BMWCCA Novice Autocross on Sunday...

[MrElussive]

Hey,

Well I got an e-mail today from David of the NJ Chapter of the BMWCCA (BMW Car Club of America) stating that there was an open slot for the Novice Autocross Event on Sunday, April 18th in South Plainsfield, NJ. I jumped on the opportunity as soon as I got the e-mail so I will be attending this Sunday!
I am really excited as this will be my first autocross experience (which is good that this event is tailored at novices because I am a complete newbie)...the only bad part is that I gotta be at the place at 8AM on a Sunday morning, and it's 1 hour away from me.
Oh well, it will definitely be worth it. The schedule is that the first few hours will consist of driver's theory, where I'm guessing the instructors will be explaining all the different aspects of autocross (balancing the car, oversteer/understeer, entering/exiting a turn, braking, accelerating, etc.), and then each participant will get to go through the course, one by one. I believe the course is made up of cones on a large parking lot so it seems like a really safe setup.
I will try to take some good pictures and stuff, and I am really looking forward to the experience. Can I expect anybody else from the forum to be there? Any members got any advice for me??

Thanks,
MrElussive

 

[nadroj]

remeber to push your car as hard as you can and you will have a lot of fun who cares if you spin out a few times just dont take the course like you are out on a sunday drive with your grandma that pisses everyone off

 

[AutoXfreak]

First of all I am happy that you are enthused!!!

Second of all nadroj is right, go out and push your bimmer, they really are incrdible at the limit!

Third, go out and have a great time sunday, if your not lauging and having fun leave. However if you have a blast you will be hooked like I was and you will want those sport springs and the racing tires!

The added bonus is when some one asks you on monday "so how was your weekend" you can get a goofy grin on your face and say, "I went racin'!'

 

[nadroj]

yea auto X is the funnest thing i have ever done with my car 1 have only gone once about 2 weeks ago and i am hooked im tring to save up money to buy good tires and sport suspention

 

[Kate]

good luck and have fun. i always have fun when i go out to the track (drag racing) and i dont even race and its going in a straight line! so that ought to be a blast. enjoy it. i look forward to pictures.

 

[brahtw8]

You don't need to do the kind of preparation that is necessary for a driving school on a racetrack, but there are some basic things you should do.

Make sure your car is ready for the event. Check tire pressure, oil level, brake pads, etc.

Remove all of the unnecessary crap in your car. You don't need the weight and you don't want it flying all over the place when you are on the course.

Make sure you are ready for the event. Bring water, a folding chair, etc. You may want to bring sunblock as well, if it will be necessary.

Drive your car hard, but keep it under control (even when you are going out of control) and listen to your instructors. Try to avoid your pre-conceived notions and make yourself open to what they have to say. If you are lucky, you will learn a lot.

 

[Kirby]

Brahtw8 has lots of good tips. I started running AutoX this year, it's a blast. Here's a few more thoughts:
- They will likely run your car thru a tech inspection. No loose stuff at all. They will check the trunk as well. You will probably see some people remove their spare to reduce weight.
- Inflate your tires to 40 psi all around, or to the max loaded pressure recommend on the tire pressure label.
- You will likely need a helmet. Did they say that they have loaners? If you provide your own, they will want a Snell approved helmet (higher testing standards).
- Drive as hard as you like, but you will almost certainly be told "TO DRIVE FAST YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN". AutoX is all about precision and control to run the fastest time. A precise, controlled run FEELS slower than a tire squealing, fish tailing, drifting run, BUT the controlled run will post a lower time! Trust me, I found out the hard way!
- Don't be intimidated because you are a novice. Even the instructors were novices at one point.
- Don't try to be a show off or impress anyone, especially the instructors. And hopefully the instructors will drive, they will impress you. If the opportunity arises, have an instructor drive YOUR car while you ride along. You will be amazed at what your car can do!!

Most of all HAVE FUN!!

Read these tips, the are quite good:
http://66.140.241.85/forum/Solo II Novice Handbook.htm

 

[MrElussive]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I read everything and I will keep all the tips and pointers in mind when at the event. I don't have a helmet of my own, but my father has a few helmets for his motorcycles, so I will just borrow one of his.

The only thing that's holding me back right now is that I'm gonna have to wake up at 6AM!

 

[brahtw8]

The only thing that's holding me back right now is that I'm gonna have to wake up at 6AM!

That is the biggest downside of HPDEs and driving schools.

That said, suck it up and get off your ass.

 

[Xyrium]

and the results?

 

[bahnstormer]

i bet he slept through it =]

 

[MrElussive]

Yup, missed it. Had a bacterial infection earlier during the week and my stomach was killing me Saturday night and all of Sunday. I was pissed/upset I couldn't go and didn't wanna post that I missed it because I was so psyched to go. I will catch the next one, I guess.