Autocross for beginners

[bdanisi]

(Im In CA BTW)
I searched the forums and got a general idea of things I need before I autocross my car, but I was hoping that you guys could give me a little more feedback as well. I know I need a helmet, are there specific regulations regarding helmets, or face masks that are fire retardant? Ive seen decibel restrictions on some tracks, I believe it was 120. How do I test the db rating on my car? Will they always ask to measure the db of your car before and event or is it more of a if your car is overly loud then they will bug you about it. I think I saw some more stuff but I pretty much would appreciate info some of you pros have.
Thanks!

[G_Ride]

You need a Snell approved helmet, with SA2000/M2000 being the oldest you can have until the 2015 standards come out for SCCA autox events. You don't need a face mask. I believe the sound level for SCCA events is limited to 100 dB at 50 feet, but it really depends on the sites. Some sites do have lower sound limits. I would see what autox groups are in your area to specifically ask them what the decibel limits are at the sites used. Sound levels can are usually measured at events, but again, I'd ask your local autox groups specifically about that.

[whataboutbob]

http://www.scca.com/solo/
http://www.scca.com/solo/content.cfm?cid=44517

Have fun.

[Sccabrz192]

Sound levels are tricky, it's more dependant on the weather and course design whether you will have an issue with sound or not. If you are running any muffler or resignator on a BRZ/FR-S at all, you are probably safe. I haven't heard of anyone running a muffler delete be in violation of sound.

For those who enforce sound, they will choose a place on track where it is measured.

If you are close to the sound reg, someone will let you know when you get back to grid. if you go over it depends on how strict your region is and how much of a concern noise is for the site you are running at. The rule is you have to make an adjustment before heading back out (dryer ducting to create a turn-down is popular)

Some may just say "hey, try to fix it before the next event"

[7thgear]

in addition to the above, simply show up to your local autocross event (first time out better come as early as you can)

and bring these items

1. masking tape (prefferably a colour that contrasts withy our car... green and blue are favorites)
2. airpump with accurate gauge
3. a box to dump your crap in when you empty out random junk from your car
4. W A T E R
5. Fruits and Snacks
6. anything to protect you from sunlight or rain, depending


there.

#4 and #5 are probably the most improtant ones.. cuz you can borrow the rest or simply tough it out,

but one of the most stealthy killers of fun and excitement is running low on blood sugar or getting dehydrated. Most people don't spend 8-9 hours straight out doors, their bodies are not used to it, so if you're a typical office worker then bring lots of water and lots of (nutrious) snackable foods.... AND MAKE SURE TO ACTUALLY CONSUME THEM IN A TIMELY MANNER

My last event i went through 3 bananas, 2 apples, 1.5 liters of water and a burger, this was on top of a hearty breakfast.

brain fade is a real and serious thing, feed your body and you will be sharp till your last run.





otherwise, check your tire pressures, put your numbers on the car (using tape), empty your car of junk that might get in the way (many autocrossers dont' bother, but my time-attack habbits get me to clean the entiror free of anythign that might dislodge for whatever reason)

and go for a course walk

walk the course as much as you can before the morning driver's meeting

go race!


to maximize your efficiency, ask for rides, especially during the first and second runs. Being friendly will not only get you new friends but you would have the "mental" equivalent to having run 10-15 runs on top of what you would have otherwise done.

Why make mistakes when you can let others make em for you?

One of the most difficult aspect of autocross for newbies is remembering where to go! I've been to autocrosses where people would go off-course the whole day (5 or 6 runs). Don't be one of these idiots who are too bone headed to ask for help.

So ask for rides and give rides to those that ask, you never know when a vet might jump in with you to observe some of his own theories only to point out some glarring error in your driving which will save you an entire day's worth of embarasement.

that's it, really.. the rest will come natural the more autocrosses you do.

[boxer 2.5]

Wow^ good advice! I ALWAYS bring a cooler to auto-x full of goodies. However, I clean out my car at home before the events haha

[7thgear]

it took me 3 years to get in the habbit of making, bringing, and then actually eating proper meals.


one of my favorite quick mixes is a can of flaked tune in water, a tine container of mayo, 1 small chopped cucamber and 1 chopped tomato. Keep the vegies in a container then when you're ready pop the tuna, mix it with the vegies, pour in the mayo (1-2 tablespoons max), mix and mow down.

If carbs dont crash you then add a pita bread or similar. NOM NOM NOM.

[Tt3Sheppard]

Bring lunch. Afternoon sessions your time will decrease by 1-2 secs

[midnight23]

Hope to see you at some future autox events, I went to my first one about 2 weeks ago and had a blast.

[bdanisi]

And this thread is exactly why these forums rock. You guys are the shit. Thanks for everything and the support!

[Kido1986]

Don't be disappointed to be beat. This is huge. You are likely going to suck at first. Don't let it get you down. "Slow" cars are going to beat you. Come to my region, and a Nissan Sentra will hand you your ass every single event if you aren't national-trophying level.

Other novices will be there in faster cars. A guy was peeved because he lost novice class to a GS Vette this weekend. I reminded him that this was on a SUPER slippery track and his power had no benefit on this course. (hell, I could barely make use of 200hp).

[bdanisi]

More about sound, I want to finish my exhaust, headers and overpipe. But my catback muffler and no cat no res front pipe makes my car so loud. How are people running full exhaust setups if mine would be over the 100 db threshold already???

[blkwrxwag]

http://forums.solo2.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7479

[Nm86]

Where I'm at in arkansas, we only have one car that gets close to the sound limit, it's a firebird formula with a built engine and straight pipes that dump out underneath it, this car is sooo loud when he is on the gas at 50 feet seriously it hurts my ears, soo I really doubt you have anything to worry about. I will bet your car is not even close to the sound limit even if you think it's loud.

Originally Posted by bdanisi

More about sound, I want to finish my exhaust, headers and overpipe. But my catback muffler and no cat no res front pipe makes my car so loud. How are people running full exhaust setups if mine would be over the 100 db threshold already???