First off any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am competing in my first autocross as a novice this coming Sunday and I'm just trying to get some quick tips for simple changes to my setup that will help me out (and or autocross driving advice).
I'm currently running an AP2 with Skunk2 springs, Invidia Test Pipe, fresh VR1 motor oil, Redline MTL tranny fluid, J's racing radiator cap, and dunlop Z Stars.
With that said the only thing I have planned to do in prep for the race is put 38 psi in the front and rear.
I'm 20 and its getting pretty nerve racking to know I'm about to be out there with no help. Literally anything y'all say will help. Thanks in advance.

 

Just do a one-over on the car... check suspension bits, brakes, etc that they are all tight. Torque the lugs, make sure you have a battery stay.

When you get there, if your region allows it, ride with as many people as you can. Have them ride with you to give you pointers. People with funny/silly hats are generally people who have autocrossed for awhile... listen to their advice.

At the end of the day, make sure you had fun.

 

another tip do a lot of coures walks and make sure you do the novice walk as well some people get lost out there in the sea of cones. as the person above said, ride with someone it will help you remember the course and dont be afraid to let someone ride with you as well. there are a lot of people out there that dont mind helping out a new person!

good luck and have fun
-Brett

 

lol, I was just thinking about this the other day, that you can find the hardcore autocrossers by their hats. The hats are usually safari style. They make autocrossing so much more pleasant by keeping the sun off you. Speaking of the sun, put lots of sunscreen on.

I'd start with your pressures more like 34 or 35 PSI on the star specs. 38's higher than you need on sticky tires like that.

Don't worry you'll have plenty of help. Just when you get there, go around and ask lots of questions. It'll be easy, there'll be all these people with cool cars you can talk about. You'll find some experienced people that'll help you. Ask at registration if there's a novice course walk and make sure you're on it. Get there very early so you can walk the course a ton of times. The first time see if you can get someone knowledgeable to help show you where the course goes.

You'll have a blast.

 

Don't get hung up on your times or beating other people. *Everyone* sucks their first time out. If you can complete a run without missing gates or coming to a dead stop on course, you're doing well for your first autocross.

 

IMO, don't worry about your setup. Just go out there and drive and have fun. Chances are first time participants aren't nearly skilled enough to be able to take advantage of setup tweaks anyway... i know i wasn't my first time. You'll be doing good if you can complete your runs without DQ'ing.

That being said, get there early enough to walk the course as many times as you need to memorize it. If you have the entire course committed to memory you will be better off because you'll know what is coming up at the next corner rather than just reacting to it when you get there.

 

My first 6 runs, I stayed on course for 4. I was ecstatic and didn't care about my times.

 

Make sure there's no tire shine on your tires. Inflate tires to 32 psi, not 38. At 32 psi, they will rise to a nice pressure of around 34-35 psi and that's what the Star Specs want.

Other than that, bring some sunscreen and water if the weather looks good.

Try to stay on course.

 

Find an S2000 owner in grid and buddy up. If you have a great, humble attitude there will be lots of support and help.

 

And to add to all the good the tips given, remember to always look ahead. Knowing what gate is coming next or where to go helps for a smoth transition between gates.

Good luck and have fun, friend.