This may sound like a dumb question, but then i really have no idea what is an autocross racing... Can anyone explain to me what is it like?

Is it similar to this event? www.mazdarevitup.com

 

check out http://www.scca.com for more info on autocross, look for solo II

or check out my site (shameless plug) http://www.solo2.org/

and if you have a highspeed connection check out the video page http://www.solo2.org/video/

 

A great way to beat the hell out of your car. Not a fan myself. If you want to see how the car can handle, do a track day or SCCA Solo I.

 

hm... looks interesting...

thanks for the reply guys...

 

And you won't beat the hell out of your car on the street? or on a track day? drag strip? or Solo I?

 

adrie, autocross is a blast. I have been running for 4 years now, getting my butt handed to me at national events every year, but improving each time as well.

It really is all about the driver, there is so much learning to be done. I can't say I am anywhere close to where I want to be, but I see the guys starting out locally and realize how far I have come.

You learn a lot, some of it comes naturally, some of it comes from just doing it for so long. I would highly recommend trying it out, just don't be frustrated if you don't do as well as you hope. It takes lots of seat time to start to get the hang of the sport!

 

Considering that an average autox run is about a minute and that most events consist of 4-6 runs, it means that your car gets run hard for 4-6 minutes total. That's not a lot of beating. I probably do more wear-and-tear damage to my car driving to work in rush hour traffic. And since the speed is limited to around 60-70mph for most cars, the brakes don't reach anywhere near the temps that they would reach on a track. Plus, most cars (and the Z especially) will see one shift--into 2nd--and that is it. Compared to the multiple upshifts and downshifts for an average road course, an autox is a piece of cake for the tranny and clutch. About the only thing that gets worked hard is the suspension and the tires...but if you are driving optimally at a track you will work those parts just as hard and probably harder if you consider the duration of the laps.

 

Well, think what you want, but my experiences have lead me to feel pretty confident in my previous statement. I have one current friend who AutoX's his WRX, and I feel for the future purchaser of that car. Plus, being around SCCA Club Racing lets you talk to a lot of guys who've moved up from SoloII, and they say the same things.

If want my real opinion, I think it's pretty stupid for people to regularly race a street car. If you want to learn how to race, buy a purpose built race car or a kart. They may be more expensive up front, but the cost to maintain them is (in the cases I've seen at least) much less. Besides, real racing involves driving in traffic, and those are the experiences that are priceless.

 

No thinking about it...my 18 years of autox and track experience have demonstrated that is the case. But you are welcome to believe what you like.

 

I don't expect anyone's opinion to change, mine included. I've been in and around SCCA Club Racing my entire 24 years, and I've talked to plenty of drivers and seen enough with my own eyes to feel secure in my thoughts.