Thinking about Auto Xing this year.

[SlverEJ20]

Well as the tittle states I think finally I'm going to get into Auto X. This is something I've been wanting to do for the past several years but never got around to it. I will admit, I actually have been kind of intimidated to compete.
Anyways I have been reading for a few hours and was wondering what class would my car be put in/fit in?

the short but growing list of mods are
gutted up
Cat less D/P
OS stage 2 flash (so yes boost is higher then stock)
snorkel delete ( from what I read this might change my class)

if I get some springs would that move me up a class?


I know I have a lot more reading to do but I feel if you guys could tell me what class my car fits in would help me with my reading.

thank you for the help
EJ.

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[KC]

SCCA or NASA?

SCCA, you'd be in ESP or SM (I'd suggest ESP). Everything you listed takes you out of Stock and out of STX. You'd be able to do a whole bunch of other things in ESP also, including springs and shocks.

The big thing about intimidation at an autox confounds me. Sure, it's a competition, but in learning any sport, there are people that have been doing this for 10-20-30 years and you will lose to them. Get beyond that and you'll do fine.

The best thing about it, is if you can learn from them in how to become better. Ask for an instructor. They're free and will help you get better. Also, this is called Solo for a reason... it's you against the clock. You only lose to yourself.

Don't worry that you're going to be beat by more prepped cars (check your ego at the gate). Such is the case starting to auto-x with a modded car already instead of starting to auto-x and then deciding which mods you want to do. Just show up and have fun with what you have

--kC

[xrocket21]

I suggest trying to find a local club, as opposed to a large scale SCCA club, to start out with.


They will hopefully be more laid back, and more in it for fun.

[KC]

Originally Posted by xrocket21

I suggest trying to find a local club, as opposed to a large scale SCCA club, to start out with.


They will hopefully be more laid back, and more in it for fun.

NER happens to be what is called a ''jumbo" region and is rather large. Most SCCA clubs are much smaller and laid back. NER is laid back too... when everyone does their part to make the event run smoothly.

--KC

[mla163]

In SCCA, you wouldn't be competitive. The catless part doesn't help.

Since you are in MAIC, check out CDC...

http://www.capitaldrivingclub.com/

The classing isn't as ridiculous as SCCA, it's much more laid back, and it's less intimidating than the huge events with WDCR SCCA. The classing is setup based on power, weight, and tires. No penalties for different maps, cats, bushings, braces, etc. There are a lot of MAIC guys down there, check out the unofficial thread in the local forum.

[delongedoug]

Last year was my first year so I can kind of relate. I ended up running with a smaller, local group that was very relaxed but still had some good competition. Don't worry about your classing off the bat. It's good to know where you are, but don't jump in trying to win your class. It won't happen. You might run in a novice group your first few times out where instructors ride with you at least your first run anyways. I found this very helpful and welcomed them on my second run as well. There are lots of friendly and experienced people out there willing to help you. Some of them don't even drive Subarus!

Honestly, it's a blast. I ended up doing 10 or so events last year and am going to be doing even more this year with an autoX school and some HPDEs as well.

[Fogrider]

IMHO, autoX is a magnificent introduction to motorsports that also lets you push your development to the limits of your talent, time and budget in this venue. If you set out with the goals of 1) I will have fun and 2) I will learn and improve, your probability of success is VERY high. Who cares where you PAX? Are you improving and having fun? Then you are successful. The local clubs are often more about introduction and instruction (building the participant base of the sport) whereas the regional groups (like NER here in New England) can serve as a challenge grounds for the best regional talent to bang heads as they prepare for National competition. This doesn't mean you can't learn with a regional group, you may get less seat time and some instructors may be more focused on their performance than at the local venue.
Good luck and Have Fun!

[mulva]

I think there was a little bit of intimidation that was holding me back from trying out autox but that was erased within minutes of attending my first event last year. Everyone was very supportive and the atmosphere was very laid back. I PAX'd in the middle of the pack that day. Take the first few runs with an instructor if you can. It will help relax your nerves and help with navigating the course. Good luck!!!

[zeenon53]

I just started auto-x this year and justfinished my second even ever this past weekend. I deciced to join NASA since they have alot of events in NC and VA. Deffinitely check your ego at the door. There is nothing like having my 400awhp sti get dominated by a little 90hp 14 year old miata. This is deffinitely a test of driving skills and not just standing on it like you would on a highway.

Check out these links, very helpful:
http://www.nasaracing.net/
http://www.tidewatersportscarclub.co...tpage&Itemid=1
www.get-fast.net

[xrocket21]

Originally Posted by KC

NER happens to be what is called a ''jumbo" region and is rather large. Most SCCA clubs are much smaller and laid back. NER is laid back too... when everyone does their part to make the event run smoothly.

--KC

speaking from experience, i disagree

[testify]

Originally Posted by xrocket21

speaking from experience, i disagree

I ran with both a small club(FCSCC) and a large club(NER) last year. And I have to say that NER has a very laid back but well organized solo program. The people there are as friendly as it gets and I've always gotten 5-7 runs on a 60 second course. Like Kc said, it all depends on everyone doing their part to make things work. Not for nothing, I'm new to the sport, but I have been nothing but impressed with the quality of NER's solo program.




