So You Want to Autocross??

[metalviper]

Where to Run??
First off you need to find a club that hosts events near you. For that Google is your friend. There are multiple clubs you may run with, depending on their individual guidelines for non-members.

Safety Inspection
You do not need an expensive, high-powered car to compete or just have fun but your car must pass a Safety Inspection, including

• Good Wheel Bearings
• Properly Torqued Lug Nuts
• Firm Brake Pedal
• Firm Clutch Pedal
• Battery Properly Tied Down
• No Leaking Fluids/Oil
• Remove Hubcaps
• No Bald Tires (slicks do not apply of course)
• Seat Belts For Driver (and Passenger if Applicable)
• All Objects Must be Removed From the Interior & Trunk, such as Floor Mats, Cups, Loose Carpet, etc.

Different clubs may have different regulations you must follow, but they will probably not be extreme. Also exhaust dB level may vary between club and event site.

Helmets are required for drivers and passengers when on a live course. You must have a SNELL rated helmet of 2000 or newer. Most clubs will let you run M, SA, or K rated helmets, either full face or open face. Some clubs will have loaner helmets available, that you can use during your runs.

Preparation
As for as you chassis mods go, you just need to air up your tires right before the event, or if your lucky enough to have a portable compressor at the event, to about 40psi all around (or 38f/40r) to save a bit of tire and combat tire roll over. Installing new brake fluid and brake pads can help but is not at all required.

Your car will run in a specific class based on modifications. Ask an event organizer or board member (usually someone that looks like they are busy doing something) to help you class your car if necessary.
Heres a link to a quick example of the SCCA class guidelines
http://cms.scca.com/documents/Solo_R...categories.pdf

Seat position is key during your run. First of all, you want to be up close and personal with the steering wheel. No lowrider status on the course! Move the seat up so you are sitting straight up. Slide forward so your feet can depress the brake & accelerator completely to the floor. If you can reach the floorboard behind the pedal with your foot you are close enough. Reposition the steering wheel down, so your arms and the wheel are as close to a 90* angle as possible.

Walking the Course is one of the key necessities to becoming a competitive auto-x driver. It is done before any cars are let out to run. This is when you can choose your line which you will use when driving the course. Try to make friends with someone who looks like they know what they are doing. Tag along and pay attention to how they are reading the course. Then go back and walk it by yourself. Always position yourself on the course as if you were in the drivers seat driving, while you are walking it. This helps you know where to look for your next maneuver when you are actually on the course.

Your first time out on the course is going to be a learning experience. You will be experimenting with apex points, braking points, and learning the general course setup.

Do's

• Make Friends with Veteran Drivers
• Ask That an Experience Driver Rides Along With You at Least During Your First Runs
• Ask to Ride Along with an Experienced Driver (Watch Their Technique!!)
• Accept any Critique from a veteran Driver

Don'ts

• Don't Over Drive Your Car, You Will Only Go Slower
• Don't Get Upset If You Aren't as Fast as Someone Else There
• Don't be Afraid to Volunteer

Be prepared for your environment. Bring EZ-Ups, chairs, snacks, water, sunblock, wear a BIG hat, panchos whatever need so you are cool/warm and dry!

If anyone else has anything else to add, please do

[JDMLee]

Yes i do i heard if u have a harness 4-point or 5 i dont now i have a 4 point that only certian ones are allowed in like Sparco and takata Etc is that true because i have a Mugen harness and its made by Sabelt that same company that makes sparco.......i heard there a certain regulation to them

[Bis]

lol good post. lmk the next time you decide to head out.

[metalviper]

Originally Posted by JDMLee

Yes i do i heard if u have a harness 4-point or 5 i dont now i have a 4 point that only certian ones are allowed in like Sparco and takata Etc is that true because i have a Mugen harness and its made by Sabelt that same company that makes sparco.......i heard there a certain regulation to them

No, at least not running with the SCCA, theres no guideline as to what brand of harness you can run. If you get competitive and go to nationals or something then they may question you on how its mounted, but thats all i can think of. I will double check with my regions president though.

Originally Posted by Bis

lol good post. lmk the next time you decide to head out.

definitely gotta come out toua! and take some pics too! Ill be at the fairgrounds august 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th

[KnightFall]

Sweet post, anymore recommendations go as far as vehicle preparation?

[metalviper]

for your first time id just maybe replace the brake fluid and upgrade your front pads. maybe get another set of tires if you dont want to ruin your current set but thats it