So how does one get involved in autocross events with SCCA? I'm pretty much a newbie to racing events. So I'm wondering what the setup is. Do they have events for beginner's where you have time with an instructor? I know BMW CCA does that and I'm probably gonna try that out. But does SCCA do that too?

Thanks.

 

Go here and look around. Sometimes there are events with instructors that are more introductional to get you educated in the processes with autocrossing. It would all depend on the region you're in and your region will most likely have a website with further details.

http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/index.html

 

If you are East Bay, as in East SF Bay California, then you should check out the SF Region Home Page:

www.sfrscca.org

Their events are pretty full, so you have to be a member to run (and you can't sign up at the race), but you can always show up and watch. Well, at least I think you can, I've never had to do that, so I don't know for sure.

Go to the SOLO2 page and check out the schedule. It will tell you when and where the next event is.

-D'oh!

 

Many local SCCA chapters also have Novice schools as well, ususally started the morining of the event, then through-out the day.

 

I contacted the admins of a local group, the Akron Sports Car Club. I noticed on their web site that they had plenty of information about the races and when they took place. However, I need more information about car prep and other issues. So, I contact the admins and they gave me amazing help. I did really well my first time, but I probably won't do it again. Even though HDPE's are more expensive, that type of racing in more inline with what I am looking for. Find a local club that has a web site and contact the admin.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll probably try to run with the BMW CCA guys first since it appears that they have more hands on training (plus my friends all have beemers.) And then give SCCA Novice a run as well.

 

High Density Polyethylene

 

No no no silly, it stands for "High Drivers' Performance Education" - it started in Mexico with some peyote and a big parking lot, but has recently caught on in the US at the more secluded desert tracks. In addition to the standard heel-toe, braking, and cornering drills, students are taught how to overcome the challenges inherent in taking bong hits, munching carne asada burritos, and sipping Mountain Dew while cornering at over 1g with a full-face helmet on. Sport Compact Car predicts that it will eclipse drifting by the year 2007, or sooner if legalization happens.

"That lap may have been under 2 minutes, but man, it seemed like days"

 

SCCA San Francisco Region has regularly scheduled autocross series (currently in the middle of the 'slush' series) and they also have driver education days. There are several 350Z's who show up most of the time. I haven't been lately...too much work.
Need to join the SCCA but autocross events rotate between Candlestick, Colesium, and Golden Gate Fields. A few have taken place at the helicopter pad in Marina.

 

I used to run from time to time with the Akron clubs, they're excellent and have good pavement to use. For your first time autocross, just bring yourself, your car, some extra air in your tires, sunblock, water and a few snacks, and the attitude that you're going to learn a great deal more about your car than you ever imagined. Most everyone at an AutoX is a friendly car nut, so let people know that you're a novice, and you'll get lots of free information and help. Don't expect to be fast your first few times, but the more open-minded you are the more quickly you'll pick things up. Make sure you clean out your car if you keep lots of stuff in it, and never hesitate to ask questions.

 

Don't worry about setup for the beginning. All you need to know is how to play with tire pressures. As everybody here (and the books too) states - driver is what you need to work on. Some guys spend big $ buying everything they can find for the car... guess how good drivers it makes them? You'll still can be driving like s$%t no matter what you invested into your car

Just find an event, sign on and go. I go to whatever is closest for the weekend, no matter what club it is. Woun't hurt to read some book about high performance/autox driving. I don't remember what was the name of one I've read, but I'm surre guys here will give you an advise.

I just started last year and it's really great and addictive. Ah, and don't try to hide you are a novice. It's not a shame, and you'll get a LOT of useful information if you'll hint you want it.

 

suggestions for getting started in the northeast? any northeast clubs?

also, i plan on changing tires soon. i need an alignment as well as new tires and this might be a good way to finish off the tires, no? no harm to supension with poor alignment and autox-ing, right? wrong?

 

phenolic, scca is national, so i'm sure you can find scca regionals in your area... autox will definitely help finish off unwanted rubbers ... and it shouldnt hurt your suspension... but be sure to get the alignment done when u get ur new tires.