First AutoCross
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 545
Likes: 384
From: southern rural MI
First AutoCross
Attended my first AutoCross event this past Sat. at Michigan International Speedway.
I only participated in 2 of the 7 events (friend's coming out for the weekend meant I only had Sat morning available), but what a well run get together. (thanks Irish Hills Corvette Club)
Of course, this being my first time, I was the guy not knowing where to go, who to talk to, where to stage, where to exit.
But once I said I was a newbie, everyone took over to show me around, introduce me and make sure I had fun.
And fun is an understatement. I left the Active Handling active. So my inexperienced, full throttle launches out of the turns were dialed back by the system, (much appreciated), preventing further embarrassment.
Apart from driving and pushing my C5 through the turns and the chicane, I most enjoyed hanging out at the finish line, where old and new Vette's moved with precision. As a new Vette owner, it only solidified my impression of how good these cars are on the track. Not sure what my times were, and it doesn't really matter, but I plan on going again.
Driving back home, I felt a new appreciation for what a great car the C5 is, and in my own abilities to explore it's limits.
RickR90s
I only participated in 2 of the 7 events (friend's coming out for the weekend meant I only had Sat morning available), but what a well run get together. (thanks Irish Hills Corvette Club)
Of course, this being my first time, I was the guy not knowing where to go, who to talk to, where to stage, where to exit.
But once I said I was a newbie, everyone took over to show me around, introduce me and make sure I had fun.
And fun is an understatement. I left the Active Handling active. So my inexperienced, full throttle launches out of the turns were dialed back by the system, (much appreciated), preventing further embarrassment.
Apart from driving and pushing my C5 through the turns and the chicane, I most enjoyed hanging out at the finish line, where old and new Vette's moved with precision. As a new Vette owner, it only solidified my impression of how good these cars are on the track. Not sure what my times were, and it doesn't really matter, but I plan on going again.
Driving back home, I felt a new appreciation for what a great car the C5 is, and in my own abilities to explore it's limits.
RickR90s
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,441
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
when I first rode with my wife, I said I could never do that with my Vette !!!! still have not in mine but with a 02 Z 06 and a highly modded 06 Z06, well mine will have it's day !!! I love AutoXing !!!!! the stock C 5 Z is a amazing car right out of the box, it keeps up with the best of them !!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 545
Likes: 384
From: southern rural MI
when I first rode with my wife, I said I could never do that with my Vette !!!! still have not in mine but with a 02 Z 06 and a highly modded 06 Z06, well mine will have it's day !!! I love AutoXing !!!!! the stock C 5 Z is a amazing car right out of the box, it keeps up with the best of them !!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
Auto-x events are a great place to learn and practice. Most people are very friendly especially if you're new to the sport. Some will even allow you to ride along to better understand the dynamics of the course.
If you don't know already, pulling the lap belt all the way out, fastening the belt then letting it retract will lock the belt across your lap. Using a piece of rubber shelf liner will also stop your butt from sliding on the seat.
Years ago I took my friend's son to an auto-x event as a spectator and passenger. He was learning to drive and I wanted him to know that cars are generally more capable than their drivers. I told him if he ever found himself in an out of control situation he should continue to drive and he might recover. He was amazed to see some of the econo box cars lift a wheel while going through the Chicago box without losing control.
Next up was his ride with me. I warned him that it wouldn't be a smooth ride. He barely survived the first run before puking his brains out. He told me he never experienced such a violent ride and vowed never to push his car that hard. Even though he got motion sick, he said he learned a lot and had fun.
If you don't know already, pulling the lap belt all the way out, fastening the belt then letting it retract will lock the belt across your lap. Using a piece of rubber shelf liner will also stop your butt from sliding on the seat.
Years ago I took my friend's son to an auto-x event as a spectator and passenger. He was learning to drive and I wanted him to know that cars are generally more capable than their drivers. I told him if he ever found himself in an out of control situation he should continue to drive and he might recover. He was amazed to see some of the econo box cars lift a wheel while going through the Chicago box without losing control.
