By Randall Prince
As readers of SoloMatters, you're generally informed about National level autocrossing. However, even with 6 events done in the past 2 years, there's still a lot of questions to be answered about the new Match Tour program. So here is a quick run down of my perspective of the program as both a participant and as someone who has helped to develop the concept
What is a Match Tour?
The Match Tour consists of 3 "sub" events. The first takes place all day Saturday, which is a 4 run, single day event based on normal class competition. Think of this as a standard regional event format with National level contingency and competition. From that, The top 32 drivers (on PAX based indexed times) automatically qualify for the Evolution Super Shootout. The second sub event is Sunday morning and is called the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). The drivers who have not yet qualified compete in a 2 run showdown where an additional 16 drivers will qualify for the Shootout. After the LCQ, we collect the top 8 Ladies drivers who didn't already qualify for the Shootout and a random draw of 8 other people who did not qualify. This creates the 64 driver field for the Evolution Super Shootout. From there, it's a single elimination bracket system similar to that of college basketball. In short, it's like March Madness with cones :-)
What does match tour bring to the national series?
The Match Tour is a great "middle ground" that sits between a local event and a full National Championship Tour, much in the same way the Divisional series events have in the past. The hope is that the format will capture regional competitors and expose them to all the great things about the National series while keeping the feel and accessibility a local event. It's an educational series that helps teach people about the rest of the events the SCCA National office puts on without quite the "serious" perception that the other National events post. Lastly, it brings alternate venues to the National series. The Match Tours can be run at smaller venues due to not needing a large venue for two courses like Pro Solos.
How does is help the little guy?
The Match Tour program brings a few unique aspects to the National program that will help drivers making their way into the ranks of National drivers. First off, a single course means that not only do you not have to learn two courses over an event weekend, but you can build on things you learned day 1 to help you improve on day 2. The random draw is a way to bring the heads-up nature of a Pro Solo to someone who might not get into the Shootout via a great PAX time or never be in that position at a Pro Solo. As was seen last year at the zMax event in Charlotte, even solid local drivers can take out a multi-time National Champion in a heads-up Shootout battle. Lastly, as was done last year in Blytheville, some of the local regions used Saturday's Match Tour as a local points event, allowing local participants access to a National level event with many other local drivers, making for a a much less intimidating event.
What can I win?
Cash for the top Shootout finishers. Normal Match Tour class competition has the same contingency as Championship Tours and Pros. There are also random drawings before the Shootout rounds and special LCQ prices for top PAX finisher and bottom PAX finisher.
Why should I run one?
You use a combination of skills found in Championship Tours and Pro Solos, but with it's own unique twist. They are a fun, easy way to dip toes in National Solo waters and join the traveling roadshow on it's way to Lincoln.
