What's up fellow H-T members?

Recently, I've been looking into competing in Solo2, doing research, etc. I already have my whole "Novice" season sorted out in my head (what helmet to buy, what class to be in, studied rules and procedures, etc), but one obsticle remains, so I consult the Think Tank known as Honda-Tech.

I need some way of convincing my parents that autocross is one of, if not the safest car based autosport. Keep in mind that I do need parental consent because I'm not yet 18, and I can't simply "go." Here's what I have so far:

1) SCCA is a respectable sanctioning body with strict saftey rules and procedures, not to mention years of experience.
2) The speeds rarely excell 45 mph (is this true for <U>most</U> courses?
3) Because of the lack of other cars running simultaniously, the risk goes down considerably, leaving only road-cones to be hit, which pose no threat to the car or to me.

I think I've pretty much swayed them. I just need a little more ammo for my arsenal. Any accident statistics I an quote that are more reassuring than frightening? Am I way off, and is autocross a meat grinder of a sport? lol...I should hope not.

Thanks for your help!

 

SCCA auto-X teaches you the limits of your car in a controlled environment. Knowing this makes you a sefer driver on the street in teh event of an emegency.

It is VERY controlled. You are more at risk of hurting yourself and your car on the way to an event than at the event.

It teaches you how to be more aware of your car and what it does in all aspects, making you a safer driver

Speeds rarely go over 60 MPH, but that depends on the car.

It is THE safest motorsport i know of, since the cars aren't wheel to wheel. Even in drag racing, if the other guys screws up, you can be hurt. Not so at SCCA (unless the course desing is VERY poor, which won't happen most of the time.).

More or less, just push that it'll make you a safer driver and it's safer than driving around town, let alone safter than any otehr motorsport (which, are generally safer than driving around town anyway).

 

I've done this for 8 years now. I've heard of ZERO deaths, or even serious injury.

Take them to one and they'll see how safe it is.

 

I have seen an exhaust fall off on-course after a cone got wedged under it. I have seen a car hit a corner worker. I have seen cars go home on a hook. There is risk to you and your car out there. Autocross is possibly "safer" than other motorsports but it is not without risk. Rollovers are a real possibility and have happened in the past.

Whatever you do, don't run R tires on your stock suspension. That's a good way to not bring it home shiny side-up.

-Adam

 

Tell them it will help make you a better driver on the street. It gives you a chance to learn the limits of your car in a safe and controlled environment, plus it will really sharpen your reflexes. What they teach teens in drivers ed is pretty much worthless. I talked my older sister into sending my niece to Mid Ohio for their teen driving program once she turns 16. Autocross and programs like what Mid Ohio has really do make you a better driver.

 

take them to an event. Show them the organization and have them talk to some of the drivers. I think once they have seen it in person, they will be convinced. And it will make you a better and safer driver.

 

Tell them if you get a moving violation (parking tickets won't count), that you will quit racing forever.

Kirk

EDIT - and tell them that, if any of your autocrossing buddies ever catch you jackassing around on the street, they will strip you naked and drop you off in a Taco Bell parking lot at midnight. After they disassemble your car and hid the pieces all over town. We're a respectable bunch, remember?



[Modified by Knestis, 3:29 AM 3/13/2003]

 

Definately take them out. My first autox was when I was 15 years old....

 

Take them out to an event. Thats how I got started. I was 18 and just got my car. 2 1/2 years later I feel its definately made me a safer driver on the street. The bad part is I can't have the amount of fun on the street as I can in auto-x so I'm hooked on paying for events. Also get other experienced drivers at the event talk to your parents about how great it is.

edit: I've also seen 2 cars go into timing boxes damaging body panels and one guy spun his wrx into a wall a year or so ago. Damage can occur but isn't very often or likely. My very first experience at auto-x was in the car of the guy who hit the timing light. Even after seeing this from in the car I was still hooked and started racing myself.


[Modified by ryan12321, 11:02 PM 3/12/2003]


[Modified by ryan12321, 11:03 PM 3/12/2003]

 

Hmm...thanks a ton for the responses guys! My parents gave the the thumbsup on Solo2, and even told me they'd buy me a helmet for my birthday (which is 2 days after the event).

HOWEVER,

I'm not in the clear yet. The true acid test is when my mom actually comes out with me to the event. Hopefully, she'll be impressed with the saftey measures, etc. Keep in mind that this is "mom" and she's always worried about me. Always. Ah! I'm so nervous...I want to compete this season, but I'm scared that I'll be so close to my goal, get to the event, then have it taken away.

Only time can tell. Thanks for your suggestions guys...keep em coming if you've got them.

 

What SCCA Region are you in? City/state?

 

whats r tires?

