A person can start off slow on the track and build up speed. I believe this is taught while at the track.

I wonder how many professional NASCAR drivers participated in Auto-x. Most likely less than 10%. They started out as kids on a circle track or in a go-kart on the track.

Auto-x may give someone a false sense of security due to the fact that they don't have 80 mph experience in these events.

I say hit the track with driving instruction. You have to get the experience some how some way. There are also tech inspections that are very thorough that the car has to pass, if not then your not getting on the track. Shit happens to a car on a track, regardless of how prepared you think that car is.

 

CMiS2K, auto-x is slower than a track event. Auto-x is usually setup in an area free of obstacles and surface elevation changes.

Given these two things, if you make a mistake at an auto-x, you are much less likely to damage your car. Rookies will always make mistakes. Also, the fundamentals that you learn autocrossing can be applied very successfully on the track. So, while you certainly can start out on the track, I fail to see how it could possibly be safer.

In the end, it's up to personal preference, but it is a big stretch to imply that a track event would be safer than an autocross for a beginner.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CMiS2K
[B]A person can start off slow on the track and build up speed. I believe this is taught while at the track.

 

the tracks that I have seen here in Texas or OK(hallett) have plenty of run off and I have only seen one incident at TMS and I have heard of one incident at MSR(cressen) and I have heard of several at TWS due to the fact is has been around forever. None of which have ended the life span of a any car.

auto-x accidents this year:
I have seen a WRX roll over at a auto-x event this year, I will not state where or when, but I was the first to the sceen of the roll over to assist the driver. I have seen a several cars off the course into dirt, not causing major damage. I saw a mustang plow into a curb in a parking lot at a local SCCA solo 2 event, this year. Bent frame, wheel, suspension among other things, because the guy was mechanically inclined it cost him $1800 in repairs. I have heard of a BMW Z3 rolling over at a auto-x event a few years ago. The things that I heard and didn't witness came from the witnesses themselves. So auto-x can do more damage to a car than you think. It wears tires out faster than track events, based on my experience.

 

"Goig fast on curves" is the question. Where to learn? Track not auto-x. Going fast on curve at a auto-x can be accomplished anywhere around your current local corner in your neighborhood at 11pm at night. It would be better to take the dirt and sand at a track while corning the crap out of your car, than to hit a curb or light pole in a parking lot that the SCCA likes to set up courses at.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...threadid=147943

in this thread there is a video, take a look at the end of the video, the GTR, 350Z and S2000 all decide to take a corner beyond normal limits and hang the rear end out and "drift" the corner. The japanesse are obsessed with "drifting" I'm not sure why because it is easy to do and control. Do you think they learned how to drive like this at a auto-x? They don't even know what the hell a auto-x is.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ojaibob
[B] I do intend to take a driving course at Willow Springs, in Palmdale.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 3ngin33r1
[B]

Not to sound like a prude or anything, all driving at speeds that could result in a potential loss of control should be done on the track not on the street where other peoples lives could be put in danger.

 

I hope your Darwin Award performance doesn't injure or kill anyone else.

 

When did I say that I don't drive my car?