So Ive been a few times ( like 5 or 6 ) Ive also been to a real track.

Two very different experiences with both. I think Ill stick with Autoxin more since my first track exp wasnt fun and its torture for your car Although I may do it a few more times.

I think I am pretty decent in both just cause Ive been driving since i was like 14/15 but not really racin until the past year. Ive also been to a autoxin school.

Anywhose. When it comes to autoxin Just want to reduce some time. My setup goes as this

05 Scion TC Supercharged
F & R Hochkis Sway
TRD Struts/Springs
Hotchkis Camber Links
Stoptech Stage 2 Kit

I guess my question is is a smooth run better (where I keep a constant pace) brake lightly and accelerate lightly, or just hammer it and let the suspension and brakes do the work.

any tips....

 

Keep your braking, steering, and accelerator inputs smooth. Don't equate smooth with being light on the pedals you will still need to be very deliberate with your inputs. Part of being smooth is looking ahead. Keep your eyes up and looking through the turn and in to the next several turns. If you know what to expect out of the next several turns in advance you won't be caught off guard and be forced into panic type movements. Those panicked movements unsettle the car, making it less likely that tires contact patches are doing what they should be doing. Your eyes are your biggest asset, look where you want to go. You can have the quickest & smoothest hands & feet in the world but if your eyes are looking where they should be quick limbs don't matter.

Walk the course as many times as you can stand. Alone! If you are walking and talking, I can almost guarantee that you are not learning the whole course. The exception to this rule is if you are walking the course with one of the more experienced drivers and they are giving you tips on what to expect on course. If you ever get a chance, have one of the more experienced drivers take a couple of turns in your car or ride with them in theirs. You will learn a lot by watching where they look.

You can be quick and smooth at the same time, in fact almost all of my fastest runs seemed like they were going to be the slowest while I was out on course.

No matter what, remember to have fun and good luck.

Is it time to race?

 

good stuff. i totally agree, all i ever here is:

smooth = fast

and to assist in the whole looking ahead deal, i once saw someone that taped a sheet of paper to the bottom half of his windshield, as to force him to look ahead. pretty interesting concept if thats something you're trying to work on.

 

Later this year, check out www.nationalroadrally.com for the schedule of auto-xs at the Cumberland airport. Practice or seat-time is the best thing to improve.

Tony D

 

Sounds like you were in the zone. I've felt the same way. In fact, a lot (if not all) professional drivers experience this. You're alert and relaxed at the same time....it's a beautifull feeling.

 

Well Ill be trying this weekend and Hopefully one of my friends can take some video of me.

 

my technique is to be faster than everyone else, that usually works.

 

Hmmm, good stuff to know, because I definetly have room for improvement this season.

 

I wanna go auto-xing!!! DAMNIT

 

x2

 

anyone know when/if there's gonna be an auto-x event in SoCal? or how I can find out?

 

www.myautoevents.com

Hope to see you on a few courses around here Sapan, I've gotten some more experience under my belt, so it should really be fun.

Still up for that co-drive? It's always nice to learn things from other racers, a little tip is ask other people at the auto-X's if you can ride shotgun, most people are really cool about it, but some of them are the severely competitive type that won't go for it.

 

cool, I will deff have to keep an eye on that site.

 

Is SOLO 1 similar to Auto X?

 

I wish I knew, we'll have to wait for Otocan.

 

Solo II is autocross, Solo I is competitive time trial racing, not necessarily autocross, more of hill climbs and road racing competitions, the main difference is everything must be FIA/SA rated for safety, no DOT or MSnell only rated helmets allowed, and some larger road courses even require some kind of nomex suit (most road courses either provide them, or rent them)

The main differences are you must be an SCCA member with the appropriate racing class license (which requires things like submitting medical forms and fees), and the car and all safety equipment must be checked thoroughly by trained professionals, and they are extremely strict on safety and fire prevention.

Autocrosses usually have experienced volunteers checking each car in the "Tech" section of the event, where they check for obvious safety hazards like loose wheels, condition of tires, throttle, braking and steering inputs work and will not cause an issue on course. There are no licenses required, and SCCA membership is optional but recommended because almost all autocross events give discounts to SCCA members.

Here's a good little site that explains it quite well and offers links for even more information in the sport: http://www.na-motorsports.com/Organizations/SCCA/Solo/

 

thanks for all the info.

 

also contact someone at the DC region scca about going to one of their autocross schools (held at the stadium in frederick most of the time) they are great learning and training experiences where you'll get a lot of seat time (15-30 runs).

also read up on the friction circle. (it's basically the traction limits of tires, which has both lateral and longitutinal limits)you don't always want to be smooth, only at the edge. that is when your steering wheel is pointed straight you can floor it or slam the brakes. but imagine there is a string tied to the bottom of your steering wheel to your peddles. when you turn the wheel you have to lift off the peddles

 

Go Frederick Keys! And I believe the parking lot is being re-paved...

Downshift, do you know how much that SCCA event would run? Sounds like it could be worth it to look in to.

And if anyone is going to Auto-X events in the MD region let me know. I'm doing an internship spring and summer semester so I'll be in the Frederick area looking for some cones to kill.

 

Auto-X techniques: http://ccrscca.proboards51.com/index...ead=1163220147

Quick Self-Classing Guide for SCCA Solo2(u will still need to know the rules): http://www.odr-scca.org/DIY-classing.htm

The Rule Book for SCCA Solo2: http://www.scca.com/_FileLibrary/File/2007SoloRules.pdf