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Thread: Auto X @ Turner Field March 20

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    IA Member Mafdark's Avatar
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    Lots of people are afraid of autocross and from what I've seen its for one of the following reasons:
    concerns
    -of mechanical or body damage.
    -that the car is not "complete"
    -that they don't have enough experience
    -they won't be fast enough

    So let me do what I can to ease those concerns. 1.) I've been to LOTs of events and only one single car ever sustained damage more than a cone scuff. That particular course was modified from its typical layout due to newly installed lightposts. As far as mechanical damage, yes you can tear up some tires and there is a possibility of engine damage. BUT if you guys drive in a "spirited" manner on the street you're probably at the same risk level. Top speeds at these events rarely exceed 50mph. The last event we never shifted out of 2nd gear.

    2) Autocross is a perfect example of a "run what your brung" whatever you think your car needs, you don't need it!

    3) Autocross has a novice class where you get your own instructor who walks the course with you and rides with you to help gives you pointers. Even if you can't get into novice class, you can ask any one of the experienced drivers and they will help you out with pointers and would probably be willing to ride along to help teach you the ropes.

    4) Times don't matter! You don't need to worry about or be ashamed of what time you get. After you do a few events you realize that the fast drivers are the guys in their 50s who have been doing it for years. The car doesn't matter at all.

    If anyone claims their hobby is cars, then they need to try this out.
    Last edited by Mafdark; 03-11-2011 at 07:40 PM.

  2. #2
    Senior Member | IA Veteran quickdodgeŽ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mafdark View Post
    Lots of people are afraid of autocross and from what I've seen its for one of the following reasons:
    concerns
    -of mechanical or body damage.
    -that the car is not "complete"
    -that they don't have enough experience
    -they won't be fast enough

    So let me do what I can to ease those concerns. 1.) I've been to LOTs of events and only one single car ever sustained damage more than a cone scuff. That particular course was modified from its typical layout due to newly installed lightposts. As far as mechanical damage, yes you can tear up some tires and there is a possibility of engine damage. BUT if you guys drive in a "spirited" manner on the street you're probably at the same risk level. Top speeds at these events rarely exceed 50mph. The last event we never shifted out of 2nd gear.

    2) Autocross is a perfect example of a "run what your brung" whatever you think your car needs, you don't need it!

    3) Autocross has a novice class where you get your own instructor who walks the course with you and rides with you to help gives you pointers. Even if you can't get into novice class, you can ask any one of the experienced drivers and they will help you out with pointers and would probably be willing to ride along to help teach you the ropes.

    4) Times don't matter! You don't need to worry about or be ashamed of what time you get. After you do a few events you realize that the fast drivers are the guys in their 50s who have been doing it for years. The car doesn't matter at all.

    If anyone claims their hobby is cars, then they need to try this out.
    The majority of people that don't autocross don't because they think it's a "pansy" sport. Running through cones? OOOWEEEEE!!!! Big fucking deal, you know. Anyone can do that. Later, QD.
    FOR MORE INFO, CLICK THE PIC!!!


  3. #3
    IA Member Mafdark's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by quickdodgeŽ View Post
    The majority of people that don't autocross don't because they think it's a "pansy" sport. Running through cones? OOOWEEEEE!!!! Big fucking deal, you know. Anyone can do that. Later, QD.
    LOL. Likely response from someone who:

    A. Thinks that driving in straight line is exciting.

    B. The most driving they do is to the ricer meetups on friday nights.


    I know you're not talking down to AutoX because your big into track days, HPDEs or wheel to wheel racing because everyone in those circles is well aware of the advantages of learning the trade in autocross.

  4. #4
    Senior Member | IA Veteran quickdodgeŽ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mafdark View Post
    LOL. Likely response from someone who:

    A. Thinks that driving in straight line is exciting.

    B. The most driving they do is to the ricer meetups on friday nights.


    I know you're not talking down to AutoX because your big into track days, HPDEs or wheel to wheel racing because everyone in those circles is well aware of the advantages of learning the trade in autocross.
    Of course I'm not talking down on it. Hail, I'm an ex-SCCA regional champion, myself. Love the sport. Later, QD.
    FOR MORE INFO, CLICK THE PIC!!!


  5. #5
    function>form boosted347's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mafdark View Post
    LOL. Likely response from someone who:

    A. Thinks that driving in straight line is exciting.

    B. The most driving they do is to the ricer meetups on friday nights.


    I know you're not talking down to AutoX because your big into track days, HPDEs or wheel to wheel racing because everyone in those circles is well aware of the advantages of learning the trade in autocross.
    As far as this goes, driving a 15 second car in a straight line isnt that fun yes, but lining that same 15 sec car vs your buddies 15 sec car is fun because of the head to head competition, my roots lie in drag racing, but i like all types of racing. You seem to be looking down on drag racing but getting on to someone, who at the time you thought was looking down on autocross, its personal opinion, some people like the adrenaline rush or straight line racing while some prefer the "precision" driving of autocross
    1990 Mustang Coupe...turbo lq4 through the glide

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