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Autocross and Track days
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![cone_over_touchbox.jpg](/forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv99%2FAzuremen%2FCars%2Fcone_over_touchbox.jpg&hash=d5177b896a2a70ce74a9fd91a817a367)
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Scroll down to find links to clubs. If you know of a regional club/group that would be relevent, please post it and I'll add it to the list. Next to each listing is the member's name that suggested the club.
Introduction for the thread
What I am hoping here is to create a resource of information, links, advice, and thoughts on autocross and accessible track days. It does differ from the US to Europe on how these things work, so make sure you clarify your area and regions. Feel free to ask questions, but please do read the bits I update to this post, as I'll try to compile a FAQ of sorts.
A brief intro in autocross, from Wikipedia.
Wikipedia - AutocrossAutocross 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 and their associated clubs (e.g. the BMW Car Club of America) sometimes hold marque autocross events.
I myself love autocross. It is a good place to meet other car guys, from the casual guy that just bolts random bits on to the extreme guy that trailers his bone stock car to the event just to reduce miles on the frame to the amusing "import" guy that has stickers and Altezza lights. As with anything, you'll also encounter the mixed bag of friendly people and cold shoulders, but if you ask around, you'll always find a nice veteran to help show you the ropes. And these guys always seem to drive Miatas and are a usually in their 30s or beyond. And they will dominate your times at first, regardless of what you drive
Great place to learn car control at low to moderate speeds, and depending on the regions and venue, you might find yourself hitting 90 MPH. Example being when the club here runs at the local raceway park. Generally the most harm that can come to your car is scuffs on the finish from cones, though if you are way out of control, might have an encounter with a curb. Or worst case, light pole, parked cars, into a ditch or such - but you really have to be over doing it and completely unaware of surroundings. Generally, quite safe for you car and you - just be reasonable and sane.
Don't worry if you don't know a lot about cars either. The tech inspection normally consists of making sure your car is more or less in one piece, and that things don't fall off of it. And people will often let you know if something does need to be repaired soon on the car. Hell, I learned most of my car knowledge after I started autocrossing. Every club will have a basic "what you need" list and information on their site.
Listings
Clubs/Event info
My Auto Events - Useful for finding events in your area, from Auto-X to cruises. ~nk4e
- West coast - US
Sand and Sage Sports Car Club - Club for the Tri-cities area of Washington state. ~Azuremen
Autosports Northwest - Spokane, Washington area club. ~Azuremen
- B.C., Canada
Victoria Motorsports Club ~Slicks
Vancouver Island Porsche Club ~Slicks
Victoria MG Club Calender ~Slicks
Saratoga Speedway ~Slicks
- East Coast
Miami Valley Sports Car Club ~Keef
Cincinnati SCCA ~Keef
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