I am going to go to my first autocross event this sunday does any one have any tips.

 

Make sure all your loose items are out of the car, inspectors can be very picky, Empty your Glove box completely

Fresh tires help, and anything to conserve weight

Also, if their is a Guided practice run, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT

 

Know the course. Take your first run a little slower, its usually called a practice lap, and the time doesnt count. Take it at speed, but dont push to hard. It is really important to have a good feel for the course.

As the day goes on, try to push harder and harder. Everyone always says "smooth is fast" but that means jack **** if your lolly gagging around the course. You want your driving to be smooth, but that does not mean do not push the car hard. If you think your pushing the car hard enough, push harder!

Good luck! (oh, and look ahead, and at the next corner)

 

Don't get discouraged if you lock up under braking, hit a cone or even spin. I locked up twice, spun twice and hit probably 4-6 cones at my first event. I still did two timed runs at the end within .1 seconds of each other, so I feel like I accomplished something while gaining a new understanding of the car. Best tip though: just have fun!

 

Find and read "Secrets of Solo Racing". I think the author is Henry Watts (my copy isn't handy). Major bookstores will often have it in stock. Take an experienced auto-x'er to lunch and pick their brain. Check the search feature for tire pressure recommendations for your particular car. Check your oil level! Get there early and walk the course as often as possible - with an experienced driver if possible. Be prepared to WORK. Read the rulebook. Have FUN!.....

 

Go out and have fun, dont worry about being competitive. The main thing to focus on as a newbie i think is not getting lost. It looks confusing looking at it but walk it a few times and you will get an idea as to where it goes. If your having problems or just want tips, dont be bashful and ask for a instructor.

 

Watch out for Saturn Station Wagons!!!!!!

 

Exactly why i only go to Make specific Autocross meets

 

It helps me to try and draw an exact map of the course, and then draw your racing line through the course. After that, drive the line you made, make any adjustments you can to it, and improve from there! most importantly though is to have fun.

 

Remember, Easy in, Power out especially if you're not familiar with the way your 944 drives

 

Also, try not to be TOO aggressive your first time out. I did (w/ my FWD cavalier) and I balded my front tires by the fifth run...not cool.

Here's a link to the AZBR SCCA Novice Handbook ; it'll pretty much tell you all you need to know for that first time out.

Also if your region has time-onlies (runs that do not count for the series) ask to ride along w/ the faster drivers out there. They're usually really nice and if you tell them you're a novice they'll usually be more than happy to oblige. Keep an eye out for S2k's; they're wicked-fast thru the autox course and you can usually get some great tips.

 

+1 +1 +1

That is all that matters.

 

The fun is definitely the important part.
And the saturn station wagons is important, too. One almost flipped my first event when it blew out a tire.
Check your ball joints and wheel bearings.
Top off all your fluids (except gas; you want about a 1/4 tank when you get there. Go ahead and put in some 93 octane if you don't usually. I like to, at least.)
You will have a blast. My first autox was in my 325 and I was all over the place and shifting into the wrong gears. The 944, on the other hand, is well-suited to autox. I trophied in tire class on my second event in the 944!

 

Invest in R compound tires.

Seriously though, add a little extra oil. Make sure your lug nuts are torqued. Make sure your hatch is SECURE. There is nothing more embarrassing than getting into the second turn and your hatch pops open. Then you have to stop, get out, close it and finish the course. Basically prepare your self and your car for being driven past both of your limits for about 60 seconds. You are going to love it!!

 

Has anyone ever had problems running an event on alloy lug-nuts? I am about to possibly run an event as well and this is one of the things im worried about.