autoXing

[MyFirst240SX]

I am wanting to try autoXing now.  i have front and rear strut bars as my only suspension mods.  I have done alot of twisty road hauling ass but i have never raced on anything like this b4, is there any advice for a first time'n fellow 240 lover?
sean

[LanceS13]

1.  Take sunscreen and plenty of fluids, whether it's hot or not.  If you rotate work heats like you should, you'll be standing up alot and possible running and picking up cones, so a cold drink is always good.  Eat a big breakfast or lunch (whichever applies) before the event as well.
2.  Be willing to help work corner stations...this is a good way to prove yourself a team player.  It also makes you stand out a little to the old-timers, so they're more likely to befriend you.
3.  Talk to the old-timers...learn.
4.  Walk the course at least three times...four or five is better.  You should be able to close your eyes and "drive" the course in your head.  
5.  Don't expect to be fast at your first autoX.
6.  Don't go fast on your first run.  Use this run to define your line and "feel" the course.
7. &nbsp;Don't depress the clutch while braking unless you're downshifting, which will be rare. &nbsp;I can't tell you how many times I've seen a newbie go into a braking zone and depress the clutch (I dunno why &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'> ) and then let it back up as they get mid corner and back on the gas. &nbsp;This upsets the car's balance and may cause a spin.
8. &nbsp;While on course, WATCH FOR RED FLAGS!!! &nbsp;They might save you some body damage, or even your life!
9. &nbsp;And most importantly...HAVE FUN!!! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[thelinja]

This Saturday is going to be my first autox event and I'm pretty pysched. &nbsp;I don't have any suspension mods though..so I hope that doesn't affect my run too bad...

Oh, and Lance, you said something about red flags..so I'm assuming there is more than one car on the course at a time, right? &nbsp;how many are on the track during a normal run?

[LanceS13]

Depending on how much room there is to work with, if/where the course gets close to itself, etc. two cars usually run half a course apart. &nbsp;But different regions do different things, so there may be only one, or three...however many can run w/o cars getting too close to each other. &nbsp;This is solely a way to make the event go more quickly and smoothly...the cars don't &nbsp;actually race each other.
And don't worry about the stock suspension. &nbsp;You'll run in &nbsp;a stock class...well, unless you've done engine work beyond a cat-back exhaust.

[LanceS13]

Oh yeah...
AutoX isn't the most demanding of motorsports, but it's ALWAYS a good idea to have your car in the best shape possible. &nbsp;Oil and coolant should be checked and up to par. &nbsp;Depending on the tire size/construction, you'll want to run higher pressures than on the streets. &nbsp;Stock tires will probably be best around 36-38. &nbsp;Check you tires after each run for signs of sidewall rollover (scuffed sidewalls). &nbsp;If it exists, add more air; If the edge of the tread isn't scuffed, let some air out. &nbsp; Shorter, stiffer sidewalls allow lower pressures...I normally run 32-f/30-r with my setup and 225/45 Kuhmo 712's. &nbsp;And good brakes and brake fluid with a recent bleed is a must.
A neat trick that may help you deal with any understeer, is to put a piece of tape at TDC of the steering wheel. &nbsp;If the piece of tape is at the bottom or side of the wheel, and you're still going straight, turn it back to TDC so the front wheels can regain traction. &nbsp;To a lesser degree, it can keep you from over-correcting an oversteering situation as well.

[DSC]

I've never auto-xed b4, but here I come with the links <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Scroll down to the "racing" section (http://www.steamymirror.com/dsc240sx/link/linksinfo.htm)
Plenty of auto-x and other racing info there.

[Drifting Ricer]

Lance pretty much said everything but... When you first start it doesn't matter if you have full coil-overs or a SR. In the first year mods/set-up won't help much. What will thought is good street tire and maybe a R compound like hoosier. But R-compound is really a advance mod. Of course seat time. I dunno if you want to be a full on auto xer or not. But seat time is the best thing you can do. Is if they have a novice instructor or novice class. Don't get mad if SE-R or civics kick you around <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>. You're there to have "FUN". Always I mean always look ahead. That will keep you from getting off course. That's one thing I learned this year.

Remember SEAT TIME is king.

[LanceS13]

Nah...don't even think about R-compound tires right now. &nbsp;You need lots of seat time on street tires before moving to slicks. &nbsp;Street tires are more forgiving and, unlike slicks, start wailing as you approach their limit.

[MyFirst240SX]

what kinds of things do i need to do to my car? i heard the battry had to be tied down, what else?

[DSC]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (MyFirst240SX @ Sep. 26 2002,5:47)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">what kinds of things do i need to do to my car? i heard the battry had to be tied down, what else?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I should hope your battery is already secured in place <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>

Other stuff to do to your car is just basic making sure it works. &nbsp;Brakes, clean fluid, fresh bushings, plugs, etc...
Really just having pads with some material left and tires w/out showing cords is enough, but I'd presonally go the extra little bit and change out fuilds and stuff. &nbsp;I ran my car on charlotte motor speedway with t/c and tie rod bushing ripped all to hell, so for auto-x you definately don't have to worry about it too much.