Notices
Autosports & Technique
General driving and racing...

Want to get into Auto Cross..but don't know where to begin!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 06:43 AM
  #1  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default Want to get into Auto Cross..but don't know where to begin!

So I would like to try and get into Auto X but have no idea where to begin. Did some google searches and came up with a lot of stuff for the SCCA..do I have to be a member of that or something? Couldn't make sense of any of the websites.

Just trying to find any local events in So Cal and what I need to get started. Want to auto X the tC for now and, if I enjoy it, pick up something like a first gen miata or fc rx7 to have some fun with.

Anyway, bit of a ramble but if anyone can point me in the right direction and maybe give me some points that would be awesome
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 02:05 PM
  #2  
ack154's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,701
Default

So this link will help you find your local SCCA region:
- http://www.scca.com/newtoscca.aspx

You do not have to be a member to participate - but you will end up paying more per event, such that, it makes more sense to be a member if you end up really getting into it. Try an event or two first if you're unsure and see how it goes. The way the SCCA is setup now, you pay for a "weekend membership" as a non-member and can then use those receipts to get a discount on a full SCCA membership if you choose to join afterward.

The other thing to really figure out is what class you'd be in... so... what mods do you have? Anything suspension, engine, drivetrain, wheels, tires... they all matter in some way.

And once you're ready to actually go to an event... there's a ton more "newb" info we can give...
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 02:25 PM
  #3  
mrexotica's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 774
Default

Do IT!

You will be hooked, so just give in now!
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 05:57 PM
  #4  
oueng's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 129
Default

well since the scca has already been mention you can search local tracks and see if they do events as well. I know a lot of Porsche clubs and around here the BMW as well as Nismo clubs run there own track or autocross days that are not scca and are relatively cheap. Just search it all and see what comes up. If you are not sure about participating the first time go and ask people if you can ride along. Most people will more than happy to take you for a spin.
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 06:28 PM
  #5  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

So how do I determine what class I'm in? Or is that something they determine for me? Currently browsing the site and trying to figure this out haha..hopefully I can find one i'll be able to attend..
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 06:30 PM
  #6  
ack154's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,701
Default

Tell me what mods you have and I'll tell you what class you're in...

If you're not boosted but have a few mods, you're likely in ST. But this will vary based on wheel width and tire width, among other things. Or if you have a header (that removes the cat), you're automatically in SM (Street Modified).
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 06:32 PM
  #7  
ack154's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,701
Default

This PDF is the 2010 rule book: http://www.scca.com/documents/Solo_R...solo_rules.pdf

The Stock classes are all listed in there - and then the other classes list what is and is not allowed.
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 06:34 PM
  #8  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

lowering springs, struts, rear sway, strut tower and exhaust (All TRD)

INJEN SRI and Weapon R Header/S pipe..tires are OEM size and brakes are basically OEM spec.
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 06:39 PM
  #9  
ack154's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,701
Default

The header puts you into SM (street modified) then. That's the biggest reason I never bothered to put a header on. Thing is SM is a tough class with a lot of turbo'd cars that are super quick.

You'd otherwise be in ST (what I'm in) but you are not allowed to change/remove the cat in that class. And the header removes the cat.

That's not to say you won't have fun in SM - by all means go and compete still!
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 06:43 PM
  #10  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

haha I have no problem trailing behind and getting my ___ handed to me

If I really like it, like I said in the OP, I might pick up a cheap little car like a miata or something to start auto crossing with. Especially considering the tC is an auto
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 07:18 PM
  #11  
ack154's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,701
Default

Oh... you'll like it... trust me.
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 07:31 PM
  #12  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

When pre reg opens up for the sept and October events I'll probably sign up..does it automatically put me in the practice and championship rounds or do I need to sign up for both individually?
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 07:36 PM
  #13  
ack154's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 16,701
Default

Originally Posted by XIEmperorIX
When pre reg opens up for the sept and October events I'll probably sign up..does it automatically put me in the practice and championship rounds or do I need to sign up for both individually?
Not sure... just make sure you're not signing up for the Pro Solo or anything... that's a national tour that is a bit different from the regular regional Solo events.

All of the regions usually operate a bit differently though. What I'd suggest is to find your region's website and contact someone there that can give you specific info for their region and what to expect.
Old Jul 28, 2010 | 07:41 PM
  #14  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

Ok will do. Thanks for all the help man. You've really narrowed it down for me..haha I'm super stoked now.
Old Aug 1, 2010 | 06:07 PM
  #15  
oueng's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 129
Default

how has the search gone for finding auto cross places to run at?
Old Aug 1, 2010 | 06:10 PM
  #16  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

Found one about an hour or so away from me. Friend of mine lives right by it so i'll try to get him to take pics
Old Aug 1, 2010 | 06:24 PM
  #17  
oueng's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 129
Default

sweet i always like pics. I am getting a new camera mount so i can get some better footage.
Old Aug 1, 2010 | 06:25 PM
  #18  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

Yeah..I won't be registering till september or october but I'll post up when I do
Old Aug 1, 2010 | 06:27 PM
  #19  
oueng's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 129
Default

go out there and ride with a few people.
Old Aug 1, 2010 | 06:34 PM
  #20  
XIEmperorIX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,845
From: La Habra, CA
Default

If I can. School starts in a couple weeks and I work on weekends so I would need to ask for the day off :/



All times are GMT. The time now is 11:48 AM.