First off I just want to share my experience. It was everything I thought it would be, plus more.

Day started with me waking up extremely early with barely any sleep. I'm sure like most of you the day before an event your mind is racing and you're feeling antsy. After reading and getting some advice from a few members I pack up some lunch and bottled waters. I also take some time to completely empty out my car except for what I'll need. Then I head on out to Englishtown.

It was my first time driving on my new tires, some super beefy 225/50/16 Dunlop Star Spec Z1s, so my drive to the event was my actual break in period.

Fast forward a little...

I meet up with a member from another forum and he gives me the rundown and kinda guides me on what's going on. We walk the course two or three times. Every time I've seen a video online the sea of cones never made any sense. Once you are actually out there and walking it, it all comes together. It is really not as intimidating as it seems.

After walking the course we head back for registration. I receive my work assignment and what heats I'll be racing in. Heat 1, here I come.

I get into the grid and signal for an instructor. First thing he goes over is seat position. Then he tells me first run we will just take it easy and just learn the course. My second and third run were also with an instructor. His name was Scott Burton, he was a volunteer instructor he seemed like a really cool guy and gave me a lot of advice. Each time he asked me to push a little harder (no homo lol). At these beginning stages you really notice your times drop significantly as you gain confidence as the track and rubbers warm up.

My second heat I go out with no instructor and try to push my car as hard as I can with everything that I've been learning.

I was extremely happy with the day and will definitely do it again. I'm still learning and I'm pretty sure the tires were masking my driving errors. To all the people who are thinking of going to an event, but are unsure or nervous, do it. Its really easy to get out there, it's safe, and you learn a lot. I am hooked and I might attend their next event which is next week.

Now to keep this technical.

On my next time out I want to start playing with tire pressure. What characteristics will change in handling when raising or lowering the pressure?

 

NNJ started at E-town already? nice

Looking forward to doing their events. Just need to finish this car. I always have a blast out there.

Glad to see you enjoyed it.

 

go to hear that you had a good time. I'm going to an event at Auto Club Speedway in august my myself and it will be my first time too

 

wouldn't worry about that till at least 5 events in, or when you know how the tire pressure is going to affect your driving.

saying that, id just make sure that your tire pressure is even all around, all the time. id run 45psi all around and make sure to keep it at that pressure.

another thing, what class and what do you have done to the car? from what looks from the pics looks like a 01+ civic?

 

Thanks for the write-up! This will be very helpful for other noobs

 

The first few times to an autocross are the best, wish I still got the same feelings.

Next time out just experiment with tire pressures.

This book is full of useful tidbits of information, iv gone through mine 2-3 times.

 

Yeah the NNJR guys are a bunch of cool guys. Been running with them since 2002'ish. Glad you had fun and great write up for the noobies.

 

^
That book "Secrets of Solo Racing" is awesome.

 

Maybe I missed it, was this NNJR PCA? If so, I agree, VERY cool bunch of people. Did a few DEs with them.

 

I believe NNJR SCCA.