MazdaRx7Racer4Life

Well, Ive read around a bit and I am very interested in entering the autocrossing scene. I currently have an 88 Turbo II with basic performance mods (Banzai TID, RacingBeat Turbo-Back, HKS SSQV Blow-off valve, HKS FCON, Boost, water temp and egt gauge)

Im interested in participating in the events, local and maybe even a little far, but i have NO idea how to get started, no one that I know around my area knows about auto-x or drifting, or track racing. I was wondering if I asked here, maybe I would get some help. Thank you.

Travis R

Most clubs have a novice program for folks that have never been before. Just make sure your car is in good working condition, and not leaking anything, grab a helmet and go.
Maybe contact the club before hand and see what time they start and if there is anything special you need to bring.
Plan on being there all day.
It's a lot of fun.
Good luck

MazdaRx7Racer4Life

I don't know any clubs around south florida though. Do you?

Slacker7

iTrader: (2)

There's really nothing much you need to do... just show up at an event, pay and drive... all you need is a ride that will pass tech inpection and a valid driver's license and entry fee. Most clubs will have loaner helmets.. but I guess you need to check with the club first.
Florida has a good autoX following.. I guess just go to the www.scca.org website and look for florida region scca solo2 events

alwan16

yes, go to www.scca.org and look for a local group to run with. once you get to the event there'll be plenty of people to ask questions. don't worry, everyone was in your position at one time or another. go out and have fun...

DamonB

Go to www.autocross.com and look for clubs in your area; all of them will be listed. Good Luck!

TracyRX7

When going to the event pull all "loose" objects out of your car beforehand including the floor mats. Basically if it isn't bolted on and you don't need it during your day leave it in the garage.

Stuff I'd recommend bringing with you:

Tire pressure gauge & portable inflation kit (you can pick them up at an autoparts store or Costco in my area these days). You'll want to drop your pressure to probably around 29psi before running (depending on your tires).

Water, water, and more water. Its going to be a long day out there and its not much fun driving if you're dehydrating. Depending on your regions location/format you may run out for lunch between morning and afternoon.

Clipboard, graph paper, and practice pacing fixed distance steps so you can plot the course out good during the track walkthrough. Once you've driven a few times you'll know the limits of your car/ability and be able to estimate breaking locations and speed then visualize the run before doing it.

MazdaRx7Racer4Life

thanks to everyone for you help, Im checking out the scca.com website for the next event.

macdaddy

Can't help you with the south FL scene, but here is some good info on autocross in general:

Henry Watts' book - Secrets of Solo Racing - covers both autocross (Solo II, in SCCA-speak), and time trials (Solo I).http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...9436?vi=glance

Karen Hughes' Solo 2 Novice Handbook is posted on the web by Tire Rack, and is a great source of info for first-timers: http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

Have fun!

BDoty311

Drop tire pressure? I always thought you wanted to raise the tire pressure if anything to reduce sidwall flex.

TracyRX7

I guess the tire pressure thing is highly dependent on your tire/rim combo. If you are running tires like a 225/65/R16 stock radial (T/U/H/V rated probably) you'll want high pressure because of the sidewall flex, if you're running Z rated tires with a low sidewall (like 225/35/R17) you can drop the pressure some to increase your traction without worrying about sidewall rollover.

MazdaRx7Racer4Life

Thanks again to everyone, you have all been great, Iam already setting up for a few local events and sent my payment to join scca. Since Im 17, Ill be joining the "First Gear" program and then im off to the events. Thanks to everyone who's helped me, all the links have been VERY useful, atleast now I have an idea of where to start.

RenoCYM

Have fun and remember don't be afraid to ask for advise from the fast drivers, they'll be happy to help.