View Full Version : How does one get into autocrossing?


therichsta
07-19-2007, 06:45 PM
what's ibtl? lol


and how does one get into autox?

adeelpowers
07-19-2007, 06:46 PM
by driving a BMW instead of a POS Pontiac.

M3Bill
07-19-2007, 06:52 PM
There is a subforum devoted to autocrossing and tracking. It is full of helpful information.

///M3///M5
07-19-2007, 06:53 PM
Sign up with BMWCCA and start :pimpflash.

But what do I know... :rofl

Matt
07-19-2007, 07:01 PM
Sign up with BMWCCA and start :pimpflash.

But what do I know... :rofl

I was about to say... WTF are you doing giving autoxing advice. :rofl

Basically, you find out who puts on events, sign up for one, then show up and do what the people in charge tell you to do.

therichsta
07-19-2007, 07:03 PM
There is a subforum devoted to autocrossing and tracking. It is full of helpful information.

where?

cliffhanger407
07-19-2007, 07:10 PM
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=128

tpattison
07-19-2007, 07:10 PM
what's ibtl? lol

ibtl = in before the lock

M3Bill
07-19-2007, 07:11 PM
where?

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=128

cliffhanger407
07-19-2007, 07:13 PM
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=128
I beat you ;)

But yeah. Register for one of the BMWCCA ones, even though you don't have a BMW. You have to make sure you register pretty much right when registration opens (there's a notice the day before, or check the calendar at www.peachtreebmwcca.org) and pay $10 more if you're not a BMWCCA member (which you also don't have to have a BMW to do), and then come out to one of ours.

I just started doing AX over the last two, and they've been a blast.

M Junkie
07-19-2007, 07:14 PM
ibtl

kendogg
07-19-2007, 07:14 PM
I beat you ;)

But yeah. Register for one of the BMWCCA ones, even though you don't have a BMW. You have to make sure you register pretty much right when registration opens (there's a notice the day before, or check the calendar at www.peachtreebmwcca.org) and pay $10 more if you're not a BMWCCA member (which you also don't have to have a BMW to do), and then come out to one of ours.

I just started doing AX over the last two, and they've been a blast.

Yeah, this kid beat my time with a bone stock boat ;)

ibtl.

M3Bill
07-19-2007, 07:30 PM
I beat you ;)

:rofl

cliffhanger407
07-19-2007, 08:09 PM
Yeah, this kid beat my time with a bone stock boat ;)

ibtl.
Didn't you run in the rain though :confused

And only I get to call her a boat. She's sensitive about her weight and I'm the only person who's allowed to use that to manipulate her. :nono

BruceH
07-19-2007, 08:11 PM
Basically, you find out who puts on events, sign up for one, then show up and do what the people in charge tell you to do.

I truly LIKE your answer!

BruceH
07-19-2007, 08:13 PM
by driving a BMW instead of a POS Pontiac.

Ignore this crap. Any car is welcome. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Matt
07-19-2007, 08:16 PM
I truly LIKE your answer!

Thanks! I tried to keep it generic. :D

M3Bill
07-19-2007, 08:30 PM
I truly LIKE your answer!

+1

PrinceE30
07-19-2007, 09:25 PM
www.myautoevents.com is a great place to find them. that will (should) include BMW CCA, NASA and SCCA events. In addition, you'll find track events, road rallys, off-road rallys and other sorts of car events. www.motorsportreg.com is another good one BMW CCA uses to register (and pay) for events.

therichsta
07-19-2007, 10:35 PM
sweet thanks guys- i appreciate all the help. oh yea m3bill- would george's 318is be good for autocross? i'm wondering if i could use that to join?

M3Bill
07-19-2007, 10:37 PM
sweet thanks guys- i appreciate all the help. oh yea m3bill- would george's 318is be good for autocross? i'm wondering if i could use that to join?

It would be a far better track car than autocross car, but why not use it for both?

:wave

Matt
07-19-2007, 10:44 PM
It would be a far better track car than autocross car, but why not use it for both?

:wave

Yes, Bill. Why not use ANY e30 for both? :shifty

Oh yeah, you keep going to the track when you should be going to autocrosses. :shifty :shifty

M3Bill
07-19-2007, 10:46 PM
Yes, Bill. Why not use ANY e30 for both? :shifty

Oh yeah, you keep going to the track when you should be going to autocrosses. :shifty :shifty

I will autocross it in September, most likely. We will just be getting back from Germany, so I won't have time to prep for Roebling, so I think I'll autocross it instead.

