I am going to be attending the dayton autocross on june 30 and I was just wondering if I was going to feel out of place. I have never done it before and I dont know the limits of my car (never wanted to find them on public roads) so will I stick out like a sore thumb if my times are really slow or I spin? Is there anything I should know or bring other than a helmet? What are the helmet requirements? How much gas should I have in my tank when I race, a half? Thanks

 

Go slow to go fast. Nothing upsets the pace of an autocross more than having to pick up a dozen cones that some hotrod has run over trying to go fast without learning the course.

Most events have all sorts of novice activities - a novice course walk, even some mentoring programs at certain clubs. Have fun - you'll do fine

A Snell 95 rated helmet or better will suffice. If you've got one of those little air compressors that plug into the lighter, bring that. Lots of water, as it will probably be hot. And a poncho, in case it rains. White shoe polish or some chalk and a good tire gauge. You'll want to start with approximately 36 psi F and 32 psi R.

As for fuel, it depends on your car. I typically run a little below half a tank - I had some fuel starvation with a quarter-tank.

 

Everyone who is at the autocross, was a novice at one time.

The people who stick out the most, are the ones who go out there thinking they are going to be a bad-ass and beat everyone. They are the ones who enter every corner too fast, plow through it, take out a cone or two, then peel off to the next corner. You will do best if you try to do the whole course without squeeling the tires anywhere on the course. Smooth and "slow" will always be faster than "balls to the wall". The Hollywood stunt car driver will come in last every time.

 

When you get there and register, ask who you could talk to that would mentor you because this is your first time. Find this person and ask if you can go for a ride. This will open your eyes to what kind of work is being done behind the steering wheel.

The advice posted above, to go fast you need to start slow, that is so 100% on target.
I have nothing more to say.

Have a blast, and don't let your times bother you. Everyone was slower when they started. Relax, enjoy, have fun.

 

I am totally ignorant as to Auto-X (among other things). I've got mods on my car (see below) and wonder if that will disqualify me or put me in a class w/ some major torque monster. Anyone? Thanks.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pixsurguy
[B]I am totally ignorant as to Auto-X (among other things).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by integrate
[B]
nah, there are different classes.

 

Absolutely can't stress enough to bring lots of water or gatorade and wear sun block. A poncho is nice, but an umbrella can shade you from sun as well as keep rain off your head.

Find other S2k drivers and strike up a conversation with them. If there are no S2000 drivers, then get with the Miata folks...they'll feel more like the S2000 than probably anything else at the event.

Autocrossers are a pretty friendly crowd, but you will integrate more easily if you initiate the conversation. People will look busy, changing tires and preping their cars, but for the most part they will talk with you while they work.

Don't expect to win. Be happy with learning how to navigate through the cones.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pixsurguy
[B]I am totally ignorant as to Auto-X (among other things).