The School

The MCO Race School is aimed at people who wish to improve their performance driving skills, as well as those who wish to obtain a racing licence. The 2010 school will be held at Calabogie Motorsport Park.

Friday, April 30th, is optional. Experienced people can brush up and/or learn the track, 
while first-timers can get oriented to the track environment under the guidance of their instructors.

 Saturday, May 1st, is all about how you interact with a car:

q     What you receive – vision, touch, feel;

q     What you are sensing – vehicle dynamics;

q     What to do: steering, accelerating, braking, and shifting.

You see and hear about it in the classroom; then you do it on the track, putting the pieces together through the day.

Sunday, May 2nd, concentrates on racing. Driving in traffic, passing, and rolling starts are
practiced and backed with classroom sessions.

The 2010 Motorsport Club of Ottawa Race School is sanctioned by the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs – Ontario Region (CASC-OR). The school is pass/fail, based on the results of a written exam and instructor evaluation. Passing the school (and passing the medical, etc.) qualifies you for a CASC-OR Race Licence. Gates open at 7:00 a.m. each day. Both you and your car need to be registered and ready to go before 8:30 a.m. As you car must pass a noise check and these tests take time, being at the track an hour beforehand is recommended. The track closes at 5:00 p.m. each day, and gates close at 7:00 p.m.

Do I need any experience?

The school accommodates everyone. A very low instructor to student ratio guarantees personalized instruction. If you have two days or less of prior track driving experience, then taking all three days is very highly recommended.

How do I register?

Register online at http://www.karelo.com/register.php?BID=269&BT=10#Ev8625  Note that registrations are non-transferable. This is fairest for those on the waiting list. The wait list will be maintained via e-mail with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Last year, there were over fifteen people on the waiting list – please register early to avoid disappointment.

Breakfast and lunch are not provided on Friday. A one-year MCO membership ($60 value) is included with the school, compliments of the club (non-transferable - if you are already a member, then your membership will be renewed for an additional year).

Vehicles

Students will recieve a vehicle inspection form with their registration. This form is to be completed before the event. Students must present the completed form and a valid drivers licence at registration check in at the track.

Street cars must be roadworthy. Students intending to apply for a race license MUST use a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. Those not intending to apply for a race license may use a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission (although manuals are recommended). Convertibles must meet the CASC-OR Solo-1 rollover protection regulations.

Formula or open-wheel cars cannot be accommodated. The use of race cars for the school is highly discouraged. They have been proven to be unreliable and can hinder your progress. This is a strong warning to all. It is the student's responsibility for the condition, preparedness and operation of their vehicle.

Suggested vehicle preparation

• Have all fluids checked, fill windshield washers.
• No leaks.
• Brakes in excellent condition, and fresh fluid.
• Wheels/Tires in good shape and properly inflated.
• Rain-X or other such windscreen treatment in case of rain.
• All loose objects will need to be removed from the interior and trunk, including floor mats. A water-proof container, such as a large Rubbermaid storage box and/or tarp can be very valuable to store your personal items and keep them out of the rain.
• The battery should be secure.

Other Safety Equipment

• A proper passenger seat and working DOT approved seat belts in good condition for both front seats are required, as the instructors will be in the vehicles with the students.
• Helmet requirements will follow the Ontario Solo-1 regulations: Snell M2000 or newer (i.e. SA2000, M2000, SA2005, M2005). A small number of helmets are available for rent through MCO for $30 (that covers the entire weekend). Ask ahead to reserve one if you do not have a helmet. Note that CASC only accepts SA2000 and SA2005 helmets at a race event.
• Sneakers (or other footwear with flat soles that lace on) are required.
• No other safety apparel is required.

How do I get my race licence?

Upon successful completion of this school, you may apply to CASC for a novice regional race license. This must be done within 12 months of taking the school. The license application form must be accompanied by the CASC medical form filled out by your doctor. Unfotunately CASC will only accept their own medical form completed for insurance reasons.

A regional race license is valid for one year, and can be renewed each year without requiring another school, provided that you have raced at least once during the previous year (i.e. have one signature in your log book).

Where's Calabogie and where can I stay?

The school will take place at Calabogie Motorsport Park, about 1 hour from Ottawa. More information is available at http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com.

Accommodations

There are a number of hotels in the area around Calabogie. Please see the list available at http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/content/view/16/31/lang,en/. Click on the town names to bring up more details.

Camping

There is no camping at the track. However, self-contained RVs may be accommodated. There is no power, water, sewer hook-ups available at the track however the track has washroom facilities. There are camping areas within 5 minutes of the track. See the accommodations list on the above link.

What should I study beforehand?

First, you must read the rules in order to pass the written test. The "Bulletins" page on the CASC-OR website (http://casc.on.ca/bulletins.php) has:
- near the top of the page, the General Competition Rules; and
- near the bottom of the page, the Race Regulations and associated Bulletins.

Second, the "Road Race" page (http://casc.on.ca/roadRace.php) carries:
- links to results and other interesting information

Both of the above pages also have the Novice Race Driver Handbook.

Third, the "Forms and Downloads" page (http://casc.on.ca/forms.php) has the:
- application for a race licence;
- the medical form that you must fill out to get a licence; and
- entry forms to races, for once you get your licence!

It is also highly recommended to get familiar with the heel-toe technique.Click on link at the bottom of the page for written and video instructions.

Special Information for Convertible Owners:

There are special requirements for owners of convertibles who wish to participate at MCO track events. In the interest of maintaining a safe and fun event, MCO requires that all open cars have adequate roll over protection installed, as per our scruitineers. Our scruitineers are CASC-OR and ASN licensed scruitineers who have experience with racecars and safety. If you want to participate at the event with a convertible you should contact the organizers, and arrange to have your roll over protection inspected, or if you do not have any installed, you can talk with our scruitineers to understand what is required for our events, and we can suggest a solution which fits your needs as well as our requirements. A general rule, to be acceptable for MCO Lapping events, and driving schools, any roll over protection in a convertible, must meet CASC-OR Solo I regulations.

Q: Will my street car be ok?
A: Most of the students will be driving their street cars. As per the vehicle section above, all street cars must be roadworthy to be eligible for the course.

Q: Is there a chance for damage to my car?
A: There is always a chance for damage anytime you are in a vehicle due to unforeseen circumstances. However, there will be an instructor in all vehicles to advise the students and to help the students work within the limits of the vehicle. Any students not following the instructions or who are not driving within the spirit of the program may be asked to leave.

Q: How much track time will I have?
A: An exact figure is not available, but it will be enough to cover the classroom sessions with experience on the track. Students will alternate between the track and classroom throughout the weekend.