[STi8]

Hi, I'am going to my first autox this weekend. Any tips for me beginner? tire pressure? what not to do? do I stay mostly on 2nd gear and avoid going to 3rd?

Thanks for all the help!!

[KarlSTI]

Originally Posted by STi8

Hi, I'am going to my first autox this weekend. Any tips for me beginner? tire pressure? what not to do? do I stay mostly on 2nd gear and avoid going to 3rd?

Thanks for all the help!!

#1 Tip - Have Fun!!

I've done 4 so far and I'm completely stock. You can learn a lot by watching others run the track too. See how hard they launch, where they go fast, where they slide, etc. Tire pressures are elevated over stock settings in order to get them to heat up quickly. Of course they can get too hot....so you can dump air out of them and/or spray them with water. I start at 44psi F, and 38psi R for the first run and then adjust from there....

[STi8]

thanks KarlSTi, I wish i have something to cover up the front side of my car, scare that I'll crash into the cones and dent something.

[Xman]

the shortest line is ALWAYS the fastest line.

more tire pressure = more grip (to a point)

slow in fast out

if you aren't hitting cones you aren't going fast enough

if you aren't hitting ABS you are braking like a 9 year old girl

walk the course at least 3 times and memorize it so you can drive it in your head BEFORE your first run

make a map of the course with notes on it

discuss strategies and approaches with guys in DIFFERENT types of cars as well as the same, their insight could be helpful since AWD sometimes acts like FWD and sometimes acts like RWD

spend MUCH more time on driver skill than modding the car, except for tires, they are where you should be spending your money

Don't worry about cone rash, it comes off with a clay bar and is there to remind you of all the fun you had.

Put on sunblock.

oh and as Karl said, have fun.

I used to charge for this advise at novice schools every year, now you get it for free

[FajenSTi]

Originally Posted by Xman

the shortest line is ALWAYS the fastest line.

more tire pressure = more grip (to a point)

slow in fast out

if you aren't hitting cones you aren't going fast enough

if you aren't hitting ABS you are braking like a 9 year old girl

walk the course at least 3 times and memorize it so you can drive it in your head BEFORE your first run

make a map of the course with notes on it

discuss strategies and approaches with guys in DIFFERENT types of cars as well as the same, their insight could be helpful since AWD sometimes acts like FWD and sometimes acts like RWD

spend MUCH more time on driver skill than modding the car, except for tires, they are where you should be spending your money

Don't worry about cone rash, it comes off with a clay bar and is there to remind you of all the fun you had.

Put on sunblock.

oh and as Karl said, have fun.

I used to charge for this advise at novice schools every year, now you get it for free

Xman is spot on.
The only thing I would add is to try to sit shotgun with as many veteran drivers as you can. (Probably during fun runs)

[azndc5er]

Originally Posted by Xman

snip

Listen to this man, I did and have done very well.

I'll add some more of his advice that helped me alot: Leave your DCCD in auto, full rear or locking may feel more "secure" or in control sometimes but auto is always faster.

And always try to look 2 gates ahead.

[AuroraSTi]

Since no one else has said it, BE SMOOTH! All of your inputs need to be smooth and not violent or sudden. Smooth is fast.

Most importantly, have fun. This a kick in the pants. I still get shakey after a good run.

I ran my tires at 42-38, but that depends on your surface. Talk to everyone who will listen and try to pick their brain.

[kts262]

Everything Xman said is dead on.

And don't worry about hitting a cone, it might leave a little mark, but they will come off. I leave them on since they are hard to see on my black STi, but I still leave them on as little battle scars.

[mx_9]

Put painters tape on the flared areas on the side of trhe front bumper as well as the side skirts. That will save you a lot of elbow grease in cleaning off the cone scrubs.

If you don't experience a bit of front end plow you are going too slow.

If you felt 'comfortable' during your run, you are going too slow.

Make sure you are firmly belted to your seat.

Early throttle on! The turbo lag IS noticeable during autoX.

[Stee]

Learning to look ahead and where to brake/apply throttle will be the most crucial things to learn first. Smooth is FAST! Herky jerky steering inputs, braking and throttle applications just upset a clean line needed to knock off those precious seconds.

[91TB78]

The only thing I would add it:

Do the cheap-man's harness by:
1.sliding your seat all the way back
2.lock your seatbelt by snapping it forward
3.hold the belt locked with one hand and slide forward using your legs and other hand
--doing this method not only locks you in better, but also puts you REALLY close to the wheel and pedals, which is a good for driving the course.

I would also suggest these tips when driving the course:
1. Giving up "real estate" loses time, so keep it really tight to the cones
2. Always look 2-3 cones in advance of where you're going
3. Smooth transitions both with the wheel and accelerator.
4. Like Xman said...get into the ABS often...and really push the car.

[STi8]

wow that's alot of advices! thanks, I'll keep them in my mind as I go along.
One quesiton regarding the turbo lag, do you guys maintain it "in boost" as much as possible to prevent jerking?

[91TB78]

Originally Posted by STi8

wow that's alot of advices! thanks, I'll keep them in my mind as I go along.
One quesiton regarding the turbo lag, do you guys maintain it "in boost" as much as possible to prevent jerking?

Just try and maintain the optimal gear for your driving. Typically, get in first and shift to second. Most course I maintain 2nd gear, but there have been a few where I downshift or even shift to 3rd.

What i'm trying to say is don't worry about "keeping it in boost," worry more about choosing the best gear and not losing time by shifting unless you absolutely need to.

[kts262]

I'm a n00b (1st season of auto-x and only 3 auto-xs and a 1 day class behind me so far) but i've learned (and I need to keep learning) to flog the car. Like people have said, push it until you feel the ABS, you hit the rev limiter, you hit cones. If you aren't doing those things you aren't going fast enough. If they offer auto-x schools in your area TAKE it. I went to one, thought I was doing well and then the instructor (an multiple SCCA national champion) took me for a ride in my car to show me what it could do. I was shocked. The car can REALLY do a lot so don't be afraid to push it. That's still my biggest problem, but I'm learning.

Also investing in a GC Lock (google it, SoJDM.com also sells them) is a wise use of $35. It will help keep you planted in your seat. I'm ordering one soon.

Oh and the most important part -- have fun!!

[rankink75]

One more thing. Leave your ego at home as autocross is a big ego buster for newbies and such. Prepare to be beaten by civics, minis, etc if you have good drivers in those cars in your area.