Well I have a 2000 Civic si, with a pretty decent suspension set up. Function Form Coilovers, blox LCAS, ASR subframe w/ an ITR 22m sway bar, and skunk 2 strut bars. I wanted to maybe get into road racing, but after reading the stickies I see that it takes alot to get started, and it's not ideal to road race or participate in HDPT (I think that's it) events with a DD. Also road racing seems to put alot more abuse on your car since they are generally alot longer and involve higher speeds.

So then I was thinking about autox. I read the sticky and got some great info from this site.

http://www.soloracer.com/autoxguide.html

But I was just wondering where I can find local autox events. I live in Tampa Florida, and don't really hear much about any events.

Also I'm 17. Will I be allowed to participate in any events, or are they strict on being at least 18?

Thanks!

 

well you can start by oing to the SCCA web site and check out you local area where there might be a club or place they go like Tire Rack or a school parking lot or somthing and yes you do need to be 18 or have you parents permision to race,but depends on your state some places they dont check just as long as you have a valid DVL

 

I'm sure there are events near you. GO to scca's website and you can search for your home region's website. You may need permission if youre under 18 but its still easy to get in. I know a kid races with us who did his first event two week's after his 16'th birthday and with a learner permit.

Have fun out there, you'll find auto-xers are a very fun and supportive group

 

go to:

http://www.myautoevents.com/pl...00418

there are some events coming up in florida.

i highly recommend a/x as a prelude to racing. learn car control at lower speeds and in a controlled environment.

good luck!

 

I'm a road racer, but I still have to say that autocross is the best place to learn car control and develop those instincts, IMO. That has saved me on the road course many times. It's possible to learn that in HPDE, but the risks are a little higher when you lose control of a car on a road course with traffic, and you're not really encouraged to test the limits too much for that reason. I still haven't been to an event where anyone has wrecked in HPDE 1 or 2 (it's pretty rare), but the potential for that is still higher than autocross.

 

OP, you could consider karting. You will definitely learn the mechanics of driving lines and race lines. The nice thing about it too is that you don't use your DD for it.

I have some 2 kart threads here in the RR forum, take a look at them. PM me if you have any questions as well.

m-

 

I had an 2000 si - fun car! There's definately less risk doing autocross events compared to HPDEs. As others have said, try out the whole autocross scene first.

The other thing I suggest you do even if not ready to try out high performance driving events but you still think that someday you'd like to try it / road racing - attend some races in your area. Take a look to see what SCCA region is near you (there are two in Fl which are quite sizeable), as well as NASA.

As part of attending the events, I also encourage you to volunteer at the races. You'll get a very good idea how things work, learn a ton, have a blast, and meet a ton of great people. Do you want to have the closest seat to the action? Try corner working. Do you find how the cars themselves are built interesting? Try working for the tech area. Clubs would absolutely love to have you give a hand, and you'll get a lot back from the experience too.

The key is to start becoming involved and having fun.