I'll be attending a season opening autocross school on Saturday.
If I understand correctly the format will be instruction and practice on specific elements in the morning, and a small autocross course in the afternoon.
Any tips for a successful day?
- what should I do for prep?
I changed the oil and filter, and installed the summer wheels and Conti DWSs on Sunday. Checked for any loose parts and leaks while swapping wheels.
- what to bring?
I'm planning to bring snacks, water, sandwich for lunch. Spare tire (it normally stays in the garage), an extra quart of oil, flashlight, and battery powered tire inflator. I'll also bring layers, raincoat, lawn chair and an umbrella since it's supposed to be cold and showers. Oh yea, a plastic bin with lid to keep everything dry when taking it out of the car
What else should I do?
Anything else I should bring?
Thanks!
Sounds like you've got it pretty well covered.
Bring a hat if you have one, and wear sunscreen.
Wear really comfortable shoes for walking and working the course. I switch to Van's for driving because they are narrow and give good pedal feel.
I like to drive with Mechanix gloves on, and they're good for moving stuff too.
Have fun! Starting with a school is a great way to build confidence.
Sounds like you've got it covered. My class suggested to inflate 3-4 lbs over.. I would set it at home and forget it (unless you have a long drive).
I learned the hard way - pack everything the night before. It sucks running around the morning of. Enjoy it! Talk to people. I found most people were shy at first but warm up pretty quick.
Do you have a tire pressure gauge? That is handy to have, although I'm sure someone there will have on if you don't.
My advice is to have a great time!
Tires- No cracking on the sidewalls, no belts showing through, inflated correctly
Brakes- If you've never changed fluid, now is a good time to do it. Check to see you have okay pad material
Suspension- push hard on each wheel at the top and sides. You looking for clunking or wobble.
fluids- make sure nothing is leaking. A slow drip overnight generally won't get you bounced, but an active drip might. Might as well check that coolant, PS fluid, etc is topped off.
Battery- nice and secured
Most street cars in good repair won't have any issues typically.
Stuff- Tire pressure gauge if you have one. The kind with a long hose and a button on the side to let out pressure if you have one. You might want tape or a chaulk marker for numbers. you might not need it for school. A big hat if you have one. Sunglasses. Pack more water than you think you need. Maybe a notebook?
You typically don't need much more than a car in good shape and stuff you'd bring to be outside all day for your first events.
Get there early, walk the course several times. Don't plan where you're going to accelerate or brake, focus on the line, specifically car placement. All of the clubs that I compete with regularly will always have a mandatory novice walk.
Have fun, don't be afraid to ask questions. Consider having someone drive your car, and try to get rides with other drivers.
Remember, you're always faster than everyone that stayed home.
Some helpful tips from your pals at GRM:
Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) said:Have fun, don't be afraid to ask questions. Consider having someone drive your car, and try to get rides with other drivers.
Yep, there's also the social aspect.
Though there may be a bit of standing around, it's that rare time you can stand around other enthusiasts and talk about cars and racing all day.
You're going to be learning a lot of new skills, which is one of my favorite things about autocross.
I'm referring to one of the things that a lot of people don't like, having to work. These are volunteer run events.
Personally, I really like working, whatever the assignment. I've had fun working the autocross grid at the Challenge for the past few years. Being there, and contributing to the success of the event is really gratifying.
I've done every assignment except safety steward (took the class, never got certified), and course design. I'm taking a course design class tonight. There's so many talented people in my region that I'm unlikely to ever actually design a course, but I'm hoping that the class will help my interpretation of the course and improve my driving skills.
In reply to No Time :
Here is a link to an old thread of chatter on first autox. Also, in that thread I have posted a link to another thread that will take you to a "do not miss" video titled Autoxing with Dick Turner. Watch that video (maybe a few times) and you will know more about Autoxing than 50% of the people in attendance.
Of course, having watched the video don't try to achieve all these skills in your first day. It's better to just be aware of the skills. Focus more on the understanding of the physics. Though sweet Mugan CRXs and Intergras are no longer common, the physics have not changed.
