First time AutoXing this weekend at Pocono raceway with PCA. I'm pumped to get this thing out! I'm in a 997.2 C4S and am wondering what tips folks have there for a first timer?

1. Should I tape the front and sides with painters tape?
2. Classing the cars, what does it really matter?
3. What to bring - tools, chairs?
4. What not to bring?
5. take spacers off car?
6. Any other tips and prep stuff that can be done?

Thank you in advance!

 

Here are helpful tips from NASA

https://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/preparing.html

 

OP - What Desmo says +

1) Study the course and visualize the line.
2) Trail brake practice and don’t pop off the pedal unless you want rotation
-You can do this driving around light poles in a parking lot (don’t need long run)
-Full throttle out of every turn to next brake zone (light post) and turn in point
3) Ride with an experienced auto-x’er on the course
4) Look plenty of cones ahead
5) Have a blast!

The dudes and dudettes out there are great folks and are plenty willing to share their experience with you.

 

Hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, air pump and gauge to tweak tire pressures

 

Make sure to change your oil/bleed brakes if you're close to due for them. Also check your brake pads/rotors all around to make sure they're in good shape. Also always good to have a chair, snacks/lunch in a cooler, and lots of liquids. Good luck, have fun!

Also since its your first time, just try and have fun and don't worry too much about chasing times and such. You should run in a stock car class; its been a long time since I've done autox but I think that's STS or something.

 

What gear is used the most for auto-cross?

 

​​​​​​​SA2015 helmet or newer is prob the only piece of gear you'll need. Nice to haves are tire pressure gauge, inflator, basic tools could be useful but not necessary for autox.

 

Thanks for the great tips! Appreciate all the insights!

 

Ask someone with experience to ride with you. Take their advice.

 

AX Is usually mostly 2nd gear. Have fun. AX is a great way to start pushing the limits pf the car, but mostly yourself. Be smooth and don't hit too many cones :-)

 

Pick an easy number. Sounds silly but at least you don't start the day frustrated from forming numbers out of painters tape.

 

Eyes up!

i.e. Look ahead - Your brain can't process information it doesn't have!. If you're looking only at the very next apex cone/gate, you'll sail by them at nowhere near the right line/speed/angle for what comes next.

Also: Slow in the slow parts, fast in the fast parts.

Have fun.

 

A few thoughts:

Breathe. On a long course, you’ll have brain fade by the end if you don’t. If you forget, sing, just try not to pick a terrible repertoire.

If you look at the cones, you’ll hit the cones. Look at the space next to the cones; you know, where you actually want to go.

Pull all of the crap out from your car, especially under the seats. It’s always hard to explain the bong if your instructor is a police officer, and it’s embarrassing if you screw up because a bible gets caught in the pedals. God does not want you to look like a moron.

if your hands get sweaty because you’re nervous or excited, leave the AC on and turn the vents towards the steering wheel. Yeah, it takes power away from the engine, but it’s you’re first time. Who cares?

Torque your lug nuts.

Ask questions, hopefully from people who know what they’re doing.

Ask to do a ride along with a fast driver during practice.

A question about the event? Find the guy with the biggest hat. If he doesn’t know the answer, he knows the guy who knows the answer.

Eat a light lunch. Barfing in your car is hard to live down.

Hydrate.

Most important: HAVE FUN!