Just received the latest updates from the ACNA regarding driving school rule changes for cars--in particular!
Apparently the BOARD has voted that
NO convertible roadsters, Audi TT, Boxsters, etc. will be allowed.
Further, no SUV or SAV's allowed. So no new Q7's, Cayenne's, etc.

These are "Driver Enhancement Courses", with one on one instruction, in the car---NOT RACING VENUES--- and there have been a good number of TT's at these events--which will no longer be allowed.
SUV/SAV drivers could potentially GAIN valuable driving experience w. these vehicles in a "Driver Enhancement Course".
Penalizing TT & Q7 owners--maybe even Allroad's--by not allowing them to participate in "Driver Enhancement Courses" ??? IF the cars are street worthy, wouldn't they be fit for Driver Enhancement Courses? REASONABLE caution is implemented with every one on one instructor/student!
ANY THOUGHTS?

1st where do I send my thoughts. I think ACNA is making a mistake.

I agree that OPEN and non reinforced convertibles and SUVs are not the safest track cars. But, ACNA events are not about track driving. I would still allow these in the slalom and braking exercises, and in the VERY novice track sessions. I would ban them from all the higher run groups where speed is becoming more important. (Admit it or not.)

I won't get into the merits of the argument here. But I will say that it's unfortunate for the NorthWest region because we have some intermediate drivers and several senior instructors that drive open top cars. We don't have the massive membership of some other regions, like SoCal, so losing these 5 to 10 people is a big deal that may impact our ability to put on driving schools at all.

but an outright ban is unfair.

the SUV restriction is understandable, the only notable exception (imo) being cayennes, but i dont see a model based restriction being percieved as fair.

SoCal has very few instructors...NorCal is where there is a number of instructors..if they actually show up at events.

This is entirely unfair to people with TTs or Convertible Audis. The TT is street legal and went through some extensive crash tests, inclusive roll-over.

I would understand if Convertible Drivers are being asked to wear a helmet but to eliminate them isn't right.

People who attend these events are usually aware of the danger if the event is held on a track, and if not, they'll have an instructor to take care of business.

I never really understood the logic behind ACNA decisions, for example; having the Instructor make to pay for the event so he/she can instruct?
Sorry, not in my school, Instructors (if certified) get paid for their services or otherwise compensated.

It's not fun anymore to join theses events, too many restrains and restrictions, and not the bang for the buck.
And now it seems the allroad is also on the list of not allowed cars?....Thanks ACNA, but No-Thanks!

Get a grip on todays market and demands. The younger generation is certainly stepping away slowly from these events and moves to the PDA or SCCA. And others will follow.

It almost sounds like they are about to become an Old Mens Club....no offense intended.

Gary's in SoCal isn't he? I believe they still have a significantly larger group than we do up here.

not the total banning of roadsters. I guess that also means the elimination of the Carrera GT, Shelby Cobra, Lotus 7s and the like. I know that we've had many TT roadsters at the ACNA Driving School events at Mid-Ohio and at the local club track at Nelson Ledges. I feel for the loss as I know the owners have invested a lot of time and money into improving the performance of their cars. Now they're being denied the opportuninty to run their cars in a controlled and safe environment.

the allroad is not a truck nor is the A8 both of which have pneumatically adjustable and regulated ride heights. With either the AR or A8 in dynamic mode there is no reason to say the car isnt fit for tracking.

As for roadsters, well... I dont like convertibles period so I always buy the coupe'. A track prepped roadster with a rollbar and proper harnesses etc should be allowed tho.

I've done both and I prefer the track to the autocross. The costs are much higher at the track but there is a lot more fun to be had.

From a letter from the ACNA Board:

re: convertibles at driving schools:

"No convertible will be allowed to participate at any ACNA driving school that takes place at a "race track"-
This includes TTs, Boxters, BMWs, etc.
Vehicles with factory roll hoops and/or deployable roll over protection will not be allowed."

"The above excluded vehicles WILL BE ALLOWED (emphasis mine) to participate at the following venues w(h)ere maximum speed is not to exceed 50 mph:
1) Exercises at a driving school if the exercises are not held on the track but in a confined area.
2) Autocross events if the maximum speed is controlled.
3) Teen driving clinics.
4) Winter driving schools.
For these vehicles to participate at these low speed events the broomstick rule must be enforced. Minimum clearance, with helmet, of one>two inches below the imaginary line from the roll hoop to the top of the windshield frame."

"For the above excluded vehicles to be allowed to participate at a "race track" the minimum requirements are:
1) A four point roll cage consisting of a main hoop behind the front seats with two rear braces.
2) A four and preferably five point safety harness.
3) Arm restraints are recommended but not required at this time."

"Removable hard tops are not considered structural roofs. The only exception is if they meet the minimum "race track" requirements."

With two exceptions (noted) all are direct quotes for the recommended minimum quideline for consideration beginning January 1, 2006.

Interesting note: The section about the excluded vehicles being allowed to participate in only those driving activities where the national office of the Audi Club does not charge any premium for the required insurance. Where the event involves higher speeds and more than one car at a time the insurance premium is $900.

Further: "Any track venue or ACNA Chapter may at their discretion set more stringent requirements."

Soooo...If the open car meets the "broomstick" rule, the owner/driver may participate in car controll/vehicle dynamics skills exercises, autocrosses (speed controlled), winter driving clinics, and teen driving clinics. Teen drivers (under age 18) are not allowed to drive in high-speed/multiple car events on the track anyway.

I agree with the point that I think Gary is trying to make. As is stated at every event, this is not a racing school, this is about learning to drive your Audi more safely and have some fun doing it. Now ACNA is banning a portion of Audi driver. How does that promote safety?

I drive an A4, so this has no affect on me, but I don't think it's the right decision.

At VIR, only converts with the roll cage as described are allowed. I never knew if it was a local chapter rule or a VIR rule...

Hal

That's the only reason I can see why they would change the rule.

Have there been any incidents of a roll over with a convertible at an ACNA Driver Safety School?