Hey I am starting to autocross and I was wondering if anyone knew a place in or around Tampa where I could practice or improve my skills. I was thinking like a large paved area where I could set up alot of cones and make my own mini course. If anybody knows of some place where I could practice or any other way I could become a better autocrosser without going to a school, please let me know. Thanks!

 

Unless you happen to know someone who owns a parking lot that you can get permission to play in, I wouldn't recommend tossing cones out somewhere to practice.

Best way to learn is to go to autocrosses. Ask for instructors to ride with you and ask to ride with others as much as possible. (some clubs allow this more readily than others) One problem with going out there by yourself is that you can easily teach yourself bad habits!

 

Thanks, I was thinking about talking to someone at the Greyhound tracks, they have a huge parking lot and its usually pretty empty. If I could work something out with them that would be great, but due to liability and stuff, I am not sure how that will go over. Is there any abandoned place with a parking lot near me?

 

goodluck with that. just go to an autox to practice

 

Bring $30 and a sandwich early this Sunday to the Zephyrhills airport, there will be a bunch of cones set up that you can practice autocrossing. There will be a bunch of Porsche owners there as well as several other car owners. There will even be people that can give you pointers and help you out.

Seriously, the only way to learn is to do it. Everyone was a first timer once.
Look here and you will see there is a few other first timers wanting to give it a try.
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/a...june-25th.html

Info here:
http://www.pca.org/sfl/autocross.htm

Don't be intimidated, any of the local autocross groups (NASA, BMWCCA, PCA) will welcome you. Just have fun.
Check the sticky at the top of this forum for schedules. There is at least 3 events a month within a hour drive of Tampa.

 

+1, my first experience was great, seriously, nicest bunch of people i ever met...and i never knew a fox body could turn that well, i got alot of respect for all these guys, i'll be out there tomorrow, come out, it'll be a blast...o and the sandwich, no lunch provided?
i'm sure there is a mcdonalds around or something

 

The problem with "practicing" in public is that there are hard things like "trees" and "curbs" and "light poles" that you'll probably hit.

If there was a "safe" place to "practice", we'd probably be holding events there already.

 

it would be nice to be able to practice in Tampa but the only safe/legal way is by going to the autoX events.