First Auto Cross experience.

[tevake]

One of the things I was looking forward to in being on the mainland ( from Kauai )
Is the chance to get involved in motor sports activities.
Well last week end I headed down to Phoenix from Chino Valley taking a renowned route through Wichenburg on hiway 89. This turned out to be a great road to cruise on, great mountain roads and interesting country to check out. Coming out of the mountains and down onto the desert floor, here called the Valley.

Once in Phoenix I found out the Drivers Ed event for Sat. had been cancelled because of the forecast of rain, and possible standing water on the track. Just as well for me as my S C was running a bit rough and not feeling ready for time on track anyway.

But Sunday there was an Auto Cross scheduled. So I figured I'd go by and meet some of the Porsche Club folks and check out the event. I felt very welcomed and included, even tho I decided not to run my car, as it was still not feeling quite right.
They assigned me a spot at the front of the grid area watching to release the next car as the track cleared. This gave me a chance to chat a little with each driver and to check out their cars as they headed out to do battle with the cones. Tho mostly newer Porsches dominated the grid, there were also Corvettes, both a new Camero and mustang, a couple of Miatas, a full race 69 Camero (owned and campaigned by the same owner for over 25 years). One nice 89 Carrera ( the only older era Porsche) also one owner.
And a smattering of other cars there to play.

I was really enjoying myself doing this for a couple of rounds of the two groups of cars did their runs. When one of the Porsche club regulars invited me to ride along with him on the next round. Well he turned to be one of the local Hot Shoes at the event who was driving a 991 GT 3 ! And regularly turned in FTDs. So this was an opportunities not to be missed. And really quite an intro to the sport of carving the cones.
Also I might add my first ride at all in a modern Porsche of any sort.

Suffice it to say this turned to be quite a ride for me. The capabilities of this car were amazing to see firsthand, and Kim K's car handling skills were a revelation. The pace was so fast I had a hard time just seeing what was coming as we ripped thru the quick esses, blasted down the short straight into a tight left hander that I thought was impossible to get around at our approach speed. It was thrilling, exciting, and a bit impossible all at the same time. He set FTD on our third lap. And I ended up with an uncontrollable smile and the adrinelin shakes for most of the rest of the day.
WOW. What a blast! Needless to say I'll be back.

Oh the SCs issues were solved by a fresh fill of clean fuel, so the drive back up the mountains, and the opportunity for an Itallian tune up continued the smile on my face.

Cheers Richard

Ps. To be fair I should add that our fast time was eclipsed by a tenth or so on the last run of the day by the 69 Camero. The bugger had 11 inch tires on the front, just to give you an idea of its development as a race car.

[GH85Carrera]

Welcome to that slippery slope of autocross. I have resisted the urge to turn my car into a track rat as I drive my 911 on the road trips.

Autocrossing can be an absolute blast. If you want to compete for FTD you can spend a ton. If you just want to go have fun in your street car and don't have to be FTD it is a inexpensive hobby and only hard on tires and brake pads. I have been autocrossing for pure fun for over 25 years. I have never broken my car or even hurt it except for tires.

Enjoy and drive your car!

[tadink]

A/X is an easy drug to become addicted to! I've taken my 914 lightweight out there a few times and have always had a blast!! No need to spend zillions even, the 'teener was easily the cheapest and crappiest car out there and turned in decent times....with a muttonhead behind the wheel (me!).

It is super-fun and I'll be out there again next year!!!

cheers

td

[J P Stein]

Originally Posted by tadink

A/X is an easy drug to become addicted to! I've taken my 914 lightweight out there a few times and have always had a blast!! No need to spend zillions even, the 'teener was easily the cheapest and crappiest car out there and turned in decent times....with a muttonhead behind the wheel (me!).

It is super-fun and I'll be out there again next year!!!

cheers

td

At the other end of the 914 scale. It actually shouldn't be so light as it ate everything most of the time. .....burp.

[tadink]

I should have been more clear - MY 'teener was easily the crappiest car out there - that yellow beast looks awesome and vicious!! wowza -

[J P Stein]

I sold it about 3 years back. The fella that bought it had a deeper wallet.
Turbo Subi motor of around 400 hp. ......

[porsche4life]

Awesome Richard! I had planned to be there this weekend, but I had a soccer game to go to. Hopefully I can make it in January! I will be sliding around on my street tires though, I think my rcomps are dead. I will gladly take you for a spin in the 944 though if you come down again.

[tevake]

Hey Sid it would be great to get together there next month. I'm hoping to be able to drive my SC , but would love to check out your well set up 944!

That yellow 914 looks potent for sure! Amazing to see the development that can transform a car thru the years. The 69 Camero I mentioned. It owner said that he had just this year achieved the setup that let him contend for best times

I Hadn't realized just how into Autocross some folks get. Thought it was just a stepping stone to track days and club racing. Now I get it, and probably will even more so after I get to do some driving myself.

And I was surprised at the extent of the friendly welcome afforded a newbie first timer too. Great time for sure.

Cheers Richard

[aschen]

Originally Posted by J P Stein

I sold it about 3 years back. The fella that bought it had a deeper wallet.
Turbo Subi motor of around 400 hp. ......

and full elise suspension swap as well right? I really enjoyed watching your build thread. Your was 33% of each of my favorite marques.


Nothing makes me lose respect for guys as motorsports guys quicker than when they start belittleing autocross. It seems to happen a bit with the HPDE guys occasionally.

[winders]

Originally Posted by aschen

Nothing makes me lose respect for guys as motorsports guys quicker than when they start belittleing autocross. It seems to happen a bit with the HPDE guys occasionally.

I am a club racer now, but I loved autocrossing. If it weren't for the incredibly short amount of time actually driving, I would still be doing it. I think anyone wanting to do DE events, time trialing, or club racing should have to autocross for a while first. There is so much you can learn autocrossing and very little risk.