As the question states, any experience/reviews of the autox intro that these people offer? I've heard about it from some EF Civic drivers (and those guys tend to be rather crazy around the cones).

There's one coming up in El Toro on March 19-20 and I would really like to justify spending $500 on a weekend of this if it's worth it.

 

It's only worth it if:

1) you're not already fast, as in, people are always trying to catch you
2) you want to learn to go fast.

Otherwise, don't bother.

I've taken several Evolution classes, 5 or 6 full days worth, can't recall just how many.
Definitely money and time well spent.

 

I took one about 9 years ago in Salina. For a serious autocrosser looking to learn how the fast guys (and girls) are fast it is great course to take. The cost is high but if you can put into practice what they teach, you will go faster. Think of it has a fresh set of sticky tires for your brain.

In my experience it was not necessary to take the course in the car you compete in. At the time I was running a fully preped C Prepared and it was expensive to operate. So I rented a V6 Mustang from Hertz so that I would be in a RWD car. It was the right thing to do....the class is for you not the car.

 

Yes, wanting to learn to go fast is a definite yes. I went autocrossing on Saturday and the benefit of instruction that day (though not structured) was very immediate. This really makes me more eager to pour the money in.

I actually have no plans for competition in the near future due to money but it is a long term goal over the next several years. My car is, to the core, stock and any changes will be incremental. I failed to mention this question: will the course benefit a complete autox noob? Should I wait or get the class in now? I've completed a few classes of outdoor karting but that would be the end of my actual experience.

On a side note, I am a bit displeased that a short shifter takes me out of stock class

 

Yes the class is great for a noob.....you probably have fewer bad habbits.

In my experience you will lose the value of the class unless you use what they teach you ALLOT. Ideally you would follow a class like this with a full season of autocrossing. So, unless you are prepared to do that then the $500 would be a waste of money

Autocross is one of those sports that places a very high value on seat time. My best years in the sport were always the years I competed as much as possible with a car that that was consistent and properly setup. Oh and I always had good tires on the car during those years too.

I do Club Racing now and I have found that it is easier to knock the rust off in the sport because of the track time. I still do a better job on track when I get to race more often.

 

Thank you Time to save money.

 

Well, if money is tight then maybe you should consider the fact that $500.00 would buy you a full season of autocross entries. If you can get help/advice/instruction from your fellow racers, you may come out ahead in the long run.

Also, if your reading comprehension is good, there are several books that can really speed you along (pun intended). Drive to Win, etc.

Also, understanding how the suspension works is invaluable. A really good book on this is How to Make Your Car Handle by Fred Puhn.



.

 

As we speak, I have Think to Win open on my desk I want to pick up Drive to Win eventually and add to my collection of other stuff.

Thank you for putting the pricing in perspective. I also found out that I have a wedding to go to on March 19 anyway when Evo School is at El Toro, so no autox school for me anytime soon.

 

The one thing that will help you the most is seat time. Just getting the "feel" of how a car feels when your doing it right. Is the most importaint.

Getting direction does help. A lot. Knowing where to be in a corner at what time can be gained by direction.

Evolution school has the best Autocrossers/Instuctors out there. Hence the cost.
If you plan on competeing nationaly. It's not a bad deal(after you have had 1 or two seasons on your own)

But SCCA (used to?) put on a school once or twice a year at half the cost.

Like Kentetsu said, get tips from your felow drivers. You'll find that the guys/girls that compete at the Nationals are more then willing to talk/walk with you. When your doing your walk learning the track. Buddy up with some of the drivers that are winning.

Just remember, not everyone has the same style and what works for one person may not for another. So try to get as much info from as many winners as possable.

Like say, ask one of the national champions if you could walk the track with them. Tell them your just starting out.. Trust me, they love the sport, and most of the time love to share.

Just don't be a bug and respect that sometimes they can not.

some people would use walking time for talk time. So I would walk with everyone, friends and what not, the first time. Then do it on my own. focusing on the track. I would walk as many times as I could. Till I could do it with my eyes closed.

IF you know where your going already, then you have more time to deal with how you want the car to do what you want.

Hope that helps

 

Lots of useful info there. Thank you much! I've noticed how helpful people are at these events and it's really great to see that it's a positive group and experience all around.

The walking really helps like you mentioned. Books that I've read recommend that one way to get good is by being able to drive the course in your mind, which is exactly what you said.

There are two Solo 2 school events this year and I hope to make both of them and take advantage As for Evo School, no idea if I'll be doing it or not (can't do it this year anyway).

 

[QUOTE=Sarah7;10487290]The walking really helps like you mentioned. Books that I've read recommend that one way to get good is by being able to drive the course in your mind, which is exactly what you said.
QUOTE]

That is so true.
Another one of the things I still do and teach to this day, is. After the first run. Sit in your car. Close your eyes and run the track in your head. Hands on the wheel turning back and forth, shift gears and work the pedles. Go through it again and again. From start to finish. See yourself doing it.

You will gain so much from just that.

 

The benefit of having a really good driver drive your car through a course with you in the car cannot be overstated.

You will be amazed. As in, "OMG, I didn't know my car could do that!"

And then they will teach you how to do it.

Seriously, the courses are not that expensive, and well worth the money.

 

You really should have both.

A full weekend of Evo is probably overkill for a newbie. I figure one full day of Evo school followed by a season of autocross is much better. Best of all, another day of Evo midway through the season on top of that would be excellent. The difference in your racing before and after an Evo school is significant.

David

 

That sounds great, there are so many potential plans here