I like turning... do you?

[Chefasaurus]

First of all, ask yourself, "why did I dump so much money into performance parts for my car?" Obviously, it's for the key word there, PERFORMANCE. "What makes the car handle so much differently if I add this, or tweak that, or get rid of that?" Is it REALLY noticeable on the streets of Chicago (or even suburbia, for that matter)? "I'm a good driver, but is there something more?"


I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to the first autocross of the season, Sunday, April 15th, at Route 66 Raceway, in Joliet.

More details about the venue, and the event, on the Chicago Region SCCA's website, www.scca-chicago.org

I'm a seasoned veteran of autocross, and I think there's some others here on the site as well. If you have 30-35 bucks, a sunday off, and the desire to not only become a better driver, but have as much fun as you legally can in a car, then you are welcome here. I, like everyone, started as a novice, just like many of you. I had never been to an autocross before, and found out the long way of becoming a better driver. Driving schools, HPDE (High Performance Driving Experience)'s, Autocross event after autocross event, and having a lot of VERY experienced instructors show me the right lines, braking, accelerating... has made me into the driver I am today.

I've recieved FTD and FTDI (Fastest Time of the Day, and Fastest Time of the Day Indexed) more times than I can count. My room at my parents' house has trophies and t-shirts from more than 40 autocrosses.


If you have ANY questions, please feel free to post here, or pm me. I'm ALWAYS willing to help a novice get into the action of racing.



Fair warning... YOU WILL BE HOOKED! It's SOOO addictive. Don't believe me? Come out on the 15th. If you don't have fun, then you're doing something wrong. That's what it's all about... having FUN.

--Evan

Drag Racing is for fast cars, AUTOCROSS is for fast drivers!

[Goldtooth]

I before E except after C. :)

[Gaan919]

Hey Evan...forget the cone dodging stuff. ;) Swing out to Gingerman Raceway April 1st for their opening season. Then to Road America 4/14-4/15 and Autobahn North course come mid May. Your Maxima needs to stretch its legs. lol

[DasTeknoViking]

What are the entry fees ? April 1st is a bit of a stretch for me as I might have to work.... And Road America is WAY too far.

I want to go bad.

I saved up good couple Ks over winter for my car "fund".

Need to get some R-Compound tires and cheap wheels.

I'm going to go get fitted for my seats tomorrow, Corbeau TRS.

[Just_A_Wrx]

I might like to try that, as long as they are not uptight about first timers.

[Chefasaurus]

Novices are always welcome. If you want, provided we're in the same heat, I can ride along with you and try to help you find the fastest line, and consequently get the fastest time.

[NIGHTMAREuki]

i would go 100% if my wasn't an auto :'( just to see what i can do

[Gaan919]

Gingerman is $125. Road America is $200, and Autobahn is probably around $140, not sure. There is another Gingerman event on April 14th for $140 or so. Not cheap but typical costs for a full day of lapping.
I just purchased some Nitto NT-01's ($164 ea). We'll see how well they hold up.
Gman is 1 1/2 hr from Chicago. Road America about 2 1/2 hrs.

[Chefasaurus]

i would go 100% if my wasn't an auto :'( just to see what i can do


Auto is almost easier, sometimes. Put it in 2, and just drive. Off the line, it'll bog, but you'll have that mid-range power which is critical in autoX.



I'm more than willing to ride along with any novice, and offer advice to help you get the best time you can.

[Chefasaurus]

For what it's worth, spectating is free. If you make nice with other drivers, most of them will let you ride shotgun, just to help get you involved in the sport.

My first ride-along? A Hennessy 1000 TT Viper, with 335's on all 4 corners. I think I actually sharted. It was what got me hooked into it, and then driving my own car for the first time at it gave me serious shakes and jitters afterwards, from so much adrenaline in my system.


Autocross is my anti-drug. :)

[Cousin Ryan]

Id be afraid of breaking something on my car... haha.

[Xmax]

i would go 100% if my wasn't an auto :'( just to see what i can do

It doesn't matter if you car is auto or manual, its a lot easier to drive auto on a roadcourse.

[Chefasaurus]

Id be afraid of breaking something on my car... haha.


The only thing you can feasibly break on the autocross course is your ego.


There's 3 components that take abuse at autocross... in order, tires, brakes, clutch.



I absolutely hate it when somebody says, "I'm afraid to race." It's the ultimate cop-out. Bring your car, bring 30 or 35 bucks (I can't remember what it costs), bring a positive attitude, and you will have THE MOST FUN YOU CAN LEGALLY HAVE IN A CAR. Bottom line.