Most importantly, have fun. In a lot of ways, its a car show with an activity. Also know that it's a friendly environment. Most competitors will tell you/teach you anything to make you better. But, be mindful that once you start beating them, they may be less likely to share...but you might no longer need it from them either after that!
Thank you everyone for the advice and suggestions.
- I've watched the videos a couple times
- I'll empty out the stuff I don't need tomorrow, so less to remove on site.
- Tires are new and will have about 200 miles on them
- Brake fluid was changed as part of maintenance before I got the car.
- Trans lube was changed when I replaced the clutch in the fall.
- I need to bring some hand warmer packets and a warm hat & gloves (high in the mid 40s with showers)
-I will make sure I pack the car tomorrow night. (Gotta remember to pick up light colored painters tape)
- I've got a tire pressure gauge and picked up this compressor recently to avoid having to get the pancake compressor out when I need to air something up (cars, bikes, wheelbarrow, inflatable kayak, etc)
The most challenging thing about autocross to the uninitiated is the "code of the cones".
From the outside looking in on a course, it is just a sea of cones. Experts see a clear path. N00bs, not so much.
Spend time walking the course, stopping every so often to visualize in your mind the course up to that point. By the time you walk through the finish you should be able to close your eyes and visualize the entire course. You want to be able to drive the course at speed as if it's a familiar twisty road. Visualizing beforehand it is the key. Trying to "follow cones" in the moment rarely turns out well.
if you can do that one thing, all the rest will be tremendously fun.
I'm in Phoenix so the environment may be different to yours (noting that you mention rain), but I always wear long sleeves and sunscreen and a floppy hat. I know you're doing a school, but if it's like a normal AutoX day you'll be standing outside for a LONG time. Also, wear comfortable shoes. Bring a camp chair, too, for down time.
In reply to brandonsmash :
I've got one of the HF folding chairs set aside for tomorrow.
April in New England can vary a lot. today is going to approach 70degrees in some areas, but tomorrow is right back to cold and miserable. Tomorrow the forecast calls for higher chance of showers in the afternoon, but temps will hold steady between 40-45f all day.
The overview sent out is a similar format to autocross with rotation between driving and working, so staying warm and dry while working will be key. I'll probably pack a spare pair of shoes and sock (or two) just to be able to have dry feet.
Rain possible? Take a couple of towels. I find that it's nice to have one in the car to dry thnigs off (hands, face, steering wheel, etc.).
The number one thing for a first-timer is to not worry about your times, at least how they compare to others. Focus on what Andy said and just staying on course. You'll be getting the feel of navigating the cones and driving smoothly through them, so don't expect too much. Figure out the course and you will get faster with each run. And don't forget to have fun.
Today autocross class was fun, despite the afternoon being cold and rainy with a soaking rain. The morning was overcast, but only a few raindrops until lunch break.
The student:instructor ratio was great. My group had three drivers and three instructors for the clam shell and figure 8, and two instructors for the slalom.
After lunch it was pieced together into an autocross course, and run in the rain.
I had a blast, even though I struggled at times with staying on course. Due to the time and rain we didn't get a walk through on the autocross course, which I think contributed to my struggles.
I ended up working the course after my runs at a station where I could see one of the areas I missed a cone. Looking at it at walking speed and watching other drivers made it clear to me where my error was.
I managed to go from 86s to 76s over the course of the 4 autocross runs I got at the end so I'm happy. Between getting lost and dealing with rain, I feel that was a good improvement for a small number of runs.
Congrats! Even if the weather wasn't perfect, that sounds like an excellent outing!
There was a good assortment of cars, although the Miata's and Toyota/Scion version of the twins were the most popular.
Some of the cars included several FRS/86, C6, M4, M240, Elantra N, Miatas, Mazda 3, GR Corolla, Civic Si, a cayman, and a yellow CRX. I had the only Mini running yesterday.
The Elantra N was interesting to watch, the exhaust tone, rev matching, and the inside rear tires in a few corners made it stand out.
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