Well autox I checked for places around me and I just had a question what do you need to do when you go there?

now the next question is how can I eventually get to a track? A place where I can do some time runs. Are there any requirments to be able to go to a real track?

i think you have to do mostly cones to start with. from what i've heard you can't get onto a track unless you have a race license. best thing to do is look up the scca schedule for your region and check which events will be going on near you.

mmmmno, that's incorrect.

AutoX is the best way to get started. It's cheapish, and will teach you car control (how to control spins, how to control slides, how the car reacts in different situations). If you want to get out on a road course you need to look at local tracks and see if they sponsor what are called "DE's" or Driver's Education events. These are designed for guys like you who want to get out on the track, but don't have racing licenses. I've DE'd the car several times, and it's not bad at all, just needs better tires and a sway bar (but you may want to run it on stock tires first to teach you to be smooth).

For an autoX you really don't NEED anything but your car, your license, the entry fee and maybe some water. Everything else is often provided for some fee. It would be a good idea to check the rules in your area and see if you need magnetic numbers, because if you do you may have to go find some. Otherwise print your numbers out really friggin huge and bring some tape to the event and tape them on. You, as the driver, don't really need chairs, cuz they'll make you work a corner when your group is done.

If you have anymore questions just post them or PM me... it's good to see another person who is into REAL car performance.

-Tide

He may want to consider getting a helmet too if he really likes it the first time. They usually have helmets to borrow, but they're limited. And personally, for a couple hundred bucks, I'd rather have my own than wear some helmet that God only knows how many other guys have sweat in. I would maybe also get some white shoe polish. Put a dot in a couple corners on each of your tires to see how much you're rolling over.

Also, I tend to prefer the local car club events to the SCCA ones, especially for someone new and not looking to compete. They are much more laid back and I got quite a few more runs in for the same money. The only real advantage with SCCA, and this is a big one, is that you can talk to and ride with much more experienced racers.

Either way, you're in for a TON of fun, and you'll not regret going.

Chris

Very good point. Those loner helmets can get uhhh "unique".

Look man, don't go out there your first time and try to win, because you won't. Go out there and try to learn, maybe make a couple of connection. Those will be infinitely more valuable in the long run.

When you get a few of these under you're belt, you'll get on these forums and read about all of this street racing that's going on... and you'll realize how foolish those guys really are.

-Tide

Didn't bother reading any replies...sorry...but to you should go to www.phillyscca.com...that would be the region closest to you (I think). There is a track day school scheduled for June 16 and 17 clicky the linky (http://www.phillyscca.com/club_racing/flyers/2006/PDX_flyer.html). This would be an excellent way to get out there and try it for a reasonable fee.

OK read the other replies...Tide's got good info there!

I would maybe also get some white shoe polish. Put a dot in a couple corners on each of your tires to see how much you're rolling over.

Most events have polish to borrow.

I tend to prefer the local car club events to the SCCA ones, especially for someone new and not looking to compete. They are much more laid back and I got quite a few more runs in for the same money. The only real advantage with SCCA, and this is a big one, is that you can talk to and ride with much more experienced racers.

The Philly region SCCA participants are very hospitable (sp?). On your first outing ride along with a veteran in your class...before you run. Then run once (or twice) with an experienced co-pilot, then, let a regular drive your car—you'll see all the spots you went wrong (there will be lots of them). Ask lots of questions. There are always "non-comp" runs if you like. And you can run as a "Novice" for as long as you like (or until you win).

Smooth is the way of the autox. Don't jerk the wheel, jam the brakes, or mash the throttle. Practice shuffle steering. Go to lots of events. Have fun.

oh sweet, i have been wanting to try auto-x for a little while
i think the xB would do well in it
thanks for the info

FYI some auto-x's won't allow xB's. Call ahead.

FYI some auto-x's won't allow xB's. Call ahead.

Care to elaborate/site links? This is the first I've heard of any car being not allowed at an SCCA event.

I was being facetious.

are there any of these events in so-cal?

I'm from the other coast so I don't know which one of these is most appropriate.

http://www.sdr-scca.com/solo2/
http://www.calclub.com/

^^cool man thanx

What kind of track are you looking for? Drag or road course? I live on the east coast, so I do track days at Virginia International Raceway, Summit Point Raceway, Beaver Run, but I have thought about shipping my car out to California to go to Thunderhill (and hopefully try out Laguna Seca).

For track events, I would contact your local motorsports park / track and see what their requirements are. My car is stock, except for safety equipment.

The requirements are up to the track management and all you really need to get in is money. Around here, it's about $250 a day. Sometimes more, sometimes less.