Like I've said before, if you're unsure about it, come out, track me down (I've got the gold maxima, I always wear a gray t-shirt, and I have a black helmet with a black visor. My racing number is 187, you'll see it on the side of the car.), and I will do everything I can to help you out. Think of me as your drug dealer at autocross. I'm the guy that's going to do everything possible to get you hooked for life. ;)

[TurTLe]

isn't your suspension parts taking abuse as well?

i might be down to watch once or twice and then go ahead a race. wanted to get a feel for it first.

[Chefasaurus]

Not any more than aggressive daily driving. Autocross is limited to about 60mph. Most of the driving is spent at 30 or less. 90% of the time, you shift into second asap, and then leave it there.

[Chefasaurus]

Spectating is free. You have to be there for the drivers' meeting, and walk the course, if you want to ride along. They typically have loaner helmets, but ultimately, you'll want to get your own. It has to be Snell M or SA, 1995 or newer. I bought my HJC motorcycle helmet, which is Snell M2005 rated, an extra dark tinted visor, and a carrying bag, for $148, at the Suzuki dealership in Bloomington.

[b00b]

What are the rules for a convertible? I am definitely interested in this.

[Kowalski]

i'm guessing a real roll cage...

[ColombianMax]

autox sounds fun but my car is kinda old lol
is there a limit on the age of the car?

[DasTeknoViking]

NO age restrictions. I regularly seen a 1972 Datsun 510 4 door at my autoX club.

[ColombianMax]

kool, once I replace my front struts and get Blemco rear Parellel links I shall join the club :) oh and I'm also poly fillin my busted rear motor mount :) Hopefully that adds on more fun while in the autox course, Hey Chef I might wanna ride withchu when you autox

[Brian]

john, just run the car as is.
you can still learn even on a car that could use some help.
however racing will void the control arm bushings warranty :wall:

[Cousin Ryan]

The only thing you can feasibly break on the autocross course is your ego.


There's 3 components that take abuse at autocross... in order, tires, brakes, clutch.



I absolutely hate it when somebody says, "I'm afraid to race." It's the ultimate cop-out. Bring your car, bring 30 or 35 bucks (I can't remember what it costs), bring a positive attitude, and you will have THE MOST FUN YOU CAN LEGALLY HAVE IN A CAR. Bottom line.


Like I've said before, if you're unsure about it, come out, track me down (I've got the gold maxima, I always wear a gray t-shirt, and I have a black helmet with a black visor. My racing number is 187, you'll see it on the side of the car.), and I will do everything I can to help you out. Think of me as your drug dealer at autocross. I'm the guy that's going to do everything possible to get you hooked for life. ;)

Well thats kind of why i said that. Atm the tires that are on my wheels are way too small for the rim, and i dont like taking turns hard even at slower speeds. But i guess if i put my stock wheels on i could do it.

[ColombianMax]

john, just run the car as is.
you can still learn even on a car that could use some help.
however racing will void the control arm bushings warranty :wall:


I have Control arm bushing warranty? sweet! then I'll just put my old control arms on for autoxing :p

How much warranty do they have?

[Brian]

I told you the arms are covered.
warranty term is lifetime, life of the part

[ColombianMax]

You never said that you effer! plus verbal dont count, its whats on paper so get me some paper :cool:

[Chefasaurus]

What are the rules for a convertible? I am definitely interested in this.


Roll bars and cages are not required. They're recommended, for the added structural rigidity, but they aren't a required safety piece. 95% of the Miatas that race in autoX don't have any roll bars or anything. It's actually almost easier for you, because you don't have to worry about your helmet hitting the headliner of the car, with the top down. AutoX is one of the safest forms of racing, due to the relatively low speed, and properly designed courses, that are designed with a "What if....." mindset, so safety is the number one goal.


ColombianMax, you're more than welcome to ride along with me. If you want, I can ride along with you as well, and give you notes/advice/tips about your run.

[ColombianMax]

Kool, guess I'll be keepin in touch

[Chefasaurus]

Event Flyer!

http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/2007/images/event1_flyer.pdf


Keep in mind rule number 11, if you want to spectate.

[b00b]

How do I prevent my car from getting scratched up from the cones?

[DasTeknoViking]

Cones are plastic/rubber..... I have seen alot of cars run cones over, never any damage.

Vette and Viper guys with huge tires put on a shit load of masking tape all around their wheel well areas and behind the wheels- to prevent rock chips.

[walec05]

How do I prevent my car from getting scratched up from the cones?

you shouldnt be hitting the cones in the first place.

[ColombianMax]

yea thats what I was about to say but paul beat me to it

[Chefasaurus]

the worst I've seen was a orange scuff on the paint, that buffed off with some polishing compound, no biggie. That was a Z06 that spun out at 60+, took out 5 or 6 cones with the passenger side door, and still managed to get FTDI for the day.