So, I found out there is an Autocross event not far from me in April and am seriously considering participating in the event. The only thing is that I have never done anything like it before... I know, my R has always been a garage queen. It has always been something I wanted to do. Are first timers usually welcomed at these things?

I'm wondering if you guys could throw me some helpful hints and general guidelines to convince me to take the plunge for my first event... searched and had trouble finding. Also, what would be a reasonably-priced good helmet to use?

 

First, congrats on getting your R out. I would urge you to keep your eyes peeled for ITR Expo 11, it should be announced soon and would be an event you will not want to miss. You'll be assigned an instructor and all of that, so you'll get started on the right foot.

Don't worry about not being welcomed, new people at driving events are always welcomed because without new people they would eventually die.

As far as helmets the SA2005 and SA2010 ratings are currently out there. They are good for 10 years, so even though you can save some cash on a SA2005 right now the SA2010 will last in the long run.

 

Im in the same boat. I just got my R to where I want it to be and am thinking about autocrossing it in April.

 

Thanks for the good info! So an SA2005 helmet is only good until 2015 and an SA2010 is good until 2020?

 

In addition to expo you should look into the western michigan honda meet in July.. I'll be travelling up from NC for that

http://www.wmhm.org

Correct... here are some good sites to shop around at.
http://www.ogracing.com
http://www.saferacer.com
http://www.soloracer.com

 

2015, but the worlds gonna end in 2012 anyways.










j/k

 

What steez said is correct. Also some autocross groups have loaner helmets so that you don't have to go and buy a helmet for your first event, etc.

It's best to try on helmets if possible as different brands (and different product lines within a brand) all fit differently and you really want a helmet that fits your head, otherwise it'll be painful, or will be too large negating a lot of the safety aspect of the helmet in the event of an incident.

 

^ this. If you're unable to try one on then get a tape measure to get an exact size of your noggin, most of those sites have sizing guides.

 

Yes, I find I meet the nicest people at driving events. AutoX, HPDE, etc... When you get there ask people who look like they know whats going on to direct you to the "Event Master" or someone in charge. Let them know this is your 1st event and I am sure thy will pair you up with an experienced member there to show you the process and whats about to happen.

More than likely loaner helmets will be provided at the event so I wouldnt worry too much about that just yet.

Some reading links to get you started.
http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets.html
http://www.turnfast.com//tech_driving/driving
http://www.goaheadtakethewheel.com/sitemap.php

Most importantly, go out and have fun! Thats really what its all about. Dont worry about being competitive just focus on being "a sponge" and soak all the advice and experience you get in.

also, what mods are done to your car? You will be classed accordingly.

 

Thanks!

I have intake, header, test pipe, exhaust, and a few other things going on... no FI, engine work, suspension work... guess it would be a Stock or Street Modified Class?

 

Np.

You will be classed in STX based off those mods.

I statred the exact same way 6 years ago in mine. Pretty much the same mods and stock suspension. My best advice: keep that stock suspension until as a driver you begin to notice its limitations. It took me 2 years to achieve this on my own. You will be amazed how well ITR suspension really performs when stock. I have found that it is much easier to mess up an R's great handling than it is to actually improve upon it.

 

ah, Hershey Park..... just go and have fun! there will be instructors there if you need any help. we're a pretty nice group, just don't act stupid(no speeding. 5mph in the paddock area), and dont pretend it's a car show and you'll be fine.

if you're not going to pre-reg, go early, there will be a long line for registration. like get RIGHT said, you'll be in STX. don't worry about the subies in your class, it's your first event, you're just there to learn. find out what heat you'll be working in.

after that take your car to tech. if you don't have a helmet, they have loaners. make sure you car is empty of any lose items(tech might say something at you). make sure your battery tie down is good and tight, or they'll say something.


with all of that said, a thing to know about hershey. if they are calling for rain, bring rain gear, and extra clothing. if they are calling for wind, bring a winter coat, it's still pretty cold at hershey, when it's windy. bring sun block, some water, a seat to sit in when you're not working or driving. other then that, have fun.

 

LOL! Guess you've been to this event before! Thanks for the details and such. I plan to pre-register. Still deciding on whether I can go or not, but seriously considering it. My car should be good to go with the things you said.

Glad to hear that they will be cool with New guys... I know how to handle my car and I'm not a douche driver, but just worried about my lack of "skill"... If that's not a problem, then awesome!

 

that's because hershey's parking lot is huge. it'll probably be packed with a bunch of guys from philly too. usually a fast course. with a bunch of natianial level drivers there. don't get upset if you end up in last place in your class. there is usually a STX prepared civic or evo that runs.

oh, and dont be upset if a mini cooper(H stock class) runs a faster time then you too.

 

Everyone was a noob at one point or another. As long as you don't purposely drive like an idiot no one will have a problem with you.

 

true, just hope op don't mind the critics, and the banter.

 

It's cool, I know I'm a Noob... not gonna be a hero and act like a douche. and I can take criticism and make fun of myself if I drive like a turd. LOL

 

Just put on your learning hat, that's all you have to do and you'll be fine.

 

hmm.... if he's there, and should be. ask for mike louie as your instructor/ride along. it's going to suck because they are grouping all the Street Touring together. well not really, but there are other instructors that will be there to help you. instructors aren't allowed to drive your cars anymore(unfair advantage to other competitors that haven't run yet) so you won't get a chance to see how your car would truly handle and feel.

 

your location says Southern PA. i compete in both the Susquehanna and Philly region so im hoping that will be close to you. if the event your talking about in april is the Hershey or Harrisburg event. lmk bc i will be there.

if you have any specific questions hit me up via pm i'll give you my number and we can talk.

i can guarantee you one thing. if you go one time, you will go again and again and again etc...
it's so much fun. i know you'll have a great time.

Blake

 

if there is one mod that will really help you in autocross it's tires. if you're a noob it would be fun to do an event as is, then come back on your next one with a good street tire like the kumho xs or yoke ad08 and see the difference

 

I live south of York, so I am an hour from Hershey and 45 min from Harrisburg. The Hershey event is April 9th. And I'm hoping I get hooked on this, always wanted too!

I have RT-615s on my R... Thoughts on how they'd hold up in an event?

 

Test pipe is illegal in ST classes, all OEM emmisions equipement including cat has to be in place and functioning..sounds like you would be in DSP

I just started autocross la year or so ago, it is a blast. At least in my region, the novices and newbies are welcome with open arms, as long as you are not doing stupid stuff. My advise as a first timer would be this: Make sure you have decent tires and alignment, and just go have fun. I was just trying to stay on course my first time out. Tlak to as many people as you can. If you end up like me, you will be back again and again.

 

those will be fine. this time of year for hershey is still kind of cold so you won't have to worry about cooling your tires down with water.


that's right. aftermarket cat is allowed, but must be in the same location as the factory cat was.

but, it's op's first event. and i know for a fact, they won't care about that, because it is his first event.


on another note, can't wait for the double header at the farm show. will be mad tired, but will be interesting to do runs in the evening.

 

This was my thinking as well. As long as no CELs are on nobody is going to care about it for his first event. If he start winning that'll change....