My buddy and I are going to our first auto x this sunday at the palisades. Anybody have any pointers to give me. Also if anybody is going what time do I have to be there at.

 

1. Check car before weekend to ensure it will pass tech.
a. wheel bearings adjusted (no play, no bind)
b. battery tied down
c. all lugnuts in place
d. no cords showing on tires

2. Fill tires with plenty of air. Start at 45psi all around. Bleed down as needed. Eventually , you will want to get a small air tank. You will probably want the tires at 40-42psi front and 38-40psi rear while running.

3. Walk the course at least twice before you run

4. Bring sunscreen, hat, etc you'll be outside for a long time

5. Bring water, gatorade, snack.

6. Make sure car has enough fuel to get through day - not all sites have air, fuel, etc

 

Find an experienced driver with a similar car, and if you've got questions about the course, the event, or whatever, ask them. Autocrossers as a rule are a very helpful crowd, and we love to help newcomers.

Don't overdrive the car. Often, what "Feels" fast (skidding tires, lots of noise, pitching the car sideways) isn't fast.

As to what time to be there - no idea. What club is it? Perhaps they have a website where they post this information?

 

Don't be looking for the "fastest line" (i.e. late apexing, etc.) - always be thinking in terms of the shortest line...

 

When u r at Palisades look for:
1. Perry A.=> he drives a white Miata (Pro-B stock), He is a great driver/teacher.
2. Carlos G.=> he may show, drives a black ITR.
3. Matt (el pollo diablo on this board)=> he may show up, he has a PY ITR
4. Chris (b18c5rodney of this board) => he may show up, he has a red hybrid civic ITR, but may be driving a white civic ITR, or a black Trans Am
5. Me (David B.) => I should show in the afternoon, I will be taking pictures for my website http://www.autocrossnyc.com but if they allow, I can take you on a run.

Good luck

 

also look for a red GSR, VTECONLY on this board...name is Harry. cool guy
I think im gonna be there with daddy, i think i started to spark some curiosity in him, so he wants to go heh maybe one day he'll let me start modding the car >


[Modified by Ricehornet, 2:34 AM 7/13/2001]

 

hey davidnyc, are u in that group along with b18c5rodney and this kid Rob Crispell, PY ITR driver???

 

Confucious says: Sometimes you must go slow, in order to go fast.

In autocrossing, 99 times out of 100, it is better to drive a shorter distance at a slower speed, than drive a longer distance at a higher speed.

Trust us on this.


[Modified by MaddMatt, 9:03 AM 7/16/2001]

 

Thanks for all the pointers, I'll be driving a yellow 2001 type r with grille in the front and my buddy has a 2001 gsr. The names Mario please come and introduce yourselves to me. "I'm here to learn people"(Billy Madison)

 

>>The names Mario please come and introduce yourselves to me. "I'm here to learn people"(Billy Madison)<<

Well damn! You already figured out the tough part. ;-) The rest is butter... Have fun!

 

I did a quick write up on my website:
http://users.supernet.com/mlouie/autocross.html