What to bring for a first Autocross
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
I'm participating in my first autocross @ Fort Devens, MA. I've got my approved helmet, but have a few questions.
- What to wear, are shorts & t-shirt okay, or are pants & long sleeves required?
- Best race number tape to use on a blue car?
- gloves, yes or no?
- Does everything have to be removed from windshield(fast lane transponder, radar detector), trunk, glove box, center console etc.?
Thanks.
- What to wear, are shorts & t-shirt okay, or are pants & long sleeves required?
- Best race number tape to use on a blue car?
- gloves, yes or no?
- Does everything have to be removed from windshield(fast lane transponder, radar detector), trunk, glove box, center console etc.?
Thanks.
2) Check the group you run with... Sometimes Cabs/converts get away with a shoe polish number on the Front window. If cold enough, you may have your windows up, so you can put numbers on the back windows...
3) Gloves are personal. I like them in really HOT weather to prevent sweat on my hands from getting the wheel slippery.
4) Its best to REMOVE EVERYTHING thats loose in the car and empty trunks as well. At the very least, it will rattle, make noise and annoy you. At worst it flies out and hits you. Bring a garbage bag or small tarp to lay your stuff on in the parking area.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,042
Likes: 84
From: Chesapeake, VA
Shorts and t-shirt are just fine for autocross. Sandles and flip-flops can be worn for walk-throughs and around the paddock, but you have to wear close-toed shoes to drive. And I'd advise wearing good shoes when course working, too; never know if/when you'll have to move VERY quickly.
Don't worry about hitting cones; they buff out, really! You could put some tape on the corners to extra-protect your paint and ease the cleaning job if you wanted. You should never try to hit cones, but if you don't hit one every once in a while, you're doing something wrong; you're either not going fast enough, or staying too far from the cones. I wouldn't worry a whole lot about this on your first race, though. Just push your car harder than you've ever pushed it before and enjoy yourself
I think white numbers look nice (and are easily legible) on blue cars. Personal preference, but I HATE tape on windows. Standard tan masking tape will show up well on blue paint.
Don't worry about hitting cones; they buff out, really! You could put some tape on the corners to extra-protect your paint and ease the cleaning job if you wanted. You should never try to hit cones, but if you don't hit one every once in a while, you're doing something wrong; you're either not going fast enough, or staying too far from the cones. I wouldn't worry a whole lot about this on your first race, though. Just push your car harder than you've ever pushed it before and enjoy yourself
I think white numbers look nice (and are easily legible) on blue cars. Personal preference, but I HATE tape on windows. Standard tan masking tape will show up well on blue paint.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,087
Likes: 51
From: MA
***I have a broken windshield from a road hazard last week. The OEM replacement windshield was ordered last Friday(hopefully), should be in tomorrow for a Thursday install. On the off chance it doesn't get installed until Friday, do you think the windshield will be fully cured for autocross Sunday? Is a Thursday install even going to be okay? It's not going to be the desirable 90° dry heat for quick curing. Damn, it better come in this week, I've already taken all this great advice and will be prepared.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA
If there is no rain in the forecast, here's what I would do for temporary numbers.
If you know them in advance then print them on paper using a font size of 144points or larger then tape the number sheets to your car using blue painters tape.
If you don't know the numbers in advance then buy some other color painters tape, like orange or white. You can find it if you look hard enough.
If you know them in advance then print them on paper using a font size of 144points or larger then tape the number sheets to your car using blue painters tape.
If you don't know the numbers in advance then buy some other color painters tape, like orange or white. You can find it if you look hard enough.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,089
Likes: 2
From: Syracuse, NY
***I have a broken windshield from a road hazard last week. The OEM replacement windshield was ordered last Friday(hopefully), should be in tomorrow for a Thursday install. On the off chance it doesn't get installed until Friday, do you think the windshield will be fully cured for autocross Sunday? Is a Thursday install even going to be okay? It's not going to be the desirable 90° dry heat for quick curing. Damn, it better come in this week, I've already taken all this great advice and will be prepared.
I wouldn't worry about the windshield at autocross anymore than driving on the highway.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,087
Likes: 51
From: MA
If there is no rain in the forecast, here's what I would do for temporary numbers.
If you know them in advance then print them on paper using a font size of 144points or larger then tape the number sheets to your car using blue painters tape.
If you don't know the numbers in advance then buy some other color painters tape, like orange or white. You can find it if you look hard enough.
If you know them in advance then print them on paper using a font size of 144points or larger then tape the number sheets to your car using blue painters tape.
If you don't know the numbers in advance then buy some other color painters tape, like orange or white. You can find it if you look hard enough.
http://www.edecals.com/custom/door_numbers.html
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 622
Likes: 3
From: Calgary, AB
A chair's nice to have. Magnetic numbers are a must once you're a regular with a regular number, but aren't a great option for someone's first autocross since they may not be able to predict the number they'll get.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,042
Likes: 84
From: Chesapeake, VA
Can you say (or somebody else who uses them) - those magnetic door numbers - do they hold on doors OK?
http://www.edecals.com/custom/door_numbers.html
http://www.edecals.com/custom/door_numbers.html
If you're looking for a supplier, Jeff Rooney @n2cad does excellent numbers and has very good prices, too. ($40 for a half set, $80 for a full set- both sets include numbers for both sides.) http://n2cad.com/content/view/52/153/ He's a local autocrosser here, and most of the guys in our club use his numbers. He's done some nice Porsche helmet decals, too
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
Getting ready to bring my new TT to Devens this weekend after a long absence. Tried out my newly ordered magnetic numbers just to discover that its not only Corvettes . . .
What's wrong with this picture?
What's wrong with this picture?
Last edited by lexart; Dec 12, 2010 at 06:07 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
Yes, the Turbo has aluminum doors and front hood. 
I found a spot on the front fender that just enough room to fit the numbers. I hope they stay on . . .
I'll bring some blue tape just in case. My number is scientifically designed to apply with just four strips of tape per side
I found a spot on the front fender that just enough room to fit the numbers. I hope they stay on . . .
I'll bring some blue tape just in case. My number is scientifically designed to apply with just four strips of tape per side