tracking for n00bs

[mou]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

Don't tag along, drive. What are you waiting for?

car is still breaking in
but I'll try to run the next one

[crouchingpinoy]

I signed up with the Fresno SCCA chapter for a performance driving school a few months ago and I highly recommend it. Eric @mkiisupra and the rest of the staff were so patient and accommodating to newbies and made me feel really welcome...I'm sure other organizations/clubs are the same way.

I learned so much about my car's limits (stock) and my driving abilities. Eventually I would like to hit the track, but for now autoX fits my budget and scratches my itch to turn all nannies off without worrying about crashing into something.

Rick

Is this something that will really wear out tires? I don't have the money to buy another set of tires currently but kind of tempted to try out a AutoX since it sounds really fun and on the cheaper side. I already ditched the stock tires though lol.

[BigFatFlip]

Originally Posted by SilentAngel

Is this something that will really wear out tires? I don't have the money to buy another set of tires currently but kind of tempted to try out a AutoX since it sounds really fun and on the cheaper side. I already ditched the stock tires though lol.

Our stocks, being the eco tires they are, are actually quite durable. I've done 3 autoXs now and have only "roughed" up the surface. I kinda have the opposite idea you have, doing as much autoX/driving as i can to wear them out and have an excuse to get a better set

[mkiisupra]

Originally Posted by SilentAngel

Is this something that will really wear out tires? I don't have the money to buy another set of tires currently but kind of tempted to try out a AutoX since it sounds really fun and on the cheaper side. I already ditched the stock tires though lol.

If you're just into Autox, then no, the tires won't wear out too fast, maybe just uneven if not rotated more frequently than just on the road.

If you like to slide (or drift) at autocross, which I have been known to do, then you will likely wear out the tires a bit faster, but as long as you are just 'testing the waters' then you shouldn't have to worry.

This SATURDAY I will be there in the morning in Atwater. We can all run together and space out enough on grid to get ride-alongs. Come on out, I am not running the event this time, so I have much more time to share with other drivers.

Eric G

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by SilentAngel

Is this something that will really wear out tires? I don't have the money to buy another set of tires currently but kind of tempted to try out a AutoX since it sounds really fun and on the cheaper side. I already ditched the stock tires though lol.

You'll only be beating up your tires for about 4 minutes. I'll get 25+ events out of a set of tires with some street miles in there to because I change at home before events.

[MyRx]

It would be great to see local AutoXers and trackers at the next meet with their cars setup for track (if street legal). Share their experiences, setups, tips, gear, etc...

[AyJay]

I learned some valuable car control lessons while doing a few full seasons of AutoX. I would definitely recommend that to someone who is REALLY interested learning to drive (not just commuting). You'll be 2 steps ahead of the other beginners when you finally decide to hit a track day.

That being said, i've really grown tired of AutoX'ing. I think it has more to do with the Sac SCCA chapter than anything else. The venues they run at are inadequate IMO for different reasons and I hate standing in the sun for hours working the course for less than 4 minutes of actual seat time (some times way less in Stockton).

The good 'ol boy nature of the Corvette Club *err* Sac SCCA chapter admins and the SCCA classing itself really kill it for me.

[mike_ekim1024]

Originally Posted by AyJay

I learned some valuable car control lessons while doing a few full seasons of AutoX. I would definitely recommend that to someone who is REALLY interested learning to drive (not just commuting). You'll be 2 steps ahead of the other beginners when you finally decide to hit a track day.

That being said, i've really grown tired of AutoX'ing. I think it has more to do with the Sac SCCA chapter than anything else. The venues they run at are inadequate IMO for different reasons and I hate standing in the sun for hours working the course for less than 4 minutes of actual seat time (some times way less in Stockton).

The good 'ol boy nature of the Corvette Club *err* Sac SCCA chapter admins and the SCCA classing itself really kill it for me.

I wouldn't mind less structured, smaller events. I don't care about my time (yet), I just want some time on the road to get a feeling for my car. But I understand there is so much red tape and many liabilities tied to renting a lot. Are we just screwed in the bay area? Are there any smaller / privately owned lots that could be potential courses?

[PMok]

Originally Posted by AyJay

I hate standing in the sun for hours working the course for less than 4 minutes of actual seat time (some times way less in Stockton).

damn I typed out a long post and then the site went down and lost it. so quick version:

yep, that's basically why I transitioned from autox to track days after one or two seasons ... more seat time per dollar. but of course higher risk and more expenses. don't get me wrong I still highly recommend new drivers or new to the car try autox first to learn car control.

Mike check out grip drift skid, they offer skidpad sessions on track days which is less money and less risk than a track day, might be a good intermediate option. though it's fairly simple courses like fig 8s and J turns.

below that, I can recommend going to a karting track and getting seat time there. yes it's wrong vehicle but you learn a lot from that experience that can carry over.

and lastly some will laugh or scoff but GT5 on a PS3 with good wheel and pedals. Not the same as the real thing obviously but pick an 86 with crappy tires and get on a wet road course, you'll actually learn a few things about car control... better than nothing.

Originally Posted by BigFatFlip

Our stocks, being the eco tires they are, are actually quite durable. I've done 3 autoXs now and have only "roughed" up the surface. I kinda have the opposite idea you have, doing as much autoX/driving as i can to wear them out and have an excuse to get a better set

Originally Posted by mkiisupra

If you're just into Autox, then no, the tires won't wear out too fast, maybe just uneven if not rotated more frequently than just on the road.

If you like to slide (or drift) at autocross, which I have been known to do, then you will likely wear out the tires a bit faster, but as long as you are just 'testing the waters' then you shouldn't have to worry.

This SATURDAY I will be there in the morning in Atwater. We can all run together and space out enough on grid to get ride-alongs. Come on out, I am not running the event this time, so I have much more time to share with other drivers.

Eric G

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

You'll only be beating up your tires for about 4 minutes. I'll get 25+ events out of a set of tires with some street miles in there to because I change at home before events.

Ok kool, Thx for the Info. I'll try to catch the next one. I'm already scheduled to work this saturday and supposed to visit my dad when i get off work at 3PM.

[orthojoe]

Originally Posted by AyJay

The venues they run at are inadequate IMO for different reasons and I hate standing in the sun for hours working the course for less than 4 minutes of actual seat time (some times way less in Stockton).

Ugh. I remember those days.

Do a track day and you'll never look back at autocross again. Guaranteed. There's no reason not to do a track day if you live in the bay area. 3 world class tracks. All less than 2 hours away. You're paying kalifornia taxes. Might as well enjoy what it has to offer.

[overlookedx]

Originally Posted by PMok

and lastly some will laugh or scoff but GT5 on a PS3 with good wheel and pedals. Not the same as the real thing obviously but pick an 86 with crappy tires and get on a wet road course, you'll actually learn a few things about car control... better than nothing.

Well thanks to this post I set up my racing wheel right when I got home and have been playing gt5 all night haha. Come May 19th I'll be tearing it up at Laguna Seca on gt5, and pretending that I can actually afford a track day like the rest of you!

Sent from my Galaxy S3

[AyJay]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

Ugh. I remember those days.

Do a track day and you'll never look back at autocross again. Guaranteed. There's no reason not to do a track day if you live in the bay area. 3 world class tracks. All less than 2 hours away. You're paying kalifornia taxes. Might as well enjoy what it has to offer.

Nowadays I only AutoX occasionally for the social aspect of it. Once I got a taste of the track a few years ago then AutoX just didn't cut it anymore... especially with all of the drawbacks of the SacSCCA.