Looking To Get Into Auto-X...

[Ahhhh Nick!]

I have a '96 DOHC Neon that I just picked up as a daily driver, but also want to do a bit of Auto-X with. I'm looking for someone that I can tag along with to the events, just to show me the ropes and get the feel of. Anyone interested in helping me out? I'm pretty serious about this, contact me by:

PMing me.
AIM: Nickisa0
Phone: (863) 838-8288
Email: Nickisa0@yahoo.com
Myspace: MySpace.com - www.myspace.com/19261676 (http://www.myspace.com/nickisa0)

Thank you!
My girlfriend is also interested in giving it a try. Odds are we'll go to the first one or two events just to watch then the next one we'll bring the cars out.

[treekiller]

Just come out, everyone is friendly, I bet by the end of your first event you'll have met someone you jive with. mostly if you find someone with a similar car.. autocrossers are a special breed, you can approach anyone and ask them for tips or info and almost everyone will willingly tell you everything you know.. Work a corner shagging cones, you'll have to stand next to another autocrosser and you'll have plenty of time to talk. autocross by it's nature is a very social sport since only 8 min or so of the whole dayt are you actually driving.

[Loren]

Don't go to an autocross "just to watch". Get registered for an event, go, and let them know it's your first time. They'll take good care of you.

If you bring your GF, that's GREAT! But, be aware that when it comes time for you to work course, at least the first time, they'll probably split you up. Course workers generally go out in pairs, and for safety's sake one of the two needs to be experienced.

Be aware that some clubs and some sites (Brooksville airport in particular) require that you pre-register online well in advance of the event. Even if it's not required, pre-reg is a good idea. Pick a date, get registered and get out there!

[Ahhhh Nick!]

I was looking at the SCCA site and there's alot of events listed... What ones are you guys planning on going to next? Mind if I just tag along? I'll bring my car & I'll do the event, just kinda wanna make sure I'm doing everything right. Don't like to go out there not knowing too much about it.

[Loren]

Personally, I've shifted into "very low key" autocross mode. I'm a founding member of FAST, but I haven't been to the last 4 autocrosses, in spite of PLANNING to attend at least two of them. With that in mind, I'm not committing to being at the February event just yet.

Someone here may reply and be willing to hook up with you. But, even if they don't... just go. Like Jeff said, autocrossers are a pretty friendly bunch. When you go to registration at the event (even if you pre-register, you still have to go sign insurance waivers and check in), just tell them it's your first time and ask if they know anyone who can offer advice to a new Neon driver. They'll find an experienced FWD guy to help you out. They just will. That's what we do.

And then once you start talking to one guy, you'll start being introduced to the other guys and before you know it, you're "one of the guys". It all happens very quickly.

[oilleak]

FAST is a great place to start. Very low key and freindly - not that SCCA isn't. As odd as it may sound though you may want to do the next Porsche club event. Danny Sheilds and his wife Sharon have each won multiple championships in Neon's. If you get really serious, they'll be folks to get to know.
It's been a long time since I've been to a PCA event so maybe someone else can comment on how they've been run recently.
To start with though, you'll want seat time and you'll get the most of that at FAST and especially at an SCCA practice day at Brooksville.

[Ahhhh Nick!]

Can you guys post all these sites that I can go to for the schedules and info for me?

I'm not looking to get 100% serious with it, just something fun to do other than going out to the drag strip. I match rather do the twisties than go straight. Maybe do 2 events a month, that's about it.

I'd like to be able to know what upgrades I can have on my car while still running in the novice street tire class. I plan on just supension upgrades, a Dynomax exhaust, firm motor mounts, solid bobble strut, intake and a 52mm throttle body.

