what autoX class would I be in?

[njp98]

I'm looking into autoX and I was looking at the SCCA handbook for what class I'd be in. It looks like my FI keeps me out of Street Prepared. Do I run in Street Mod? I hear alot of acronyms like STX and such, how many different classes of Street Mod and Street Prep are there. I don't see any of the acronyms used in the rulebook and being a noob to AutoX I figured I better ask you guys. BTW, the link in my profile has all the mods listed on the first page.

[Wicked 3800 V6]

Check moutons.org or scca.org. FI should have you in SM or SM2, but not competitively.

[njp98]

I think it fits into the SM catagory, I could have been in STU , but the cut off is 3.1L for FI and I think since mine isn't stock it wouldn't fit anyway.

Since I'm going to run in a pretty wild class exaclty what kinda cars would usually be there and how bad would I get beaten?

[Wicked 3800 V6]

Just go to have fun. Without $1000 tires and wheels, you can't run top 3 anyway, but you can have BIG fun, gain experience, meet people, and still get decent times. Depending on area and the competitiveness of your class, you could run top.

(I never did. [img]smile.gif[/img] )

[njp98]

I can't wait to actually get out there and try my driving skill (or lack of it). Any tips for a first timer?

[RGB]

Know what your doing for a helmet.
Get there early so your not rushed.
When you register find out if there is someone in charge of the novices or a novice meeting.
Usually someone will be willing to ride along with you your first couple of times to give you some advice.

The farther you can look ahead the less you will have to move the stearing wheel and the faster you will be.

Avoid pushing the tires beyound there limits. If the front wheels are already sliding turning the stearing wheel more won't help; locking up the wheels with the brakes is expensive, if the the rear wheels are already spining adding throttle won't help either. (Every car I've seen wecked on course has been becase of trouble understanding one of these three things.)

lots of web sites like
http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

I liked
Secrets of Solo Racing by Henry A. Watts

With the '97 camaro, I like a full tank of gas and the ABS fuse pulled, as much camber as I can get and zero toe. I wouldn't spend alot the first year (including on tires). But making sure your fluids, brake, power stearing, etc (I use valvoline synthetic)are all fresh is a good idea.

[shenanigans]

All good advice......


so you pull ABS, does it have a better more predictable feel?

[Wicked 3800 V6]

I'd say invest the $100 or $150 in a helmet -- I have a GF750 from G-Force -- SA2000 rated, open face, that I got from summit or jegs for $150 a while ago. It's worth it to:
Have your own, so you know it's NEVER been dropped
Have your own, so it fits you and only you
Have your own, so it's not sweaty as all get out

Also, ask ask ask and talk talk talk. The Autocross community is an amazing one. Just have a bit of humility, because a bunch of little MINI's, etc., will run circles around you.

[RGB]

In parking lot, I pull the fuse because on some surfaces (rough? dusty?) if the ABS clicks on the car goes into "glide mode" (like having half the breaking power you had a second ago). I'm hoping they fixed this in the newer cars.

I'll put the fuse back in if I'm worried about flat spotting the tires.

[ February 04, 2005, 11:32 AM: Message edited by: RGB ]

[zlexiss]

I keep my ABS fuse in. The 4th gen F-Body can do bad things if you just slam on the brakes, don't wait until the last moment and do that. Give up 10 feet and squeeze them in, and it'll do much better.

Read the Solo II Novice Handbook

Join the F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums (frrax.com)

Don't be afraid to say you're a newbie - veteran drivers often go out of their way to help you out by walking the course with you, giving you ride alongs in their cars (just ask!), and making sure you enjoy yourself enough to come back.

-Jeff