime, and rust. Allow to soak for a few days for best results.