New to Autocross Options

[Jon H.]

After looking a the local autocross club's classing rules and with my mods (wheels/suspension/weight) I will be placed in the class with the vehicles below: (I have a stock 2.0l 4cyl)

Audi R8, BMW 325 M-Technic, BMW M3 Lightweight, BMW Z8, Callaway Corvette, Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C6 chassis) ('09-10), Dodge Viper ('08-09), Dodge Viper (NOC), Ferrari (NOC), Ferrari 355 & 360, Ford GT, Ford Mustang Boss 302, Laguna Seca (2012), Ford Mustang Cobra R, Lamborghini (NOC), Lotus Elan M100, Lotus Elise SC ('08-10), Lotus Exige S & S/C ('06-10), Lotus Sport Elise ('06), Nissan GT-R ('09-10), Porsche 911 GT2 ('02-05), Porsche 911 GT3 & GT3 RS (997chassis), Porsche 911 Turbo AWD, Porsche 996 Turbo, Saleen Mustang S/C

Will my lack of power be an issue or does it come down to the driver? (really though a Lambroghini!)

Regards

Jon

[Jon H.]

Thanks for all the advice, I am a little leery about trying to see the course with cones only. Like playing the old Atari game night rider. It's hard to see far out where your turns are going to be. I'll try and get there early, there is also a drivers school coming up that I will try and make it to.

[Paragon]

Thanks for all the advice, I am a little leery about trying to see the course with cones only. Like playing the old Atari game night rider. It's hard to see far out where your turns are going to be. I'll try and get there early, there is also a drivers school coming up that I will try and make it to.

At first you're going to see a sea of cones and think you'll never figure things out. Don't worry, you will. Ride with instructors as others mentioned as this will give you more "looks" at the course. Take your first solo run at a more leisurely pace so you can get comfortable without the pressure of trying to go fast. Often times events will print course maps to hand out and that's a great way to learn the course as well.

[00r101]

I love autocrossing but I admit that it is one of the most unintuitive motorsports. Here's my advice to all newbies.

1) Leave your ego at home. No matter how fast your car you will be humbled.
2) Your goal at your first autocross should be to have at least one run on course. You will get lost somewhere and miss a gate. Don't be surprised if you are marked off course and you have no idea where.
3) Walk the course as many times as possible (at least 3 times).
4) Ask someone to watch your runs. That way may be the only way to know where you went off course.
5) Your goal at your second autocross should be to improve your time each run.
6) Here are your mantras "slow in, fast out" and "Look ahead" On sharp 90 degree turns you should be looking out the side window before you get to the turn.
7) You will be surprised how much harder the course is driving than walking and how slow the car is going yet the cones come up very fast.
8) Don't be embarrassed. No one will expect you to be an expert. Also no one will pay attention to your runs, they are more concerned about their runs and the people who are beating them. You will be slow - get used to it.
9) Don't worry about where your car is classed. When you are starting out nothing matters but your experience. A well driven stock 914 can beat a novice driver in a Bugatti Veyron
10) There are only 2 important things - be safe and have fun.