Denver Autocorss

"Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car" (pilot-and-car-guy)
04/24/2015 at 13:05 • Filed to: None

What do I need to get in order to try an autocross?

Do you need to be 21, 18, or 16?

What kind of helmet is required?

Any special licence needed?

What is the average cost for a day of autocross?

Thanks for answering the questions, have an alfa for your time.

DISCUSSION (14)

Sam > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:09

A DOT auto certified helmet and a drivers license. If you’re under 18, you have to have a parent sign a waiver. A day membership is usually around $30.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Sam
04/24/2015 at 13:11

My grandpa used to race vintage cars, would one of his old helmets work? How would I find out?

MarquetteLa > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:12

Car.

Driver’s license.

Loaner helmets are available for freesies.

$40 for autocross and $10 for an SCCA Weekend Membership.

I’ll be at the next few Denver events, so let me know if you have questions or anything.

1111111111111111111111 > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:13

Old helmet is a no go. You’ll have to check with the club for the minimun requirements. But they also likely have smelly loaners.

MarquetteLa > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:14

These types of helmets are permitted for SCCA autocross. http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/assets/20…

Sam > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:14

Look up the “2015 Helmet Certifications for SCCA Solo Events”. I can’t post links on Kinja, because Kinja.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:17

1) Dignity

.jdb. > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:19

Disclaimer - the last time I autocrossed was ....2000 or so, so this may be old info.

To do your first autocross, you need a car. (not a van or a truck).

I THINK you need to be 16, but check with your local club.

Don’t worry about a helmet your first time, most autocrosses have loaners, but definitely check with your local club.

No license is needed beyond a driver’s license.

I think it’s like $30 or so for the day.

Since this is your first time, some tips:

Volunteer. Volunteer for anything and everything. The club will need help setting up cones and picking up cones and working with timing and bunches of other stuff. Showing up early and helping out is a great way to make friends with the club....who will then be really helpful when you want advice about setting up your car or running the course or how to go fast. Also it’s just polite. Most of the entry fee goes to cover insurance and renting a venue; the folks setting up cones do it because they love doing it.

Walk the course at least twice. Talk to people. Especially people who have a car like yours.

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and water. You’re probably going to be spending a lot of time outdoors on a sunny day with no shade. You don’t want to end up crisped.

Relax, and let your first run be a learning run. Your last run of the day is your chance to let it all hang out.

Empty your car out the night before. You’ll fail tech inspection if you have a bunch of crap rattling around inside.

Also, the night before, prep your car. Check all the fluids. Pump up the tires. Torque the lug nuts. Replace the air filter if it’s been more than a year. If your tank is more than half full, fill it up [I have no idea if there’s anything to this, but a guy once told me that half a tank of gas sloshing around can throw off your handling. You want either almost-full or almost-empty. This same guy was the one who had a perfect record for beating anyone’s time in their own car, so I listened when he talked.]

Have fun!

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > .jdb.
04/24/2015 at 13:23

Thanks for the help!

What do they look at in tech inspection? What is grounds for automatic failure?

.jdb. > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:30

No problem! As for tech, a quick google for “SCCA Autocross Tech Inspection” will probably get you the full list ;) but generally, it’s stuff like:

Tires all inflated

Lug nuts tight/wheels secure

Battery secure and wiring clean

No obvious leaks

Firm brake pedal

No crap rolling around in the car. (in a high-speed turn, it could become a projectile or lodge under a pedal. Neither ends well)

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > .jdb.
04/24/2015 at 13:36

I need to ditch my drivers floor mat (Clutch pedal gets stuck under it) and get a new water pump then. (Relatively minor, but noticeable coolant leak.)

And wait until next summer, as I only have my permit until September.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:40

Not technically, but it depends on how closely they look and how much they care. Technically, DOT isn’t allowed either, it needs to be Snell 2010 or newer, but no one really cares all that much at autocross because you aren’t really going to need it.

.jdb. > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
04/24/2015 at 13:43

I’d contact the club and see if you’re allowed to auto-x with just a permit. It’s worth asking. And yeah, definitely replace the water pump. I would still go, though - Denver’s a big city, so an auto-x there ought to be big enough to bring out some interesting vehicles. And watching what the fast drivers do is really useful. (Hint: The fast drivers rarely look fast. There’s almost no drama, no tire smoke, no oversteer. Well, most of the time. There was a dude in the club I used to race with who had an old Trans Am that he drove like he was in a car chase in a 70s cop show. It was glorious, and shockingly fast)

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > .jdb.
04/24/2015 at 13:47

One local club does, but it is $235 a day. I need to contact others.