To the OP, what do you mean by gutted? Is the catalytic converter gutted or is the interior gutted?

[xrocket21]

I guess Ill disagree with you as well.

I have been auto-xing for about 8 years, and after maybe 5 events with NER I said I would never, EVER go back.

I still say, along with 90% of the other replies in this thread, that its better to start in a local club first, than a national club.

[SlverEJ20]

Originally Posted by mla163

In SCCA, you wouldn't be competitive. The catless part doesn't help.

Since you are in MAIC, check out CDC...

http://www.capitaldrivingclub.com/

The classing isn't as ridiculous as SCCA, it's much more laid back, and it's less intimidating than the huge events with WDCR SCCA. The classing is setup based on power, weight, and tires. No penalties for different maps, cats, bushings, braces, etc. There are a lot of MAIC guys down there, check out the unofficial thread in the local forum.

Thanks for all the help guys, Yea I actaully have heard of CDC and have talked to Dave (Aquacow) about the club. I'm going to comeout to their first event to watch/ maybe compete.

I've seen a few video's of CDC events and they look like there out to have fun.

Anyways I'll continue reading up on things after my midterm today.


O and TRUST me I'm not going to go out there and think I'm the most bad ass driver out there, that I already know

[SlverEJ20]

Double post ..

[delongedoug]

Originally Posted by testify

I ran with both a small club(FCSCC) and a large club(NER) last year. And I have to say that NER has a very laid back but well organized solo program. The people there are as friendly as it gets and I've always gotten 5-7 runs on a 60 second course. Like Kc said, it all depends on everyone doing their part to make things work. Not for nothing, I'm new to the sport, but I have been nothing but impressed with the quality of NER's solo program.




To the OP, what do you mean by gutted? Is the catalytic converter gutted or is the interior gutted?

I'll be running with FCSCC this year as well. I've heard good things as I only ran with CART last year. See you between the cones (hopefully ).

[68Cadillac]

Originally Posted by SlverEJ20

I'm going to comeout to their first event to watch/ maybe compete.

After the first 30 minutes or of watching an Autocross boredom sets in. To really get a feel for it just jump in and drive. I highly recommend you participate first time.

Originally Posted by SlverEJ20

O and TRUST me I'm not going to go out there and think I'm the most bad ass driver out there, that I already know

My first time out I placed in the lower 15% of the club. It's humbling getting beat by 180 other drivers.

After 3 years I got my first top 10 PAX placement. After 4, I can place first in PAX. Can't do it every event. I've had 3 top PAX placements. Practice, Practice, Practice, and tires.

[KC]

Originally Posted by xrocket21

I guess Ill disagree with you as well.

I have been auto-xing for about 8 years, and after maybe 5 events with NER I said I would never, EVER go back.

8 years? Come on. If you've been autoxing for 8 years, you should be faster than you are. Read my 1st post in the thread... you HAVE TO check your Ego at the gate. If you allow your ego define who you are an how you drive, you're not going to learn anything and it will always get in the way of progress. Somewhat truthfully... you don't like the fact that you're full seconds slower in the NER class, but you're top of the game in CMC. That's an Ego thing.

And let's be honest here... You run Methanol Injection. Not allowed in any SCCA class. You don't like that you can't run Methanol at SCCA events. Ergo, you don't like NER.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...light=methanol

03-21-2007 Winter I use maybe 1 gallon a month. Heaviest usage I had was drag racing on a friday night followed by an auto-x on sunday, and I used 1/3 gallon in 2 days.

CMC either allows, or doesn't know, or doesn't care that you run Methanol. If that's fine by them, good for you. But it's not allowed by the SCCA rules, and that, I believe due to past conversations, is what is really keeping you from coming back to SCCA events, right? I can't think of many clubs, if they knew, that allow methanol, because they usually base their classing and rules on SCCA rules.

--KC

[mla163]

Originally Posted by SlverEJ20

Thanks for all the help guys, Yea I actaully have heard of CDC and have talked to Dave (Aquacow) about the club. I'm going to comeout to their first event to watch/ maybe compete.

I've seen a few video's of CDC events and they look like there out to have fun.

Anyways I'll continue reading up on things after my midterm today.


O and TRUST me I'm not going to go out there and think I'm the most bad ass driver out there, that I already know

We'll look for you out there. PM me if you have any questions or if you want to sign up as a guest (you can sign up earlier)

[kfoote]

Originally Posted by KC

8 years? Come on. If you've been autoxing for 8 years, you should be faster than you are.

I think I've only run 5 autocrosses, and I think I've won my class in 3 of them.

I may see if I can make an AX or 2 late in the season this year.

[xrocket21]

Originally Posted by KC

8 years? Come on. If you've been autoxing for 8 years, you should be faster than you are. Read my 1st post in the thread... you HAVE TO check your Ego at the gate. If you allow your ego define who you are an how you drive, you're not going to learn anything and it will always get in the way of progress. Somewhat truthfully... you don't like the fact that you're full seconds slower in the NER class, but you're top of the game in CMC. That's an Ego thing.

