So I'm a first time Vette owner and interested in starting auto X this spring/summer. Appreciate any nuggets of wisdom that you may have. I started reading through the treasure trove of autox sticky info on this forum.
I need to change fluids - differential, trans, clutch, and oil. Brakes and coolant was changed recently by previous owner. It's a stock 04 z06. Thanks in advance and glad to be here.

 

Several places have helmets you can borrow. Consider borrowing until you know you are going to do this more than once. Go to have fun and learn. You will not impress anyone your first time out so don't expect to. Walk the course before you run it to get an idea of your lines. Ask to ride along with someone to see how they run the course. Run with less than half a tank of fuel. Leave the extraneous loose stuff at home (floor mats, owners manual, misc junk, etc) Take a chair, food, water, hat and sunscreen. Did I say go there to have fun and learn?

It is a great way to spend a day and meet some like minded people. You will find a full range of people. Some are very serious competitors who put a measured amount of fuel in their car after each run and others who like testing their skills and not worry about getting a ticket and be in a controlled environment.

 

I just recently started autocrossing with my '15 Z/28 and I will tell you it's a blast and you'll quickly get hooked. Best bet is to find someone with a similar vehicle and question what is working for them and equally important find out what NOT to do. Depending on your aggressive driving experience you may want to practice a good mild launch, smooth shift into 2nd, and left foot braking with abrupt turns and hard acceleration. Tire choice and pressures are very important along with traction control settings. Depending on your club or event you may need to work the course. I would suggest attending an event without your vehicle as a reconnaissance mission to get an idea of the flow of the event. Above all, HAVE FUN. I tell folks my goal is not to be the fastest guy but to be the guy having the most fun and I've got the patina to show it! (cleaned off with some detail spray) LOL!

 

There's a sticky on the top of the RR/AX sub forum, it has a lot of beginner information for AX.
If joining the SCCA, they have various rules that dictate what class a car competes in based on their modifications. Can download their rule book, or ask questions here.
The C5Z platform is very popular and seems to do well. It's very lightweight.

 

Thanks for the advice. I have been to an autox just to check out the event. I'll have to check out helmet rental places.

 

For some of the best advise go to the Road Race/Autocross sub forum and seek advise. There are two main groups and several local groups putting on autocrosses and, unfortunately, all have slightly differing rules. SCCA and NCCC are the most prevalent east of the Rockies along with you local groups in your major cities. Before you make any adjustments to your car find out what group you are going to run with the most and then follow their rule book set up for your car. What is stock in one group can be street prepared in another. In my case it is a great compromise between SCCA/NCCC/DCSSC in the Detroit area but I manage to make 240-280 runs every year.

 

Here's my two cents:

1) For your first time out, set your tire pressures to 30 psi all around (this is the pressure on the door label) and don't bother adjusting. Focus on learning the course, what the cones mean, hand position on the wheels, etc. Check lug nut torque (100 lb ft), give your wheels a good shake and listen for clunks. Make sure your battery is secure and not missing the tie down. When you get your car tech'd, remove ALL loose/unnecessary items from the car.
2) Walk the course multiple times. Find an experienced competitor and walk with him/her.
3) Take an umbrella, chair, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks. Stay hydrated and consume food as needed.
4) Get yourself some 1" wide painters tape for your number/class info. For the benefit of timing/scoring and course workers, make the numbers 8" tall and the letters 4" tall, using a color with good contrast against your cars paint
5) Have fun! Don't be afraid to approach event personnel and other competitors to ask questions and solicit feedback. Autocrossers are some pretty friendly folks.

Assuming you're going to an SCCA event, check the region organizers for a weekend membership, unless you plan on joining for a yearly membership. Be sure to class your car ahead of time (we can help with that - since your car is bone stock, you'll be in A Street).