Is anyone going to sign up for the April 9th auto-x school? I just registered and thought I might learn a couple things before this coming season. Also, is anyone from here instructing at this event?
Christian

PS: anyone going to Capitol Raceway this sunday if the weather holds out? :) :woot:

There are several people on this board that are instructing. :)

I don't know if I want YOU teaching me how to drive, John, I was told that you drive like an A@1hole :stickoutt :)

I was kind of tempted to sign up.

But they'd probably kick me out again.

I don't know if I want YOU teaching me how to drive, John, I was told that you drive like an A@1hole :stickoutt :)

Not 100% correct. JD drives like an A@1hole on fire.

Oh, he does.

very true

Oh, he does.

Are we still going to have me drive the course first and then you follow?

"Students, try to drive like the second driver... not the first"

Not 100% correct. JD drives like an A@1hole on fire.

So I shouldn't eat Mexican food anymore. :confused

Is it worth signing up for if one has never autox'd and wants to get out to the track more? Is it a down right stupid idea to do it on two front summer tires and two rear all season tires??

"Do as I say, not as I do!"

Is it worth signing up for if one has never autox'd and wants to get out to the track more? Is it a down right stupid idea to do it on two front summer tires and two rear all season tires??

I ran my first autox school on mixed tires. It'd probably be good for you to understand how your car will handle the way it sits.

The CCA school is great for anyone who is a novice. The first part of the day is a classroom session explaining everything that goes on and why. It'd be good for you to come.

"Do as I say, not as I do!"

:D

anymore details?

Guinness -

I would recommend doing the NCC's highway safety school if you want to get a better feeling of "track" ... I believe there are still openings.

http://nccbmwcca.org

So I shouldn't eat Mexican food anymore. :confused

:fart2

Are we still going to have me drive the course first and then you follow?

"Students, try to drive like the second driver... not the first"


It's cruel and unfair to subject students to my driving. As such, I will not be instructing.

It's cruel and unfair to subject students to my driving. As such, I will not be instructing.

I wish I could go to Atlant too... but the car isn't ready. :(

i am only instructing for the food....or they could not find anyone else.

Guinness -

I would recommend doing the NCC's highway safety school if you want to get a better feeling of "track" ... I believe there are still openings.

http://nccbmwcca.org

Thanks James, but I'm actually corner working that weekend. Saving my credits for a DE. I used to hit the track in my GTI and I'm aware it's a night and day diff between fwd and rwd. Thought an autox may give me a good understanding of over/understeer and not have to worry about going off a track or into another car or wall.

Autox is useful for car control, but can give you bad habits on track.

bad habits on crack.
:confused

:confused
Speaking of bad habits and crack, I signed up for the autox school. I'm guessing they'll kick me out again, but I *could* use the seat time.

Autox is useful for car control, but can give you bad habits on track.

I've heard this argued both ways so many times I don't know which side to believe anymore :(

I've heard this argued both ways so many times I don't know which side to believe anymore :(
It only gives you bad habits on the track if you let it. End of story.

It only gives you bad habits on the track if you let it. End of story.
Absolutely. But that doesn't change the fact that a lot of people do. And that a lot of people don't know what those bad habits are.

Absolutely. But that doesn't change the fact that a lot of people do. And that a lot of people don't know what those bad habits are.

Can you expand so I know what to watch out for... or go to the school then ask again.

Can you expand so I know what to watch out for... or go to the school then ask again.
There is a school of thought among some autocrossers that to be fast you have to be jerky and abrupt with your inputs. "It looks fast, so it must be fast." It is also a perception that some non-autocross people have about autocrossing.

The truth is it doesn't work at <60MPH and it's downright dangerous if you try to apply it at 100+ (i.e. at the track).

That's all.

Can you expand so I know what to watch out for... or go to the school then ask again.

For me, autox helped to give me car control skills and build muscle memory. Like John said you'll only form bad habits if you let it happen. Some guys in autox may be abrupt with steering or throttle which is not what you want on a track at higher speeds.

One good thing to do is work with someone who has a good amount of both track and autox experience that can make the bridge. Like Mark R, the Wonger (magnetic1) or Matt (///MRacer). All 3 great drivers at autox and track.

....I *could* use the seat time.

