I really want to start Auto-X'ing and Road Racing, but I really don't know anything about either. I'm working on finding out about local events, but what are the basics that most newbies overlook?

1. what equipment is needed? (only a helmet?)
2. should i change my stock brake-pads before i go?
3. how does the order/process work? (i'm assuming in auto-x everyone goes 1 by 1 doing only one lap, while in road racing people go in groups for a designated time/# of laps)
4. how do you know where to go in auto-x? (i've seen a couple vids and have no clue how everyone knows which way to turn around what cone... maybe it was the angle of the vids that made it seem confusing)

i'd appreciate any info you have that'll help me out in getting started

p.s. any recomendations for decent helmets (maybe around $100), something light, and won't have me sweating like a pig in the heat... i don't wear glasses if it makes a difference

 

Secrets of Solo Racing: Expert Techniques for Autocrossing and Time Trials by Henry A. Watts

It's a $11 book which will explain the basics of autocross. You can find it at amazon.

Check with your local SCCA region and ask about any schools they might have throughout the year. If they don't have any school events, I'm sure they will have instructor level drivers who would be more than happy to drive with you.

If you want to actively participate then you should get a helmet. Some or most regions allow motorcyle helmets which are much cheaper (around your $100 budget). There are SA2000 open face helmets from Simpson and Pyrotect for around $150 which are acceptable at autocross but you may run into problems if you intend on driving on road tracks.

 

i met somone who recommended a dvd, "Skip Barber's Going Faster" or something like that, have you heard of it?

 

I am unaware of the dvd but I have the Skip Barber book. The book is more about road racing...good info to have that you can apply a lot of the info to autox.

The Watts book is about the process of autoxing and also includes driving technique.

 

Agree with above.

Here's a link to the SF SCCA AutoX page, which in turn has links to additional info.

http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/

I am currently using a Motorcycle helmet, but I do mostly AutoX (with a couple track days per year). I haven't had a problem with the motorcycle helmet yet, but you never know. Mine is an HJC full face that cost about $100.

The easiest way to get started is to begin attending events. Everyone is very helpful, so go with an open mind, an eager attitude, and let people know that you are new and don't know what you are doing. People are very friendly, especially to newcomers.

Good luck!

-D'oh!

 

Keep in mind that Solo 2 and road racing are quite different. Solo allows you to develop your skills up to about 40-45 MPH. That's not to take any shots at Solo 2 racers as the skills required to precisely drive a line and modulate brake, throttle and clutch are complex. Also, you must produce quick times on demand and this improves your focus.

Track days and road racing are quite a bit different. The fun usually starts at about 30 MPH and can go WAYYY up from there. Keep in mind that the margin for error is much less and the safety standards should be much higher. The books referenced by the other posters are excellent; I'd also throw in "Winning- A Race Driver's Handbook" by George Anderson published with Motorbooks International.

Don't plan on skimping on helmets ($100 won't cut it). Did you know that motorcycle helmets are engineered to take one good hit with NO consideration of repeated impacts (common with auto accidents)? Borrow one or use a M-rated helmet for Solo events if you must. Save your money and buy a mid-line, full face SA-rated helmet. Your head is worth it...

 

Solo events would be a great place for newbies to learn though right? Im a complete nub, and love watching Auto X and ESPECIALLY track or road racing. I want to start racing, but I would think that Solo Auto X might be the best place to learn the basics and then I could build from there?

Also, what kind of budget is required? Im on a pretty slim one until my wife gets her teaching certificate in a couple of months.

 

AutoX is different from road racing. So you have to decide where you want to start since requerments, budget and equipment is different for autox and road racing.

I don't have much road experience, but many people say and my logic confirm that next saying is true:
Good autox driver can easily became road racer, and opposite isn't always true.

In autox your concentration, memory and car driving abilities are essential, since everything is happening very fast and you you have to think two steps forward. When in road racing you can think sloooow, since you do it one turn at a time.

About autox equipment: providing you have a Z, the only other necessary accessory is a helmet. Clubs usually have a loaners, but it's really a pain to use one. And it's 99% sure you'll like autox, so I'd recommend to buy the helmet right away. Here's what I and all my friends have got:
http://street-bikes.ridegear.com/cgi...9e1+1084877476
It's very good quality, sertified and priced below $100.

Keep in mind that while closed helmets sure look cool... open face is what make you cool when outside temperatures reaches above 80... You are not suppose to use open face in a road racing, since it woun't protect your head from dipping forward in high-speed front collision.

