I would start with autoX to get a feel for your car at the limit and it is a good way to learn car control. Then you can start doing DEs. You can always just start with DEs but most of my students who have autox background do better at the track.



Mercedes is a local club that runs an great autoX season (7-8 event) and also offers track events.

Mercedes will be running a 1 day DE at the Jeffferson circuit at Summit Point that will be cheap ($150) and will provide in-car instructors for all beginner students. Great way to get started.

 

I'm assuming DE is driver education? I'm thinking it'll be a good idea to get some kind of professional training even if it's just to teach me basics. I don't wanna be the jerk who runs over all the cones.

Do you have a link or more information on this Mercedes club? How/where to sign up, events, etc?

 

DE is short for High Performance Driver Education. You learn how to drive safely and at speed on the race track (learn the line, car control, how to play nice with other etc). You will have an instructor in-car for all 25 minute track sessions (usually 3-4 session per day with most groups but often 4+ with Mercedes).


AutoX is a solo time trial competition in a large parking lots with a course set out in little orange cones.


Note: much of the dates/events for the 2011 season still have to be added to the website.


Mercedes HPDE info here:

http://gws-mbca.org/events.html


Mercedes autoX info can be found here:

http://gws-mbca.org/ax/axEvent.html

 

Thanks for the info TD. Looking at the location of that club (Frederick, Virginia) it's a bit far from me (~4.5 hours). Do you know the name of clubs that are more local to the Hampton Roads area?

BTW I'm sure I could search for this stuff, but I appreicate the help....just to get me started.

*EDIT.. I mean auto cross clubs. I'm sure I'll have to travel for the track days.

 

Check out NASA and SCCA. BMW, Audi and Porsche also have events.

There are many groups that run track events: MVP, chin motorpsorts etc.


You should be able to find a local autoX in your region. SCCA probably has events near you.

 

Thanks!

 

I think Apeatwo is the man in your area. Send him a PM. He is the one that got me started.

 

They have big autoX events in SOVA on old runways. Well at least they used too. There is also a new track in NC that might be closer.

 

They have Tidewater Sport Car Club over there that always runs at ACU4. Great venue and good club, Jeff (Apeatwo) is one the member in that club and he competes in SCCA Solo.

 

No date for that yet, I guess? I'm interested.