How to organise an autocross competition

An autocross competition needs to be built around safety, clear rules and a course that can be controlled from start to finish. Start with permits, insurance and the safety plan before inviting drivers or publishing registration. Then finalise the circuit layout, recruit and brief marshals, and prepare the paddock, barriers and timing system. The final week is for confirming competitors, checking vehicles and trailers, and testing communication equipment.

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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

1
Draw up competition rules
2 people
2
Apply for permits
3
Check insurance
4
Map out the circuit layout
3 people
5
Prepare safety plan
3 people
6
Inform emergency services
7
Inform nearby residents
2 people
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Publish registration form
10
Process registrations
2 people
11
Confirm participants
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Assign start numbers
2 people
14
Create the match schedule
2 people
15
Recruit volunteers
2 people
16
Assign roles
2 people
17
Prepare jury briefing
2 people
18
Brief track marshals
3 people
19
Make reservations
20
Do the shopping
3 people
21
Collect prizes and trophies
2 people
22
Check vehicles and trailers
3 people
23
Mark out the course
6 people
24
Place safety barriers
6 people
25
Set up the paddock
4 people
26
Mark parking spaces
4 people
27
Place access signs
2 people
28
Set up tents
6 people
29
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
30
Set up the registration table
2 people
31
Set up judges' table
2 people
32
Set up timing
3 people
33
Test the starting light
2 people
34
Test the PA system
2 people
35
Set up the first aid station
2 people
36
Place fire extinguishers
2 people
37
Check restroom facilities
2 people
38
Prepare catering
4 people
39
Chill drinks
2 people
40
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

41
Register participants
3 people
42
Carry out technical inspection
4 people
43
Give riders briefing
3 people
44
Welcome the audience
4 people
45
Announce the opening
46
Guide the setup
4 people
47
Supervise races
8 people
48
Record lap times
3 people
49
Monitor track safety
8 people
50
Operate start and finish flags
2 people
51
Handle announcements
2 people
52
Answer audience questions
2 people
53
Serve drinks
3 people
54
Refill drinks
2 people
55
Serve snacks
3 people
56
Collect waste
2 people
57
Check toilets
58
Incident reporting
2 people
59
Announce the break program
60
Announce finalists
2 people
61
Lead the final
8 people
62
Check the final results
3 people
63
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
64
Ensure the audience leaves safely
4 people
65
Close the circuit
4 people

Aftercare

66
Dismantle competition equipment
6 people
67
Remove barriers
6 people
68
Take down tents
6 people
69
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
70
Wash dishes
3 people
71
Clean the grounds
6 people
72
Dispose of waste
3 people
73
Clean the restrooms
2 people
74
Check equipment
3 people
75
Return borrowed equipment
2 people
76
Publish results
77
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

Set the rules and safety plan before opening registration. Include the course format, eligibility, start procedure, warning flags, penalties and what happens if a vehicle breaks down; publish the rules early enough for competitors to prepare.
Do not mark out the course only on race morning. Lay out the cones, course ribbon, wooden poles and crowd-control barriers in advance, then walk the full route to check sight lines, escape areas and marshal positions.
Give every marshal a defined post and a radio or agreed communication method. Brief them on yellow and red flags, stopped vehicles and emergency escalation before the first practice run, not between heats.
Build the schedule around realistic turnaround times. Allow time for vehicle recovery, track checks and driver changes, and keep the round counter, stopwatches, start light and finish-line equipment together at race control.
Check safety and power supplies separately from race equipment. Count fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency blankets, safety vests, goggles and earplugs, then test walkie-talkies, speakers, microphones, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the event.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I apply for an autocross permit?: Start the permit process at least 8 to 12 weeks before the planned competition. Confirm the required insurance, site permissions, emergency-service notification and resident communication before publishing the registration form.
How many marshals do I need for an autocross competition?: Plan at least one trained marshal for every key hazard point, plus a chief marshal, recovery support and reserves. For a small course, this often means 8 to 12 people; final numbers depend on the layout, visibility and local safety requirements.
When should autocross registration close?: Close registration 7 to 14 days before the event so you can confirm drivers, collect dietary requirements, assign bib numbers and create the match schedule. Keep a short waiting list rather than accepting unplanned entries on race day.
What should I check the day before an autocross event?: Walk the entire course, inspect barriers and markings, test timing and communication equipment, and check vehicles and trailers. Also confirm the paddock layout, trophies or prize money, emergency equipment and every volunteer’s arrival time.

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.