Autocross competition checklist

An autocross competition depends on more than a marked course and a starting grid. You need rules, permits, insurance, emergency arrangements and a clear schedule before entries open. In the final weeks, confirm drivers, assign bib numbers, brief marshals and prepare the paddock, barriers and warning flags. Use this checklist to work through the planning in order, so safety, timing equipment and volunteer roles are ready before the first vehicle arrives.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Draw up competition rules
2 people
Apply for permits
Check insurance
Map out the circuit layout
3 people
Prepare safety plan
3 people
Inform emergency services
Inform nearby residents
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Confirm participants
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign start numbers
2 people
Create the match schedule
2 people
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign roles
2 people
Prepare jury briefing
2 people
Brief track marshals
3 people
Make reservations
Do the shopping
3 people
Collect prizes and trophies
2 people
Check vehicles and trailers
3 people
Mark out the course
6 people
Place safety barriers
6 people
Set up the paddock
4 people
Mark parking spaces
4 people
Place access signs
2 people
Set up tents
6 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up timing
3 people
Test the starting light
2 people
Test the PA system
2 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Place fire extinguishers
2 people
Check restroom facilities
2 people
Prepare catering
4 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Carry out technical inspection
4 people
Give riders briefing
3 people
Welcome the audience
4 people
Announce the opening
Guide the setup
4 people
Supervise races
8 people
Record lap times
3 people
Monitor track safety
8 people
Operate start and finish flags
2 people
Handle announcements
2 people
Answer audience questions
2 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Check toilets
Incident reporting
2 people
Announce the break program
Announce finalists
2 people
Lead the final
8 people
Check the final results
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Ensure the audience leaves safely
4 people
Close the circuit
4 people

Aftercare

Dismantle competition equipment
6 people
Remove barriers
6 people
Take down tents
6 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the grounds
6 people
Dispose of waste
3 people
Clean the restrooms
2 people
Check equipment
3 people
Return borrowed equipment
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 40
Start and finish flagsqty 12
Red warning flagsqty 8
Yellow warning flagsqty 8
Conesqty 80
Course ribbonqty 10
Crowd control barriersqty 40
Wooden polesqty 80
Rubber bandsqty 60
Start light
Round counter
Stopwatchesqty 6
Finish line
Prize money casesqty 3
Cupsqty 6

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Safety vestsqty 20
Work glovesqty 20
Safety gogglesqty 12
Earplugsqty 100
Flashlightsqty 8
Emergency blanketsqty 6

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphonesqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Generator
Batteriesqty 40
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Printer paperqty 2

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 6
Folding cratesqty 12
Coolersqty 6
Parasolsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Mugsqty 60
Pitchersqty 6
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 6
Refrigerated display casesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 8
Pliersqty 6
Thermos bottlesqty 6

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Waste binsqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 4

Communication

Registration formsqty 60
Competition rulesqty 50
Paddock signsqty 20
Direction signsqty 20
Parking signsqty 12
Marker pensqty 12
Adhesive tapeqty 12

Tools

Hammerqty 6
Screwdriver setsqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Key setsqty 4
Cable tiesqty 200
Ratchet strapsqty 12
Jerry cansqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start the administrative work early: submit permit applications, check insurance cover and complete the safety plan before publishing the registration form. Allow at least several weeks for approvals or required changes.
Close registrations early enough to build a workable match schedule. Confirm every participant, collect dietary requirements and assign start numbers before preparing the final briefing materials.
Walk the circuit with the safety plan before event day. Mark the course with cones, ribbon and poles, then position barriers, extinguishers, first aid kits and clearly accessible emergency equipment.
Brief track marshals before the first run, including the meaning of yellow and red warning flags, radio procedure and who can stop a heat. Give each role a named person rather than relying on general volunteers.
Test the event-day systems before drivers arrive: check the start light, round counter, stopwatches, finish line, loudspeaker and radios. Keep spare power access available for microphones, speakers and other equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start organising an autocross competition?: Start the planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Permits, insurance, safety planning, registrations and volunteer recruitment usually need to happen before track preparation and final scheduling.
When should autocross registrations close?: Close registrations about 7 to 14 days before the event. That gives you time to confirm drivers, assign bib numbers, collect dietary requirements and create the match schedule.
How many track marshals do I need for an autocross event?: Plan at least 1 marshal for each active observation point, plus a chief marshal and a reserve. The exact number depends on the circuit layout, but every section where an incident could go unnoticed needs direct coverage.
When should the autocross course and paddock be set up?: Complete the main course marking, barriers and paddock setup on the day before the competition when possible. Recheck every cone, ribbon, warning flag, radio and safety station before the first vehicle starts.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.