Autox is fun

[Nitrous115]

Autocross in the snow would be fun as hell

[Matthew C Smith]

It was probably the best autox I've ever been to. It was an absolute blast!

Remember last winter when Indy got dumped on overnight? Somethink like a foot or more of snow. Yeah, the autox was the next day.

[Nitrous115]

Was that christmas eve? Its so much fun just to be out on roads driving in the snow, I can't even imagine autox in the snow. How did the all-wheel drive cars do? I think this would be the most fun ever, check it out http://www.porsche.be/newsbe/Camp4/default.asp , that would be so much fun.

[Matthew C Smith]

Nope, it was in Feb. I think.

Here's a link of the results
http://personals.galaxyinternet.net/...eb_Overall.pdf

The cars are listed. The top Mazda MP3 and Mini were on snow tires. I think the 3rd listed Integra was too. I was on my old Michi Artic Alpin's with not a whole lot of tread.

The all wheel drive cars didn't do nearly as well even with snow tires. I rode in a WRX with snows and an Eagle Talon turbo with snows along with an Eclipse with Kumho 712's I think. Needless to say they just didn't hook up right or they were just too powerful and spun too much. Then again, I don't think they drove it hard enough.

Man, anybody in the area HAS to come the next one! It was by far the best autox ever! Sideways at 50 on a fast lefty in the snow was just so much fun!

[Nitrous115]

Yeah, can you keep us posted as to when the next one in the snow is going to happen. That would be really cool


Mark

[Captain Caprice]

Am I reading that right....there was an Explorer in 7th?

[Matthew C Smith]

Yep an Explorer Sport. I went for a ride with the guy, it was actually not that bad! More fun and faster than an AWD Eclipse with regular tires.

That baby does some sick donuts too! The thing rotated about an an axis IN the car! It was crazy!

[Captain Caprice]

Dude, that's awesome. I'd love to see that...i've heard of Dakota R/T 5.9's doing auto-x's before, but never an Explorer.

[Matthew C Smith]

I've autox'd and tracked with a Ford Lightning. It was, well, interesting.....

[Scho]

Ive seen an X5 hauling ass at a DE. It was nice!!

[Matthew C Smith]

Come to think of it, last time I was out at Nelson there was an X5 out there too! I think it was the V-8, but I forget which motor it was.

The guy really tossed the thing around too! I wish I had before and after pictures of the tires though....

[nicom3]

I have a question- How do you get started in Auto-xing, is it best to take a class first by a sanctioned group, or can one just autmatically start an event right away. What is required when joining an auto-x i.e. safety equipment wise. and do they base what class ur goin to run based on the mods you have.?

[Matthew C Smith]

I got started with my dad. We went when I was back in highschool just to check it out in his Miata. We just stopped by and chatted it up with all the Miata drivers. One of the local hot shoes asked if we'd like a ride. Went for a ride and the guy set FTD. It was and still is the fastest non fast feeling ride I've ever had. If it feels fast, it probably isn't he told me later

Then I took my car out one weekend and just gave it a shot. I've been hooked since.

As far as saftey equipment, you'll need a helmet and a brain. Your car will go through a mild tech inspection. They'll check your battery to make sure it's secure, wheel bearings, throttle return springs, brake pedal firmness, and maybe a few others depending on region.

Classes are different depending on who you autox with. SCCA does classes where similar cars are grouped into classes and there are certain modifications allowed. Everything from a stock Neon to a go cart has it's place. BMWCCA does things differently where you get points for each mod and then I think it's classes. I'm really not certain. I've never done a CCA autox. Maybe somebody else can chime in here.

Let me know if you've got any more questions.

[themadhatter]

running a cca event is very fun - it's not as intense as an SCCA event in the idea that you usually will not see dedicated track cars at the event as most are simply daily drivers with everyone out to have a good time.

it's like an organized meet that keeps the cops off your back when you want to rip it up. bring a helmet and empty out any loose items from your car before you come down.

bring a cooler for drinks/food since you'll probably be there for at least 6 hours and you most likely will not have alot of free time. If you're not staged to run at the moment, then you'll be working the course or the staging area.

I run in "F" class with the CCA, I need to get a set of dedicated tires soon as everyone in F is kicking my butt with the better tires.

Go to an event, you'll have tons of fun. Don't have a helmet? you can usually borrow one at the course.

Bring an open mind and a friendly attitude, you'll have a blast!

-Ron