I just replied to the email you sent @ SunRidersAutocross.com.

We do have a "forum", but it is done through YahooGroups.

Typical courses? Well, we're the ones that PseudoRealityX referred to as "1st gear overly tight courses". Mind you, he hasn't attended one of our events in well over a year. He's judging us harshly based on history and his own prejudices.

Our courses are a little slower than most, and that's due to the size of our site. But I take pride in the fact that since I've taken over the program, our courses have been MUCH better. There's still more 1st gear than you'll find on a larger site, but the courses flow well and people enjoy them now rather than complain about them. (see the latest SunRiders event review thread)

Come on out, you'll have fun. I promise.

 

Dave, I was a little biased on the SR events too. I did one in November and the course was pretty good. I had fun and the combination of a tight course and a sealed asphalt surface is pretty challenging. You really should try to do the PCA event on Sunday if Gainesville is too far. If you're lucky Danny Shields will be the novice instructor. I can't think of anyone better. Let him take your first run (he won't hurt your car) and try to take some mental notes.

Gainesville is about two hours, the Martin Sports Car Club events are about an hour and a half, and Ft. Myers is about two. Even at the distant events you'd usually get back home by 6 to 6:30. Leaving the house at 6 a.m. kinda' sucks though. Just pick one and chances are I'll be going too. I'll walk you through what you need to know as far as registration, tech., walking the course, working the course, etc. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but it's really just for fun. At my worst autcrosses I've still had fun and the adreneline rush is much bigger than you'd figure you could get from driving for 35 to 70 seconds.

I know you've done some mods. to your S. One you may want to think about is an aggressive alignment. The "UK" OE alignment is a good start. You can search the S2Ki board for the settings. It'll cost about $60 to $75 for a cheapie but it made a huge difference in how my car handled. I still need more negative camber, but it'll keep the rear more firmly planted and the tires will wear a little more evenly. I assume you're still on S0-2's, and the book calls for 32 psi all around. Definitely run 34 or 35 on the front and 35 or 36 on the rears or the outside shoulders will get eaten. I found out the hard way that once those squared shoulders are gone the remaining tread doesn't matter. I was getting great grip running 31 on the rears but the tires were toast in a few events.

 

Thanks Todd, I wouldn't have even thought to ask what tire pressure to use. Yes, I'm on stock S02s with 12k miles.

Putting miles on the car is an issue, since I plan/hope to sell it very late 2004. I want to stay very local and make sure I don't hit any cones. I only want to autocross 2-3 times with the S2K, then autocross more if/when I get my new car.

 

Thanks Loren, I plan on coming, and bringing another S2K owner with me. We don't have helmets, do you guys provide any loaners?

 

We do have some loaner helmets.