Hey guys,
Im a newb but had a quick question,
Im going autox this weekend for the first time and wanted to know if there is a Helmet store in or around the Los Angeles area... thanks for ur time

-Frank

 

Most clubs have loaner helmets so there's probably no need to rush out and buy one.

If you do want to buy one, make sure you know what the club requires. You don't want to buy something that does not meet the regulations, i.e. a helmet that's not Snell rated.

 

what he said... also, FWIW, if you do want to buy one anyway, and you have ANY desire to eventually take your car on a road course... buy one that is Snell SA rated. While most autocross events allow M rated helmets still, most groups running track events will not.

 

If you are going to the Z nationals they said no loaners and SA95 or better. I can't help you with the "where" though.

Chris

 

Simpson Racing
1536 228th St.
Torrance, CA 90501
Tel: 310.539.2266

http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/c.../torrance.aspx

 

yea im talking about the Z nationals, i just bought a helmet yesterday in irvine it was about an hour drive it was Snell SA 2005 rating, one more question, what should i do/bring cause this will be my first event? thanks for all the help

-Frank

 

There is a list I got in the mail of things that need to be in good working order and with your 2005 I am sure you will be fine.

You will want to leave any loose items at home, time to clear out your trunk and glove box of random stuff and make sure noting going to go moving around.

Some guys pull the spare and all that but I figure, I know how the car handles with all that stuff in there, why suddenly change the dynamics when I take it to an autocross. I figure there is plenty of room for driver improvement before 100 lb of weight is gonna make a difference.

This is a school so there should be plenty of driving tips coming from the instructors

Chris

 

I wish more people thought that way

 

Pulling things like spares are more for safety than weight savings. SoCal regional is pretty conscious of any possibility of things flying around regardless of the likelihood - especially a 40lb projectile tied down by a single bolt.

 

How about the brake fluid? so i leave the stock fluid in there or should i buy a better kind?
thanks

-Frank

 

Yup, this is the main reason that the spare is pulled. On coupe cars with the spare in a seperated trunk it's not that big of a deal, but in a hatch, where the spare can freely roam into the passenger compartment if that bolt breaks or comes loose..... Also, the jack is only held in place by a lil wimpy strap...in the event of the worse case I wouldn't want to test that strap.

 

I'll take it by the questions you are asking that this is your first autox. Here's the big thing to remember about autox on your first time...slow is fast. The only thing that you'll be stressing on your car is the tires, make sure they are up to snuff. Other than that, NO loose items in the cabin, and loose the floor mats, they can cause problems. Pay attention to the walk of the course, and try to draw it out as YOU see it in your mind on a piece of paper. Keep walking it untill they drag you off course or you can draw the thing on a piece of paper correctly. It's so embarassing to get lost on a course. If you do get lost please go through the final cones though so you don't mess up the timing of the other cars and so you don't accidentally run over and break the cables running to the timing lights.

I would suggest 45psi in your tires to start off with and run in the later afternoon groups. This will allow you to see other people run and you can ask someone else for a ride along so you can see the course how it will appear in a car.

There will be a novice talk/walkthrough...attend that. Also, everyone there will be more than willing to give you tips/pointers, don't be afraid to ask. Just don't ask someone who is mentally going through the course. If they are up and talking to other people don't hesitate to say you are new and ask for tips.