Sun April 3: Philly SCCA at Ripken
Sun April 10: Autocrossers Inc at Ripken

Alex

im registered...this shall be my first autoX event

I'll be there too. Look for the burgundy e30 :D

I'll be there with my son. His first event.

Alex

Excellent! Great to see you guys join our fraternity of autox!!! :buttrock

Looking forward to helping you guys becoming better autoxers. It is our mission statement.

-Reverend Autox

Here is the details page: http://www.nccbmwcca.org/index.php?id=2,64,0,0,1,0. This school is geared for novices so priority goes to NCC members with little to no prior experience. Registration is currently open.

---Eric

Excellent! Great to see you guys join our fraternity of autox!!! :buttrock

Looking forward to helping you guys becoming better autoxers. It is our mission statement.

-Reverend Autox
You're not instructing are you?!?! :mad :nono

I'll be there with my son. His first event.

Alex
I'll make sure he gets *good* instructions since his car is in my class. :devillook

j/k :stickoutt

---Eric

Yeah, Jed, thanks for riding along at the last CCA event I was at. I learned a lot in those 3 runs. It was kind of difficult to see some of the gates though, when you kept throwing peace signs out my drivers side window and yelling at workers to "holla at cha boi!" :) :cool

Alright, I'm talking to my wife this afternoon and hopefully signing up for the April 9 school.

What do I need prior?
How can I work on getting a good instructor like Jed said?
When can I be part of team.Bar :D (of course that's the real reason I want to autox ;) )
Do you get a few runs to go REALLY SLOOOOOWWWWWW to just learn the course?

You're not instructing are you?!?! :mad :nono

I will standing at the end of the course with a sword, knighting each new autoxer that crosses the checkered flag.

Alright, I'm talking to my wife this afternoon and hopefully signing up for the April 9 school.

What do I need prior?
How can I work on getting a good instructor like Jed said?
When can I be part of team.Bar :D (of course that's the real reason I want to autox ;) )
Do you get a few runs to go REALLY SLOOOOOWWWWWW to just learn the course?

1) Other than a valid license, etc. Just clean out your car of any loose items. You'll want to pump up the pressures of your tires as well, bring an air gauge. Just make sure your car is in good working order.

2) Most of the instructors there have at the very least 2-3 years experience. Some of us will have some track experience if that's what you were thinking of in terms of your earlier question.

3) Open call and auditions will soon be announced on American Idol.

4) Take it at your own pace. Contrary to some people's thoughts, it's not a race. If you need to take it slow, take it slow.

Alright, I'm talking to my wife this afternoon and hopefully signing up for the April 9 school.

What do I need prior?
How can I work on getting a good instructor like Jed said?
When can I be part of team.Bar :D (of course that's the real reason I want to autox ;) )
Do you get a few runs to go REALLY SLOOOOOWWWWWW to just learn the course?
FAQ's towards the bottom:http://www.nccbmwcca.org/index.php?id=2,64,0,0,1,0. The school is for novices so everyone should be going REALLY SLOOOOOWWWWWW.

---Eric

Im signing up (hopefully), only problem is im 17 so i dont know if I can. Anyone know if i qualify?

Im signing up (hopefully), only problem is im 17 so i dont know if I can. Anyone know if i qualify?
IIRC, you'll need parental consent. COntact the registrar and talk to him about exactly what you need.

Im signing up (hopefully), only problem is im 17 so i dont know if I can. Anyone know if i qualify?
From the FAQ's :stickoutt :


I'm under 18, can I participate? Yes, but drivers under 18 must have this form (new form coming soon) signed by their parents and notarized before the event. It will be collected during morning check-in. Note that this waiver is required in addition to the Standard Event Waiver. If your parent's will be attending the event, they can sign the waivers there without notarization.


---Eric

Is a front strut tower and CAI considered PREPARED?
And what Heat do I select? 1, 2, or 3?

Is a front strut tower and CAI considered PREPARED?
And what Heat do I select? 1, 2, or 3?
Yes, prepared.

Just pick any heat. It doesn't really matter for the school since it is an all day event.

---Eric

Is a front strut tower and CAI considered PREPARED?
And what Heat do I select? 1, 2, or 3?

select wichever heat you want, you're there all day anyway. :D

your M3 would be classed in Prepared Super Sport (since you have mods)

Thank you... registration sent :D

Oops, I put Prepared Sport. Will an administrator be able to fix that when they get the registration? And when do I pay?

