Autocross Advice?

"heliochrome85" (heliochrome85)
06/10/2015 at 13:04 • Filed to: None

This weekend, I am attending my first autocross event. The local Sandlapper BMWCCA chapter is hosting a track day at the BMW Performance Center track in Greer, SC. Any advice for a novice?

DISCUSSION (14)

Alex B > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:08

I have no advice, but I must say your car looks great!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:10

Study the map and walk the course as much as you can. Hardest part my first time was getting lost.

As far as driving tips, focus on smooth inputs.

Rico > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:13

It’s crazy how much I dislike the F30 3 Series but every single time I see yours I swoon inside. I think it’s the color, the m sport front and that Euro plate that do it for me.

heliochrome85 > Rico
06/10/2015 at 13:19

I don’t really understand the hatred of the F30. I have driven all of the competitors extensively and still think that its the best of the bunch from a driving dynamics perspective.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:20

Drive Fast, Take Chances.

It’s my standard advice for noobs and it seems to work so-so.

Don’t be afraid to attack the cones, they won’t damage your paint (If they have good cones)

Rico > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:21

Oh no driving wise it is great but I don’t like the front end really. The headlights meeting the grill thing isn’t really my favorite look.

Also I just complimented the shit out of your car, no one else’s car here makes me feel that way except my own.

f86sabre > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:32

If they have a track walk, or novice walk, do it.

Let the organizers know you are a noobie. See if they will help you find a veteran to go for a ride with.

Be willing to help. AutoX’s are based on the principal that you run and you work. I always liked working timing, but you should work the course your first event for maximum effect.

Make sure your battery is bolted down and your lug nuts or torqued. Adjust you air pressures as needed.

Clean out the interior and trunk of your car. Remove the floor mats.

Figure out how you want to do your numbers on your car. Some groups allow tape on windows and some don’t.

Have fun.

Stupidru > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:34

I’ll echo what Bryan said- get there early and walk the course a few times. First just get a feel for where to go, then pretend you’re in the car and walk the course following a line you want to take. Notice how the pitch or elevation of the pavement change and if there are any cracks or anything else that might upset your suspension. When you get in the car, don’t be so modular- everything slows down the faster you go (meaning, slow down your inputs). Don’t be on/off the gas and only go straight/left/right. Ease your foot into each pedal and turn the wheel smoothly. Pay attention to what your tires and your suspension are telling you. And lastly, remember what Michael Schumacher once said “It’s amazing that most people think brakes are for slowing down” (at least I think that was him who said it). Don’t go so fast into the corner that you’ll just push your way out. In slow, out fast.

Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop > f86sabre
06/10/2015 at 13:38

Dumb question: Could you elaborate more on numbers? Are there standard ways of doing this (painter’s tape or window markers or something)?

Thanks!

mcseanerson > heliochrome85
06/10/2015 at 13:42

Avoid the cone. But not too much.

mcseanerson > f86sabre
06/10/2015 at 13:45

I love working the corners, especially if you have the opportunity to work before your first runs. It lets you get a chance to see the lines everyone else is taking and what works and what doesn’t.

MRtwo > Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop
06/10/2015 at 14:33

Painters tape works well. If you have a hardware store nearby with magnetic numbers, you could get a couple.

MRtwo > f86sabre
06/10/2015 at 14:34

Exactly this. My first autox experience went pretty well because I let people know I was new and they were all more than welcome to help out.

Protip: Bring some water bottles and maybe a folding chair to make watching a more enjoyable.

f86sabre > Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop
06/10/2015 at 15:48

Yeah, painter’s tape in a contrasting color. When I ran we used white shoe polish on the windows as well.