Depending on how fast my radiator gets here I can be all setup & ready to go to the one in Feb. that FAST is doing. http://www.tamparacing.com/forums/auto-x-road-racing/455888-fast-autocross-brooksville-2-17-a.html

I'll be honest, I'm a pretty descent driver. I'm not your typical TR running around town ricing it up, missing shifts kinda guy. I know how to work a track, and pretty much all the driving lines. May sound funny, but it comes from the 7 years I spent in profesional r/c car racing (1/10scale electric touring cars). Usually finished top 10 in the state, even finished 9th in the world at one point. Just hoping I don't go out there & make a fool of myself.

[Loren]

1. Read the sticky posts on this forum. Info on all the clubs, schedules, general autox info. All there.

2. Best to go into this thinking "I'm a newb" and not expecting to do anything more than have fun your first few times out. If you go in thinking "I'm a good driver", you might very well be disappointed. ;) There's more to autocross than just the driving. (which is far different from RC racing, and involves much more than being able to shift... which you'll only do once on the typical autocross course) Be prepared to learn.

[Ahhhh Nick!]

1. Read the sticky posts on this forum. Info on all the clubs, schedules, general autox info. All there.

2. Best to go into this thinking "I'm a newb" and not expecting to do anything more than have fun your first few times out. If you go in thinking "I'm a good driver", you might very well be disappointed. ;) There's more to autocross than just the driving. (which is far different from RC racing, and involves much more than being able to shift... which you'll only do once on the typical autocross course) Be prepared to learn.

I'm ready to learn, that's why I wanna find someone prior to the event to talk to about it and meet at the track. I'm pretty excited about it. In no part of my mind do I plan on impressing anyone out there, I plan on having fun and making it a habbit of going out & learning more & more.

[Native]

Someone here may reply and be willing to hook up with you. But, even if they don't... just go. Like Jeff said, autocrossers are a pretty friendly bunch. When you go to registration at the event (even if you pre-register, you still have to go sign insurance waivers and check in), just tell them it's your first time and ask if they know anyone who can offer advice to a new Neon driver. They'll find an experienced FWD guy to help you out. They just will. That's what we do.


I'll be working Registration at the Brooksville gate at the next FAST event (2/17). If you go, when you get there, point yourself out to me and I'll get you situated. No problem. :)

[Ahhhh Nick!]

I'll be working Registration at the Brooksville gate at the next FAST event (2/17). If you go, when you get there, point yourself out to me and I'll get you situated. No problem. :)

You'll know me when you see me, just remember EARS. I have 1 1/2" stretched ears haha.

[jblaine]

I wrote this last year:

http://www.kickflop.net/blog/2006/08/14/how-good-a-driver-are-you-really/

Don't worry, I'm like you. When I first started I wanted to be as prepared as possible before going to an event so I didn't do something stupid. I went with a friend of mine as a spectator the first time in 2003 to see what went on and how the event progressed, what was expected of everyone, where to be at what time, etc etc.

Just go :) Everyone is super friendly and everything in our "club" (FAST) is spelled out very well for novices. As long as you're not too shy to ask questions of anyone around you, you will have zero trouble going and driving your first time.

[WhiteGhost2.5]

where do you live?

Josh

[Ahhhh Nick!]

where do you live?

Josh

Winter Haven.

[sccanissan]

hey I am new to autocross too. 2/17 will be my first event i have already signed up so you will not be the only newbe out there dont worry about it. I am going with my brother he is just going to watch so if anything take a firend or your girlfriend and relax cuz you will not be the only new one out there

[Brewtal]

I'll be attending the 2/17 event also. It'll only be my second one though. I may not be able to give you a whole lot of pointers but I can point you to who can. Just show up out there and talk to people, thats what I did. I had a lot of people helping me out. Have some experienced people ride along with you and they can give you some tips tips to help cut down your time. I shaved 6 seconds off my time in just 5 runs. If you're really wanting to roll out there with someone though I can meet up with you.

[Muddy]

I am always available and happy to assist. I drive a gray miata, #92, and usually wear a LSU or Saints hat. :D

[xTURKx]

Good job sir.