1st Autocross session this Sunday. any tips??

[Loofee95SE]

Hey guys. well after breaking in my engine for about 2 months. ( CA18DET)
I think it's time for some track fun. So Sunday @ Birmingham race course, AL
if anybody wanna join/ already going.

Anyway since its my 1st event ever!!! i don't know what to take.
I'll be getting some FRESH Brake pads, Bleed the system with some new DOT 4. Some tires. And all suspensions components are STOCKERS. well my shocks & springs have about 45k miles in it. so it's fair.
!80sx LSD is going on tomorrow. How should set my alignment??

I'm so excited, so i think i'll forget some crutial stuff.
Help some newbie will ya!
:hyper: C

[pruto]

Just have fun. And the only thing i learned in the 4 or 5 events i've been to is that you gotta go all out starting from your first run. Don't use the first lap to get a feel of the course. Thats a waste in Autocross when your runs are limited and you end up with the feeling that if i just had one more run...

Talk to everyone who is willing to talk to you, and don't really worry about the car setup as much as driving it. Its your first time, you really don't need to worry about fine tuning. When you have enough experience your car will tell you what to adjust and how to set it up. Enjoy yourself and don't be overwhelmed =)

[Mr. Badlose]

Bring everything you need...money, tools, helmet, water. When you get out there, don't be afraid to try new stuff. Make sure you break in those pads before going! Instructors/vets should be more than willing to ride with you and give you pointers. Have fun.

[Replicant_S14]

!80sx LSD is going on tomorrow. How should set my alignment??

I'm so excited, so i think i'll forget some crutial stuff.
Help some newbie will ya!
:hyper: C

My tips are:
- just go and don't worry about all that crap.
- take rides
- never... , I repeat.., NEVER listen to Charlie.

[Loofee95SE]

coll, So rep S14. u 've been there b4?? anyway. I'll try been practicing. so. thanks. C

[ForceofWill]

Cool, another guy from the B'ham area. If you've never been to an Auto-x at the racecourse its pretty laid back. You should just try to have fun, last time i went there was a stock 89 prelude beater owning most everyone else.

[Wei240]

yeah, i went for my first time this past sunday,
just go out and have fun

you MUST have a walk through before the runs, some dude didn't and he basically got lost on a slalom portion with not so clear lines...

[OptionZero]

yeah it'd suck to leave the course and get lose hahaha....crap i mite end up doin that *shoots self*

[HaLo]

3 tips:

1. Don't expect to be competitive
2. Focus on improving yourself
3. Have fun! :)

[Loofee95SE]

sound good. ForceofWill r u going this weekend???

[ForceofWill]

Unfortunatly im in Ft. Lauderdale for the summer so i wont be goin.

[LigouriRd]

Shiz to bring:
1) Helmet-if you can, the loaners are nasty and often hard to get right before a run
2) Numbers-if you don't have magnetic, bring electrical tape or shoe polish (light color use black, dark color & red use white). Don't expect the event people to provide it for you, often they won't
3) Portable air compressor or tank-If ya caint, stop by a gas station on the way an pump up to 40-45 psi (I like 45F/40R).
4) Air guage-keep checking your pressure after each run, it may go up and the car will handle differently.
Shiz to do:
1) Read this: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
2) take everything ya don't need at the event out of the car. CD holders, Car manual, garage door opener, passenger and rear floor mats, spare tire cover. All that stuff has to come out of the car at the event, so just bring the basics.
3) Write shiz down, notes on course map, tire pressure, temperature, comments on yer run. It helps out at later events.
4) Try to get someone experienced to ride along on one of yer early runs. They will see Shiz that you don't.
Advanced shiz:-if your worried about alignment.
1) Bring a digital thermometer (Cooking kind with probe or Infrared). Measure the temperature distribution across the tyres after a run. Equal from side to side is perfect. Hotter outside needs more camber, Inside needs less...I think?

[Loofee95SE]

wow, now that's a good tips . thanks.

[sykikchimp]

http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26745

Stuff from when we covered this in Motorsports

[orion::S14]

"Any tips...?"

Drive fast and don't hit cones...!!!!! Haha, couldn't resist. SOrry.

And keep in mind that autocross shouldn't be your final destination in motorsports...look at it as your intro into the world of auto racing, and look to do bigger and faster events as you gain skill...they are more fun.

- Brian