What is Autocross?

Autocross is a form of motorsports that emphasizes safe, low-cost competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a temporary course marked by traffic cones, rather than racing on a track with multiple other cars, as in road racing or oval racing.

Autocross tends to place more emphasis on car handling and driver skill than on sheer horsepower, and events typically have many classes which allow almost any vehicle, from economy sedans to purpose-built vehicles, to compete. Speeds are slower in absolute terms when compared to other forms of motorsports, usually not exceeding highway speeds, but the activity level (measured in discrete turns per minute) can be higher than even Formula One due to the large number of elements packed into each course.

Autocross courses are typically 40 to 70 seconds in length. In addition to being a national-level motorsport in its own right, autocrossing is a good way to learn skills that transfer to road racing, as drivers learn vehicle control and club ethics.

Autocross events are usually held in large paved areas like parking lots or airfields. Typically, new courses are created for each event so drivers must learn a new course each time they compete. Prior to driving, a competitor will walk the course, taking mental notes, and developing a strategy to be refined upon subsequent runs.

National organizations such as the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) sponsor autocross events throughout the United States, and many areas have independent autocross clubs. Automobile manufacturers andtheir associated clubs (e.g. the BMW Car Club of America) sometimes hold marque autocross events.

 

What Happens at an Autocross/Solo II Event


By soloracer.com

Car Prep

When you get to the event site, get your car prepped for the upcoming tech inspection. Remove all the loose items from the interior and trunk. If you have hubcaps or lug nut covers on your wheels, remove them as well. This might be a good time to make sure your tire pressures are where you want them. If you are fortunate enough to be running race tires, get changed over to them ASAP.

Registration

Registering for an autocross event requires a valid driver's license and an entry fee (usually $15 to $25). Knowing your class and car number ahead of time will also make things run smoother. You will also be asked to sign an insurance waiver.

Tech Inspection

Your car must pass a tech inspection before you can compete. They will check to make sure your car is safe to compete by checking over various items on your car (tires, wheels, battery, brakes, etc). They will also require that any loose items in your car be removed (jack, floor mats, spare change, etc). Once completed, the tech inspector will sign your card if you pass, or recommend changes to make the car pass. Make sure your class numbers and letters are on your car and bring your helmet to tech inspection!!

Course Walk

After the tech inspection, it is imperative that you walk the course. This is especially important for first timers, but it is a must for any autocrosser. Without a course walk, you will be lost once you get out there in your car. Most events will also have a novice course walk just before the drivers meeting. Try to have the course memorized before you go on the guided walk, and definitely before its time to run. If course maps are not provided, we recommend a pen and paper be used to draw the course out. This will be handy later if you are having trouble remembering something from your course walk.

Drivers Meeting

The drivers' meeting is mandatory for all drivers. The event chair will hold the meeting approximately one half hour before the first car starts. Be sure to attend. This is where you will find out information you'll need to know about the course conditions, number of runs, particular safety concerns, how penalties are assessed, and how work assignments will be handled.

Racing!

This is what you've been waiting for! Most autocross events will have between 3-6 runs per event. This means that you will get between 3 and 6 laps around the course you walked earlier. It doesn't seem like much, but once you finish your first run, we guarantee you will be hooked. Cars will be gridded by class in the run groups announced during the drivers meetings.

Working the Course

And you thought that all you would be doing is driving. Everyone who competes in an autocross event must also work. Work assignments vary. Most people will work somewhere out on the course, helping pick up downed cones, etc. However there are various other work assignments that exist (timer, announcer, flagger, etc). Report for your work assignment as soon as you hear your group announced. This will make for a speedy transition from group to group.

The Awards

Well, if you did well, you will definitely want to attend the awards ceremony after the event. Most clubs give out small prizes for each class, and also usually for Fast Time of the Day (FTD). This is also a good time to cheer on your fellow competitors...and check out your competition.

Course Cleanup

This is a must. Please stick around and help clean up after the event is over. Many people have worked their tails off so that you could compete; now it's your turn to return the favor and help collect cones and so on.

Course Walking Tips

Walking the course is one of the most important things you can do come race day. The better you know the course, the faster you'll be. Here are some suggestions...
  • Walk the course as many times as possible.
  • For longer courses, draw the course on a notepad for review later in the day.
  • Take your time while studying the course, paying special attention to "the line".
  • Try to pick out a few "key cones" along the course and make a note of them.
  • You will find that most people will NOT recommend downshifting at all. However certain courses may require that you downshift to 1st gear at some time during your run - try to figure that out ahead of time.

Driving Tips

The driver is the most important piece of the puzzle when it comes to autocrossing. A fast car helps, but without a competent driver, that fast car, will end up having slow times around the course. Here are a few tips...
  • Look ahead! Look at where you want to go, not what you want to miss (i.e. the cones)
  • Be smooth on the gas, on the brakes, and with the steering wheel
  • Go slow to go fast. Don't take the tight sections too fast.
  • Brake hard! Use your brakes HARD to slow the car, that's what they're for.
  • Launch at higher RPM's than you're used to, but try to limit wheel spin.
  • Limit gear changes. On most courses, get it into 2nd gear and leave it there. Some courses, and some cars, will require downshifting, but if you're new to the sport, get it into 2nd and leave it there so you can concentrate on other things - you're gonna be busy in the car!

Things To Remember On Race Day

Here are a FEW general things to do/remember on race day...
  • Walk the course as many times as you can
  • Visualize the course as you sit on the grid waiting for each run
  • Use your first run to study the course, go slow if you have to
  • Monitor your tire pressures between runs (they will increase with each run)
  • If you get a chance, ride with one of the local hot shoes
  • Have fun!!!