how bad is it being a newbie?

[Solar Specialist]

I was interested in getting into auto-x sometime in the future, once I get some suspension work done. How bad is it going out there your first time?

[Alan]

Originally posted by Ryde _Or_Die
I was interested in getting into auto-x sometime in the future, once I get some suspension work done. How bad is it going out there your first time?

Nothing bad about the first time going out. Walk the course before hand and tag along for the novice walk-a-long with the instructor. Your first run you'll probably want to keep it well within the limits of your abilities, particularly if you aren't familiar the handling characteristics and limits of your car.

Auto-x is alot of fun, and there is really nothing to worry about. Just go out, talk to people, and have fun.

[oilleak]

The bad part is realizing that you've waited so long to start doing it. I wish I'd started 10 years ago! Don't wait for suspension mods or whatever. The most importing thing is learning to drive and only seat time gets you that. I've beaten guys in much faster cars than mine and been beaten by others in cars that should be slower. Until you begin to know what you're doing, the mods don't make a lot of differance and it's fun with or without them. See ya at the fairgrounds.

[Leonard]

Your goal at your first autox should be to complete at least one run ON Course without hitting any cones.

It sounds simple, but your first few events you'll probably suffer from a little bit of confusion reading the course while driving. Until you are used to it, it looks like a 'sea of cones'. It is also VERY different at speed in a car than during the walk through.


Why wait for the suspension work???? Autox is more driver than car... may as well get some practice in for yourself so you can make use of that new suspension when you get it.

[Tits McGee]

Just go slowly, try to stay on course, and if you hit some cones, that's okay....killing cones is fun.

[Solar Specialist]

Well sounds good guys. I am going to look into it some more first though. Maybe try and get some newbie friends to come along, just to see who is the better driver at the time being at least.

[Bob22b]

+1 to screwing the suspension

Driving in stock suspension is easier, more forgiving. Once you figure that out, you can make use of the upgraded suspension.

[OversteerS2K]

Have fun, bring a friend, whack some cones. Your first time will definitely be memorable. It's up to you whether it will be memorable due to the smile on your face or the buldging veins on your temples.

[JKD COBRA]

Just to second what was already said. Don't worry about getting your suspension mods before, just go out and have fun. The fastest way to learn is to just get in there and do it. Don't worry about being the fastest car out there. There aren't going to be any race teams scouting for drivers so you don't have to impress anyone, just go out and practice. You will love it.

[w0rd]

Originally posted by MinGreyCobra
Why wait for the suspension work???? Autox is more driver than car... may as well get some practice in for yourself so you can make use of that new suspension when you get it.

Yeah, forget the suspension. If you start auto-xing frequently you'll want to change your whole suspension anyway. I speak from experience as I sit on my progressive 290/190 springs. Hopefully it will make me a better driver though. :?

One thing you can practice before your first event is looking ahead. Look as far ahead as you can. Stick your head out of the side of your window if you have to.

And shuffle steering.
http://koniaris.com/auto/steering/

If you practice this stuff on the street everyday, it will become second nature.

[fastforward]

I remember my fisrt auto-x experience. I was afraid I'd look like a dork. Noone cares how good or bad you do. When I realized how many people there were also newbies, I felt better. That was 7 years ago...I've done plenty of events, and I still suck.
I just enjoy the racing and the people.
You don't need to do any more research...just show up. What ever state your car is in. Stock is just fine. Just come out, show up at registration and sign in. Have fun...that simple.
Beware....once you start, you won't stop.

[perdition79]

Originally posted by Ryde _Or_Die
Well sounds good guys. I am going to look into it some more first though. Maybe try and get some newbie friends to come along, just to see who is the better driver at the time being at least.

you won't be the only newbie there.

[Jus Skott]

go find some old country roads w/ dead drop turns very narrow and get to know your car... Uhm wait this is Florida damn it there aint no country road here just rally courses.... lol... thing about spring hill er is that mound.... lol

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Originally posted by oilleak
The bad part is realizing that you've waited so long to start doing it.

So true for all motorsports.