SCCA Autocross

Do you like to push your car to its limits or do you just like to drive for fun? If you are one of these types of people then autocross is just the thing for you. Not only do you get to see what your car is capeable of but you also get to have a great time. So what is autocross? Autocross is a road like course marked by cones, set up on any flat paved service (parking lots, etc..), your goal is to negotiate the cones in the fastest possible time. When on the course there is no passing because only one car is to be on a section at any given time (only one car allowed on at a time). Autocross is usually a low speed event that is directed toward handling more than power, if you like to go fast, and you think you are up to the task of driving at high speeds there are other races that do have high speeds.

The first step in autocross is getting there. In the U.S. the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) is the a good way to start racing, no matter if you are 16 and just got your drivers license, or an experienced driver with a race car the SCCA can accommodate you. To find out how to get involved in the SCCA check out there web page at www.scca.org . If you would like to find out what region you are in and would like to find out when and where the next event near you is click here . To participate in events a SCCA membership in not needed, a membership gives one reduced prices on events, and other benefits. The only equipment you need is your car, yourself, and a drivers license.

Please Contact Webmaster if there is no Picture

Dont make the mistake I have made, when going to a track event be sure to bring all the supplies one would need for a day in the sun, as well as any automobile related items, such as tools, various fluids, and tape to secure or make your cars numbers. Be sure to bring, a chair, lots of water, sunscreen, and even your own shade if you would like it. Upon arrival, the first thing one will be asked to do is sign a liability waver, next is the tech inspection (to check if ones car is road worthy, no leaks, secure battery, steering is in order, brakes work, and wheels are properly secured), after tech one needs to register (be prepared to wait in line).

Please Contact Webmaste if there is no Picture

Before the driving one must learn the course, if you are new to autocross I would suggest going through the novice walk through. In the novice walk through one is shown a good line, and what all the different types of gates mean. Try and walk the course enough so that you know the course by heart and will know where to go. The best driver in the world will never win a race if he/she goes off course (off course runs do not count in autocross), by knowing the course one reduces their chance of missing a gate and getting a DNF (did not finish). While walking the course one may want to draw a diagram of all the gates, thus studying the course even more. If you do not completely know the course walk it as many times as you can to memorize it.

Notify Webmaster if there is not Picture

At the event I attended all participants were required to work, I was stationed as a cone man. My job was out in the hot sun, no one in our group brought water to our station, but we all wish we had. When you are assigned a station be aware of the job you are performing and what you need to perform it. After working participants raced then rested (the order changes for what group you are in).

Once your time to race as come move your car in to a staging lane, go and get a loaner helmet (if you do not have one, or one that is certified) and wait your turn to run. Be sure that all objects in your car are ether remove or secured, a loose object may move distracting you. I removed my speaker box and my spare tire before my run.

Let the fun begin.

No matter what kind of car you have, it could be a 1980 300D or a 2003 SL55 you will have fun at an autocross event. As a novice just go and have fun, do not think that you will lap the field on your very first event. I have not covered everything about SCCA autocross in this article, if you would like to know more about autocross or if you are planing on attending an event I highly recommend that you visit the Novice Handbook page, the page covers everything I have said in more depth and something's that I did not talk about.

If you want a adrenaline rush go to an local event and see what you and your car are capable of. Every time I go to an autocross event I have a great time and I do not want it to end, the end is the sad part. However do not take the autocross on to the streets, not only is it dangerous but it is illegal, and there will be another event shortly enough. That said, now you can go out and try your hand at autocross!

Home