Note: Originally appearing in the December 1994 issue of Car Audio & Electronics, "Winning Edge" was the first national magazine column written specifically about sound-offs. It has been edited and updated for presentation here. - TAM
With the increased number of sound-off sanctioning organizations, it has gotten a little more complicated to keep up with what's happening on the contest circuit. But don't worry. Now there's one place to look for news and information on the competitive side of car audio.
In this space, I'll cover some of the significant happenings at sound-off events, no matter which organization is behind it - IASCA, USAC, etc.
If you'd like to see some particular aspect of competition covered or you have sound-off question you need answered, just write a note to me here at the magazine. And if you have a tip or know something other
competitors might be interested in, let us know!
GET STARTED NOW
This time of the year might seem odd to begin a regular feature on sound-offs. Right now, the season is over and a new one is about to begin. But one of the things I want to do is help guide newcomers into the sport. Now is actually the perfect time to get started for the new season. With a little preparation, you can come out of the gate ahead of everybody else!
To be successful competing throughout the season, you must start early. This is the time to map out your strategy if you plan to compete next season.
The first decision you need to make is which sanctioning body's events you plan to compete in. Each organization has its strengths and weaknesses. And, of course, there are differences in rules and classifications between them.
TRY ONE OUT
You should try to attend an event put on by the organization before you join to get an idea if you like their
format. The major sanctioning bodies' addresses, phone numbers and websites are listed on our site here: Sanctioning Bodies.
In addition to events tied to a sanctioning body, you may also hear of events put on by dealers, manufacturers, or even sponsors of car shows. Our event schedule page provides links to event listings for all organizations as well other events we decide to promote. If you know of one that we don't, let us know.
Word of mouth is how you'll here of many events. The earlier you can find out about an event
the better.
Always call and find out registration requirements, power classes, divisions and formats offered. If you don't know exactly where the sound-off will be held, get directions. Be sure to get the full name of the person you talked. This could be valuable later.
For example, if Billy-Bob told you on the phone you could register up until 11 a.m., you'll want speak directly with him when the person at the gate tells you the cut-off time was 10:00.
In a nut shell, there are four major sanctioning bodies, dB Drag Racing, IASCA, MECA, and USAC. (My how times have changed! When this column was first published, I mentioned IASCA, USAC, CMAA, WAC and a new group, ALAS (Asociacion Latina Auto Sonido) based in New York.)
dB Drag Racing hadn't been created. Only USAC is still around today. IASCA back then was a non-profit organization controlled by car stereo manufacturers. After the 2001 IASCA Finals, the group went bankrupt and "sold" the IASCA name to "Spring Break Paul" who runs the new IASCA as a for-profit business, similar to the other organizations.
The section below is no longer accurate but I've left it place for historically purposes. - TAM
IASCA All Over
IASCA is the largest and oldest group. You will find their events all over the US and Canada, and they are also expanding abroad. Divisions include novice, amateur, pro, and expert. There are further breakdowns by power class (determined by the number of watts in your car audio system) within each division except for Expert which is open. Everybody in Expert competes against everybody else in Expert, whether they have 20 watts or 2,000. IASCA does not emphasis sound pressure level (SPL) except in special formats like Enhanced or Unlimited SPL.
USAC For SPL
USAC uses a format similar to IASCA, but SPL is not limited. If you like to boom, USAC may be for you. One drawback to USAC is that their stronghold is in the southern part of the United States, so if you live in other parts of the country, you may not find as many events nearby.
However, USAC is growing very fast. 1994 saw a joint effort between USAC and IASCA that allowed members of BOTH organizations to combine their points from both kinds of events to qualify for each group's Finals at the end of the season.
Having Fun with CMMA
CMAA divides its classes by beginner, amateur, master, and professional. Their scoring format is very simple, using a mostly yes/no question sheet.
One unusual aspect of CMAA competition is that the security system is scored along with the car. They feel that an alarm is a vital part of any audio system. CMAA also allows unlimited SPL as part of the scoring.
The organization's offices recently moved from California to South Carolina.
Racing With WAC
WAC ties most of its events to other car-related happenings such as drag races. WAC has a "rookie" division based on the dollar values of the audio equipment in your car instead of the power output of the amplifiers. Their Sportsman and Masters divisions do have power classes, however. The rule book for WAC is much thinner compared to IASCA's (as is CMAA's) and SPL is unlimited.
Your best bet is to visit an event sponsored by one of these groups. Also be sure to call them and ask for membership information. Once you have decided on an organization, go ahead and join. The annual dues range from $25 to $50. Be sure to get a copy of their rule book and test software (available on CD or cassette).
In future months, we will discuss the many things you can do to prepare for competition.
Competition Notes
Amateur competitors in the 1,001-watts-and-up power class may breathe a sigh of relief as sound-off
veteran Harry Kimura of Southern California has said he will retire his Acura Legend at the end of the 1994 season. His next project will be a 1987 Buick Grand National. (Does that car sound familiar?)
The word around sound-off circles is there will be many rule changes for the 1995 season. As these changes are announced, I will pass it along to you.
With so many organizations vying for competitors, each organization will be trying to smooth out glitches to attract competitors, spectators, dealers, and sponsors. It should be an exiting season.
If you have been following sound-offs for awhile, you may have noticed the absence of the Georgia Masters Invitational this season. Actually, a Masters Sound Tournament was held. However, this year Ben and Ernie Murray of Bostwick and Custom Audio Distributors of Bogart, Georgia, decided to have several smaller novice shows.
A total of 32 events were held in eight different cities in the Southeast, leading up to a Masters Novice Finals August 7th in Athens, Georgia. Approximately 40 finals qualifiers from four states competed in novice and novice-shop classes. At the end, 5,000 dollars was distributed to the winners.
"These events were designed to generate interest in the sport and business for the affiliated stores," Ben Murray said. As far as the large no-holds-barred Masters we all remember, Ernie Murray remarked "We are considering bringing it back. A year off has given us time to look at it in a different perspective. But these smaller events are our main concern, because those competitors are the future of the car audio industry." - TAM
