First Autocross this Weekend!

"mazdaspeed2" (mazdaspeed03)
05/16/2014 at 19:06 • Filed to: autox

Anything I should know/read before I go?

DISCUSSION (19)

whoarder is tellurium > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:10

Wear sunscreen. Walk the course as many times as you can. Smooth is fast. No need to burn up your tires and clutch on hard launching. Hit that apex. Bring water. Make sure all your loose shit is out of the car and your battery is attached properly. Make sure nothing is leaking or low on fluid. Check lug nut torque and air pressures, adjust depending on drive wheel (FR, FF, etc).

48 Spoons > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:16

Bring water, sunscreen, snack, hat, sun glasses, a tire gauge and either a bike pump or an electric one. Painters tape of a contrasting color to your car for numbers/letters. Suggested PSI for a beginner is 40 PSI so you don't roll on the side walls. Can bring some chalk as well and you can mark your tires to see how much you are or are not rolling over.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to as questions and have fun!

mazdaspeed2 > whoarder is tellurium
05/16/2014 at 19:20

I am FF (mazda 2), should I keep all 4 tire pressures the same? I stiffened the back a bit, so the car rotates fairly well.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:20

Take everything out of your car that doesn't need to be there: carpets, spare tire, random stuff in your glovebox, etc.

What are you driving?

mazdaspeed2 > 48 Spoons
05/16/2014 at 19:22

Thanks! What does it mean I am doing if I am rolling on the sidewall? I'm guessing it is bad for my tires?

mazdaspeed2 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/16/2014 at 19:23

Mazda 2, and I was planning on doing that, I'm trying to figure out how to take out the rear bench cushions. I actually planned on taking the entire glovebox out haha.

48 Spoons > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:27

Add some more PSI, although at 40 you should be fine. Rolling on the sidewall could potentially damage the tire, so you don't want that. Ideally you want to run as low as a PSI as you can without rolling on the sidewall, but I wouldn't worry too much about finding the best setup when just starting out. Just want to make sure that you don't damage anything.

whoarder is tellurium > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:28

It sort of depends, but generally you'll want more air in the front. For starters, not much more than 5PSI over stock. Your car is very light to begin with and probably wont be too hard on the tires. But, if possible, do this at home before you go out. It'll save you a bunch of time and if you feel you need more, bring the portable air comp like 48 Spoons said.

That brings me to another point, if you dont mind, prep the car as much as possible before getting to the event. Removing floormats, spare tire, any dash/glass mounted electronics, dashboard items can be done there at the autox. Have your method of numbering the car easy to get to, be it tape or magnets or other.

Now, also remember, if its an SCCA Solo autocross, you will have to work the course at some point during the day (either before your run group or after). They'll announce all this at the drivers meeting. This means either being a corner worker or radio operator or other. Seeing that you're a first time novice, make sure they know this and get paired with someone who knows what they're doing at say, a corner work position.

mazdaspeed2 > 48 Spoons
05/16/2014 at 19:29

Oh I get it thanks! I hadn't seen anything about that yet, very good to know.

mazdaspeed2 > whoarder is tellurium
05/16/2014 at 19:31

It is SCCA Solo, and I have no problems removing as much as I can before, it is only 20 minutes from my house if that. I will definitely make it known that I am a novice, thanks.

whoarder is tellurium > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:35

I noticed you thought about removing seat cushions and stuff, don't do that! lol. :) SCCA has an online rulebook I'd highly reccomend looking at before going out. Have fun! Dont forget a proper helmet, the current spec will be in the rule book too.

http://www.scca.com/solo/content.c…

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:43

As a pale, sweaty, little man of German and Irish heritage I cannot plus1+ the sunscreen, hat and water enough. Having to piss constantly is better than being dehydrated and loopy from low blood pressure, plus all that asphalt and lack of shade really takes it out of you. Also, snacks. yes, many snacks. Keep that blood sugar up! (but avoid Caffeine! Jittery and nervous is NOT fast.)

mazdaspeed2 > whoarder is tellurium
05/16/2014 at 19:51

Luckily they provide free loaner helmets for novices, but is taking the cushion out illegal? Someone else with a 2 the autox's near me suggested that I do it because it is easy. Thank you for the help, and I will have fun!

mazdaspeed2 > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
05/16/2014 at 19:52

I am of Irish English and German heritage, but oddly enough I am not pale, and I tan haha. I will definitely be wearing plenty of sunscreen and bring lots of water and food though!

HideyoshiJP > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 19:56

Be as happy as your car is.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 20:06

lucky bastard. Just thinking about the sun results in sunburn for me :P

whoarder is tellurium > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 20:13

Well, its kind of unnecessary and wont really "gain" a significant advantage. However, it does not classify under Stock classing. That is, if you're signing up as H Stock. Stock classes are very specific and interior removal is not one of the modifications.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > mazdaspeed2
05/16/2014 at 20:28

Walk the course a great many times, bring an air compressor/some form of pump, and don't forget to turn off your traction control.

mazdaspeed2 > whoarder is tellurium
05/17/2014 at 07:24

I am in street touring fwd, so I assume it is legal. I didn't think it would gain me much but I was going to do it because race car! Haha.