Hey everyone, just thought I'd post a note to anyone who would like to try an autocross, the first Central Carolina region event is February 8th. Here's a link:



Feb 8th

If anyone has any questions about this event, let me know!

The novice school is March 13th, event #2 is March 14.

I can help out with identifying what class you are in, what you need to bring, etc. Just let me know!

I'm cross posting this to the M2C2 board, also.

Full Schedule

 

I have a question, what exactly will i need to bring with me, (besides car, helmet & self). I've never auto-xed before so I don't know what class to sign-up for? also what time does it start?

thanks

 

Novice Handbook

First, read the novice handbook at that link. It is a great primer on what goes on, and what to expect.

In regards to car classes, unless you list your mods, I can't tell you for sure. This I can tell you:

All novices run in Novice class. Each regular class has what is called a PAX adjustment, which allows two differently classes cars to compete with each other. It is a handicap multiplier. In novice class, each person's time is multiplied by thier class's PAX, and then all the times are compared.

So the goal is to run in whichever class you can legally run in that has the most advantageous PAX.

Now to understand the classes, the Cooper is in H stock, and the Cooper S is in G stock. Allowable modifications in stock are racing tires (R compound), shocks, and front swaybar. Anything else moves you to a different class.

A Cooper S can also run in STX. STX allows 'street' modifications, like bigger wheels, springs, shocks, swaybars, body kits, and the like. STX does NOT allow R compound tires. STX has a better (lower) PAX than G stock.

The result? If you have a completely stock car on street tires, you are better off running STX against cars with modified suspensions than G stock against cars on R compound tires.

The other class worth mentioning is Street Mod (SM). If you have done a pulley upgrade, you are in SM.

Okay, now as for what to bring with you. First, consider the weather, and dress appropriately. You WILL spend at least an hour or so standing out on the course ******** cones. I usually take a folding chair along also. I also throw in my portable air compressor, tire gauge, window cleaner and paper towels, torque wrench to double check the wheel studs, and my magnetic numbers/class designation. You can just use white shoe polish on the windows (not on the paint!!) for numbers and class designation for your first events. Also, take all non-essential stuff out of the car, so you don't have as much laying around at the event.

I usually get there about 8:00, time to register, prep the car, and walk the course a few times.

 

Also any cat-back exhaust may be used.

David
-V--V-

 

WOW!!!..... Thanks for all the excelent information guys, I'm definately going now, allthough maybe only as a spectator this time, but I'll bring my helmet just in case. As far as my mods go, I've installed intake, pulley, exhaust, swaybar and lightweight wheels, so it looks like I'll be in STX or SM.

Thanks again, I hope to see yall' there!

 

Thanks for the exhaust reminder! I always leave that out.

Come on out and go ahead and sign up, if you have time to stay all day! We'll probably get 6 runs if everything goes smoothly, and you can work up your speed quite a bit on six runs. If you can't stay to run, I'll try to find a way to get you a ride-along on a run, at least. Usually that gets people hooked.

Since you've done the pulley, you'll be in SM. That's a pretty competitive class, although the top car in the class last year, an all wheel drive turbo eclipse, blew up his tranny trying to get 700 horsepower down. (He's really an exception. Most people have daily drivers in our region.)

Hope to see you there!

 

Well.......... I guess you talked me into it, looks like a lotta fun. I just hope the weather cooperates tho. I've been working on my ice driving skills the past few days with limited success so i'm hoping it'll be nice and warm by then.

I've got every thing needed to compete except white shoe polish, but i'll get some tomorrow.

I've been thinking about getting a Scroth driving harness, do you think I'll need it to help me stay in my seat ?

 

I had a harness in my last car, and it made a HUGE difference. I highly recommend it. I'm hoping my lovely wife will get me one for my birthday this year!

 

That was a blats, not a bad finish for a first timer.