I never autoXed before but this looks like a fun motorsport. If you don't mind, i have couple of noob questions that may have been covered.
How many events can a set of tires (front and back) last?
How's the change in wheel alignment after each event? Need to get them checked after each event?
Most importantly, what do you get if you place within third ?

thanks guys

 

How many events can a set of tires (front and back) last?

>>>Tough to say, it depends on the tire (street vs. race, treadwear) and the camber setup. On street tires w/ 140+ treadwear and OEM suspension/camber, maybe 15-20 events till the shoulders are corded. The OEM front doesn't have enough camber to keep the treadwear even. If you can swap front to rear, or flip the tires on the wheel, you can get more out of them. Performance will diminish much earlier. Some people on race tires will only do a 5-10 runs and swap, but they're hardcore.

How's the change in wheel alignment after each event? Need to get them checked after each event?
>>>You don't have to check it after each event, but the Z doesn't hold an alignment very well in the first place so it good to have it checked maybe 1-2 times year anyways. AX will impact alignment more than daily driving since the loads are much higher.

Most importantly, what do you get if you place within third ?
>>>If you ain't first, you're last! Typically there is some small token award, here they do things like cone magnet, SCCA Solo branded reusable shopping bag, stickers, small placards, etc. Each region does its own thing though.

Autocross is a TON of fun and really not that hard on tires and car for the casual participant. Definitely worth trying so you can push your Z and yourself at the limits.

 

once or twice a year alignment for averaging how many AutoX events a year?

Hmmmmm i thought they give you some money or trophy haha

 

Thought you were going be a drifter. Oh wait that was 2 months ago.

https://my350z.com/forum/drift/500091-tires-size.html

 

haha funny.
I'm getting as much info as possible so when the time comes, i don't have to rush to get enough info to participate in those events.
I'm saving money little by little to upgrade my car into a 30% drift and 70% DD for now.
AutoX is cost effective for a motorsport and many people like it. So i'm going to try it out when i have a chance. As i'm a college student, i can't pay for my interest like you guys can.

 

Street tires will last a long time for autocross. Unlike competition tires, street tires are pretty hard rubber. Outer edge of tires above are “chewed” because of roll in the corners. But still the tires are good.

Autocross is a realistic $$$ mototsport. All you need is a tank of gas and $30-$40 entry fee.

 

I remember seeing that pic lol IIRC, The car had issue with feathering haha
How many events later was this tire taken pic?

 

Two or 8 runs.

NOTE: If you want to be cool refer to a "run" as a "heat."

 

good info!

 

i waaannnaa go AutoX!!

 

I'm really curious about this. There are tons of cones in the course. How do you know which ways in between the cones you have to go through in less than a sec?

 

Off-course for 350zRiot. No time.

 

didn't get it...

 

Most clubs have a novice school or a least a novice class and can provide an instuctor. Check with you local club and attend a class.

 

Ask -- most have novice help at each event.

There are often printed maps that give you the path through the course (not to scale, subject to change). You also get to walk the course before driving, so show up early!

 

Our summer season is 12 events, then another 3-6 in the winter (weather dependent here in Colorado).

Your best best is to get a lifetime alignment plan at Firestone or other chain shop. You pay like $125 up front, instead of $60, but like I said, the Z doesn't hold an alignment very well, even if just daily driving. It's a lot cheaper than wearing tires out early because of a poor alignment.

 

I don't like the discount tire alignment guys here near irvine so i'm done with them.
I went to big o tire for alignment fix but i think my left tire has little toe out. I swapped the tires left and right so we'll see how that goes. If this is the toe problem, i can't trust big o tires either.. I don't think i want to trust Firestone because ...it's firestone haha

 

It's actually not as difficult as most people think. Before you race, you'll do 2-5 walk throughs and start figuring out what lines you want to take. Sometimes there will be a tricky spot, but it is quite amazing how quickly new people pick it up. A good course design will kind of lead you through it and will have "pointer cones" to tell you which direction a turn is coming up or which side of the cone to go around. They are the cones lying on their side.

The key thing is to look ahead and start to learn to visualize the course in your head. Many organizations have "Novice" walk through to help teach you the best way through the course and the car dynamics involved. Also, it is helpful to be a Corner Worker so you can watch others race and see what lines they take. There's a lot of good books on the subject as well, just start googling, I don't have links handy...

 

Find a good shop then, but just be aware that you'll probably need to see them once or twice a year. I haven't had any issues with Firestone, but know what you're saying. All they do for me is alignments to get back in spec and no issues so far. Plus they don't seem to care if you bring it more frequently if needed per other posters here.

 

They get paid more if we go there more frequently with lifetime warranty??