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      05-28-2009, 08:51 AM   #1
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Interested in AutoX - Newbie

Hello to all!

I've always been interested in AutoX but I'm completely lost in the sauce when it comes to, well, everything.

So I have a list of questions that hopefully you guys wont mind answering:

1. Do I need some sort of formal training before I try to get into an event of some sort?

2. How can I get information on what kind of events are beginner friendly?

3. Are there any books or videos you can recommend that can help me prepare my car and myself for an event?
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      05-28-2009, 11:14 AM   #2
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No training needed.

Find the local BMW CCA or SCCA clubs in your area, and they will know what events are put on.

I'll defer on the books/videos. But seat time is best, so get out there and try it, and then see about going to a driving school or car control event.
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      05-28-2009, 09:32 PM   #3
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Check out this link: http://www.wdcr-scca.org/SoloAutocro...6/Default.aspx . There is a meet this Sunday if you're interested. Nlink720 and I will both be there.

DC SCCA also offers autoX classes. I attended the level 1 class and received a lot of input from the instructors.... IMO, it was worth the money.
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      05-29-2009, 06:29 AM   #4
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Nice!

Thanks for the input gents. Looks like I'll simply need to start going these things and try to get some instruction there.

Really appreciate the guidance.
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      07-29-2009, 07:30 PM   #5
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NCC CCA.... autox is very friendly group.

You should come out some time. Next one is in MD and then after that I believe at Summit Point.



we could use more Z's there...
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      04-26-2010, 09:50 AM   #6
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bumping this thread. doing my first hpde (not my car) in a week but then my first auto-x (my car) the following week. last time i did auto-x was at waterfest 5 years ago, in my old 1.8t fwd vdub. it was a blast but i only got a total of 2 runs in and couldn't really take anything away from it.

in this upcoming event, i heard i'll be able to get 6-7 runs ideally. with that said, is there anything i can do to make my car setup for optimal driving conditions? ie tire pressure, alignment settings (could hit up the alignment shop the day before), etc.? my car is a 6spd, 3.0si coupe. only pertinent mods are my hankook v12s which are on a square setup.
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      04-26-2010, 11:31 AM   #7
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Pull the front alignment pins and try to get as much neg camber in the fronts as possible. Relax, have fun, listen to your instructors, and try to be smooth with your steering inputs. Don't have an idea what the optimum tire pressure would be given your wheel/tire setup, so you may want to bring something to chaulk your tires to see how much roll over you have to try in dial in a good pressure. That may take a few events to get what feels good for your driving style.
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      04-26-2010, 11:38 AM   #8
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I see everyone saying pull the pins and get as much camber as possible but shouldn't you do this at the alignment shop? Or can I just do it in my back yard? I would think I would want both the left and right wheel to have relatively (0.1-0.3) the same amount of camber. Am I wrong in thinking this? or will both sides always have the same amount of change in camber?
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      04-28-2010, 11:54 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blind32 View Post
I see everyone saying pull the pins and get as much camber as possible but shouldn't you do this at the alignment shop? Or can I just do it in my back yard? I would think I would want both the left and right wheel to have relatively (0.1-0.3) the same amount of camber. Am I wrong in thinking this? or will both sides always have the same amount of change in camber?
Pulling the pins doesn't immediately change your camber it just fives a little more movement for when you get to the alignment shop. I pulled the pins at home in the morning, and went to the ship in the afternoon, and barely got -1.0 out of the drivers side, so they really didn't need to change the passenger side
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      04-29-2010, 11:52 AM   #10
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For beginners? DO NOTHING TO YOUR CAR. Just make sure it's got some fresh fluids (oil, coolant, brake, and GAS) and brake pads and that's it. Go show up, have fun.

Whatever anyone tells you that you need to do to your car, you won't be able to tell the difference anyway.
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      04-30-2010, 01:56 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The HACK View Post
For beginners? DO NOTHING TO YOUR CAR. Just make sure it's got some fresh fluids (oil, coolant, brake, and GAS) and brake pads and that's it. Go show up, have fun.

Whatever anyone tells you that you need to do to your car, you won't be able to tell the difference anyway.
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      05-03-2010, 09:56 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The HACK View Post
For beginners? DO NOTHING TO YOUR CAR. Just make sure it's got some fresh fluids (oil, coolant, brake, and GAS) and brake pads and that's it. Go show up, have fun.

Whatever anyone tells you that you need to do to your car, you won't be able to tell the difference anyway.
sounds awesome, can't wait... only thing i'll probably do is tape up the front =P
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      05-03-2010, 12:53 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubbedown View Post
sounds awesome, can't wait... only thing i'll probably do is tape up the front =P
Depends on the track...
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