First Time Ever

[matthewy95]

Hey so I have *never* done autocross, I'm new to all these terms like tech and stuff and I'm hoping to get started this year. Im running a stock 2001 Suzuki Esteem manual trans and I hope to go to the test n tune in february, but i dont even know where that is :/ if anyone can give me a rundown of how to get started, even just a few tips, that would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
matthew

[nicktcr]

Here's a link to one of the sticky'd posts in this forum: http://www.alscca.net/community/showthread.php?t=1390

Most of your questions are likely answered there, as well as additional information you may not have considered. Give it a read!

Anything not covered there, feel free to ask!


To address the couple questions already asked:

The terms you will learn with some time, and "tech" is basically the safety inspection each competing vehicle undergoes to ensure it is up to the task. As far as "were that is", currently most of our autocross events are held at Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Pelham.

The getting started concerns are pretty well covered in the thread I linked, but as a basic and brief run down, here goes:

Make sure your car is mechanically sound - this means not dropping fluid all over the ground when you drive through our lot, all of your lugnuts (every one of them, no exceptions!) are installed, a securely mounted battery (using factory mounts or ratchet strap, no bungee cords), and a firm brake pedal to safely stop the car.

Check to see what class you're in - this is where most newcomers need some help, and there's plenty of people here willing to lend a hand. You want to know your class BEFORE registering for the event.

Get an approved helmet - if you plan to attend very many events, you'll want to get your own helmet so as to avoid having to share the loaner ones (especially in those sweaty summer months)

Ask questions and reach out! Hope that helps a little. Welcome to our community

[engled]

It looks like for 2014 the car would be HStreet (page 176) of the SOLO rules. There other class you can run in but the easy button will be HS. The Street category starts on page 69 of the rule book.

Copy of the 2014 rules (draft)


http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/...%20reduced.pdf

[matthewy95]

thank you guys i actually work on the same road as the oak mountain ampitheatre so thats awesome and close i'll get right on reading those links

[matthewy95]

I found this http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2011/stockc.html and my suzuki esteem gl was in HS so good call i guess that means it kinda sucks :P

[engled]

That link is pretty out of date. Nothing wrong with HS.

[boony1968]

I attended my first back in September. As a novice the best advice I can give is to get to your first race early - be the first to register and get tech out of the way. Ask someone to walk the course with you or ask the guys at the trailer to find someone to walk it with you. Then, walk it over and over until the novice walk through.

Find someone with a similar car and ride with them between your runs - or ask Sara or C (novice leaders) to help find you someone to ride with.

For your work assignment let the station leader (person with the radio) know it's your first event and ask for direction. It can be a little overwhelming.

Here's a couple classing links that are more current and pretty thorough. Probably the best summaries I've seen. From the Milwaukee Region.

Car classes - http://www.scca-milwaukee.org/solo/2...ss2013_rdd.pdf

Modifications - http://www.scca-milwaukee.org/solo/2...sification.pdf

Good luck, have fun.

[fireball]

as a relative newcomer i strongly suggest 2 things....at least on your first time out....get a ride with someone else in their car...most guys will accomodate you......and....get someone to ride with you in your car....it will be much easier to find your way around.....see sara or c...you will have a great time.....have FUN.....