Heya guys,

So I've done a few track days and spirited runs with local clubs, but I think I want to get into some auto-x. How's that work around here, is it a per-car type club or just general events you can sign up for? Anyone have particular favorites I should check out? Will I need to buy a helmet before I show up?

 

There are probably some a lot closer to you, but I can tell you about my experience in Marina, CA (near Monterey). I went to my first ever about two weeks ago.

It is best to figure out what class your car is in before you get there. If you have a stock MCS, it is probably GS. Simple mods can put you in a different class.
http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/index.shtml

The NORCAL UFO -- Northern California United Five-Ten Owners welcomes all cars except high cg cars like SUVs. They start early in the morning and run several classes, then run other classes in the afternoon. You have to check the particular event to see when you run.

http://www.norcalufo.org/

They have helmets you can borrow before you run. Not sure if that is the case with other clubs.

There is a walk-through at the beginning of the day, and another at about noon. They follow that with a beginners walk-through where an experienced driver gives you tips on how best to drive it. The course was complex and hard to judge when driving. It often looked like you were coming to a dead-end and couldn't tell where the turn was until you were on top of it. So, best to memorize it. I walked through twice and could have used a few more.

Everyone that runs also has to work the course. That involves things like righting toppled cones, radioing cone hits into the score keeper, or manning the red flag. There were no yellows in this event.

There were four or five Minis at the event, and about the same number of MINIs. There were 190 cars running, but it all when pretty smoothly. You get four runs in a fairly short period of time, then you are done.

 

check out the midcal site. they are very active in auto-x nad would be great help. they run in Atwater at the air force base about once a month.

 

My son and I run the SSCA Dist 33 (San Francisco Region)

WE run at Golden Gate Fields, McAfee (Oakland) and Monster Park (San Francisco) .
Some others come up from San Jose.


Be happy to say "hi" and also walk you through the process and give you any info.

Yes you will need a brain bucket

 

I run with BMWCCA. In order to race you need to join their club and then register for an event. You would need a helmet, they do have some loaners, but helmets are fairly cheap. You get 7-8 runs and do have to work during another run group. Most all events for the sf region are in Marina, down by Monterey. Its a lot of fun, and people are more than willing to let you ride with them, or have them to ride with you for a little coaching.