Can we talk about autocross?

[RoadRacer]

I'd love to try autocross, but never have. Done a lot of the big roadrace circuits all over Europe, but never done the parking lot cones thing! I may only do it a few times, but it seems in this country roadrace circuits are a lot harder (or more expensive) to get on.

A few questions:

- What organization should I join or follow, to get started?

- It looks intimidating, and (from the outside) it looks super confusing with pointed cones on the ground - is it easier to understand when you're in the car? It looks like it would be really hard to follow at high speed when we already have our hands full! On a circuit you can see the corner coming from a long way off :D

- What do I need to do to the car (hotrod in my case)? We have 5 point belts. I have hand-held fire extinguisher attached to floor.

- I'm betting the brakes will be the biggest problem (mine are stock, and just ok) - start with trying new pads or start saving for bigger discs? Mustang upgrades (cobra, etc) or straight for 'big brakes', brembo?

Thanks!

[Jim1855]

James,
There are many here that Autocross, I'm not one but have tried it, once. All I saw were cones so I can relate to your comment on the confusion, I do like road tracks. But I don't think I gave it a proper try, I'm sure that with guidance and training I'd figure it out and would like it. Hopefully your experience will work out as well.
I will try it again if I ever finish my car.
Good luck!
Jim

[Mike N]

James.

All events that I have attended have been SCCA organized.
Yes the classical cone lay outs are not easy for a novice to follow and require constant work for a lot of people. I have seen non SCCA events such as Good Guys use the cones in a way that defines the path of the course and also use chalk lines to define the path of the course. I have to walk the course as many times as I can and even then need to watch a number of cars run to get the typical course in my head. There are often a handful of key cones that are apex or turning point cones and those are the ones that are important to single out.
Your brakes are unlikely to suffer on a typical course on non competition tires. Most courses are no more than 2nd gear speeds.
First time you run concentrate more on staying on course and not running at the limit. Psychologically it is important to NOT get lost on course even if you feel you are going quite slowly.

[ej95Cobra]

Autox is a great way to learn the handling characteristics of your hot rod. Mike N lays out some great basics understanding the core of autox. Our club has novice walks with an experienced driver and also encourages riding with other drivers. The use of the pointer cones helps minimize confusion. One of the hardest tings for me is looking ahead and not just focusing on the upscomming turn. Beginners focus on getting the course down; you'll also see the experienced drivers "learning" the course and pulling better times as the runs progress. Definitely try it; you will have a blast and meet a lot of great car people. This link a offers great advice and insight for the beginner. https://www.everydaydriver.com/single-post/a-field-guide-to-your-first-autox Enjoy your ride!

[RoadRacer]

Thanks all, this is good stuff!

> Your brakes are unlikely to suffer on a typical course on non competition tires. Most courses are no more than 2nd gear speeds

I had no idea - brakes are a huge part of roadracing, so this was good to know. I imagine that 2nd gear means that there's probably as much engine-braking involved as using the brakes.

I'll look up SCCA and the articles referenced, thanks!

[NiceGuyEddie]

146359

You will be able to clip those cones REALLY REALLY close and get REALLY REALLY good times with those visible wheels!

With the roadster, I'm not so lucky.

[RoadRacer]

Good read on the SCCA site, but shows no "Solo" events within 200 miles! I'll keep watching

UPDATE: Found June 20 local event, just not SCCA. Should be fun!