:wave

Matt
07-19-2007, 10:49 PM
Good to hear. :buttrock

therichsta
07-19-2007, 11:44 PM
what's the diff between track and autocross?

PrinceE30
07-20-2007, 02:45 AM
what's the diff between track and autocross?

Autocrossing takes place in parking lots (like Turner Field) and airfields. Track driving takes place on a purpose built track (like Road Atlanta). Autocrossing speeds barely get above 50-60MPH unless you have some serious hardware on an open course. Track driving gets you as fast as your car (and talent) can take you. Autocrossing costs between $20-$40 to compete where as HPDE, drivers schools and lapping days cost between $200-$500, assuming you use your own car. More if the school provides the car (like BMW or Panoz Driving Schools).

If you have never done any of the above, start autocrossing. This will help you develop the basic skills necessary that will be useful when you do get to track driving. You've got to learn to walk before you run, after all.

You should plan on coming to the next BMW or SCCA autocross. It's best to just jump in with both feet, though some prefer to watch their first event. Even if you don't want to drive the first time, you can ride along with some of the people here and get a feel for what they are all about and get some very helpful hints and tips from people who have been doing this a VERY long time.

BruceH
07-20-2007, 07:18 AM
Autocrossing takes place in parking lots (like Turner Field) and airfields. Track driving takes place on a purpose built track (like Road Atlanta). Autocrossing speeds barely get above 50-60MPH unless you have some serious hardware on an open course. Track driving gets you as fast as your car (and talent) can take you. Autocrossing costs between $20-$40 to compete where as HPDE, drivers schools and lapping days cost between $200-$500, assuming you use your own car. More if the school provides the car (like BMW or Panoz Driving Schools).

If you have never done any of the above, start autocrossing. This will help you develop the basic skills necessary that will be useful when you do get to track driving. You've got to learn to walk before you run, after all.

You should plan on coming to the next BMW or SCCA autocross. It's best to just jump in with both feet, though some prefer to watch their first event. Even if you don't want to drive the first time, you can ride along with some of the people here and get a feel for what they are all about and get some very helpful hints and tips from people who have been doing this a VERY long time.

Well said. Minor point to be aware of; non-bmw cca members are no longer allowed to visit the AX events. This is an insurance issue and can be circumvented by being a guest of an event participant. Visitors are still welcome at DE events.

PM me with your direct contact info and I will arrange for you to visit us at the 8/11 AX. I, an others, will also take you on some runs.

kaamacat
07-20-2007, 07:52 AM
One thing to add to the above. AutoXing will vastly improve your overall skills, along with learning what the limits of you and your vehicle are. (Yes, even in a parking lot). The worst thing you can do is tag an orange cone that lays-out-the course. (But while the speeds mentioned seem "seem"
low, it will be extremely fast while you are negotiating the course itself).

One drive-along will get you hooked..............come out as Bruce offered.

splackavellie
07-20-2007, 08:59 AM
Well said. Minor point to be aware of; non-bmw cca members are no longer allowed to visit the AX events. This is an insurance issue and can be circumvented by being a guest of an event participant. Visitors are still welcome at DE events.

PM me with your direct contact info and I will arrange for you to visit us at the 8/11 AX. I, an others, will also take you on some runs.
so where is the next AX event? If I join BMWCCA before then, can I just go and watch?

tpattison
07-20-2007, 09:12 AM
so where is the next AX event? If I join BMWCCA before then, can I just go and watch?

I believe they are held at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. You can reread posts 10 & 19 for links to find out more info though. ;)

Doing your own homework FTMFW!!! :D

tka1
07-20-2007, 09:29 AM
Ignore this crap. Any car is welcome. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

You might have a Mercury Marquis, a Ford Focus and a Ferrari in your run group. The dude in the Marquis will have the best time.

M3Bill
07-20-2007, 09:35 AM
Autocrossing is for people who are too skeered to drive really fast...


:paranoid:


Just kidding.

I actually started tracking first and then did a couple of autocrosses. I intend to do a lot more autocrosses in the future. They are both a blast and, in my humble opinion, the skill set you develop in each "sport" transfers over to the other "sport" fairly well.

kendogg
07-20-2007, 09:40 AM
Autocrossing is for people who are too skeered to drive really fast...


