First auto-X event, help me figure out my problems

[TurDz]

I had a blast at my first Auto-X. It was the SCCA Sac region, at the SJ fairgrounds. Anyway, here are my concerns, I would appreciate any help by experienced track/auto-x drivers:

- lack of grip. seems like when I'm supposed to accelerate out of a turn, I feel the tires coming loose, and I think it's mostly oversteer because I've slid around in the rain before and I had the same kind of countersteering feeling.

- touchy. during small sweepers (say, about 3-4 second turns, relatively sharp) I feel that I can only feather a small amount of gas or else the car will lose control.

- should i ever take a turn without braking? i think i did that a few times...did that mean i was going too slow?

btw, i have a stock car. stock wheels, stock sized tires but not sure what brand (not a well known one).

from what i've said above...how can I improve my driving? i plan to keep the car as stock as possible...mostly to get really good handling the stock setup, and to save for coils :) thanks

[Peas]

I hate to sound cliche, but practice makes perfect. Just keep practicing and ask other fellow drift going guys on opinions on tires and suspension set-ups. Gain as much experience as you can and the better you will be.

[TurDz]

Ultimately, I know that's how you get better. But I would also take full advantage of the knowledge here, and even if I may not instintually apply it during my next event, it's still knowledge. More understanding about how and why things work = better driver. There are more ways to learn than by just on-hand trial and error.

At the next Auto-X, I plan to ride with experienced drivers both as a passenger and a driver.

[msaskin]

At the next Auto-X, I plan to ride with experienced drivers both as a passenger and a driver.

Excellent move, seeing other drivers lines from in their cars is immensely helpful.

Also, I would highly recommend getting a copy of and reading the following books:
-Secrets of Solo Racing, by Henry A Watts
-How to Make Your Car Handle, by Fred Puhn

~matt

[Replicant_S14]

At the next Auto-X, I plan to ride with experienced drivers both as a passenger and a driver.

Fo sho. If you're lucky enough to have another, more experienced 240 driver in your region, buy them a couple of fun runs and let them drive YOUR car (with you in it of course). It's a good investment.

Whatever tho, don't be to critical of yourself on your first auto-x. You'll get it figured out.

[hurleyboi514]

it'll take 3 or 4 events to really get the hang of it... dont get down, its good to see your motivated... and as for saving for coilovers, you may wanna go a different route. id suggest a set of Koni yellows with a set of RSR race springs, that;d be cheap and then you can get the koni's rebuilt if you need to later on, and then switch to a sleeve type coilover and bump up your rates. next, move onto the bushings, all those bushings are old im sure. from there, you should start to know what you need next....

[TurDz]

Fo sho. If you're lucky enough to have another, more experienced 240 driver in your region, buy them a couple of fun runs and let them drive YOUR car (with you in it of course). It's a good investment.

Whatever tho, don't be to critical of yourself on your first auto-x. You'll get it figured out.

That's actually what I meant. Have someone ride with me in my own car, and also drive the car with me as a passenger. I didn't have a chance last Saturday because I was broke...lol, didn't get too many fun runs.

[TurDz]

it'll take 3 or 4 events to really get the hang of it... dont get down, its good to see your motivated... and as for saving for coilovers, you may wanna go a different route. id suggest a set of Koni yellows with a set of RSR race springs, that;d be cheap and then you can get the koni's rebuilt if you need to later on, and then switch to a sleeve type coilover and bump up your rates. next, move onto the bushings, all those bushings are old im sure. from there, you should start to know what you need next....

why wouldn't you ultimately recommend coilovers? I've ridden in dball33's car with FLT-A2's and they actually ride better than my car on its soft setting.

maybe you're recommending the most cost efficient route?

thanks for the suggestions everyone

[dball33]

At the next Auto-X, I plan to ride with experienced drivers both as a passenger and a driver.

For sure, you should go to the next two events in July. We run in the morning group so Jeff (the one with the grey metallic s13 coupe) would probably arrive just as we're doing our fun runs :D Bring some extra cash and have him drive your car a few time. I'm hoping to ask him too. I think his zilvia screen name is jaae86. Probably could PM him sometime. Can't wait to get back out there and try again :naughtyd:

[jaae86]

Hey guys, I didn't really get a chance to view this thread until today. TurDz, great job for acknowledging your mistakes. Many good drivers I know can determine their mishaps. I also agree with the rest that practice makes perfect. Make sure you try to bring extra cash for the fun runs. They are worthed and can help you become a better driver. Take your time on learning the course and your car. There are many experience drivers at these events, dont hesitate to ask for assistance (including me). Just introduce yourself. Good luck to you and see you at the next events. Dave, sorry I didn't get a chance to stay and check you out. I was kinda worned out by the time we finished our fun runs. See you at the next one. CSCC might have an autox this Sun at Stockton, I will probably be there breaking in my new tires.

Sites to consider:
http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/Sacramento/index.html
http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/
http://www.csccautox.org/
http://www.americanauto-x.com/
Hope this helps.

[MovinUp-1]

Might I suggest you check out your car to see if there is anything broken or worn. Are the shocks in good condition? Any cracked bushings? How's your alignment? Are the tires you are currently using in good condition? It would be a good idea to make sure these things are in good working order so that you aren't having to compesate for something that is wrong with the car.

[hurleyboi514]

why wouldn't you ultimately recommend coilovers? I've ridden in dball33's car with FLT-A2's and they actually ride better than my car on its soft setting.

maybe you're recommending the most cost efficient route?

thanks for the suggestions everyone


b/c they are expensive, and thats alot to adjust. you may hurt yourself with too much adjustable stuff, so its impossible to get the car to handle. its just another thing you have to get right before you can start driving fast. pick a class and mod to that. DSP is a great class, you can do alot of good stuff there, id recommend that as a starting point. if you want a full rules print out, i may be able to type one up later tonite.

[Replicant_S14]

if you want a full rules print out, i may be able to type one up later tonite.

Sounds like a lot of trouble but I'd read it if you did. I'm considering moving from STS to DSP and my rule book is out of date.

[TurDz]

jaae86, I have some videos of your car!! about 4 or 5 of them actually, when you were doing fun runs. you are pretty awesome :)

the best part happened when one of the workers there said, "mike, would you let that guy know that this isn't a drift competition." hahaha...that was great.

MovinUp, my car is a 98 Kouki...the condition of the parts shouldn't be too bad, especially with the car being well maintained by the owner. The alignment is perfect, well, at least on the road. It tracks very straight.

hurley,

I've read thought the scca solo2 novice handbook, and I've also had a lot of time to review the classes. I haven't got them memorized or anything, but I have a feeling of what mods put you where.

thanks for all the help.

[the head]

in my personal expierence a good set if tires even in stock sizes will help a lot

[jaae86]

TurDz, cool! Will you be able to send me those through email? My email address is [email protected] Thanks in advance.

The workers down there already know that I practice during the fun runs. I had about 6 different people that wanted hitch for a ride. Hehehe....