So I finally ended up going to my first AutoX of the season. It was fun event (no points). I anyways went to get a feel for the event, and to get some novice seat time. Needless to say, I had a complete blast and will be going back. I am not sure how competitive I will be as I my fastest run was easily about 10-15 seconds off the pace.
Also, I did not have time to change to my summer tires, hence I ran with my winter tires. Not a very good decision I know, but it was a lesson well learned. Most of the experienced drivers I spoke to said that the tires would make a huge difference. Anyways, excuses aside, I felt I had a good start into AutoX, and I hope to improve from here on.
I plane to keep my Evo stock for now, till I learn the full limits of the car before modifying anything on it.

Here is a link to the video I took via my dash cam. I probably should also get a go pro since I want to record views from outside to see how close I get to the cones.


Hope you all enjoy the video, and any additional tips and advice is welcome!

Cheers!

 

good job getting out there. the winter tires vs summer tires are probably worth at least 4-5s, or more. don't worry about catching the fastest raw time guys, just make sure you do well in your own class and index decently

 

Yes sir. That is my aim. I want to get inside the average of my own class first. Thats what I will be aiming for timing wise in the next event that I will attend!

Thanks for the tip!

 

Good for you! Don't worry about overall time for now, just focus on getting better each run. Your first autocross or two will be all about learning the car and it's limits. Once you get a few under your belt, then try to move up the rankings in your class.

Here are my two tips...
1. Watch and pay attention to when the other drivers are on the course. You can learn a lot about the course and what works and doesn't work when watching others. Even get a ride with another driver if you can.

2. After your first or second run, try to determine what corner you should be better at, and focus on that corner for your next run. Don't try to get better at all 10 turns at once. Try to focus on getting better at one or two each run.

 

Understood.

Yeah on my 3rd and 4th run, I kind of felt a little more confident and felt like I could push the car more in the saloms as I was going pretty slow through those (as told by my passenger).

But like you mentioned, I am going to try and sit with other more experienced drivers on their runs. And also start focusing on sections where I feel I could have gone faster and build up from there.

Thank you!

 

Nice little vid, glad you enjoyed yourself. That's some decent quality you have there on that, what cam is that and what are you using to mount it?

 

I think I was most competitive in my X when I was in the BS class. Tires will make a HUGE difference. I went from my first 2 events on all seasons to BFG Rivals, and it was incredible. As a previous poster said, 5 seconds could be had there. But you are doing it right, learn the car, learn to drive, take a class if one is offered in your area, have fun!!!

 

Since it was a last moment decision for me to take part in the event, I just used my dash cam to record this. Its a Black Box B40 A118 Stealth Dash Cam. Its does have really good quality even at nght. Its mounted via 3M double sided tap right above beside the rear view mirror.

Yah, I was in the BS class as well, and I will probably be in that class. Yes, almost every person I have spoken to said that about the tires. I am really looking forward to what I can do with the stock advans. I plan to put back on before the next event!

 

Good runs man! best thing you can do is get more time behind the wheel and build that confidence and also learn the car. Other than tires your best bet is to keep learning how to go wot early and brake late in to turns...instead of coasting around the whole course..its a super tough habit to break but will shave off good amounts off your times!

 

Man, that course does not look like fun. Slalom, Slalom, some more slalom, right hand 90, slalom, slalom, more slalom, some more slalom, etc....


I would try exploring other regions, or ask this region if they ever get parking lots to set up real courses..

 

Yeah I definitely need to push the car harder, I just was not confident in myself I suppose. But I will get that with time and practice.

This club holds thier event on an old airstrip, hence they have the straight (main runway) and then after the 90 degree turn the second straight (the taxiway) so they are limited to how they can set courses up. But there are other events a little further away that are held in parking lots, which I will try to go and participate in!

 

Welcome to the world of autocross. I too have recently started to drink the kool aid. I'm on my phone so I don't see your location but if it's not too far a good idea would be to find the nearest offering of the SCCA starting line autocross school and take that. I took it in 2014 and felt it was well worth it. They teach you a lot and you get a ton of practice throughout the day.

Good luck!

 

CSCC has been holding Solo event at that location since the 70's. Great location to work on how your car transitions. You are in a very strong part of the country for Solo . Indy region, KY region, So. Indiana region all have strong Solo offerings. You can also hop on I-65 and run at the Corvette Museum track/paddock in Bowling Green, KY. My best recommendation for you would be to pony up some $$$ and attend an Evolution Driving School. http://evoschool.com/ Well worth the time and
$$! The Evo X is heavy, but a blast to drive. I found the White Line adjustable rear bar to be a good addition. Solo is a great sport. Barry

 

I'm the only driver in my class, so I always sign up for 2nd or 4th run groups so I can work 1st or 3rd. That way I can watch the course before driving.
If I REALLY want an edge, I'll get ride-a-longs during the morning and then run afternoon.
Only because I'm always fighting for FTD with a guy that has a LOT more AX experience....so I need any advantage I can get LOL

P.S. I finally rode in a X at an AX event. Wow, AYC makes driving a lot easier.

P.P.S. +1 on the driving school. I help teach our novice drivers and they say they learn a ton. I'm very proud to see how much better they are doing by the end of the day. Its totally worth picking the brains of the instructors (I do, every chance I get) and getting a full day's seat time. They say you learn more those days than 6mos of events. I could definitely believe it.

 

Yes, I do intend to attend a driving school, there is one happening towards the end of April, I believe, I'll have to confirm that. But yes, I failed to get a ride along first time around, but I worked the course so I could see how the other cars were doing and what parts were proving to be difficult.
About CSCC running there since the 70s is the exact thing that one of the organizers told me as well, and I do want to go to other regions as well, but I want to get some more seat time before I start going out further, even though its just a few hours drive. I am looking forward to checking out the other areas!

Thank you for the info and advice!