Thank you... registration sent :D

Oops, I put Prepared Sport. Will an administrator be able to fix that when they get the registration? And when do I pay?
Registration fixed. Payment details will be sorted out later.

---Eric

:thanks:

This is a FUN event. I went last year and learned a lot. It's a full day of driving and paying attention so you will be very tired at the end of the day.

Anyone interested in getting together for food/drinks afterward? We can find someplace that serves longnecks so that we (especially Jed) can sit at the table and drink with helmet and gloves on.

What are my chances of being accepted without being a CCA member yet?

Will I get priority if I finally register for the CCA today (will my CCA application process quick enough?)?

This would be my first official autoX if I can get in it.

This is a FUN event. I went last year and learned a lot. It's a full day of driving and paying attention so you will be very tired at the end of the day.

Anyone interested in getting together for food/drinks afterward? We can find someplace that serves longnecks so that we (especially Jed) can sit at the table and drink with helmet and gloves on.

I will have a hole drilled into my helmet so that I can fit a straw and smoke while wearing my helmet.

There's a decent little bar in Eldersburg (for Eldersburg, that is), which is the next town over, that has pool tables. Or we can roll up through Rt 140 and hit Bateman's in Reisterstown. Owings Mills is only about 15 min away too.

Is there an anticipated instructor list?

Alex

What are my chances of being accepted without being a CCA member yet?

Will I get priority if I finally register for the CCA today (will my CCA application process quick enough?)?

This would be my first official autoX if I can get in it.
I forwarded your questions over to Steven (in charge of membership).

---Eric

I'll be instructing as well.
First lesson:Look the part. Buy a RACING suite, custom painted helmet, neck support, RACING gloves and RACING shoes like this jacka@%#*!!!!!

Is there an anticipated instructor list?

Alex


I'm still getting RSVP's from all of the instructors so it's not finalized yet.

Pete

I'll be instructing as well.
First lesson:Look the part. Buy a RACING suite, custom painted helmet, neck support, RACING gloves and RACING shoes like this jacka@%#*!!!!!

REVEREND AUTOX!!!!

Where is that pic???

REVEREND AUTOX!!!!

Where is that pic???
Which one?

http://forums.***************************************?attachmentid=65072
http://forums.***************************************?attachmentid=65081

---Eric

http://forums.***************************************?attachmentid=65081

NICE!

I forwarded your questions over to Steven (in charge of membership).

---Eric

Thanks Eric. I'm going to e-mail him my questions as well.

What are my chances of being accepted without being a CCA member yet?

Will I get priority if I finally register for the CCA today (will my CCA application process quick enough?)?

This would be my first official autoX if I can get in it.
If you are going to join the BMW CCA, type in 'pending' for membership number. You should have a membership number within a few weeks. They may even be able to give you your membership number over the phone.

If you are going to join the BMW CCA, type in 'pending' for membership number. You should have a membership number within a few weeks. They may even be able to give you your membership number over the phone.

Done. I'm looking forward to this event, as it will be my first time participating in an autocross event.

Im registered.
My first even ever :redspot

Speaking of bad habits and crack, I signed up for the autox school. I'm guessing they'll kick me out again, but I *could* use the seat time.


Why did you get kicked out of the auto-x school?
:confused

im getting "safty form" signed + notarized by parents. What ellse do i need for this?
I just got new brakes + suspension :D

Why did you get kicked out of the auto-x school?
:confused
I suppose punt my application is a better term.

Why did you get kicked out of the auto-x school?
:confused
The schools is meant for novices. Nick doesn't really qualify as a novice anymore. ;)

He doesn't get kicked out, his application simply gets waitlisted.

---Eric

I signed up! Looking forward to it...only made it to two auto-x's last year so this should be a good way to start off the season.

Even though I'll be moving down to Panama City in June. Anyone know how the BMW community is down there?

The schools is meant for novices. Nick doesn't really qualify as a novice anymore. ;) ---Eric

You haven't seen him drive, apparently.

ZING! :buttrock

You haven't seen him drive, apparently.

ZING! :buttrock
If I had someone hanging out my passenger window while I run, I'd look WAY better.