And let's be honest here... You run Methanol Injection. Not allowed in any SCCA class. You don't like that you can't run Methanol at SCCA events. Ergo, you don't like NER.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...light=methanol


CMC either allows, or doesn't know, or doesn't care that you run Methanol. If that's fine by them, good for you. But it's not allowed by the SCCA rules, and that, I believe due to past conversations, is what is really keeping you from coming back to SCCA events, right? I can't think of many clubs, if they knew, that allow methanol, because they usually base their classing and rules on SCCA rules.

--KC

It has nothing to do with methanol or my skills as a driver. People who know me know I am humble, and in it for the fun. I think my first race was in 01 or 02, and I guess 09 doesnt count since its winter, so maybe more like 7 years?

My second event with NER, I was yelled at/spoken to NINE TIMES

yes I counted.

Standing in the wrong place, doing the wrong thing, looking at a friends film of my run too close to the paddock, etc

My friend who used to come watch me stopped coming because he was tired of getting yelled at.

Any time I walked the pits, people were unfriendly, secretive, and rude.

"Sweet car, what you got done?"

"Ohhhh, just a few things...."

was a typical conversation.

With a big club, the average age goes up, the cost invested goes up, the competition goes up, the number of cars brought in on trailers goes up, and the fun goes down.

National tour event was terrible, I didn't have any fun AT ALL. I was spoken to on THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS because my class letters and car number were DIFFERENT COLORS.

I have done maybe 5 event with NER and I never enjoyed it. I just stopped going.

Super strict, and super serious. I don't see the environment right at all for a n00b.

I like smaller clubs where you can have passengers, minimal protests, etc

Yes, CMC knows and "overlooks" the methanol, becuase it doesnt really matter, The other sti in my class was a balck 05 running meth as well. We arent on ESPN, we are in a parking lot having fun.

Yes, I like CMC, its laid back. You show up, get lots of runs, the announcer probably knows you and jokes aboput your car as you are at the line, maybe a buddy comes with you for a run, maybe you go with him for a run, maybe you rent a kart one event for the fun of it, etc.

I can easily run a non methanol map, Instead, I choose to drive 3+ hours instead of 1 to avoid, well, people like you.

And you and ted can get off my ****ing back about the methanol, because its not like I hide it.

AGAIN, I am fairly confident that a first timer will have better success with a small local club rather than a national club.

This coming from someone who has taken probably 100 people for rides with him auto-xing to convince them to try it because it is FUN and a legal way to flog your car.

[Fogrider]

Originally Posted by kfoote

I think I've only run 5 autocrosses, and I think I've won my class in 3 of them.

I may see if I can make an AX or 2 late in the season this year.

Let's do the math: 5 autocrosses x 6 runs/autoX x 60 seconds/run= 30 minutes seat time in autoX (approximations noted.) This 30 minutes represents what percentage of your seat-time in motorsports (HPDE and car set-up and shake-down runs included.)? Would I be correct in guessing less than 0.1%?
This supports 68Cadillac's comment of "Practice, practice, practice and tires"
Wish you the best, Ken. Hope to catch you at an event or two this summer.
"Motorsports: Come for the cars, stay for the people."

[xrocket21]

Originally Posted by Fogrider

Let's do the math: 5 autocrosses x 6 runs/autoX x 60 seconds/run= 30 minutes seat time in autoX (approximations noted.) This 30 minutes represents what percentage of your seat-time in motorsports (HPDE and car set-up and shake-down runs included.)? Would I be correct in guessing less than 0.1%?
This supports 68Cadillac's comment of "Practice, practice, practice and tires"
Wish you the best, Ken. Hope to catch you at an event or two this summer.
"Motorsports: Come for the cars, stay for the people."

[KC]

Originally Posted by kfoote

I think I've only run 5 autocrosses, and I think I've won my class in 3 of them.

I may see if I can make an AX or 2 late in the season this year.

So did xrocket... when he was the only one in the class.

And this is where we hear a faint 'pop' in xrockets head.

Dude, seriously? You have zero clue. Do you think you were the only one that is told in a day that you don't belong in a hot grid if you're not driving, or that something you're doing, where you are, 'isn't quite right'? NER is *VERY* safety conscious. More so than other clubs. That's a good thing. If you can't accept that...

That if you ask someone what's been done to the car, while they're adjusting shocks, or watering tires, or thinking about the course, or their last run, that they're going to go into a lengthy dissertation of what's been done to the car? If anyone asks me *anything* when I'm trying to concentrate on something, or do something, you're gonna get a generic answer... it's not personal. Stop taking it as such.

The best time to ask someone is when they're not in grid, or not working on the car. It's not personal. The same people would probably be the 1st people to have a beer afterwards. However, attitude given is attitude returned.

--kC

[xrocket21]

I just do it to have fun man. FUN. Kinda the point of the whole car.

[KC]

Originally Posted by xrocket21

I just do it to have fun man. FUN. Kinda the point of the whole car.

And I'm having fun right now. I hope you realize that. You leave the door open so easily.

--kC