Helmet is relly the only thing you need for your first autox. Get some thin-sole shoues so you can feel the pedals and check your closest event at
http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmMain.Show
or at SCCA regional website

Just go there EARLY in the morning, tell you are new, listen to advises, see what people are doing and do the same. I guarantee it everybody will be friendly and will help you to go through your first autox. You'll be fine. That $11 book is a very good investment, btw.

 

And if you plan on autoxing regularly, plan on budgeting for tires. Not that big of a deal considering r-compunds should last a full season (and street tires obviously longer).

 

IMO, Solo2 is a *great* place to first learn about you and your car. It's an environment which you can safely discover how your car responds in a low speed venue. You're typically willing to push the envelope a little more. Despite the lower speeds, there's layouts in Autocross which can test your pucker factor. Tire, brake, and gas cost are negliable.

Lapping is more of a rush, and typically more bang for the buck in terms of entry fee/running time. However, it's a *lot* more $$$ to lap when you consider brake and tire wear and gas. Consequences to you or the car are also much higher whether it's your fault or not (ie: another driver's miscue or mechanical).

To answer your questions:
1) Helmet, $100 will do. I've got a motorcycle open face.
2) Yes if you're lapping, very unlikely in Solo2 unless you're competitive and running R compound.
3) You've got it
4) Get to the Autocross early and be sure to prewalk the course. They're typically quite flowing so it's not a big deal. Walk it 2-3 times if possible. Walk with an experienced person/group and see what lines they're taking.

 

www.autox4u.com is by far the best autox website for NJ. It has all the info you need including a novice guide, listing of all events, time to show up and directions. Everyone is very friendly and it is always a lot of fun.

For northern NJ: next event is on Jun 12 at Englishtown.
For southern NJ: next even is on Jun 13 at ATCO.

I will probably be at both. Both places have loaner helmets. It is $30-35 for non SCCA members (I think). Even if you decide that autox is not your thing after the first event, I guarantee you will still have fun.

Dmitry

 

Wow, the rumors are true, Auto X'ers are nice guys! (and girls).

 

I also got my helmet @ ridegear.com

However, I live just down the street from their building so I walked in and tried some on.

AutoX is definitely far less expensive the Track Days, but you also get far less track time.

For the San Francisco events, we are usually getting three runs so you are usually having less than 3 minutes of actual seat time. Our cost has gone up to $30 per event, so while the overall cost is low, you are looking at more than $10 per minute.

Track days are usually closer to $200-250 around here, but you get maybe 1.5-2 hours of track time. The per minute cost is much less, but you gotta save up for a while. Not to mention that a big track will eat through your rear brakes in a couple days, and your fronts in a couple more (even if you go relatively easy on them). Plus, going nearly through a full tank of gas in a day is possible.

Also, AutoX events are much less likely to cause damage to your car, whereas track events can cause significant damage that has a high likelihood of not being covered by insurance. (Luckily, my "incident" was covered). Although, finding a good track with good runoff areas can greatly reduce the chances of damage.

I prefer Track Days, but due to cost and my previous incident I will probably not be back at a certain, relatively local, big track for a while. However, there is another big track farther away with more runoff space, and I am already itching to go back there.

Which brings up another good point. Tracking the car can be like an addiction. Even though you blow all kinds of money, take days off work, spend sleepless nights anticipating the big day only to go out and hit a wall of tires, you still gotta go back for another "fix".

-D'oh!

 

I can't afford road racing, and I want to do it often. So autox is perfect for me. And here in Great Lakes reg we have at least 4 runs and 8 sometimes in Chicago.

Yes, it's not awful lot of time anyway, but since it makes you concentrate on what you doing, it's much more "efficient" time.

Also look for a autox schools. It usually gives you a lot of driving time for very low price. I had an 2 day school (like 2+ autox events) for $30 lunch included back in april in Fort Wayne, IN.

 

If you decide you are going to get the SA helmet, make sure you try a bunch on. DON'T buy over the internet unless you have bought helmets before or have tried the exact same model/size on already.

I spent 300.00 on a helmet. It is comfortable, closed face that will be good wherever I go.

Spend 200-300 on a helmet, you cannot skimp on safety.

you can easily spend 700.00 on a good helmet.

Very Important you your life

Tires, helmet, brakes are the three things never to skimp on when racing.

good luck