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Getting ready for my first autocross...

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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 02:31 PM
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Default Getting ready for my first autocross...

Any specific things to do beforehand to get the car ready?? I'm going to be putting on new OEM pads on all four corners, because they Duralasts are getting tired and they dust a TON. Anyway this will be my first time ever "racing" the car and it's my first ITR. I'm just looking for a little insight on what you guys do to prepare. Thanks!

Reid: Sorry if this isn't the right place for this...I just wanted some help from the ITR crowd
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 02:54 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (JDM_EH2)

You will need to bring a helmet with a snell rating of SA95 or better.
Food, drink, and a seat.
Raise your tire pressures so you don't roll them over.
Other than that. Have fun!!
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 03:02 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (JDM_EH2)

Also, bring a buddy with a camera and/or camcorder Enjoy!
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 03:15 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (ITR 00-0477)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITR 00-0477 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You will need to bring a helmet with a snell rating of SA95 or better.
Food, drink, and a seat.
Raise your tire pressures so you don't roll them over.
Other than that. Have fun!!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I am gonna use my Soumy from my street bike so i got that covered. I bought a chair when I went at watched the last one. And I'll make sure to raise the tire pressure. What's a good psi to start with? I can't wait it's gonna be a blast
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 03:16 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (JDM_EH2)

Just keep an open mind and realize that you may not kick serious *** the first time out but keep in mind that the learning curve for a noob autocrosser is reeeally steep.

The first things that come to mind:
-Ride with one of the novice mentors before you do your first run.
It will give you a sense of what the car should be doing- gliding through turns in a natural arch instead of herky-jerky inputs.
-Be agressive. When you gas it, gas it. We don't have a lot of power or torque so step on it when you come out of turns.
-Don't be afraid to brake hard and only when the car is straight, not in mid corner because your car will loose balance/adhesion.
-Look ahead. This is absolutely the hardest thing to remember or teach yourself. It may be difficult, but your progress will be reflected when you get out of the bad habit of looking only one cone/element ahead.
-Listen to the experienced guys/gals and even get them to ride along a run or two. Trust me, they want to ride with you so they can see more of the course at speed.

As far is getting the car ready, just inflate your tires to 38psi all the way around. That's a fair starting point first time out.

Have fun!
-Matt

ps. I used to have 00-0055 FBP
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 03:20 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (Utilitarian)

The only thing I'm semi concerned with is my power. I have A LOT. I'm not an idiot though. I've learned when boost hits and at what throttle position and RPM...so I know I'll be alright...God I can't wait!
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 04:59 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (JDM_EH2)

With 475whp your going to have wheelspin issues for sure. JUst try and be as smooth as possible on course.

Util has given good advice. Try and ride with someone before your runs and definitely have someone more experienced ride with you and listen to what they say. Try to look ahead as much as possible, one element or more...try to look 'across' the lot rather than that right in front of you. Oh yeah, walk the course as many times as you can, until you can drive it in your mind w/o even thinking about it.

Most of all, have fun! Very addicting sport.
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 05:27 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (jetydosa)

When you guys say have an experienced driver ride with me... Are there guys there that do that specifically or do i just ask anyone?
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 05:37 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (JDM_EH2)

Your autocrossing with a 475Hp Type R!! Well, I guess your just doing this for fun and not trying to win trophies? I have experience autoXing with a all-motor ITR and a Turbo ITR.
What ever the case be, my advise for a Turbo Type R is:
Very light 1/4 throttle around slaloms, mid corner, and exiting apex cone, mostly all turns,
the only time you can 1/2 to full throttle is ONLY when the car is straight! So, wait until you exit the turn and wait for the car to straighten up then full throttle! Yeah, it sucks but this is the only way to get fast times with a Turbo ITR even with the LSD. Actually the only way to get fast times and a trophy is to remove your Turbo!

You can slam on your ITR brakes at the last second! And I mean so hard the ABS kicks on! Don't be afraid to use the ABS! Yes, ITR brakes are very good. You will be surprised. of course brake before the turn.

Ask for an (front-wheel drive) instructor to drive YOUR CAR with you in it! This way you can realize what your ITR is capable of! See where and when to brake, when to full throttle, etc..you will learn a lot.

Drinks, food, chair, air psi gauge, air tank, and of course sun block!!

