My first event is tomorrow! What should I bring? How can I prepare myself?

I don't own a helmet. Does it cost money to rent one?

Should I bring any tools with me just in case.

I can't wait to come.

I know I won't be able to sleep tonight.

I really wouldn't like it if I was in the middle of a run and fell asleep at the wheel.

thanks for your help in advance guys,

later,

aj

 

it's at camden, NJ.

it's a solo II autocross event.

later,

aj

 

heh, well for auto-x, it might be a good idea to torque your wheels down in case. Air pressure guage and pump. A nice chair to relax on. I'm sure there's more.

 

ahhhh,

a chair,

that's a good idea!

thanks!

later,

aj

 

To really do your best, you need to mentally prepare. As you try to go to sleep the night before, think of vehicle dynamics, cars, driving. Concentrate and stay focused the day-of.
I forgot to do this last time and ended up in the grass more than once. Waaaaay more than once.

 

Oh, that was a road event by the way, but the logic is the same for auto x.
Also bring plenty of fluids, sun tan lotion if you burn easily, and your tools if you've got the space. Bring your car fully-loaded (spare, jack, etc) which you'll unload and leave in the "pits." People leave $1,000 wheels unattended, this is a very trustworthy crowd. Wear your softest shoes and dress in comfortable all-cotton, long sleeves. Make new friends and have fun.

 

Most places have a helmet you can use, no charge...if they don't find someone with a head your size and ask to borrow, it helps to figure out how they run cars (by number, by class etc) and find someone who won't be running when you are. Bring lots of water, something to eat, sunblock & a hat, rain gear, make sure your car is clear of any junk inside that's loose (might want to leave your floormats at home, most places require you run with them out), If you're the kind of person who learns quickly using maps bring a pen and pad to jot down the course while you walk it....make sure you tell registration you're a novice and see if they have a special novice walkthrough, most autoXers are extremely helpful and will be happy to give you pointers specific to the area. Don't go to win, go to have fun...it's a constant learning experience, if you're not winning don't let it get to you at all, everyone has been there, the people that keep it up are the ones who look for education in defeat...but it sounds like you're just excited to go, which is the way to be

 

Are you going to the Philly event at Camden? Drop me an email if you are and maybe we can caravan. I plan to leave my house (I-97 and Crain) by 7am. Leave your phone number in my email if you are interested.

Mike

 

Well always wear clean underwear and bring some food and drink in a cooler and some cash.

 

RacerMike,

Yea, I am going to the Camden event. But I plan to leave at around 5:30 - 6:00 am to make sure that I am there on time. But I am sure that I will meet you up there.

What car do you drive?

later,

and thanks for all of the replies guys,

aj

edit: RacerMike, I just saw your sig. My bad




[Modified by ajn, 9:36 PM 1/25/2002]

 

Read my help page for newbie autocrossers:
http://home.dejazzd.com/mlouie/autocross.html

 

thanks for the website Mike.

That helps a lot.

I am going to bed.

See ya in the morning!

later,

aj

 

You should of course tell us how things went. Prediction: you had a good time

 

?

Will

 

It was really nice to meet everyone yesterday. I think I got the question "Are you CivicRacer?" about 20 times

About 5 people from HT showed, 8 people from HA.net, and 3-5 people from ClubSi.com

 

bring a tent!!!

best thing I ever brought to a race

 

Don't really need a tent when it's 50 degrees out. Usually in the summer my friend and I each bring a tent and we have one big party