Attended an autocross school event that the Porsche Club of America was hosting at Metlife.

I had an absolute blast. I took out everything I could and pumped up my tires 4-6 PSI over factory spec like the school recommended. I ended up running 40psi all the way around. I spun out once so I got that out of my system. My times were okay... not great but not as bad as some. I was generally on par with the rest of the first timers. I probably had the least amount of power there. The only thing I could compare myself to were the 944's but both had ample autocross sessions under their belt and trailered their car there. Also the Boxsters which I was always faster than (except when I spun out). The fact that my main problem and concern is my lack of sense of direction means that I probably shouldn't touch much on the car yet. I had a hard time remembering where to go and once in a while I'd go off course. This of course led to me hesitating while trying to figure out where to go. Which led to not so smooth inputs.

Regardless, I bought an AEM v2 last night just out of pure love for my s2000. I figure a few hp isn't going to throw me off course and I'll love the sound and clean up under the hood. Now today, I am looking at some new tires. I'm thinking I shouldn't even consider DOT legal slicks yet or changing the OEM tire size setup. I just want to get rid of my all-season tires. They got really chewed up in the autocross session. There are chunks missing. I figure changing to some relatively appropriate tires won't hurt. I'm considering BFG Super Sports or Hankook RS-3. Tire rack price for stock size is cheap enough.

I'm not trying to be competitive. I'm not the type. I just want to have fun.

Suggestions? I need to find ways to remember the track so I can work on technique mainly. I guess this means I need practice and should attend more events. Can you guys recommend any more schools or programs in my area? The schools aren't as scary because there are lots of people that suck as much as I do. I know there's the SCCA starting line program and I've noticed that the SCCA regions seem to have their own newbie events. Perhaps I should start looking at NASA stuff too? Suggestions?

 

Get there early walk the course a lot.
Try to be in the later run group and go for a few rides with people who have been doing in for a long time.
Dont try to over drive the car/tires, what looks slow is often very fast.
RS3 are probably the better choice of of those two and one of the best in general.

 

The North NJ area, as far as I've seen for the SSCA and MSNE events, doesn't allow rides with others unless it's an instructor riding with you or driving your car.

I'd second that advice though, especially getting there early and walking the track a couple times. Having an instructor with you on the first couple runs to direct you and get comfortable with the course/car at speed also helps a ton if you're just starting out.

Stop by the NY Metro section to find out what events are on (NY Metro Auto-X), since there's almost always a few of us who go. The clubs around here also very beginner friendly, with plenty of great drivers instructing and a number of first time drivers attending. Even though they aren't schools, they'll explain what you did well, what you did wrong, and how to improve on the next runs.

 

The number one fault that I see with most novices and others is looking ahead. Learn to look a few gates ahead, you'll manage better lines and you won't be lost as much.

 

As Coldfyre suggested please stop by our section in the metro area. You can also PM me if you have any questions.

Walk the course as much as you can, looking ahead and most importantly have fun! Also if an evo school is available I would highly recommend doing the school. It will help you get the basics down. If you got any other further questions or ideas you can always pm me. Im no expert but I can help you answer some questions and maybe offer you some advice since I was in the same place as you just last year.

 

Also note that the AEM can throw off your classing in SCCA depending on what else you've done to the car. I would keep all your stock parts just in case you want to get more serious about competition in the future. Welcome to the addiction!

 

This is my second autocross and the front end likes to push if you drive it to hard into a turn gotta kinda ease it in...but tires (rs3) will definitely be my next upgrade