Other than that its your first time so have fun.
Then someday you'll be bored of drivin in only second gear all the time and then you will finally bring your ITR to the REAL ROAD COURSES! Like VIR, Where you can use 3rd, 4th, 5th gears! Downshifting! Heel-toeing! etc... like what happened to me!

Good luck!


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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 07:00 PM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (JDM_EH2)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_EH2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When you guys say have an experienced driver ride with me... Are there guys there that do that specifically or do i just ask anyone? </TD></TR></TABLE>
They will be competitors as well. Look for the guys/gals that seem to be running everything, tell them its your first time. Look for the person who does the novice walk throughs as well prior to the event. I think you will find when you get there that it will probally be a very laid back atmosphere and most everyone will be very easy to approach and they will no doubt be very interested in your caR as well.
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 07:44 PM
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Default

Very good info here. Once you get a taste of Auto Crossing it, it's definitely time to hit the road course! You'll never go back!!

Depending on how big the AutoX track is... you'll hardly every be in boost and when you are for a very very short period of time with almost 500whp.

Glad to see you popping the cherry though. Good stuff!
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 07:55 PM
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Default Re: (JjuuN R)

Trust me guys I'd much rather be at VIR for EXPO...but work doesn't allow it and I simply can't wait an longer! This is just for fun and to "tide" me over until I can get on the road course. Oh and I WON'T be taking the turbo off
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Old Jun 4, 2007 | 08:05 PM
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Default Re: (JDM_EH2)

take some sun screen.... I always get burned.

I remember my first autocross. Pleasant thoughts
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Old Jun 5, 2007 | 03:41 AM
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Default Re: (MOVE OVER)

I'm gonna get tires for my Regamasters. How are azenis for autocross??
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Old Jun 5, 2007 | 03:57 AM
  #15  
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Default Re: (JDM_EH2)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_EH2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm gonna get tires for my Regamasters. How are azenis for autocross??</TD></TR></TABLE>
Just fine, like mentioned earlier. 36-38psi
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Old Jun 5, 2007 | 08:29 AM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (B18ek)

This was really good advice. Even for me and I've been auto-xing a few times

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18ek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your autocrossing with a 475Hp Type R!! Well, I guess your just doing this for fun and not trying to win trophies? I have experience autoXing with a all-motor ITR and a Turbo ITR.
What ever the case be, my advise for a Turbo Type R is:
Very light 1/4 throttle around slaloms, mid corner, and exiting apex cone, mostly all turns,
the only time you can 1/2 to full throttle is ONLY when the car is straight! So, wait until you exit the turn and wait for the car to straighten up then full throttle! Yeah, it sucks but this is the only way to get fast times with a Turbo ITR even with the LSD. Actually the only way to get fast times and a trophy is to remove your Turbo!

You can slam on your ITR brakes at the last second! And I mean so hard the ABS kicks on! Don't be afraid to use the ABS! Yes, ITR brakes are very good. You will be surprised. of course brake before the turn.

Ask for an (front-wheel drive) instructor to drive YOUR CAR with you in it! This way you can realize what your ITR is capable of! See where and when to brake, when to full throttle, etc..you will learn a lot.

Drinks, food, chair, air psi gauge, air tank, and of course sun block!!

Other than that its your first time so have fun.
Then someday you'll be bored of drivin in only second gear all the time and then you will finally bring your ITR to the REAL ROAD COURSES! Like VIR, Where you can use 3rd, 4th, 5th gears! Downshifting! Heel-toeing! etc... like what happened to me!

Good luck!</TD></TR></TABLE>
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Old Jun 5, 2007 | 08:36 AM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (kay_animation)

Only other advice is make sure you do the course walk through.

Sometimes it's not about being smooth in and out of turns, sometimes it's full brake then full gas. Took me a while to learn that. Still learning it, hard because you'll feel like you are breaking your car.

It's not so shady in this field. Unlike drag racing where most people are more secretive and lie about things, people here are very open and will help you or tell you anything if you ask. Brian (a guy in MD with a k series eg hatch) usually gets the highest times and is open with everything, his setup, all details, driving methods, everything and mostly all other drivers are this way. It was the thing that made me really leave the drag racing scene. That and building a car for 14 or lower seconds of action
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Old Jun 5, 2007 | 09:10 AM
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Default Re: Getting ready for my first autocross... (kay_animation)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kay_animation &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Brian (a guy in MD with a k series eg hatch) </TD></TR></TABLE>

Karcepts...*ahem ahem


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