Next up was his ride with me. I warned him that it wouldn't be a smooth ride. He barely survived the first run before puking his brains out. He told me he never experienced such a violent ride and vowed never to push his car that hard. Even though he got motion sick, he said he learned a lot and had fun.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Sounds like you had a great time OP 
Tell your son not to feel bad, I feel like 
every time I let my girlfriend drive.....in her Honda van.....on the regular road 
Auto-x events are a great place to learn and practice. Most people are very friendly especially if you're new to the sport. Some will even allow you to ride along to better understand the dynamics of the course.
If you don't know already, pulling the lap belt all the way out, fastening the belt then letting it retract will lock the belt across your lap. Using a piece of rubber shelf liner will also stop your butt from sliding on the seat.
Years ago I took my friend's son to an auto-x event as a spectator and passenger. He was learning to drive and I wanted him to know that cars are generally more capable than their drivers. I told him if he ever found himself in an out of control situation he should continue to drive and he might recover. He was amazed to see some of the econo box cars lift a wheel while going through the Chicago box without losing control.
Next up was his ride with me. I warned him that it wouldn't be a smooth ride. He barely survived the first run before puking his brains out. He told me he never experienced such a violent ride and vowed never to push his car that hard. Even though he got motion sick, he said he learned a lot and had fun.
If you don't know already, pulling the lap belt all the way out, fastening the belt then letting it retract will lock the belt across your lap. Using a piece of rubber shelf liner will also stop your butt from sliding on the seat.
Years ago I took my friend's son to an auto-x event as a spectator and passenger. He was learning to drive and I wanted him to know that cars are generally more capable than their drivers. I told him if he ever found himself in an out of control situation he should continue to drive and he might recover. He was amazed to see some of the econo box cars lift a wheel while going through the Chicago box without losing control.
Next up was his ride with me. I warned him that it wouldn't be a smooth ride. He barely survived the first run before puking his brains out. He told me he never experienced such a violent ride and vowed never to push his car that hard. Even though he got motion sick, he said he learned a lot and had fun.
every time I let my girlfriend drive.....in her Honda van.....on the regular road
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
I was at that event in the blue 2000 Corvette, my suggestion to you is next time put the car in Competition Mode for the autocross, it controls the side to side but does not hurt the acceleration. If you are thinking of putting aftermarket seats, and would want to autocross in the future, get ones that that the seat will fold back or it will put you in (NCCC) a street prepared class.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 545
Likes: 384
From: southern rural MI
AutoCross
I was at that event in the blue 2000 Corvette, my suggestion to you is next time put the car in Competition Mode for the autocross, it controls the side to side but does not hurt the acceleration. If you are thinking of putting aftermarket seats, and would want to autocross in the future, get ones that that the seat will fold back or it will put you in (NCCC) a street prepared class.
Thanks for the tip on the Competition Mode setting. If you recall the hard left hander, that's where my throttle was pulled back. That was the only spot where I would have liked a bit more acceleration and less input from the "system".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
You must have been more than 30 ft away, this car has seen 200+ yearly autocross runs for the last 15
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,340
Likes: 24,779
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
What a great way to spend a day and learn a few things about your car’s capabilities.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 970
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
It sure is. I joined MotorSports NorthEast this year and the AutoX in a Meadowlands parking lot was so much better than the joke at Carlisle. Already registered for the next one July 14th.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 242
From: NW Chicago
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15
Our club will be up at the Tire Rack on July 27 & 28. Feel free to join in on the fun of learning your car. Not a parking lot, a track set up differently each day. Open to all. Like the others have said, its a good way to learn your car in a controlled environment.
Many events at the Tire Rack
https://www.tirerack.com/content/tir.../calendar.html
Many events at the Tire Rack
https://www.tirerack.com/content/tir.../calendar.html