Tips for first Autocross...

[MorganS13]

i've went to watch my first auto-x 2 weekends ago and the next event is coming up here this sunday, i was thinkin of maybe trying it out.  last time there were 160 cars in attendance but i only saw one 240 (stock DOHC hatch) run while i was watching.  he pulled the best stock time i saw, 36.xx compared to MANY modded hondas, acuras, VWs, BMWs, RX7s (there was a 2nd gen pullin 38s! i guess the driver was new) u name it pulling 35-41.  after i saw that i knew i had to get into this.  the best times i saw were from modded mustangs/cobras running several 31-35 second runs, i was impressed, their drivers were REAL good.  they handled great as long as the driver didn't power out of the turn too much.  i loved the 3 wheeled VW turns, their high 35 second runs weren't all that impressive but they looked awesome

my question is what should i do my first run through it so i dont' look like a total idiot. &nbsp;to all u veteran auto-xers what would u want to see from a beginner his first run through that would gain him a little respect. &nbsp;i plan on takin it slow the first time around but i'm just wonderin if there are any tips u could give me after i get a feel... i've been driving my car for 4 years so i know most of its limits, at least at lower speeds, but i have no idea what its like on a tight autocross course. &nbsp;also what tire pressure do u recomend, etc... &nbsp;any help would be appreciated, i'm not expecting to beat anyone this time around but i just want to start out right, thanks &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[Bbandit]

when i autox for the first time... the other guys told me to check my tire pressure.. even them out at 40 psi.. and check any loose lugnuts.. make sure your wheels doesnt fall off &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>
i drew a small sketch of the track in a small piece of paper and took it slow in my first run... oh yea and i asked a veteran autox-er to ride with me in my passenger seat
good luck &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[AceInHole]

The course:
WALK THE COURSE MULTIPLE TIMES!!! &nbsp;Solo II can get pretty complicated, and it isn't uncommon for off course runs. &nbsp;When you walk the course, try to walk the line you want to take with your car, but remember that you're sitting on the left side of the car. &nbsp;Picture the view of the cones coming up, and get your line of sight. &nbsp;When you're walking, you'll probably focus on the cones a few feet in front of you, but when you're driving, you should be looking at least 3 gates in front of you!! &nbsp;Make sure you take this into account when walking the course!!

Driving:
The biggest challenge is to be smooth. &nbsp;It seems like a lot of people just try to push too hard and end up missing gates or going too hot through corners, upsetting the car braking too hard, etc. &nbsp;It may feel faster to just mash the gas more and cut the wheel harder, but in reality you can bet the smoother it feels (and sometimes a bit slower) the faster your times will get. &nbsp;This doesn't mean to NOT mash the gas at all, but just be careful on where you do it. &nbsp;Solo II is more about cornering and linking up really quick turns together than it is about all out power. &nbsp;
Taking an instructor for your first few runs is a VERY good idea. &nbsp;A couple people I know really benefited from it. &nbsp;You'll get a better understanding on where you can really get on the gas or how late you should/ can brake. &nbsp;Despite the extra weight (depending on the instructor, lol) it's worth it.

Tire pressure:
40 PSI is a pretty general figure. &nbsp;If your group does heats, then you can expect multiple runs in a fairly short amount of time, which means your tires will heat up. &nbsp;In this case, your tire pressure will increase a few PSI. &nbsp;Because of this, you may want to lower your tire pressure a bit after your first run. &nbsp;If you chalk up the side of the tire near and at the treading, you'll be able to see exactly how much tire roll you get, and then you'll be able to see if your tires are actually over or underinflated (it'll probably be better to ask some of the veterans how to actually do it and they'll help you out first hand). &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

Solo II is really fun, so just enjoy it and don't worry about looking like an idiot or concentrate TOO much on times (yeah, someone can hit me now <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> ).

Good luck!! Tell us when your times get posted!

[Arcane]

never been...but would like to go...damn you colorado springs!!! &nbsp;

woohoo!!! that's 600...soon, i'm going to have more posts than you trans...okay...maybe not that soon...

[KiDyNomiTe]

damn autoxing looks really fun, and something to pass times, When I get my car Imma go for it.

[onebadm5]

here's a good chronicle of a 1st auto-x experience:

Ever wonder what is so fascinating and addictive about an autocross? (http://www.sdbmwcca.com/Firstautox.html)

[HippoSleek]

Be smooth! &nbsp;Don't be afraid to be slow when learning the course. &nbsp;Depending on how many runs you get, you may feel that you have to go faster to get a good time... don't be fooled 3-4 "fast" off-course runs lose to the slowest run of the day. &nbsp;

Once you know where to go, worry about hitting the turns as fast as possible. &nbsp;By finding the apex, you find exit speed. Exit speed = fast. &nbsp;The other important thing here is to keep your vision up. &nbsp;By looking ahead, you will guide the car there. &nbsp;Don't worry about the cone next to you, worry about the one 2 gates ahead.

Next is braking. &nbsp;As late and as hard as possible.

Mark's most important tip - don't get caught up in the BS that autoxing can be. &nbsp;HAVE FUN! &nbsp;Realize that the fast guys have been doing it for years. &nbsp;

Mark
-who didn't follow this advice and sucked this weekend (mid pack in GS)

[AceInHole]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ May 07 2002,09:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Mark
-who didn't follow this advice and sucked this weekend (mid pack in GS)</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
lol.... so maybe he should follow my advice then??? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[MorganS13]

lol, thanks for all the advice, i'm reading and trying to remember all of it... btw my friend who used to kart race and races Formula 500 (i think thats what its called <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>) now is the one that wanted me to come out. he said he'd take me around a couple times and help me if i wanted, it should be fun.