autocross racing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
autocross racing
While in SteamBoat Springs Co. last week I got to watch a autocross competition at the mustang roundup event. I was wondering if anyone on the forum races their vette in autocross. What would it take to set the car up for this? :D :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 2
From: Haysville Ks
Re: autocross racing (jetech)
I don't autocross my Vette, but I do autocross my TA and Camaro. As stated above, tires are one of the most inportant thing. I have extra sets of wheels with Hoosier Autocross compound racing tires. The other most inportant thing is seat time, seat time,seat time. The more the better. Check with your local SCCA club in your area, get their schedule and go to as many events that you can. A lot of local clubs will let you ride with other autocrossers before you drive. Many regions will also put on a Autocross driving school. The entry is limited, so If you should want to do one, get your entry in as soon a you can.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Re: autocross racing (1LE)
I agree with seat time. I have done absolutely nothing (well, at the time when I autocrossed) to 'prepare' my car for autocrossing. Still even running some fairly worn 245/60/15 bfg t/a's and I still did pretty good. And although I've never autocrossed before I've spent a lot of time racing bikes, hot rodding on four wheelers, out driving late at night on wet streets, etc to get a good feel for handling and pushing moving vehicles.
I got 3rd in my first autocross and I was right behind another guy in a C3 that had a full cage, stickier larger tires, and 'prepared' cars. I think another thing that helped me is I'm not afraid to take this car to the edge.....I'm not saying that's a smart thing but it can help. I would also watch very closely the other drivers that do well and get all the advise you can get. I used to also think that the shortest line is the fastest line....sometimes that is so far from the truth.
But above all else, be safe and have fun. :steering:
I got 3rd in my first autocross and I was right behind another guy in a C3 that had a full cage, stickier larger tires, and 'prepared' cars. I think another thing that helped me is I'm not afraid to take this car to the edge.....I'm not saying that's a smart thing but it can help. I would also watch very closely the other drivers that do well and get all the advise you can get. I used to also think that the shortest line is the fastest line....sometimes that is so far from the truth.
But above all else, be safe and have fun. :steering:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: autocross racing (tshort)
If your suspension bushings, bearings, brakes, shocks, etc. are all in good shape, then you should be all set to go out and give it a try. As mentioned tires are very important for grip in the corners along with larger diameter wheels.
In my opinion, if your car is in pretty good condition, go out and give it a try or ask if you can ride with someone who's experienced to see what it's really like when your out there. Then if you get hooked and want to try to be somewhat competitive, then start looking at your car, but it's not cheap !
Once your car is set, seat time will do wonders for your times. You want to be as smooth as you can on the course. I've had people tell me even though they can hear my engine revving and me shifting, it looks like I'm just out for a Sunday cruise when I'm driving. The smoother the better :yesnod: .
In my opinion, if your car is in pretty good condition, go out and give it a try or ask if you can ride with someone who's experienced to see what it's really like when your out there. Then if you get hooked and want to try to be somewhat competitive, then start looking at your car, but it's not cheap !
Once your car is set, seat time will do wonders for your times. You want to be as smooth as you can on the course. I've had people tell me even though they can hear my engine revving and me shifting, it looks like I'm just out for a Sunday cruise when I'm driving. The smoother the better :yesnod: .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Re: autocross racing (SmokedTires)
Definitely the smoother the better. Look at the winning racers and the loosing racers in NASCAR or F1. The top guys don't look like they're doing much while the guys in the back of the pack look like they are the ones that are really trying.
