Went autocrossing for my first time yesterday

"ForcefulPlatypus" (ForcefulPlatypus) 10/15/2013 at 00:45 • Filed to: None

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I've been to several autocross events before with my dad and his Z06 Corvette, as well as a friend of his and his S2000, so I wasn't a total n00b, but this was my first time driving in an event. Car is a '91 SW21 MR2 (5S-FE N/A.) Car is bone stock and unfortunately is running 195's all around despite having a staggered wheel setup. Location is O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Enjoy!

rabbitman > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 00:50

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I miss that place so bad.
Looks like you had a good time and run.

I am going to noob it up next year can't wait for my novice class in spring.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 00:57

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Not bad for a Noob.... Good work

Montalvo > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 01:08

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Looking really nice, you will probably make a lot of time up when you make the transitions more smoothly and start really putting the hammer down when you find the perfect line. You are 100% correct though more rubber wouldn't be a bad idea. I have never been there but hopefully they keep the setup roughly the same so you really get a feel of how to best approach each section in your car.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 01:17

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save up and get some decent tires you silly goose. I'm running 205's and 225's on my stock rims.

everyone else will tell you to be smoother, but you'll learn that as you drive more. It probably wouldn't hurt to put the T-tops back on to get a little bit of the flex out of the chassis, though it looks like you might not fit with your helmet.

other than that it looks like you had a great time, which is the most important part.

BeaterGT > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 01:21

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I feel like it would take me 10+ attempts just to learn the course layout, looks like you had fun though.

ForcefulPlatypus > Montalvo 10/15/2013 at 01:21

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I think my biggest weakness were braking points. I didn't trust myself to intentionally brake super late, and it always surprised me how late I could brake and still have grip in the turns. I think this became especially apparent in the last run. I also tended to hammer it a bit too much out of the corners, hence the oversteer. My lines could use some work as well, but the years of Forza and karting and racing jet skis around race courses pretty much all go out the window when you're on the course. I still had tons of fun and am looking forward to going again next month!

OtherBarry > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 08:19

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Not sure about trail braking a mid engine car, but definately trust your brakes more. There isn't anything to run into and the worst you are going to do is flat spot a tire. Then you can get gripper ones and try to tear the suspension pick up point out of the body. Thanks for sharing!

fink stinger > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 08:47

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Nice job for a first timer. Just keep going out there and you will get better. Not sure what the policy is for riding along where you are, but my local club has "fun runs" after the event. These are pretty much what they sound like. Anyone that is registered to drive for the event can drive any car that is registered for the event. Anyone that is over 16 can ride along as long as they sign a waiver. It's a great way to ride along with some of the veterans after you think you know the course. It will be VERY enlightening to see the different braking points and lines they take.

R-comps will make you faster, but will mask your mistakes when you are so green. Running the tires you have for a while will make you a better driver and will save money. Just be realistic about your times with them and you will notice improvement over time. You need to learn to manage your speed and read the track before you worry about tires. Once you start to plateau and feel the tires are holding you back, get into R-comps.

Should I say something about the hands? No, not yet. :D

Idiot Circus Boy > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 10:33

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I miss Oakland so much. One of my biggest regrets is that I never took my S2000 out to Auto-X Saturdays. :(

ForcefulPlatypus > fink stinger 10/15/2013 at 11:20

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Thanks! No really, what about the hands? I found my usual 9 and 3 positions for aggressive driving hard to maintain while having to turn the wheel more than 180 degrees on the course. Advice and criticism is more than welcome, haha.

fink stinger > ForcefulPlatypus 10/15/2013 at 12:41

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Disclaimer: I am not an instructor, but I have been scolded by some really good ones.

Letting the wheel spin back in your hands is never approved :-) Never let go of the wheel (unless a thumb-breaking crash is inevitable). And try to keep from re-gripping the wheel at positions other than 9-3.

Now that I picked at your hand-work, I am going to compliment you on looking ahead. Most noobs don't do it very well and it appears that you are. That will become more important as you get faster.