so next summer id like to get into autox and was wondering how to go about getting started. id planned on attending one of the hpde events in the spring figuring it was a foot in the right direction. can you race at pir without being a member of the scca or is that the only way you can?

 

All you need to do to give it a try is show up.

The last event of the season is Sept 8th and 9th in Packwood WA.

There's a practice day on Saturday, with sessions in the morning and afternoon.

If you are not an SCCA member it will cost $30 for either morning or afternoon.
You can do both if you like. The practice days typically get 6-8 runs per session.

If you don't have a helmet, there are some loaners.
Your car will have to pass tech as well. If it is in reasonable good condition,that should not be a problem.

Packwood is about 150 miles from Portland BTW.

If you don't want to go to Packwood, keep your eye on this site:
http://www.oregonregionsolo2.com/

That said, the Packwood site is very nice. The courses are longer, faster and smoother.

The new schedule will probably appear in February, and there should be some events at PIR on the agenda.

 

wow im surprised michelle didnt get in on this. well in bermerton the BSCC (bremerton sport car club- if im wrong someone from bscc please correct me) has auto-x and track sessions through october. the next event is on the 31st of this month which is a track event and i belive an auto-x session on monday sept. 3rd. you dont have to be a member, and during some events u can ask to sit shot gun with some of the upper class drivers or have them ride with you so they can give u some pointers. BSCC also, from what i can tell, has some driving clinics were u can learn some techniques from some of the best in the club. now im no member, but im also looking to get into auto-x next year too. and in doing so, i've attended some of the practices, points runs, and worked the track in order to learn more from and about the sport. i even got to sit shot gun with, who i belive, is one of the fastest lady drivers in BSCC. from the launch at starting gate to the end of the run, her and her little 7 made me lose the feeling in my ***. that experiance alone taught me a lot. also i recomend going to barnes and noble and picking up a copy of "Secrets of Solo Racing" i forgot who the author was but it was a really good read and was full of information that helped me, a kid from bellingham who used to pracitice a lot on the winding roads of chuckanut and evey now and then the Mt Baker run, become faster and safer driver. well good luck in ur quest for auto-x

~brian

 

Yup, what they both said. There are probably some events locally in Portland too. I believe the SCCA has an Oregon chapter. The PCA is always a good thing to check out as well. Both them, BMWCCA, ALFA club and BSCC do driving skills schools - the BSCC focuses solely on Autocross. The others do a skills day to get you more comfortable with your cars handling abilities and also can help you prep for HPDEs.

That said HPDEs are much different than an autocross. Autocross is done primarily in second gear on a course marked by cones and timed.

HPDE are done at the race track with higher speeds, not timed, etc.

Hope this is helpful. You'll have lots of fun no matter which you decide to try.

 

Went to Bremerton a couple months ago. Complete blast. Most fun I have ever had in a car. If you really want to have fun though have killnocone take you for a ride.

 

Well there are a TON of auto x clubs in the PNW, seven in Oregon alone, and that does not include the marque clubs, the Porsche club, BMW, and Vette clubs all put on events as well.

Visit www.nwautosports.org for a nearly complete list of NW auto X clubs.
WMC in Salem, NWAA in Astoria, and The Autox club in Bend all have events that are cheaper, and offer more seat time to the newcomer than SCCA events. although their sites are sometimes smaller (especially salem). I'm partial of course, but NWAA events are 20 bucks for members, and often feature 6 - 70 second runs, Plus fun runs @2 bucks a piece.

P.S. DONT WAIT! sometimes its better to jump in right away, if you do wait, life often gets in the way.

If you do come out look me up Ill show you the ropes.