If I had someone hanging out my passenger window while I run, I'd look WAY better.
LOL. Want me to ask Marisa if she's up for it? :stickoutt

Im car #115 WOOOOO :buttrock , ill see you guys there.

#207! :)

#214!!!!! :redspot

LOL. Want me to ask Marisa if she's up for it? :stickoutt
She's a pretty tolerant lady...

But that might get you in trouble.

EDIT: The idiocy of my posts increases exponentially at 3am when my blood sugar is low. :dunno

#210 :D

My car will be running as #218 on the day too. :D

My car will be running as #218 on the day too. :D
What driver?

You drive like an asshole, so we know they wouldn't let YOU in. :D

What driver?

You drive like an asshole, so we know they wouldn't let YOU in. :D

She may be driving her car instead though.

#104 :redspot

I'd really like to register, but I have no idea where I'll be on April 9th. How soon can I cancel and get my $ back if I find out that I'll be out of town that weekend? Or do you just pay when we get there, in which case I would have nothing to worry about?

Edit: Oh and someone help cure my annoying n00b status and tell me wtf Heat is in the registration page. I'm about to just randomly click on one of the numbers.

A heat is a run group of x number of cars. Heat 1 is the first run group and so on throughout the day.

That's what I was thinking it was talking about, I just didn't think that would need to be decided now. I just figured that'd be dealt with on the day of the event.

For school, pick any heat. I personally think that field should have been disabled for school reg, Eric.

Eh, I just picked 2. I don't see why it'd matter for this event anyway.

I'm an asshole but drive like a grandmother. you think they'll let me in?

I'm an asshole but drive like a grandmother. you think they'll let me in?

Only the instructors can be both assholes and drive like assholes, so don't worry.

signed up. hope this non-member can get into the event. sounds pretty perfect for me, since i have no competative driving experience at all (other than the Volvo S40 event at FedEx field... we beat up those Volvo's pretty well :D)

And 3.46 Diff. + Bridgestone Potenza RE750's in 235/40 = "Prepared Sport"?

And 3.46 Diff. + Bridgestone Potenza RE750's in 235/40 = "Prepared Sport"?

That would be in the SECRET WEAPONS class

That would be in the SECRET WEAPONS class

dang, i forgot about my less secret Mintex pads and Zimmermann X-Drilled rotors... (like they really increase braking much).... PS for me!

dang, i am excited now! i hope i get in...

dang, i forgot about my less secret Mintex pads and Zimmermann X-Drilled rotors... (like they really increase braking much).... PS for me!

dang, i am excited now! i hope i get in...
For all intents and purposes, prepared classes equal SCCA Stock (with R-comps) **OR** SCCA Street Touring X/U rules (with street tires.) Plus any size wheel.

The only way to be stock in NCC BMW CCA is to be SHOWROOM stock - no mods.

JV

I signed up. When do I find out my number?

The only way to be stock in NCC BMW CCA is to be SHOWROOM stock - no mods. So you're saying my aftermarket cupholders take me out of the showroom class?

I signed up. When do I find out my number?


You'll probably get a number tomorrow night as Eric and I have to go to a Council meeting.

Phat Ham-

Cup holders do not put you into prepared. Suspension, plus sized wheels and tires, chips etc put you into prepared.

Pete

Suspension, plus sized wheels and tires, chips etc put you into prepared.

The web site makes no mention of suspension for the prepared class, so took that to mean that suspension = modified class. Hence, I listed myself in the MSS class.

:lol

Bilstein cupholders, no. Koni cupholders, yes. :D

:lol :wow: :nutz: :booty :rofl

The web site makes no mention of suspension for the prepared class, so took that to mean that suspension = modified class. Hence, I listed myself in the MSS class.
Suspension+Street Tires is loosely Prepared class.
SCCA Stock+R-Tires is loosely ALSO Prepared class.

car # 206 ... Honduh power!

car # 206 ... Honduh power!

How's Lent? :D

My buddy fell off the wagon last Sat.

See ya there Pat!

PM me your e-mail addy, btw.

I'm gonna need me directions to the place... anyone else in northern va going???

I'm gonna need me directions to the place... anyone else in northern va going??? I signed up last night but haven't heard back yet. I have no idea where the place is either.

is this the exact address:?

New Public Safety Education and Training Center
6852 4th Street,Sykesville, MD 21784

is this the exact address:?

