A Newbie's Guide to Autocross

[kayger12]

BMWCCA Regions: http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=n...l_regional_map
SCCA Regions: http://www.scca.com/divisions.aspx

Thank you, sir!

[jvr826]

What a great thread!

Anyone in the SF Bay Area looking to get into autocross, see links in my sig. I'm a coordinator and our first event of the season is just four weeks away! Registration has been open nine days and we're 60% sold out already. Any questions about our program, please PM me.

FWIW, we charge 1 second per downed cone. Pointer cones do not count as downed cones.

AHA! I see Spencers linked Kris Linquist's site... he was one of the coordinators for the past 5 seasons and passed the reigns to me last fall.

[jvr826]

Absolutely! He and Matt Vissar revived a dying program, grew and improved it, and last fall after 5 years of running it, they handed off a very strong program to Rodger and I.

Funny thing is, I was an all-track guy who couldn't see the point of autocross... until I tried it... once. After my first run on course my heart was racing and I had an ear-to-ear grin on my face as I made my way back to the queue for my next run... and I was impatient as I waited for my turn to go again. Those 50 seconds on course changed my whole view of the thing and taught me a lot about myself.

It's very different than going to the race track. At the track you have 14-15 corners in about 3 miles and 20-30 minute sessions of repetition to learn it and tune to it. At autocross you get about the same number of corners in less than a quarter mile and only 40-60 seconds to do all that. And, you only get one "lap" to do it, then you sit and visualize your run to figure out what changes to make to go faster next time. Tho you're traveling slower, the action is much faster so your brain has to process things much quicker. It's quite a mental challenge!

Good times!

[az3579]

Absolutely the case, though personally I find the track more exhilerating. Must have something to do with being able to actually row through some gears and hear the engine sing...

Sent from my DROIDX

[Terry]

Great write-up, Spencers! Pleased to hear that you got snagged I think your write-up may give people the nudge who have had the curiosity and just needed that extra lil' push.

What I've always loved about cone-dodging is that no matter how much experience you have you will experience the grip limit of the car...Somehow. I find that autocross tends to give people a good appreciation for how quickly you can lose front end grip and how it all is connected to your eyes. Unlike tracks with visual markers and sometimes apex / exit cones, the autocross courses tend to be overwhelming at first glance as there are thousands of those orange buggers!

I have a friend that has become a regular at San Diego Chapter (BMW CCA) autocross events. He has a ton of fun in his bone stuck Toyota Avalon These events are accessible and beneficial for everybody...whether you're attending to hone your families' driving skills in the bone-stock 93' Buick Roadmaster Estate or even on the other end of the spectrum - an experienced club racer / track pilot looking to fine-tune some car control skills or shake-down the car.

Jeff, i have an old friend up in your neck of the woods that will be attending your events.. Just working on getting him in a car. Whenever he's back down in Orange County visiting family I will be getting him to LA and SD chapter autocrosses (and of course Driving Schools), but for the most part he'll be attending Golden Gate chapter events.

Thanks again, Spencers

Terry

[bcleaver]

+1 for autox. I'll warn you though, while the cost to race is very inexpensive for a motorsport, once the bug bites you you'll find yourself spending a lot more to get the car 'competitive'.

[johnrando]

Terry, I'll be checking for local events (more LA area)... maybe we can sync up and attend one. I'm a newbie, but looking forward to trying it!

[Terry]

John, sounds like a plan!! There are typically autocross events put on in the LA area by the SCCA. Occasionally they put on an event at the El Toro (ex)Marine Base. For BMW CCA you'll have to head over to Fontana or go south to San Diego.

We should definitely keep in touch.

BMW CCA LA Chapter: www.bmwclubla.org
BMW CCA San Diego Chapter: www.sdbmwcca.com

-Terry

[jvr826]

Jeff, i have an old friend up in your neck of the woods that will be attending your events.. Just working on getting him in a car. Whenever he's back down in Orange County visiting family I will be getting him to LA and SD chapter autocrosses (and of course Driving Schools), but for the most part he'll be attending Golden Gate chapter events.

Your friend is welcome to come by and spectate, get ride-alongs, whatever. We're almost sold out for 4/9, only 10 spots left ATM.

[murph]

Wish I'd see this thread earlier, I was in Irvine on business last week, so I stuck around for the San Diego National Tour and co-drove Bill Schenker's CSP Miata. I didn't drive terribly well, but it was a heck of a lot of fun, and the LA/SD locals made me feel very welcome! I'll have to post up if I do it again sometime, I think the SD Tour or El Toro Pro Solo will have to be on the list every year. =]