 

R compound. Kuhmo Victoracers, Hoosiers, etc. Basically race-only tires.

 

I agree with the rest of your advice but this is a pretty ignorant statement. Nearly half of the autoxers out there run R-compound tires on stock suspensions with NO problems.

Granted, there are a few cars out there that are more prone to rollover with their stock suspension, but I would challenge you to roll a MR2 Spyder on R-tires without leaving the pavement.

It would have been better advice to say: "Stay away from R-tires until you've got some time under your belt, at least a year."

The only rollovers I've ever HEARD of have been 10-12 year old VWs with low tire pressure who made a bad choice at the wrong time. It *can* happen but it's extremely rare.

Andy

 

tell them if they don't want you autoxing then you'll be forced to race on the streets and maybe kill yourself. Showing the alternative seems to work on my parents fairly well...

 

I never had any problems with r tyres and stock suspension.......

 

Welcome!

First off, I want to say hats-off to you for being a very obviously conscientious, knowledgeable, respectful younger car enthusiast. You have no idea how much of a breath of fresh air a good question written in proper English is in this sport from someone under 18!

I would repeat the suggestion that you take your mom to an event. Seek out the president or other senior officers in the club, introduce yourself, and ask that he/she talk to your parents for you. Most car club officers know how to smooth these things out, and can certainly point out the safety precautions, insurance, excessive planning, and overall attitude and safety record of the sport. Some of those officers are good schmoozers too

See ya on track!
Mike (President, THSCC)

 

Re - stock suspension and r-tires.

DON'T autocross on a stock suspension with old, worn-out shocks and no bump stops in a top-heavy car and the stickiest tires you can find. Especially if you aren't smooth and tend to get crossed up a lot.

I autocrossed my Civic with 176k mile shocks and disintegrated bumpstops on AVS tires and it was scary.

A good set of shocks can really keep a car set. I have nearly shat my pants watching VWs under the conditions I described above at our events.

 

I run the car with KYB shocks, and everything else (bushings, bumpstops, etc) is in good working order. It gets a look over pretty often.

 

i think this sums it up pretty nicely.

the greatest thing i got out of autoxing is the greater awareness of car control/dynamics. definitely makes me a better driver, and i'm learning something new at every event.

 

KYB shocks came stock on your car?

Justchou-- it's awesome that you've got supportive parents who care about you. Be very glad that your mother is coming with you to your first event. I have little doubt that she will be reassured by seeing how things are run, if it's anything like the events I've been to. I would be upfront about things, though.. 45mph top speed is a bit low (60 is more reasonable, unless the lot you guys have is small), and cars have flipped, people have been injured, cars have been damaged at autocrosses. That said, it is the safest and most accessible way I know of to learn how to handle a car at its limits. Beyond being fun, and a hobby that promotes learning and self-improvement, autocross makes you a more cautious driver, in my experience.

Of course motorsport could be financially disasterous to you long term, but let's not talk about that until you're addicted, right?

(actually, I jest, but I'm a cheap bastard and still manage to get some auto-x in with some regularity..)

 

Amen brother!!... This is refreshing compared to the typical questions we get on here from &lt;18yr olds (and &gt;18yr olds for that mattre)...

 

I'll add that in 99% of those extremely rare disasters at auto-x that have occured, it is that key part, the nut behind the wheel, that came undone. Drivers attempting to do something beyond their own or their car's capabilities.

Don't drive over your skill level. If the car starts to spin, don't try to catch it, just put both feet in (clutch and brake), and come to a stop. Most regions have novice walk-throughs. Take advantage of them. Just read all the faqs that are around on what to do as a newbie. If you have questions and problems ask. Where are you located, because their might be people here you could look up at an event, or who could tell you who to look for....Auto-x'ers are generally a friendly bunch.

 

Just to add a couple of things that haven't really been mentioned...if you're competing at an SCCA event, they have pretty good insurance that partially covers you medically and covers any damage that you might do to a facility. It doesn't cover your car, though.

Also, new SCCA rules require that BOTH parents must sign the minor waiver for you to compete. Great that Mom wants to come along, but you must get Dad's signature too. I believe you can get the form ahead of time if both parents don't want to come out.

As mentioned many clubs have a rookie walk through and most of them also have instructors available to ride along and give pointers. Take advantage of it if available, and use it as a point with your parents that you aren't going out there alone.

You might want to get Mom involved too. She could easily get hooked on the sport. While I'm 27 and hardly need Mom's permission to run around a parking lot, she's still come out to see me a few times and has often commented that it looks like fun. I might try to get her to be a tire warmer for me one of these seasons.

 

If push comes to shove, just tell them that a kid on H-T partisipated in 5 HPDE's when he was 17. That should do em'
Here is that little **** now: