top of page
DSC_2253.jpg

DMS First-Time Driver Guide

Everything you need to know for your first StratoCross or StratoSprint

Welcome to DMS 👋

​

If this is your first motorsports event ever, or just your first time attending a DMS event, this page will walk you through exactly what to expect — step by step.

​

These events are designed to be:

  • Beginner friendly

  • Low pressure

  • Safe and well organized

​

If you read this page once, you’ll be prepared.

Schedule​

​

1. Gates Open - 4pm

2. Practice Runs - 5:10pm

3. Driver Meeting - 5:45pm

4. Competition Runs - 6pm

5. Awards - 9pm

6. Gates close - 10pm

Before you arrive​

​

1. Complete online self-tech & Waiver (required)

Before event day, complete the Online Self-Tech Form.
This confirms your car is safe and ready.

​

2. Know your car number

Your car number was assigned through MotorsportReg when you registered.
You’ll need to put this number on both sides of your car.

​

3. Know your run group & marshalling station 

This will be in the pre-event email sent two days before the event. Marshaling at StratoSprint isn’t required unless you selected that option during registration.

What to bring​

​

Bring these and you’ll be set:

  • Helmet (approved motorsports helmet)

  • Bug spray + sunscreen

  • Tow point (screw-in tow hook/eye OR a clearly accessible tow point)

  • Food + water

  • Tire pressure gauge

  • Painter’s tape (for car numbers)

  • Plastic bin (for loose items + gear)

​When you arrive​

​

Set up your pit spot

  • Park anywhere in the paddock / parking area

  • This is your “pit”

  • Remove all loose items from your car (bottles, tools, etc.)

  • Put your car number on both sides

    • Minimum 8” tall

    • Easy to read

    • Painter’s tape works great

​

First-time tip: Arrive ~20 minutes before practice so you’re not rushed.

DSC_4459.jpg

Practice runs (warm-up time)​

​

Practice is your chance to:

  • Learn the course

  • Get comfortable

  • Ask questions

  • Shake off nerves

​

Practice Rules

  • Practice starts 5:10 PM & ends at 5:45 PM

  • Slow speeds (around 50 km/h max)

  • Maintain 10 car lengths or more to the car ahead

  • No passing

  • Wear your helmet

  • Line up & take as many runs as you would like

​

After practice, park and head to the drivers meeting.

DSC_3876.jpg

Drivers meeting​

​

This short meeting happens at the main tower at 5:45 PM

We’ll cover:

  • Event flow

  • Safety rules

  • Important reminders

​

If anything is unclear — ask here. There are no dumb questions.

Competition runs​

​

Staging

  • Line up in the staging lanes

  • Two lanes — try to keep them even

  • Stay in the same lane for the entire heat

​

Runs

  • Typically 4 runs per heat

  • Usually 2 heats

  • 8 total runs per driver

​

On track

  • Drive within your limits

  • Maintain distance

  • If you catch another car, slow down

  • Red flag = slow immediately

  • Do not exit your car unless it’s on fire

  • If a cone is down honk your horn to get a re-run

​

After finishing:

  • Slow safely

  • Return to staging at walking speed

  • Line back up for your next run

Lane 1.png

Marshalling (StratoCross only)

​

At StratoCross events, drivers take turns marshalling when they’re not driving. This is how we keep events running smoothly and registration costs down.

​

If it’s your first time — don’t worry. You’ll always be stationed with at least one experienced person.

​

What you need to know:

​

Get to your station quickly
Stations will be assigned in the pre-event email sent two days before the event. Head out quickly when it's your groups turn to help keep things running on schedule.

​

Stay safe first
Always check for oncoming cars before stepping onto the track. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe, don’t go.

​

Reset cones & call penalties
If you clearly see a car hit an upright cone, radio in the car number and how many cones were hit. Reset cones only when safe.

​

Use the radio correctly
Press the button, wait one second, then speak. Wait for confirmation before continuing. Channel # is 16.

​

Red flag when needed
Wave the red flag to warn drivers if there’s an incident ahead.

​

If you hear a driver honk their horn or see them slow down and point, it probably means a cone has been knocked over & not reset.

Cones & penalties ​

​

  • Upright cone hit = +2 seconds

  • Directional cones (on their side) show where to pass

  • Wrong side of cone = Off Course

  • 2 or more tires off pavement = Off Course

  • If you come across a knocked-over Marker cone, give your horn a honk to get a rerun

Pointer Cone.png

Passengers​

​

One passenger is allowed.

Passenger must:

  • Be 14+

  • Complete the online waiver

  • Wear an approved helmet

  • Sit in the front passenger seat

Vehicle issues & safety​

​

If your car has a problem:

  • Pull off immediately

  • Get onto grass if possible​

​

Fluid spills cause long delays and safety risks.

​

Important:
Track driving usually voids normal vehicle insurance.
DMS and Stratotech are not responsible for vehicle damage or injuries.
Always drive within your abilities.

Red flag & event delay policy (important)​

​

To keep everyone safe and the event running on time:

​

If a driver causes 2 red flags or major event delays in one evening, they are no longer allowed to compete for the rest of that event.

​

This includes:

  • Going off into gravel traps

  • Mechanical failures that stop sessions

  • Spins where the car takes too long to clear the course​

​

This policy exists for safety, fairness, and event flow — not punishment.

Results & timing​

​

Live results update roughly every 60 seconds:​

  • Click on the Live Results located at the top left corner of this website.

​

​

Washrooms

​

Washrooms are located in the main building. Look for posted signage.

​

​

Final note

​

Everyone here was new once.

Ask questions. Take it easy. Have fun!
DMS events are about learning, improving, and enjoying your car — not proving anything.

Questions?

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page