Feel the burn, My first AX Options

[peridotian]

So my 19 year old son and I will be trekking down to Marina on Sunday and I am nervous (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) because:
1. I have never driven in an AX
2. Neither has my son and he has barely driven a stick
3. I do not have a helmet
4. My accelerator pedal sticks at WOT sometimes
5. I am sure that we will be the slowest car in the field

So as I am cleaning up and tuning the car Saturday, I will take the kid out for several runs around town and let him grind off a few more teeth on my tranny, check my battery hold down, and maybe buy a helmet.

Is there a prize for worst time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif) of the day?

[Demick]

Ben gave excellent advise. No need to be nervous or worried. Just have fun.

Like Ben said, make sure you get there early enough to walk the course. This is an absolute must (not only for your first autocross, but for EVERY autocross).

There is instruction for anyone who wants it, but it is mandatory for first timers. At the drivers meeting, they will ask for first timers and tell you where to go to get an instructor.

Also, get that throttle return fixed. It should absolutely not stick at WOT. That is dangerous especially while autocrossing because you will either be at full throttle or full braking at almost all times. Find the problem and fix it. If you can't - then don't go.

If you plan on autocrossing at all regularly, go ahead and get a helmet. You will be getting one anyway, so why not get it now. Much better than the loaners. Even better if you and your son wear the same size and can get one helmet for both of you.

Don't worry about being fast or slow. There will be other first timers too, and everyone there was a first timer at one time. Go slow or as fast as you feel comfortable. Just make sure you are having fun and everything else will fall in line.

Demick