Hi all,

does anyone know of an "autocross primer for newbie's"

What is, exactly, an autocross ?

How do you drive the Mini for the given events, (technique)

I would be looking to try it sometime this summer in Los Angeles, CA.

Thanks for any assistance,

- MadHatter

 

Madhatter,

Here is the Washington, DC link for the SCCA info on Autocross (Solo). I am sure there is something similar in your area. Highly recommend the novice classes that SCCA holds - hopefully there are ones close to you.

http://solo.wdcr-scca.org/noviceInfo.php

Marty

 

Thanks for the info and say hi to a favorite city for me....

anyone else know if there is a pdf or major write up on what type of events and the techniques that could be used on them....

 

Try this one:

http://www.racepa.com/index.php?showtopic=1404

 

Here is a link to "CalClub" which is the SCCA Region in Southern California:

http://www.solo2.com/

Get out and try it! Autocross is a blast.

 

Have a great weekend!! :smile:

 

Madhatter, if you're genuinely interested in Autocross then I suggest you sign up with the BMWCCA, and also SCMM.

I hear that the BMWCCA is a better Autocross experience than the SCCA one. And SCMM (Socal Mini Maniacs) have good newsletters telling you of upcoming events.

I too am in Los Angeles, so I can let you know when the next one comes up. Do you track your car at all? There is a track event coming up in August. Let me know if your interested.

By the way, Autocross is when you drive your car as fast as you can through a cone track, usually in a very big car park. It's fun, but you never get enough of it. i.e. like 15-20mins actual driving out of an 8 hour day - as opposed to 2 hours driving from a Track day.

They are 2 different kinds of driving, but Autocross is definitely more fun behind the wheel, and requires alot more technical driving skill.

 

Thank you for your offer of help CamelPilot.


I am interested in both, I think I would enjoy a road course track event. i.e, not an oval.... I assume almost all mini drivers would not want an oval experience

Please keep in touch and I will check out the links you are mentioning.

Best, and thanks

MadHatter

 

Madhatter, I've been doing autocross in the mini at BMWCCA events in SOCAL for the past couple of months. Great fun, and not as tough on the car or wallet as full-on track days. The SCMM guys are great, and we normally get a turnout of 5-10 cars at the QUALCOMM events. It ranges from the super quick guys to newbies, so you can normally find someone at your skill level. Similar to a track event, but slower (2nd or 3rd gear), safer (you just hit cones instead of walls when you mess up), and mentally more challenging (LOTS of corners and turns, less of the flow you get when on a track). Great fun, highly recommended. BMWCCA events are a little easier than the full on SCCA Solo2 events, but same idea.

 

I am scheduled for a track day early October at WillowSprings....

Hope that I will not be thrashing car hard....

My Coop is in great shape. But do want to up my driving skills ...

 

read this, it might help for a first auto-x event.

http://www.alscca.org/solo2/tips.shtml