First Autocross

[zberz]

So... I signed up for autocross at Boxerfest in DC this year. It will be my first event. I know I need a helmet, but I'm not sure what else I really need to prepare for. Fluids and tire pressure seem pretty obvious, but I need some pro tips from the experts. What do you bring or prepare for autocross events? What are the best ways to minimize the cone carnage, stay on course, and get decent times? All tips appreciated. I did search before posting but didn't find much. Thanks in advance!

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[ka-t_240]

#1 - Is your car stock or modded?

#2 - Things to bring: Water/Fluids, Snacks, a chair, tire pressure gauge(if you have an electric tire pressure pump).

#3 - Advice:
*Do the course walk, see if you have a friend or someone you meet at the event to walk with you.
*Get an instructor
*Take it easy, its very easy to over drive which often equals large mistakes, cones, etc.

[Mr.ac]

Yep pretty much all you need.
First lap go normal but not too fast.

If you have time ask to ride shot gun on the first few cars of the day. That should get you familiar with the course.

Expect shitty times. Don't worry about ranking just have fun.

Also hat, sunscreen.

[zberz]

Originally Posted by ka-t_240

#1 - Is your car stock or modded?

#2 - Things to bring: Water/Fluids, Snacks, a chair, tire pressure gauge(if you have an electric tire pressure pump).

#3 - Advice:
*Do the course walk, see if you have a friend or someone you meet at the event to walk with you.
*Get an instructor
*Take it easy, its very easy to over drive which often equals large mistakes, cones, etc.

Car has intake, exhaust, and unichip. Not stock, but not much more power. I don't have an electric pump or anything, but have a quality gauge. I plan to fill the tires beforehand.

I'll definitely walk the course. From what I've seen on youtube, the hardest part looks to be staying on course. How do you get an instructor? Are they available the day of, or is that something I should work out beforehand?

Thanks for the help!

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[zberz]

Originally Posted by Mr.ac

Yep pretty much all you need.
First lap go normal but not too fast.

If you have time ask to ride shot gun on the first few cars of the day. That should get you familiar with the course.

Expect shitty times. Don't worry about ranking just have fun.

Also hat, sunscreen.

Good tips, thanks! I am an Arizonan, so not super worried about the sun, but remembering to not get super-excited and try to be Schumacher on the first try will be a focus point for me. If I can sit passenger for a lap or two, I think I'll get in the zone.

Not expecting to post times impressive to anyone else, but I push my car to the limit and want to do the best that I can. I'll probably still be on stock tires, so impressing anyone else is out of the question. :-)

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[Bolobao]

Much of this sticky'd thread from CSG Mike should still apply:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25485

[Silverspeed]

A few basic suggestions:

1) Walk the course as much as you can. Ideally walk it enough that you can memorize the course start to finish.
2) Look ahead. Look ahead. Look ahead.
3) When in doubt, take the tightest line. The shorter line, all else being equal, is the fastest.
4) Be smooth. Car placement first. Speed 2nd.

[86_Freak]

I always recommend working the course before you run for newcomers so you can get used to the flow of things before getting on course yourself. Don't worry about setting fast times, worry about learning how to drive your car where it needs to go. LOOK AHEAD. Also, get as many rides in other people's cars as you can. If others are willing, have them ride with you to give you tips.

[zberz]

Thanks for all the help and thanks for that link Bolobao.

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[Biggins]

The course for this event will be TINY. They hire people to work the course, so you really just show up and drive. If you're local to DC area, it would be better to check out a local club event... NCC BMW club and DC SCCA club are good options.

[zberz]

Any recommendations on brake pads? Do I need to bleed them before/after?

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[cjd]

Originally Posted by zberz

Any recommendations on brake pads? Do I need to bleed them before/after?

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For AutoX? Attend. Especially if, as mentioned, this is a really small course you will be fine with the stock pads - bleed only if they feel like they need it, but don't feel obligated. You just don't see the heat buildup in the brake system with AutoX like you do on 20 minute HDPE sessions, etc.

The things that were the most important for me my first event: water! and a friend that's done AutoX before. The former, I didn't get enough of. That sucked. The latter is someone to help you through all the stupid stuff you might not remember otherwise, and to help you understand the course, etc. I was happy to not be dead last on PAX...

I now bring lots of water, Clif bars, suncreen, napkins, some plastic spoons and forks, kleenex, a sun hat, rain jacket and pants, extra layers,gloves and hat if it's chilly (it can get cold working the course,) sunglasses, my toolbox (torque wrench, a couple sets of sockets, coilover tools, breaker bar, some extra lug nuts, a bunch of disposable gloves, a block of wood, jumper cables...) a jack or two (I usually have a couple scissor jacks at a minimum,) lunch, air compressor (I have to fix my air tank but I like to bring that too,) a garden sprayer filled with water for cooling tires, me, etc., pressure gauge, and a plastic tub with lid to hold most of this and keep it dry if weather goes wet.

Basically, enough to stay hydrated, fed, and protected from whatever weather comes with the day; tools to assist with tire changes or simple repairs if needed; stuff to adjust tire pressure.

C

[AFRichZC6]

This is your very first event?

Just go, make sure you're where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be, and have fun! Yes, do bring water, food/snacks, sun protection, etc. Do that for one or two more events before you even start worrying about adjustments like tire pressure - none of that will matter at your first few events, especially on stock tires. The most important thing about your first event is just being there and enjoying yourself without taking it too seriously.

Beyond your first event, then you'll want to start focusing on looking ahead, car placement, line, adjustments, possible mods, etc.

It's not an event that is very tasking on your car. You basically only need to make sure it's not leaking, nothing's loose, and it made you feel confident enough to drive it safely to the event under its own power.

[zberz]

Thanks for all the advice.

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