New Public Safety Education and Training Center
6852 4th Street,Sykesville, MD 21784

I think this is it:
DRIVER TRAINING FACILITY
7310 Slacks Road
Sykesville, Maryland 21784
(410) 549-5732

http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/aboutdpscs/pct/directions.shtml

Of course it has to be way the hell up near Baltimore. Figures. :(

Aw wtf, it's up near B-more...I don't want to go up there...


Kidding :D

This will be quite a trek from Richmond to get there at 8am. I guess I'll be crashing in MD this weekend. :buttrock :alright

Of course it has to be way the hell up near Baltimore. Figures. :(

Well when you're offered a lot like this, you take it.

If you were to look at the NCC schedule, you'd see that the majority of the autoxes are in Bowie... which is about halfway between Baltimore and DC.

There is only one scheduled in VA because no one can find a good lot.

And if you must know, the Autox school was held in Manassas last year with a mandatory Friday night classroom session. People from Baltimore had to find a hotel to stay in because of the 1.5-2 hour drive each way.

The NCC covers from the PA line to NoVA. I guess it's not fair to ask the VA people to actually take a drive for a good lot. I'm truely sorry that no one can find a lot in VA so that we'd stop getting complaints about the long travel times... it really gets old.

Well when you're offered a lot like this, you take it.

If you were to look at the NCC schedule, you'd see that the majority of the autoxes are in Bowie... which is about halfway between Baltimore and DC.

There is only one scheduled in VA because no one can find a good lot.

And if you must know, the Autox school was held in Manassas last year with a mandatory Friday night classroom session. People from Baltimore had to find a hotel to stay in because of the 1.5-2 hour drive each way.

The NCC covers from the PA line to NoVA. I guess it's not fair to ask the VA people to actually take a drive for a good lot. I'm truely sorry that no one can find a lot in VA so that we'd stop getting complaints about the long travel times... it really gets old.
what happened to FedEx field Auto-x? Are they still on this year?

I guess it's not fair to ask the VA people to actually take a drive for a good lot.

Of course it's not fair. I have to drive my precious MARB like 100 miles to the event. Waaah!! :complain :D

what happened to FedEx field Auto-x? Are they still on this year?

The WDCR SCCA uses FedEx for their autoxes.

what happened to FedEx field Auto-x? Are they still on this year?
FedEx is a bit pricey for our little club to rent.

The NCC covers from the PA line to NoVA. I guess it's not fair to ask the VA people to actually take a drive for a good lot. I'm truely sorry that no one can find a lot in VA so that we'd stop getting complaints about the long travel times... it really gets old.

I'm VERY glad that the event is in MD because it gives me a great excuse to come back to my home state.

The NCC covers from the PA line to NoVA. I guess it's not fair to ask the VA people to actually take a drive for a good lot. I'm truely sorry that no one can find a lot in VA so that we'd stop getting complaints about the long travel times... it really gets old.


and a few of us that have wandered over the line as well. complaining never gets old around here vjlax18. :)

FedEx is a bit pricey for our little club to rent.
Plus the fact that no on else can rent FedEx other than the SCCA <I think>.

Plus the fact that no on else can rent FedEx other than the SCCA <I think>.
That's just not true. The WDCR folks would like you to think that, but it gets rented by other organizations just as much. PM me if you want to know who.

We simply cannot afford it.

Registered.

:wave

Wow, quite the turnout from the bimmerforums group! Nice!

See you guys out there! :buttrock

What is needed from a lot? For VA, what about the one west on 7 out by Sterling... there's usually motorcycle classes going on there, but can it be an option when there aren't classes? I think it's a NOVA campus parking lot.

What is needed from a lot? For VA, what about the one west on 7 out by Sterling... there's usually motorcycle classes going on there, but can it be an option when there aren't classes? I think it's a NOVA campus parking lot.

They need to agree to our insurance coverage, be within our budget, be of reasonable size and be able to nail down a schedule by February. I know the lot you're talking about - it's big enough (BARELY) but it is ALWAYS in use by the motorcycle class.

That's just not true. The WDCR folks would like you to think that, but it gets rented by other organizations just as much. PM me if you want to know who.

We simply cannot afford it.

$3k-5k is a little more then any other club can afford. However, scaring people away is a way of making sure that no one screws the deal up.