Autocross: What To Know
If you are interested in getting started with autocross, the first thing to do is start joining some organizations! If you are reading this, you have either joined or are thinking about joining Madison Motorsports, which will provide you with a healthy schedule of events and a discount on SCCA events. However, you should also join the Blue Ridge Region of the SCCA, it’s $40 a year and gives you access to all the event schedules and the ability to register in advance online. Otherwise, you’ll still have to join at your first event for a “weekend membership,” so you might as well get it out of the way and save yourself some time on track day.
Rules and Regulations
Every year the Sports Car Club of America publishes a Solo Rulebook for all drivers, it includes information on permitted cars and modifications, definitions of classes, autocross rules, and a list of stock car classes among other things. It is highly recommended you thumb through it before participating in your first autocross. A free download link for the Rulebook can be found on the SCCA website.
Classing Your Car
Classing your car is fairly simple as there are several main classes: the stock category, street touring, street prepared, street modified, prepared and modified. The stock category is fairly self-explanatory, some basic modifications cosmetic modifications are allowed, but otherwise the car must be run as with the same specifications with which it was sold.
The street touring category allows for more aggressive modifications in a car that is still intended for street use. The street prepared category is a step above the street touring category. Most people in MM will run some variation of stock, ST, or SP. I encourage you to reference the descriptions and car listings in the SCCA 2010 Rulebook (link downloads PDF) to class your car appropriately.
Typical Penalties
An autocross typically applies a penalty to a driver’s course time if they displace a cone. The SCCA deducts two seconds for a “gate” cone, which signifies a gate a driver must pass through, and does not assign a penalty for “directional” cones, which indicate which direction a driver should turn to enter a gate. The reason no penalty is assigned is because if a driver manages to hit a directional cone, in all probability they have ventured off course. If a driver misses a gate they will receive an off course, that that run will not be timed. Different organizations apply different rules and penalties, so always attend the driver’s meeting and never be afraid to ask a question.
Preparing Your Car
There is no complicated preparation procedure to get ready for an autocross. Just a few basic things you should do before track day. First, go over your entire car and make sure it is well-tuned. Make sure you have some meat left on your brake pads, and a firm pedal. If not consider replacing your pads and flushing your fluid. Check your tires, if you’re stretching out the last few micrometers of tread, chances are you will kill them off during the autocross. Check your power steering and coolant lines for signs of age, and replace any that make you nervous. Some engines have a tendency to pick up a valve tick after a few runs; this can be negated by slightly overfilling your oil. Take anything extra out of the car to save you some time on the morning of the event. Raise your tire pressure about 10lbs (usually to around 40psi) right before you come to the track, often times MM will stop as a group at a nearby gas station to do so.
What to Bring With You
It’s not a bad idea to have a couple basic tools, some fluids (oil, coolant, power steering), and some glass cleaner with you on autocross day. If you have a mobile air tank or compressor, put your name on it and bring it along, MMers like to play with their tire pressure between runs and are always looking for one to borrow.
If you have a helmet, bring it with you so you don’t have to borrow one of the loaner helmets. As of 2010 SCCA requires a Snell M00 rating or newer. Both Motorcycle and Sport Application Helmets are acceptable. You’ll be out in the sun all day, so prepare accordingly. If its earlier or late in the season, dress in layers, you might start in a sweatshirt and jacket, and end up in a t-shirt. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and plenty of water.
Snacks are always a good idea, and people tend to group up and make quick trips out for lunch. A folding chair is always welcome so you can hang out and watch during your run group off. Bring a camera! You’ll have a great opportunity to get some awesome photos for your friends and family. Most MMers will be glad to take your camera and get some shots of you on course if they aren’t driving or working.
What Will it Do to My Car?
The biggest advantage of autocross, especially to poor college students, is its low-cost, low-risk design. While you are asking more of your car than you are during everyday driving, it is nowhere near as demanding as a track event. You can expect to slightly reduce the life of your tires but not enough to incur a noticeable cost.