It's a different type of fun. AutoX will be less time on-track... but there are plenty of perks. As Andrew mentioned, it's a very safe environment if this is a daily driver or if you're just learning to drive fast. Spin outs happen frequently, and (good) courses are designed to be forgiving.

Cars will get black marks from cones (which buff out) and occasional paint chips from gravel (may not buff out). Major damage is rare.

There's also the social aspect. I'm always surprised at how many passionate and intelligent people use AutoX as their "outlet"... so it's a great way to get some sun and chat with like-minded car enthusiasts. It's next-level from the people you'll meet at Cars & Coffee and local cruise events.

If you have good competition in your class, this adds to the camaraderie. We have a ringer in C-street class... but 3-5 people is enough to generate smack-talk and professional-level analysis of strategy and the racing line. It's as competitive as you make it.

Start with SCCA, since they do a great job with safety and novice instruction. If you need more seat time, there are many smaller groups that will give you more runs/day. BMW and Porsche clubs will often let you run, if you cozy up to an existing member.

Read the rules and ask lots of questions. AutoX is a great training tool for track days, and most clubs will do a mix of both... so you can race with the same crowd.

Doing the same 10 corners over and over again all day long? BOOOORRRRRIIIINNNGGG

;)

There's a challenge unique to autox, you have to be hard into every corner the first time you see it, and picture perfect by the second or third time you try the course in order to do well, there's almost zero time to analyze what you've just done or how you want to setup for the next corner, adrenaline is much thicker for me on an autox course as I'm always playing catch up right now. After about an hour or so on a new track it's easy to start settling in, and losing drag races and getting held up in the corners by the "more potent cars" not to mention that little voice in the back of your head as you hold out another 20 feet past when 'sensible you' tells you to brake, 4/5 of my track days have seen at least one wrecked car towed home. Track days aren't all parts magical.

A good track day is amazing, but right now it's not rustling my jimmies like the cones do. It's always fun to place higher than the 'more potent cars' with an objective time with little room for excuses.

:burnrubber:

Bump. Weather is getting better. Go have fun with your cars in a safe and controlled environment. :)

- Andrew

And remember... Shit does happen. If you can't afford it, leave a little time out there for next time.

C

Hey I'm based in Toronto and when I checked the Auto-x website, it shows that it's in NC. I was just wondering if there was any other locations or if it is only those few?

Hello,

I found this excellent thread with a lot of info for you on a miata forum. Check out the second post:

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=630820

- Andrew

Pitl and pcaur in Brampton Powerade centre
Omsc in whitby
Tlmc in Barrie Molson centre
Check out casc website

St. Lawrence Auto Club (St. LAC) and Shannonville Driver Dynamics also run some auto-x events not too far away from you. I know St. LAC will be doing the opening CASC-OR regional events at Picton airfield this year which is a huge event for the area, we normally get over 120 cars at every event I've attended so far.

Keep your eyes on the Canadian sub-forum because I'll post there about these events once they start up again so check it periodically.

Thanks guys :) I'll look into it.

buuuuuuump.

buuuump new year new you. go to an autocross this year!

- andrew

Welp, you talked me into it.

No.


but I will go to a couple race tracks :)