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First autocross

Messages
33
Likes
1
Location
Beckley
#1
Just signed up for my first autocross event for tommorow and I am super excited. Any advice before I go? The car is stock other than exhaust and boomba bov adapter
 


Siestarider

Senior Member
Messages
988
Likes
292
Location
Stuart
#2
Have fun! If you think of it, try sport mode after a couple runs. Excitement is just great, enjoy it. Trust the car, our Fist is tough.
 


Messages
142
Likes
38
Location
Peoria
#3
Lower tire pressure down a little before you go tires can get really hot in between runs and shoot up by 10psi depending on conditions..... Don't forget to fill them back up for the street.

Also slow it down and drive smooth, it's much faster than trying to drive really fast and getting off line/course. depending on how long the course is whatever time you hit on your first run, try to beat it by 10 seconds by the end of the day.

Avoid cones they will ruin your bumper (cracks and scratches) and ruin your times.

Most important is to have fun!
 


Messages
384
Likes
135
Location
Calgary
#4
For tires, you should be jacking up the pressure about 5~10psi over what the door sill says. Tires that are not dedicated for Autocross are going to have more flexible sidewalls, higher pressures will help prevent them from rolling over. You can use some chalk to see how far they roll over on each run. If they are running onto the sidewall, add more pressure. The pressures do go up after you do a run, especially after your first one. You can just bleed them off a bit to get them back to an optimal pressure you are happy with.

Ensure you have enough food and water for the day, bring sunscreen for sure and if you have a golf umbrella that is awesome for hot days. Also bring a tarp if there is a possibility of rain to cover your gear.

If you club allows it, try to get a ride long before you go out. Also try to get somebody with experience to jump in with you as well, it helps a lot to have somebody knowledgeable along for the ride.

Your headrest will be a PITA when you put on a helmet unless you flip it backwards. To do that, use the key inside your FOB to depress the little button on the opposite side and it will slide right out. You can put it in backwards after that.

Mostly just try to have fun with it. Don't get too upset about missing a cone or gate. If it happens, just remember that you paid to be out there, and nobody will give you grief for continuing on with your run. Also don't be afraid of the cones, you have to get close to them and learning where the edges of your car is usually means you have to knock a few of them down! If they do leave a black rubber mark on your car you can just clean it off with a Mr. Clean magic eraser later.

Have fun!
 


OP
S
Messages
33
Likes
1
Location
Beckley
Thread Starter #7
Really well didn't hit any cones didn't get lost on the track. Lap times improved 1st through 6th then lap 7 I forgot my traction control and then lap 8 car was making weird noises so I let out and took it easy
 


jeffreylyon

1000 Post Club
Premium Account
Messages
1,307
Likes
1,110
Location
Pittsburgh
#8
Just a quick note - please don't use a Magic Eraser on your paint!!! A clay bar works wonders on cone skids.
 


OP
S
Messages
33
Likes
1
Location
Beckley
Thread Starter #9
I help out at a really good detail shop lol Im very familiar with a clay bar haha my goal is just not hit a cone
 




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