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After last night, I felt like I was being shamed into doing this auto-cross.
Can I have some advice on car set up? Tire pressure? I run the stock Potenzas on my S, a 2007 AP2 with 16,000 miles. The tires are original, but they are in really good shape since I am the Captain slow of the S2000 community. Should I burn off the gas and leave about a quarter tank? Besides closed shoes, sun-screen, glasses, cooler with sport drinks and snacks, what else should I bring? What about pre-race prep of the car? Besides checking oil level and coolant level, is there anything else I should look at?
I have a helmet:
but it isn't the right kind of helmet.
All kidding aside, anything (serious) that you can suggest would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I usually run with about a half tank in the car. Make sure your tire pressures are consistent, I'd show up with 35 psi in each and expect to take some air out of them. The first run out, just get used to the cones, you need to learn how to read them, once you get comfortable with reading the cones push the car past its and your limit, this is the only way you can find the edge. Be prepared to hit cones or spin your car.
Just a couple of suggestions. Check your oil and tire pressure. I run 32 front and 34 rear but that does not mean it is right for you.
One of the biggest suggestions is get there early and walk the course until you know it by heart. Also, ride along with another driver and don't be afraid to have another driver ride with you. But MOST importantly-------------------> Have fun.
If you are not getting the rear end out around corners you are not trying hard enough.
Deff check all your fluids the night before.
Dont wash the car before, it will just make you upset when you see how dirty it will get.
Dont be scared of hitting cones they dont hurt the car.
Look ahead when you are on the course. Always stay 3 cones ahead.
Have an instructor drive your car. You will learn alot. Terry would be a good one to drive it for you, and then ride with you to tell you what you are doing wrong.
Originally Posted by speedworksracing,Jul 18 2008, 06:55 AM
Deff check all your fluids the night before.
DEFINITELY do this at the very least... even if you KNOW there should be enough oil in the car... lol! After my experience last week, this will be a daily ritual in my garage.
I'm not allowed to eat donuts, but the new guy is supposed to bring them, at least that's what I had to do when I started. No telling really with these clowns.
They (SCCA) do have loaner helmets available. Or you are welcome to borrow one of ours. At this point it is irrelevant how much gas you have in the car, I'm not fast enough for it to matter, but I try to run either full or near empty due to a superstition I have about "free-surface effect" (something all mariners are taught to fear and respect).
Tire pressure: I think the OEM's seem to work best around 30 to 32 lbs all around on an AP2 but YMMV. I always bring a portable air pump, which you are welcome to borrow anytime should you want to adjust pressures upwards. Everyone has an opinion about this, all of them are wrong.
Your car should be in fine shape to run with only 16K on the clock, Just check our oil. You will need to have your trunk empty to go through tech inspection, and they also want you to have your floor mats out (so they don't slide around and get jammed under the pedals as they are apt to do on lesser cars) they'll check your brakes, battery tie down, wheel bearing play, etc.
In Novice class you are not allowed to have anyone ride with you except an instructor (which I highly recommend doing). After your 3rd event you can have other riders. Any of us in BSP will be happy to let your daughter ride along with us if you bring her.
Someone should have blue tape for numbering, if not they sell it at the event for $5 a roll, I'll see if I have one around here somewhere.
Originally Posted by speedworksracing,Jul 18 2008, 09:55 AM
Look ahead when you are on the course. Always stay 3 cones ahead.
Have an instructor drive your car. You will learn alot. Terry would be a good one to drive it for you, and then ride with you to tell you what you are doing wrong.
Ohh yea...
Bring Donuts!!
especially with the part of letting an instructor drive your car. I suggest Terry as well, as once you put your car in his capable hands and feel just what your baby can do, you will be amazed! He's a phenomenal driver and if you want him to take it easy on the car, he's one of the ones that will and yet still show you what it can do. Don't worry though, he won't hurt your car.
Also, they do a novice walk through where a driver instructor (like Terry) will walk all the novices down the course, giving pointers and explaining the rules as you go. I highly suggest doing this. I did even after I graduated from novice.
Deland Auto-cross
No telling really with these clowns.
especially with the part of letting an instructor drive your car. I suggest Terry as well, as once you put your car in his capable hands and feel just what your baby can do, you will be amazed! He's a phenomenal driver and if you want him to take it easy on the car, he's one of the ones that will and yet still show you what it can do. Don't worry though, he won't hurt your car.