First AutoCross
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 70
From: san diego CA
put it in competitive driving mode by holding the traction control button for a few seconds, put a few more psi in you tires, staying in second gear is generally enough for auto-x, arrive early and walk the course at least twice (really big one, as it sucks to try and learn the course by driving it), try your best to look ahead to plan upcoming turns and maintain speed, ask advice from other corvette owners that show up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 976
Likes: 53
From: smyrna de
Being your first auto x laser is pretty on point.. Try to be smooth with your throttle/brake and steering.. I my self have found 28psi to have the best grip on my street tires, I run nitto nt-05's. Memorizing the course will help most, look ahead, the gates come really quick when your on the course . it can be a little confusing for your first time, but ull have a blast.. Asking other vette owners is not always the best idea, make sure they have autox experience first.. My last auto x I was talking to a other vette owner, had corvette hat, jacket, the whole nine.. Said he had a bunch of auto x experience, watched him run and I cringed..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
I haven't auto crossed in years, but when I did, I'd walk the course, and make a drawing of it as I walked it. I would then attempt to sketch a line drawing of the apex lines and the braking markers. As in all things, going in with a plan helps achieve success.
Jacking up the tire pressure also keeps the tires from "rolling" during hard turns. Most of all, have fun, it is just about the most fun you can have with your pants on. Tire prssure @ 28 PSI seems low to me,,but like I said, I haven't done it in years. I'd think over 35 would be better.
Jacking up the tire pressure also keeps the tires from "rolling" during hard turns. Most of all, have fun, it is just about the most fun you can have with your pants on. Tire prssure @ 28 PSI seems low to me,,but like I said, I haven't done it in years. I'd think over 35 would be better.
Last edited by Phanni; Jun 14, 2011 at 10:19 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Stuart Florida
hey thanks for all the tips since we have 2 different tire pressures ill do 30psi and about comp. mode thats what i was gonna do. never thought of drawing the course so thanks for that. Any other ideas? And ill let you know how i do on sunday. And btw lol for "the most fun you'll have with your pants on." and im driving over there with a friend who placed 1st last race and is in the top 5 of the club.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 13
From: Katy TX
St. Jude Donor '12
In addition to the above advice, remove your wheel center caps. No need to risk them flying off.
You might pick up a roll of racers tape (basically low tac duct tape) and mask off behind the wheels if the course has a lot of gravel/dirt on it.
Make sure you have an approved helmet (check the local regs), closed toe shoes, and any other clothing reg (like long pants...).
If the opportunity presents itself, ask for rides with others. If it's heavy competition that won't work. But you said you're going with a buddy, so get his input. You'll be amazed what you learn from riding with others.
Water/sunscreen.
Oh yeah, if you wash/wax before you go, the cone residue comes off a little easier........
When you overpower the turn, why not have some fun with it (Note I said when...). It will sure be more memorable than a clean run!!!!
Yes, my car is in the middle of that. What great fun!
Then have a great time!!!!!!!!
chris
You might pick up a roll of racers tape (basically low tac duct tape) and mask off behind the wheels if the course has a lot of gravel/dirt on it.
Make sure you have an approved helmet (check the local regs), closed toe shoes, and any other clothing reg (like long pants...).
If the opportunity presents itself, ask for rides with others. If it's heavy competition that won't work. But you said you're going with a buddy, so get his input. You'll be amazed what you learn from riding with others.
Water/sunscreen.
Oh yeah, if you wash/wax before you go, the cone residue comes off a little easier........
When you overpower the turn, why not have some fun with it (Note I said when...). It will sure be more memorable than a clean run!!!!
Yes, my car is in the middle of that. What great fun!
Then have a great time!!!!!!!!
chris
Last edited by chrisj; Jun 15, 2011 at 05:56 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Punta Gorda Florida
I suggest turning the active handling completely off. Learn to drive the car without any electronics. Whatever you do, don't use the full active handling. It trys to keep you out of trouble, and, you're trying to get into it; you'll be all over the place. If you have an A4, then use 2nd gear; later learn to shift 1-2 if you need to. If it's a tight course, you may be able to run it in 1st. just listen to the rev limiter. If they allow it, take a bicycle and ride the course. We have a 1 mile course here, and I can ride it 4-5 times while others get to walk it once. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. They will probably have an air compressor available, but, bring your own 12v one. Watch your tire pressures and your side wear indicators. Run your A/C as it both keeps you cool, and it adds another fan to the engine. Be prepared to help on the course when you have finished running. You get a new perspective and you can see how the fast guys drive, their braking points and apexes.
Then, just relax, be smooth and have FUN !!
Then, just relax, be smooth and have FUN !!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 99
From: Apache Junction, Arizona
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16
hey thanks for all the tips since we have 2 different tire pressures ill do 30psi and about comp. mode thats what i was gonna do. never thought of drawing the course so thanks for that. Any other ideas? And ill let you know how i do on sunday. And btw lol for "the most fun you'll have with your pants on." and im driving over there with a friend who placed 1st last race and is in the top 5 of the club.
30 Lbs seems low, put some white shoe polish on the corner of the tires. If it is off when you come in from the run the tires are rolling under and you need more air. Take your rear view mirror off so you get a better view of all the pylons in front of you.
Have fun
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 976
Likes: 53
From: smyrna de
I DO NOT recomend 1 st gear at all.. I have ran some very tight courses and 1st gear does not work.. It really upsets the car on the when going on/off the throttle... Leave the start quickly and short shift into 2nd.. Our cars have more than enough power for 2nd gear.. And I do recomend comp mode on untill u feel comfortable with it off.. I run with AH off cause I can feel it trying to correct the car.. Again I have found that 28psi works best for my nitto nt-05's may not work with another tire.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,868
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
I looked quickly through the posts but didn't see a couple of things like remove your wheel center caps and torque your lug nuts (95?) so you pass spec easily. Take all the crap out of your car that might fly around and add weight.
I've heard this many times too: Sometimes slower is faster
The less time you spend sideways scrubbing off speed the faster you will be moving forward.....it's all about smooth transitions and like they are saying....noting your apexes and drifting out appropriately to set up for the next turn. Keep steady speed through slaloms and start your turn in (what feels like) early at each cone.
Have fun most of all. It's fun competition and you'll probably do novice class with other first timers.
It's a blast.
I've heard this many times too: Sometimes slower is faster
The less time you spend sideways scrubbing off speed the faster you will be moving forward.....it's all about smooth transitions and like they are saying....noting your apexes and drifting out appropriately to set up for the next turn. Keep steady speed through slaloms and start your turn in (what feels like) early at each cone.
Have fun most of all. It's fun competition and you'll probably do novice class with other first timers.
It's a blast.