HI. i was looking into starting autox solo.

but i was wondering

is it hard to follow the coarse?
is it hard to use a ek civic with no p/s?

 

There are a few options to question one, many do course walk threws and draw out the course on paper and visualize it in their heads. Others get away with just memorizing the course in their heads during course walks. i normally walk the course a few times and take worker shift 1, because i can see the course as it is being ran. most of this answer depends on the person who designs the course, ive gone on the "Drag strip" designed course layouts, very easy to follow, and ive seen more technical course layouts which ive seen plenty of people get lost on. It happens, try your best, and dont be bashful to ask questions or to have a instructor ride with you and help.

P.S in your civic, i run a cx hatch with no P.S. i have no issues with it. i like it better then my 2000 dx with P.S. some opinion may differ, but there are people who run non P.S racks.

good luck have fun and be willing to learn.

Joe D.

 

Some novices pick up reading the cones and looking ahead better than others.. tips:
-Walk the course as much as possible. This means get there early so you can get your car prepped beforehand. Pay attention to large gaps in cones and tight corners where you're more likely to get lost.
-Some regions do a chalk/flour outline of the course, which helps. some don't.
-LOOK AHEAD. This is the #1 thing to learn, and it's a lot harder than it sounds. If you're looking ahead your car goes where you want it to, you can set up for things, and then how can you get lost? Getting lost on course comes from looking at the cone you're passing and then not having time to figure out where to go next. In autox the cones come at you FAST.

I've autocrossed quick-racked Integras mostly, and personally I can't stand the slow manual racks in a couple EG's I've race. You just get used to it, or not (like me, and then keep hitting cones all over the place!). It'll require more drastic inputs and more force than a quicker PS-assisted rack.

 

Some of the courses I have seen got kinda confusing.

Do they have like cash prizes or anything at the end?

And i have a " strut bar" i think thats what its called. thel ittleb ar that goes across your engine. does that really make all the difference?

I was thinking about using my dads 05 sentra ser spec v

 

As for following the course that depends on the driver. Typically WALK the course many times, talk with other drivers see what they have to say, and take the first lap at a brisk (not slow but not fast, don't expect it to be your hotlap) to get a feel for it, then start pushing it. Also if possible the best thing you can do is have an instructor ride with you if your club has them, when I went I rode my first lap with one and his advice helped alot, helped me shave alot of time off my scores and learn how to read the course better in the future.

 

Not trying to create more n00b threads...but what should one expect on their first day out? I will be going to a "practice" event on the 29th and I will admit I'm a little anxious (fear of the unknown).

 

Start by reading this:
http://solo2.com/MiscDocuments/CSCC_Novice_Guide.pdf

Granted, it was written up for the Cal Club region, but should be a nice starting point.

 

Just relax and have fun. No one is going to judge you. Get there early and walk the course as many times as possible, ask as many questions as you feel you need to. Take your first lap easy and make sure you are able to stay on course. If you go off course then take it easy on your second lap too, don't be afraid to ask an experienced driver to ride with you to help out.

 

At DC there will be novice walkthrough after the main walkthrough starts. An experience autocrosser/instructor will talk you through the course and what to look for. You can also have an instructor ride along with you. They may give some pointers but their main function is to keep you on the course. DC Solo is pretty intimidating at first since there are so many cars.

There are also some smaller autox clubs like Capital Driving Club (CDC) and Autocrosser Inc (AI) in the DC metro region that have a slightly more relaxed atmosphere IMHO. The BMW National Chapter also hold autox in this area.

I run with CDC and DC Solo. If time permits, I try to slip in an AI event. I'll be driving a blue civic hatch in SM this year. Come over and say hi.

 

as far as tech before running, when you relocate the battery to the rear, what are the requirements for that? I have a del sol so it is behind a firewall still. Any suggestions?

 

Just go with the intention of having fun, because no matter how you finish you will have a blast. At the events I've been to (which are small 20-25 cars) everyone is very supportive and enjoy watching and encouraging the other drivers. Even the competition between drivers/cars in the same class is friendly. Don't be afraid to ask questions & as Megalomaniac says, ask an instructor to ride along.
I walk the course just a little behind the group so I can hear the description, but I can then notice where the others start to turn and if there is any rise or dip in the course.
During my heat I just try to go easy the 1st time to get a feel for the course and then try to get smoother and faster each time.
Just like anything, practice will improve your results, and it's alot of fun.

 

At the events I've been to the prizes were plaques with your results.
I can't comment on any modifications because we ran a stock 2002 civic lx auto with questionable tires all season.
It seems like I've read on some other forums about some people preferring cars without power steering for auto X? Again I have nothing to compare to, although the consistent fastest car at the events I've been to is basically a go kart on steroids and I'm pretty sure it doesn't have power steering

 

no p.s. gives you a better feel for the road but it's a PITA to get used to at first

also your tire pressures will affect how hard/fast it is for you to turn

 

its a little different running a car with no power steering, my autoX is a 96 civic with no power steering, stripped and completely stock.. and the thing dominates my class.. you dont need to have a built car to be competative