Licensing process

sillyspheres · Post by **sillyspheres** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 2:59 pm

Ok, I have just finished with another NHIS event as a student (at least my 8th with COM, 10th overall if you include other clubs) and I have the one event at Tremblant. Every instructor at the COM driving schools has signed off on me to solo. But I am still a student. I never really thought about getting licensed until my instructor (Jack P) mentioned that he felt comfortable recommending me for a license.

Can anyone please recommend the steps I should take so that I get licensed? Don't get me wrong, I know I still have a lot to learn and I don't want to force the issue.

Thanks,
Brad

ryanthieme · Post by **ryanthieme** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:39 pm

I'm assuming if he said he felt comfortable, he would have written something to that effect in your logbook.

Assuming that's the case, just give your logbook to Carl Fossum and he'll take care of the rest.

Well, at least that's what he told me on Saturday night when I gave him *my* logbook.

~ryan

cfossum · Post by **cfossum** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:32 pm

Brad,
Ryan is correct. The instructor needs to indicate in the logbook that the student is being recommended for a license. When (s)he does, then show it to me. Once I see the logbook with the recommendation, then I can assign a number. Its possible that your instructor did not know your intent, meaning maybe he didn't know that was your goal. It may be a good idea to tell your instructors that you are working toward getting a license. Check your logbook though, he may have already given you the green flag. Let me know.
-Carl

offcamber09 · Post by **offcamber09** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:39 pm

Some things to consider in regards to geting your competition license:

#1 You are not gauranteed an instructor when you attend a new track.

#2 COM's responsibility beyond it's own events. A competition license means you can show up at an NHIS open test day and go play with NO supervision, no cornerworkers and dive-bomb passing in the corners.

Carl is the person to talk to, but if you got a recomendation from your instructor in your logbook and did not receive your license- then there may be some reservations in regards to the above points.

sillyspheres · Post by **sillyspheres** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:48 pm

My instructor left it as Safe to Solo, not Recommended for License. He did comment that if all day, I drove as well as I did in the 4th session, then he would recommend me for a license. However, that is far from saying "I recommend you for a license."

I'll definitely take your advice Carl about letting the instructor know my intent. Of course with me sitting out Lime Rock, I won't be able to drive again until the spring...

Thanks guys.

enjoythemusic · Post by **enjoythemusic** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:31 am

offcamber09 wrote:Some things to consider in regards to geting your competition license:
#2 COM's responsibility beyond it's own events. A competition license means you can show up at an NHIS open test day and go play with NO supervision, no cornerworkers and dive-bomb passing in the corners.

Agreed about the lack of corner workers and dive-bomb passing. Open track day at NHIS can be good, though certain days you get some guys who, quite frankly, do some amazing (yet dangerous) passing.

As for corner workers, they generally have only one at the end of the pit and one at the flag station just after turn 8. You can come off the downhill blind or the uphill nearly blind and come RIGHT UP onto someone who spun out. Seems during open track days some yahoo makes an effort to hit the cones before the uphill so you have a cone right in the middle of the track and they leave it there for a long time due to lack of corner workers.

Come to think about it, i never saw a flag EVER concering the cone in the middle of the track during 2005 NHIS open track days. Hmmm...

Subw00er · Post by **Subw00er** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:30 am

When are open track days at NHIS?

Is this a COM-sponsored thing, or does NHIS just have some days slotted for open runs, and you have to have some sort of club license?

Crusin · Post by **Crusin** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:27 pm

The open track days are organized by NHIS. The requirements are few. There is no tech inspection. They ask if you are licensed or certified by a driving school, but I have never been asked to show a document or license. The only paperwork involved is a check or any combination of money that totals $100.

Check the NHIS website for dates but I do not believe there are any more scheduled for this year.

The track is busy in the spring and just before an SCCA race weekend. Later in the summer or on non race weeks, there might be only 30 to 50 cars maximum. The day is divided into two segments, cars for 4 hours and bike for 4 hours. Depending on the number of attendees, there may be run groups or it may be open track for all.

There are only a few corner workers, usually pit out and the crows nest, plus other stations if someone is available (not usually). Rules of engagement are simple, don't do anything stupid. There are no passing zones and a Yugo can be on the track with a T1 Corvette. Big speed differences and they will pass as soon as they catch you. Two wide in three and six are common. Passing between 10 and 11 is common. Passing anywhere is common now that I think about it.

It is a good opportunity to practice with other drivers in new conditions. You have to use your mirrors and must look ahead. Turn three becomes a whole new experience. The risk are greater than a COM event, but the traffic is limited and for $100, it is a bargin.

JackFFR1846 · Post by **JackFFR1846** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 1:25 pm

Brad,

I think you know the only things holding you back from the last event. Feel free to PM or email me to discuss. I'd be happy to discuss with Carl as well and would bow to his decision if he thinks I'm being too conservative. As I mentioned Saturday, I don't give out licences easily. I've only licenced one driver and you're the closest to the second that I've seen.

jack

sillyspheres · Post by **sillyspheres** » Wed Nov 02, 2005 1:42 pm

Jack:

You are right- I know exactly what I need to work on and I am not in any hurry to get licenesed. Its not like I am waiting to go run a full COM schedule, but the lack of a license is preventing me. If anything, I enjoy having an instructor.

Brad

JackFFR1846 wrote:Brad,

I think you know the only things holding you back from the last event. Feel free to PM or email me to discuss. I'd be happy to discuss with Carl as well and would bow to his decision if he thinks I'm being too conservative. As I mentioned Saturday, I don't give out licences easily. I've only licenced one driver and you're the closest to the second that I've seen.

jack

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