I started autocrossing this year. I think I have performed fairly well and improved (more or less) with every event. I've been to about 8 so far and even have a couple 2nd place, ladies stock trophies.

I am thinking about trying the first phase of Evo school, probably next spring. My husband also autocrosses and we were going use the school as our christmas gifts to each other.

However, since I'm still a relative noob and improving with every run, should I try to figure out how to get faster on my own first? Should I wait and only go to school when I hit a wall and need professional help?

I would like to hear thoughts on the Evo school and maybe some alternative schools we should consider in addition to this one.

Thanks a bunch.

 

Evo Schools are a great investment, don't wait to take the schools. Another option, depending on how close to DC you are, are the schools put on by the DC region. Brian Garfield will probably chime in, he is the chief instructor.

Either way, a good school will foster good habits and greatly help your improvement.

 

A lot of regions have a novice school in the spring, that'd be good to hit if your region has one.

We had some students at our novice school this spring that had been autocrossing for a year or two, so typically you don't have to be a total noob, it's a good way to get some advice and seat time.

The Evolution schools are good, but they are spendy for autocross schools and typically a bit more advanced than a novice school. But with a season under your belt, you're probably ready for Evo.

 

I'm about 3 1/2 hours from D.C. That sounds far, but considering my closest probable venue for 2006 edition of Evo School is BeaveRun (2 hours away), driving to D.C. really isn't that bad. I'd certainly consider it. I'll just have to check the spring/summer class schedule when it comes out.

Another concern I have with the Evo school is 2 driver cars. I know the Web site says sharing a vehicle is welcome, but will it affect seat time? If my husband and I are going to spend at least $200 each on drivers school, I'd like for both of us to get the same seat time as the single drivers.

 

The format Evo uses allows for multiple drivers in the same car, with everyone getting the same number of runs.

 

Awesome. Thanks Keith.

 

I went to an Evo Phase 1 school this spring and was very impressed. The first thing they do is ride with you and focus on your bad habits. I think even a beginner will benefit greatly from them and you might even have fewer bad habits to overcome!

 

I started off my Autox with the Evo school.
I believe once you grow bad habits it'll be harder to fix later on.
Learn to do it the propey way from start.

Also the DC region novice school is held in MD which is closer to PA.
More info here: http://solo.wdcr-scca.com/noviceSchool.php

 

I'd also recommend the Evolution school to anyone who is just starting out. It probably wouldn't be the best thing for anyone to make their first autocross an Evo school (I've seen people do just that), but a few local events (especially if one of them is a local novice shoool ) to get the general idea of what happens at a Solo 2 event, and then an Evolution Phase 1 school would be great for just about anyone.

I took an Evolution Phase 1 course five years ago at the beginning of my second year of autocrossing, and then I took Phase 1 & 2 this year. Local schools are almost always good for novices, and sometimes you might get lucky and get a National champion as an instructor, but usually they are hit and miss as far as learning new skills and really sharpening up on the basics.

We have a local guy who had a lot of raw talent and took multiple Evo schools last year and this year. He came in 2nd at Nationals this year in STX in only his 2nd year of autocrossing. The Evo schools are well worth the money IMHO.

-Keith