Remind me why I waited so long to start AutoXing

For years I was interested to start going, but kept making excuses. But since I got my MX-5 this year, and after a very nice invite from Duke on here for an event ridiculously close to me I decided it was to go for it.

I showed up early, and got to help set up, which gave me plenty of walking time. It was far more enjoyable to help set up than I though, and the group was very nice, even corner working was pretty fun.

Being in the last group I got to watch everyone else's mistakes, and Duke offered to instruct for me. Turns out I was doing just what I needed to, be smooth, be consistent, stay on course. Now just do it faster.

Faster indeed, on a course where I was told under 60 seconds was good I did: 64.04, 57.56, 54.99, 52.70, 51.55

I even got a congratulatory handshake from the older gent in my class who I edged out for first next to last run. It really felt good to be running with people with such great sportsmanship.

Even without the actual racing I would come back to hang out with some awesome people again. The rush of doing the racing has me itching for when that will be again.

I totally agree. I went to my 1st one last fall, and I was kicking myself for taking so long to finally do it! It's so addictive, I can't wait to go again this season!

Now you need to try rallycross. . Autocross is an seriously good time. Sometimes I can't quite believe that on any given Sunday, in a city of several million people, there are only about 100 of us that come out to have fun. Once you're comfortable, remember the little bit of hand holding that you had today and how nice that made the whole experience. Then go out and be the guy who shows a newbie how to tech and tape numbers on and walk the course.

All I know is my first one is next weekend an I'm pumped!

My sho is still down awaiting parts.......and the ti build is in a holding pattern until I get it moved.

I got my miata just in time for the local autocross series to go under.
Between that and a hideously loud throwout bearing that awaits replacement, looks like it'll be longer than I'd hoped before I get to sample the crack.

Sounds like you got in with a good group, and that makes all the difference. My favorite times in my autocross career have been where I have one or more very close competitors in my class (doesn't matter if we're all gunning for 1st or 10th), and we come to enjoy competing with each other because we have no idea which of us is going to come out in front at any given event. Such competitors have become friends off the track who have remained such after I moved away. At one point I was in it to compete, but in recent years I've been in it mainly for the fun and the generally awesome people who hang out at these events.

I don't do nearly as much autocross as I used to. My P71 is one of the slowest cars out there, though also one of the most popular to watch or ride in. But now that I've got a second set of wheels to leave my snow tires mounted up over the summer I'm looking forward to doing a few more rallycrosses, where I have been competitive. I admit, a locker diff, a little rally school, and low turnout in the RWD classes helps.

After doing that for a while, try a trackday event... very addictive!

Steve, we were glad to have you show up! We appreciated your willingness to show up early, pitch in, and stay late. People with your attitude are the ones that make it fun to put on an event.

Although I only got to ride with you once, you sure looked like you got the hang of it quickly and were having fun. We do 4 events a year and I will advertise them here - I'd be glad to see you back.