"TheJWT" (thejwt)
08/09/2014 at 19:12 • Filed to: Autocross
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"TheJWT" (thejwt)
08/09/2014 at 19:12 • Filed to: Autocross | 0
| 6 |
The title basically says it all. Like what kinds of things are officials gonna look for at the tech inspection, what's the best way to do numbering, helmets, etc...
Danny Gross
> TheJWT
08/09/2014 at 19:40 |
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Empty your car of loose items. Remove your floor mats. Double check that your lug nuts are tight.
Don't hesitate to ask questions or mention this is your first autocross. The community is very welcoming and they can help you with just about anything. Most regions have novice walks or novice driver meetings, make sure you are there for those.
Happy soloing!
XJDano
> TheJWT
08/09/2014 at 19:41 |
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white Scotts tape on a dark car
Hit some cones for the hell of it
Jayhawk Jake
> TheJWT
08/09/2014 at 19:45 |
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They'll make sure your battery is secure, wheels are secure, gas and brake pedals are unobstructed and won't jam, and that you don't have any loose objects in the car.
Numbering? It probably depends on the event. The ones I go to are small enough that I just pick a number and put it on there (7 for me) with blue tape. I think you're supposed to also indicate class, but I don't and no one has asked me to yet. Blue painters tape is okay so long as it's visible, or at my local club they've got the window paints or whatever they are called to mark it on a rear window.
Helmets? I'm guessing you don't have your own, which means you'll be loaning one from your section. Just get one that fits snugly but comfortably. Someone there can help you find the right one. A lot of people like the open face helmets. If you're going to do lots of autocross (you will), I'd recommend buying a helmet. I bought this one and I love it, it's very comfortable for autox. I didn't need the full face but it's never bothered me, I leave the visor up (honestly I should just take it off but I never think to).
In general, I'd recommend getting there fairly early and just introducing yourself to whoever is setting up and offer to help. Be open about the fact that it's your first autocross. I have yet to meet a single person at autocross that isn't among the nicest type of people so I doubt you'll have much trouble. I've done autox with both SCCA and PCA groups here in town and I was welcomed with open arms as a newbie. Make sure to ask if there's anyone willing to ride with you and give you tips (a specified instructor or just an experienced driver), and they'll likely do a novice course walk which you should absolutely not miss. I'm decently experienced now but I still like to go on the novice walk because the guy that does it is a really great driver and I've never not learned something from it.
My main advice? Don't sweat it. Just go out there and have fun, talk to people, remember that autocross is first and foremost a place to learn how to be a better driver and that everyone there is there for the same thing: to have a blast driving fast.
STANDARD6SPEED
> TheJWT
08/09/2014 at 20:08 |
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Jayhawk had a pretty thorough answer, I'd listen to his thoughts on it. Only thing I'd really add is prepare to get addicted :)
The Transporter
> TheJWT
08/09/2014 at 20:38 |
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Fun. You should expect to have fun. If you don't have fun after four hours, consult your doctor as you may be dead.
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TheJWT
> Jayhawk Jake
08/09/2014 at 23:52 |
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Thanks for such a thorough rundown, I really appreciate it! I've read that the club that runs the autox I'm going to doesn't allow tape numbers, but I'm not sure how strict they are on that. (White masking tape on a black car seems like it would work just fine to me)