Well, I finally decided since I am going to do something this weekend, it might as well be fun. I am going to do Solo II this Saturday at Qualcomm. I have only done VERY little timed racing (Mazda Rev It Up). Anything you guys reccomend me doing?

I'm hoping to be put in the Novice class, so that I can get a good feel of the FD. I have the the mods below, but I don't know if they'll overlook those mods to allow me into the novice class. I also need a battery hold-down... what do you guys reccomend I get/make? I was thinking of just using fabric strap (like the ones they use for handling heavy loads) with a snap on the top. Oh man, I am so excited!

 

welcome!!
I wouldn't reccomend a fabric strap. the battery acid will eat thur that in no time (personal experience) a metal bar with j bolts usually works best.
Bring or borrow a 95 or newer Snell apporved helmet (they do have loaners but a limited supply)
I'll be running a 1st gen #35 look me up I've been running there for.. er ahh a long time. I'd be happy to give you any help you need.
Good luck
Steve

 

Certainly make sure your car is in good working order and has no bad leaks.
Here, you can run in novice class until you trophy or at least for a couple events (they recently changed it some since we're getting so many novices for every event) no matter what you're driving.
Bring plenty of water and sun-screen
If you have an air tank, bring that and a pressure gauge. If not, you'll want to stop on the way and put some extra air in your tires.

Get there early and walk the course as much as you can. attend the novice meeting and novice course walk if they have those...very beneficial.
introduce yourself and let folks know you're new. unlike the internet, SCCA folks are usually very receptive and helpfull to newbs.
Bring your helmet if it's Snell 95 or newer but they should have some loaner helmets (read: nasty).
On the battery tie-down, just make sure your battery can't go flying about, it's important since those things are heavy and can do some major damage if you get the sticky side up in a big way.

HAVE FUN!

 

Slow DOWN.

Fast in = Slow.

Wierd huh? Don't go flying into corners, take it nice and smooth, don't try to be fast. You're losing time sliding around and scrubbing speed off. Brake hard, brake a little early, and get on the gas early.

It's supposed to be fun, don't stress out about it when you get there.

Good luck!

PaulC

 

Good to see that you are going to a race. Learning to control your car better is always a good thing. It will help you handle the car better in an emergency.

I would put 38 psi in your tires before you get to the race. You can always let some air out if you need to. Make sure that the battery is secured properly. They won't let you race if is not held in place. Walk the course as many times as youcan before the race. Make a map so you can review it before you run. If they allow riders, ask if you can ride in other cars. You can get a good feel of how to drive by going in a car with a good driver.

Most importantly, have some fun. Don't expect to do great your first time out. It takes time to learn how to do this well.

Its a blast, you will love it

 

There's lots of other threads about "virgins"; try searching for a few

Walk the course as many times as you can. If this is your first time I would shoot for 5 times at least. First timers normally try and do too much at once; I spend my time trying to make them patient. Your goal on your first run is to drive the course correctly and place the car in proper position. Do not try to drive fast, try to drive briskly. Trying to drive as fast as you can will only make you screw up. Slow down, be patient. Once you get the first run down clean you have something to build on. If you blow it completely you just lost a run. Be patient. Get the first run in the books and then think to yourself about the mistakes you made. Take a ride with another competitor and see what he does. Ask for advice. Do all this before your next run, it really helps.

Don't be afraid of your "newbie-ness", most people are there to have fun and are happy to help you out and answer questions you may have. Don't forget you're there to have a good time. In order to really have a good time you'll need sunscreen and lots of water. Make sure your car is in decent shape.

 

Great advice guys, thanks! I'll be doing my first autox next weekend, I hope to put all this to good use as well.

 

Thanks for all the great advice guys!

I hope to see you there. Give me a call on my cell (I PMed you the #) and we can meet up. Hehe, I'll try to remember to bring a camera so I can take pictures -- if you bring one, take pics of me too. =P