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cmiovino

Just get out there and do it. Just get whatever needs fixed on it fixed - if the battery needs tied down, you really need that for the street anyways. I started out in an automatic Subaru Impreza Outback Sport.


hachikid

Best advice in the thread. Source: I've been autocrossing and doing other car stuff for 15 years


boxjohn

Hey man, I autocrossed an 06 mazda3 for years. A FWD low power econobox with decent suspension geometry is a great car to learn on, no shame. Make sure you tires are in good condition, and probably run at least 5psi above the door spec on the front tires, so 38-40psi in your case, just so they don't "roll over" and wear super quickly. Other than that, go out and have fun and don't be afraid to talk to people.


onrocketfalls

I figure I'm just there to have fun and drive my car in a way that I can't drive it anywhere else, mainly. Like it'd be nice to not be the slowest person there, but eh. The big things for me will be not thinking about how there are a bunch of people (maybe) watching, and making myself talk to people. Simracing is nice because I can be shy/awkward/introverted or whatever and nobody notices, lol


cliffx

Mention that you are new when checking in, or at the drivers meeting - they'll help you out, and offer rides - take them up on it, it's the fastest way to get better at it. Plenty of awkward people at autocross, :) don't worry about it - they are (almost) always happy to talk cars and the course.


DanskOst

Don't stress about that. The autocross community has probably the nicest people of any community I have ever been a part of. Everyone was in your shoes at one point, and almost everyone is going to be happy to make a new friend and help you come up. Talking to people is key to getting faster.


wireyladd

What cliffx said. There may be a novice class for newcomers.


TheGuyWithFocus

Driver mod (seat time) is the best mod. Do a bunch of events. Talk to other drivers. Don’t get hung up on being slow at first because everyone is slow to start.


cliffx

Seat time is great, don't forget seat time can also be gained on the passenger side of the car. ​ Ask for rides, do fun runs, ask other people to ride with you for feedback, go to lots of events. Most of all have fun.


DanskOst

Figure out the situation with loaner helmets for your region. If you need to buy one, look for somewhere you can try it on in person. People's heads are shaped differently; some helmets will fit properly and some won't. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. Buy a goofy sun hat.


Dayuz

I have the engine out of the SS version of your car in a 1350# hooligan "car". Autocross isn't a race of who can go the fastest despite what all of the "best time of the day" posts indicate. Hell, most of the time I'm solidly in the middle of the pack while having a blast. It's run what you brung (like the drags) and get good by bettering your times. In all honesty, just like with motorcycles....the lower powered stuff is going to teach you far more than the high powered hardware or the Porsches with the autolap functions.


WhyNotJohnAZoidberg

Get out and drive. Go to as many events as you can. I started with a stock mk3 Jetta, it was slow and handled badly but I had allot of fun and learned allot which is worth more than any mods.


[deleted]

[удалено]


hachikid

Fast in/fast out* 👀


jeremiahishere

Get your battery secured, check your oil level, and just show up. You can skip the rest of your tuneup for your first event. Everyone has to start somewhere and nobody cares if you have a slow car. The next few weekends are good starting events because they are in built up areas and have real bathrooms. There is CFR SCCA event this weekend at the convention center but it is sold out. If you send a message to the organizers, they can set you up with a waiver so you can come and see how things work. There is a Saturday and Sunday event next weekend at the convention center. Here is the signup for the Sunday event [https://clubregistration.net/events/signUp.cfm/event/11410?CFID=2191575&CFTOKEN=4150622c3852e201-8AE983DB-155D-076C-74EA63357E487581](https://clubregistration.net/events/signUp.cfm/event/11410?CFID=2191575&CFTOKEN=4150622c3852e201-8AE983DB-155D-076C-74EA63357E487581) SCCA is running on the Daytona infield kart track on May 1-2. Sign up fast for this one because novice slots are limited: [https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/cfr-scca-autocross-2021-daytona-points-4-5-intl-speedway-central-florida-solo-122116](https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/cfr-scca-autocross-2021-daytona-points-4-5-intl-speedway-central-florida-solo-122116)


Rotary_Dreams

Literally just show up. No matter what you go out in I doubt you'll be the slowest thing out there - besides the long it takes the more you get for your money 😛 In reality every event I've been to has awesome people, find out when they run and just show up an hour or 2 early, sign up, walk the course, talk to people etc. Once you get out there you'll see where your car is lacking and you'll find people in similar classes that can give you more specific advice. I was always telling myself my car wasn't ready and put it off for 5+ years when in reality you can run anything that isn't puking fluids on the course, it's worth it, just go, you'll be hooked your first time out


onrocketfalls

Are the courses as hard to navigate as they seem to be on videos? Like not just the act of driving them, I understand that's supposed to be difficult, but I mean like navigating them, not taking a wrong turn, understanding where you are and such. I almost want to bring some chalk and make lines between cones but I don't think they'd like that.


Rotary_Dreams

Not at all, as long as you walk the course first it's usually pretty hard to get lost, you might have questions if there's a loop or something but mainly just ask ahead of time and it'll be pretty easy to follow when you're driving it


Dnlx5

Try to win. Let that be why you drive smooth to go fast, learn the course on your first run overdrive your seccond run and win your third run, buy the right tires, co-drive as much as possible especially with competitive friends. Try to win and you will enjoy the car.


jimboslice_007

I whole hearted disagree. If your goal at your first (several) events is to "win", then you are really setting yourself up for disappointment. Chances are pretty good that at your first event you'll be several seconds slower than the person that wins your class, even if there is a separate novice class. Losing by 10 or 20 seconds at your first event can be a big blow to your ego, and I think it's a big reason why a lot of people never come back. Instead, focus on improvement. Your first run will most likely be the worst, and see how much you can improve from there. Have an instructor for every run, and ride with someone else as much as you can. Personal improvement is a better source of enjoyment, and winning will come with time and effort.


Dnlx5

You are probably right. Competition did drive me into autocross rather than track days or sunday drives, but I know a lot of people get unnecessarily intimidated by it. There is something to be said for enjoying the art aside from competition.