[JSaint25]

Hi all.

I am a complete green rookie when it comes to autocrossing. I got an email from a friend saying that there is an autocross scheduled in the next few months and I thought that I might join in.

Now I've never done anything like this before. The only racing I've ever done has been a few stop light encounters. Illegal street racing is stupid and it's just outright dangerous. I'd rather do something that's worthwhile and something I can be proud of.

I'm just wondering, when I get to the event what kind of things should I expect.

I'd love to have an FAQ on autocrossing here on the site. That'd be great.

Can you guys give me some pointers, some things you guys did when you were beginners, how you all learned the things you know about the sport.

I'd love some links to informative websites too.

If it helps I drive a 2000 2.5RS
Mods:

Engine:
Stromung dual tip
Weapon R intake with K & N cone filter
Unorthodox Racing Underdrive Pulley Blue
Magnecor KV-85 Spark plug wires

Suspension:
KYB-AGX adjustable struts
SPT (eibach) performance springs
CUSCO 20mm rear sway bar
CUSCO front/rear strut tower bars

Rollers:
17" Team Dynamics motorsport wheels in silver with Kumho Escta Supra tires in 215/45/17

I've only had the car for about 3 months now and I'm still learning it's capabilities and about the car in general. All of the aforementioned things came with the car when I bought it. So far I'm loving it. It's a million times better than the honda accord I used to have.

So what class do you all think they'd put me in?
The Autocross is being held by The Greater Washington Section, Mercedes-Benz Club of America. The actual event is going to be in Winchester, Virginia. Have any of you been to these events before?

Again, any advice, pointers, or anything you all think could help me would be much appreciated.

thanks!

 

[Mike M]

Here's what I can tell you...go to the event, ask questions, generally do what folks suggest, and, most importantly...have fun!

There's no reason to get stressed about going to your first event. If the autocrosses out there are anything like the ones around here, there are always plenty of seasoned autocrossers willing to help out a new guy. Find someone that looks like they are in charge, tell them your new, and that you need some help. You'll want to make sure you get registered, teched, and that you have your car classed properly. You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of time to walk the course, as you'll want to do this as many times as possible. (In other words, just plan on getting there early, so you don't run out of time before the course is closed.)

One other thing to be aware of...autocrossing can be very addictive! You will suddenly find yourself wanting to spend more money than is sane on your car, plus you will be willing to give up just about any given Sunday to get a fix. If you are married (or have a girlfriend), it's best to warn her now!

Hope that helps a little. Don't be afraid to ask questions, there are a number of folks around here that autocross!

 

[rosss]

You'll run in STS class -- a very good class for the 2.5RS, and your car is already well-prepared for it (i.e., you'll be the one holding the car back from performing to its fullest, not the other way around).

We have a brief "newbie guide" on our site:

http://www.subrew.com/newbie.html

There are more "newbie" autocross pages out on the net too -- a google search will get you to them.

Go out and have fun!

Sean
www.subrew.com

 

[RS25.com]

I'd love to have an FAQ on autocrossing here on the site. That'd be great.

Well, this SCCA area is kinda that idea. Chris' site is great (www.Subrew.com) and there are usually local web sites that have all the rules. For example, www.moutons.org usually has the most current rules online which you can go through.

I also subscribe to a list serve from my region's SCCA folks (Rocky Mountain Solo, or RMSolo for short) which is where people can email questions back and forth.

I personally like the forums better, though, because the questions persist and you can search through them, where emails get deleted and you can't get one back from last year.

Hope this helps. And of course, ask lots of questions of the SCCA/Autocross folks you are with. I am always surprised at how helpful they are. Of course, it's kind of like bragging, so it's easy for most of us! :lol:

 

[craig]

take sunscreen

take lots and lots of suncreen. more importantly use it!

-leatherface
:sunny: + = :flame:


other tips:
have some gas in the tank, air in the tires, and food in your stomach, and you'll have a blast!

then you have to learn to cope with the addiction

 

[Storm]

Re: take sunscreen

take lots and lots of suncreen. more importantly use it!

-leatherface
:sunny: + = :flame:


other tips:
have some gas in the tank, air in the tires, and food in your stomach, and you'll have a blast!

then you have to learn to cope with the addiction

HA....I had fuel starvation twice on my last run this sunday! That really sucks when you're trying to eek out a few more tenths to cushion your lead! My whole head is wind/sun burnt and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Take lots of water, snacks, a lunch, and get plenty of rest the night before. You want to walk the course as many times as you can to burn it into your brain. Walk with seasoned folks at first, then leave them alone. Most likely there will be a "novice walk", attend that and listen/visualize the pointers given.

Don't try to break any records with the car. Just start off your first run at a brisk pace, then step it up on the next run, and continue that until you spin or clean out a wall of cones then back off a bit. Air your tires up about 6-10psi more than street pressures and mark the shoulders with chalk or shoe-white. Check the edges after each run to gauge rollover. Air them accordingly.

Ride with others during your rest periods, ask many questions and listen to advice. Autocrossers are almost always eager to help out newer drivers. We were all novices at one time.

Have fun and don't get discouraged by your times. Focus on improving your own times.