I went to my first auto-x today. The experience was, in a word amazing. The course was totally different from what I was expecting - instead of a parking lot with tightly spaced cones, the course resembled a road racing circuit with a chicane, sweepers, and 2 sections of slaloms. Most people's laps were 55 to 60 seconds.

In my first run I went in too hot on cold tires and slid off the road during a hairpin. On my second run I toned it down and got a 67 second lap. On my third run I got down to 64 seconds. We had a lunch break, then moved to the second heat of 2 runs. On the 4th run, I got 64 seconds again, and I wanted to break 60 for the last run. I nearly spun out of control on the back sweeper on my final run, but managed to get a 62.1 second time. I have video of my car, my friend's M3 (including a 50 foot long spin), a Z06, a Boxster, a 318ti, several race-prepped 280Zs, and an insane spec Miata whose driver drifted nearly every turn. The video is coming soon :)

I plan on going to every auto-x I can find near me. The event was well planned and I got 5 runs. If less people had spun off the course we probably could have gotten 6 in, but the runs started at 10:30 and were finished by 4:15.

stjobs

sounds like fun :) wait till u start doing DEs, ur gonna be hooked :D

I've heard that the GIR test track is half auto-x course and half track event. I'll be running there this Saturday to see for myself.

Pic:
http://www.gainesvilleraceway.com/roadcourse1.jpg

Link to track info:
http://www.gainesvilleraceway.com/test_track.html

I did my first autocross yesterday w/the local BMWCCA chapter. It was actually an autocross school, so the runs weren't timed, but I can't believe how insanely fun it is! I'm kicking myself for not doing this sooner. :D

Oh I just did my first one in over a year and boy I missed the adrenalin rush of it! This is one addictive hobby. I did an SCCA Solo II (aka autocross at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, CA) and it was awesome to see so many different brand cars just zipping around. Not too many BMWs but there were some and of course the MINIs. They look right at home on an autocross.

The big addiction will come when I start doing Driving Events as Rahul says :)

Gio

Glad you enjoyed it! I wish I went to that event, I ended up going to Ft. Myers for the Gulfcoast Autoxers event. If you've never been there it's worh the drive! Some of the best drivers in Florida. Now that you've tried it you'll be hooked for a long time! I've been doing it for over 2 years and can't get enough!

Maybe I'll see you at one of the events in Florida.

Here's a couple of links of local autox clubs:

CFR SCCA (http://www.cfrsolo2.com/)

Gulfcoast Autocrossers (http://www.gulfcoastautocrossers.com/)

Jamal

Jamal, I see you won the most recent event at the Ft. Myers base, and had the fastest time of the day :D Nice job!

I definitely need to practice more, I will start going to more events. 9 AM registration is really early when you have a 2 hour drive though.

stjobs

Originally posted by stjobs
9 AM registration is really early when you have a 2 hour drive though.

stjobs

i think going to an autoX is worth getting up at 5AM :D