Getting into AutoX

[Wschnitz]

What do I need, average costs, dangers as a newb.

What do I need to know?

[FredK]

They might cost around $40.

You might get 6-8 runs, each lasting between 45 to 90 seconds depending on the size of the venue and the layout of the course.

No real dangers, just keep your eyes up. You'll need a helmet and a securely mounted battery, and tight wheel bearings.

[Gary Horneck]

Car, helmet, some cash for entry fee, sun block, something for lunch, and you are set.

[FredK]

Ooh yeah. Definitely bring sun block. You'll be in the sun for a while, even if it is in Washington State and it's overcast, you can still get sunburned.

[bmws50b30]

a few resources you check out. have fun. be safe.

http://autox4u.com/file/check.htm

http://www.autocross.com/autoc/started.htm

[bowtie2bimmer]

What about rules for verts? Do you have to have a cage even though you only hit like highway speed?

[bmwguy325is]

What about rules for verts? Do you have to have a cage even though you only hit like highway speed?

NO

You may also get an air gauge and compressor. Maybe some chalk to read tire roll.

[Nsquared97]

All I can say is welcome to the addiction haha. But the first thing I would recommend, ask lots of questions if you have them. Most people in the sport are very friendly and eager to help out someone new. Don't be afraid to ask to ride with some experienced, or have them ride with you, both are great learning tools. And most of all, have fun!

[cenotaph]

What about rules for verts? Do you have to have a cage even though you only hit like highway speed?

This can be club dependent. At least one of the PCA regions here in the NE requires either a hardtop or roll bar for convertibles. The registrar for whatever club you want to run with should be able to tell you about any restrictions. The SCCA doesn't require roll bars/cages, AFAIK. If the club running the event offers instructors, use them. Also, try and find some one experienced to walk the course with you, and give you some pointers.

[Jaxx_]

Sometimes your local club will have loaner helmets, too. You usually need at least a SNELL M helmet for autox if you bring your own.

Most clubs will willingly welcome newbies. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and get all unnecessary junk out of your car before you go.

Bring some painters tape to make numbers on the side of your car. I suggest you run in NOV class and get an instructor for the first time out. Once you feel comfortable on your own and you're not DNFing for obvious reasons, then go out on your own. Get some ride alongs and then keep your next few sundays free. :)

Have fun!

[Wschnitz]

Ok, is it worth it to pull out excess weight before hand? Spare tires, rear seats, etc?

I want to get my loser of a friends to go to, he is a miata guy, hopefully not gay, but he talks about ask this drifting he does that I don't really believe with a miatas 114HP lol.

Link Me to a helmet? That's the only thing I need.

I'll for sure ride with someone first.

[Nsquared97]

Don't worry about pulling too much out. Just make sure the car is clean, nothing can be lose inside. Things like the spare, factory jack, and floormats can come out at the event. Technically removing seats bumps you into a different class if they run SCCA rules, and your first time out that won't really matter.

Most clubs have loaner helmets you can borrow if you don't have your own, otherwise this is what I use:

http://www.soloperformance.com/HJC-CL-16-Full-Face-M2010-Helmet-_p_1558.html

Open face helmets are perfectly fine too if you are driving a car with a windsheild.

[Jaxx_]

I have a cheapie Scorpion EXO-400 that I run for autox. I got it on ebay for about 50 shipped.

[SGT4677]

Looks like the PCA ran today

http://www.bmwpugetsound.com/events/event/autocross-with-porsche-club-10/

You might consider this

http://www.bmwpugetsound.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=47246

The PCA also runs a winter skills day at bremerton thats open to BMWCCA members.Keep an eye out for the 2013 schedule. Its wet cold sloppy fun.

http://www.pnwr.org/default.asp

[UNCL3AN1]

Ah yes, autocross. I did my first event in 8 years this spring. I forgot how much fun it was and how many cool people are involved in it. I love the variety of cars that show up.

If you're goin to use a loner helmet, get one of those head socks. Either get the painter's head sock from Lowe's, or get a real one. I was borrowing helmets when I first got into the sport and I happened to put on a sweaty helmet when it was about 100 degrees one day. Pretty friggin nasty. The nastier thing about it is that I ended up gettin ring-worm on the back of my head because my head was shaved. It was pretty gross. I had to take care of it by putting athlete's foot cream on me head for a while. Just get a head sock if you're goin to borrow the helmets. You don't know how many koodie ridden bastards are goin to be using the same helmets you're goin to use.

Around here you don't need a roll bar for a vert. You just need to make sure you don't have a speaker box in the back. Around here they'll make you take it out. They'll check to see if your battery is tight, and your wheels. If you have wheel covers, they make you pull those off. They make you take out your floor mats and everything inside that car that has potential to move around while flyin through turns.

I took my step-son out for his first event this spring also. I wanted him to do it so he can learn how to control a vehicle by instinct when in emergency situations. He had a blast. He walked with some other noobs and had an instructor ride with him a few times to help him out. The instructor actually drove his car one run to show him how much faster he could take it while keeping it in control. It was an awesome event. Be ready to have a complete rush. It's pretty cool when you're sitting in your car, at the line, listening to your breathing and the car ahead of you. Something about it gives me a little rush, but it's kinda calming. Pretty weird for me i guess. One of the only times I really feel calm and collected.

Yeah, bring a hat, bring a hoodie, bring drinks and food. You'll be out there all day long. The weather can change fast in some areas. Out here it can be pretty nice, then horrible in the blink of an eye. I remember one autocross back in 2000 when i was working the course and getting snowed on. That sucked. Just be prepared for anything. An extra hoodie, a cooler with some drinks and food, maybe a chair, sunscreen, a good hat that will cover your face, some really comfy shoes for when you're working the course (since you'll be on your feet and running after cones for a while) and be prepared to have some really good fun.