:paranoid:


Just kidding.

I actually started tracking first and then did a couple of autocrosses. I intend to do a lot more autocrosses in the future. They are both a blast and, in my humble opinion, the skill set you develop in each "sport" transfers over to the other "sport" fairly well.

Agree'd. Autox definitely helped me go alot faster at Road A this time around. And I'm sure skills that I can't pick out have helped me in autox as well.

BruceH
07-20-2007, 09:46 AM
so where is the next AX event? If I join BMWCCA before then, can I just go and watch?

August 11. Always at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. PM me for help in joining. If you are a member you are welcome to attend.

BruceH
07-20-2007, 09:48 AM
Autocrossing is for people who are too skeered to drive really fast...


That is going to win you a lot of friends. When is the next AX you are attending? I am sure that your runs are going to get a lot of attention from the announcer over the PA system.

M3Bill
07-20-2007, 09:49 AM
That is going to win you a lot of friends. When is the next AX you are attending? I am sure that your runs are going to get a lot of attention from the announcer over the PA system.

Those with a sense of humor will laugh...

;)

I'll be attending in September. :wave

Doctor Wha
07-20-2007, 10:22 AM
Those with a sense of humor will get TO'd...

:shifty

:paranoid:

M3Bill
07-20-2007, 10:22 AM
:paranoid:

:confused

Doctor Wha
07-20-2007, 10:23 AM
:wave

tpattison
07-20-2007, 10:26 AM
:paranoid:

:rofl:

+1

:devillook

:confused

:paranoid:

:wave

:wave

Doctor Wha
07-20-2007, 10:30 AM
Okay, okay, back on topic...


Bruce, what's the latest on the "insurance question," for those leery about using daily drivers as "happy fun time" vehicles at AXs & DEs? Does the club have alternatives for coverage it recommends or endorses? :ponder


:cool

therichsta
07-20-2007, 10:53 AM
wow sweet, i'd love to come ride with somebody! only thing is...is there a diff time other than 8/11? i'm out of town then...thanks for the input guys

kaamacat
07-20-2007, 11:05 AM
Actually the AutoX will be on Sunday (8/12)............... Saturday (8/11) is the TeenStreetSurvival school. Next one after that is Sept29th (Saturday).

broke30
07-20-2007, 11:14 AM
what's the diff between track and autocross?
Track is a road course (i.e. Road Atlanta) Basically higher speeds, longer turns, longer straights. Autox is short track, tight turns, slower speeds, etc...
Max

BruceH
07-20-2007, 01:16 PM
Okay, okay, back on topic...
Bruce, what's the latest on the "insurance question," for those leery about using daily drivers as "happy fun time" vehicles at AXs & DEs? Does the club have alternatives for coverage it recommends or endorses? :ponder
:cool

You won't get any endorsement from a BMW CCA Officer for AX or track insurance. Most insurance policies do not cover any timed event. DEs are NEVER timed but the insurance companies have tightened up on track events.

Read your policy carefully, talk to your agent. Recently a local insurance rep was at a Peachtree DE talking about track insurance. The Chapter has no position on his offerings. I am sure that some of the track junkies, who are not Officers, can jump in with their knowledge.

Was that evasive enough for a public forum?

BruceH
07-20-2007, 01:17 PM
wow sweet, i'd love to come ride with somebody! only thing is...is there a diff time other than 8/11? i'm out of town then...thanks for the input guys

Keep checking the MSR link.
http://www.peachtreebmwcca.motorsportreg.com/

September 29 is AX#6.

Doctor Wha
07-20-2007, 01:18 PM
You won't get any endorsement from a BMW CCA Officer for AX or track insurance. Most insurance policies do not cover any timed event. DEs are NEVER timed but the insurance companies have tightened up on track events.

Read your policy carefully, talk to your agent. Recently a local insurance rep was at a Peachtree DE talking about track insurance. The Chapter has no position on his offerings. I am sure that some of the track junkies, who are not Officers, can jump in with their knowledge.

Was that evasive enough for a public forum?
:rofl

Yes, I think it was, thanks! :D

ShaunATL
07-20-2007, 01:36 PM
Regarding track insurance -

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=724236