First AX in sc
 

Did my first AX in the SC yesterday and thought I would share.....
It was an incredible day out in San Francisco and the car ran well.

I have done other AX in AZ w/ SCCA but never with PCA. It was pretty well ran and I am happy to have found a good group to race with.

I realize that I need more time in the seat and that is the most important thing. I haven't raced a rear engine before and need to get used to the handling characteristics.

Need different tires because the SP 9000s that I have suck, some say they are good tires. I would have to say they are not and that they do not work for AXing. I think I will go with Toyos. Anyone out there got comments?

Next time I will take pics and post.
Anyone in the Bay area doing the March 28th? AX?

I just participated in the beginner's autox on 2/10; I'm planning on going on the 28th at Alameda.

I've got SO-3's and they seemed fine to me considering that they are street tires. I was told by one of the instructors that changing to R compound tires is a good idea if you want higher performance tires that you can still use on the street. As I recall, I think he said the only R compound tires for 16" wheels are made by Toyo, Yoko and Hoosier.

Re: First AX in sc
 

If you're staying in a street tire class, go with the Falken Azeni RS Sport tires if they come in your size (fairly limited selection available). Can't beat the "bang for the buck" with those tires right now, I don't think.

Kumho makes 16" & 17" R-compound DOT tires and so does Goodyear. Maybe he was talking about 18" tires?

TT

Brad-

I was at the AX this Saturday and could only stay for the morning session. Anyway, it was my 2nd AX ever, (the 1st being the previous week's AX school!), and it was run well, if casually. Anyway, I will be at the March 28th AX in my black '91 C2 Targa. I have a similar tire problem in that I have 5 year old Pirelli P700Z's and they just slip and slide... or maybe that was my driving causing the slipping and sliding!!! If I'm lucky, I'll have new rubber by then and see if it's me or the rubber!!!

-CKKrause

Congrats on the first AX!

Rubber: If you are getting new rubber, make sure the tires get heat cycled a few times before you run out to the next AX. Otherwise you might find the new ones "worse" than the old ones. Also, recommend you experiment with tire pressure. Made a huge difference for me.

As for what kind of shoes? Kumho is a popular choice unless you are going for Pirelli, Michelin, etc.

I was bleeding my brakes today getting ready for our AX on the 16th. Can't wait!

Congratulations on your first AutoX.

My advice would be to not get too caught up in the R rubber or screwing around with tire pressures at this point. Just make sure your tires are not rolling over onto the sidewall (Marking them with chalk/shoe polish) and if they are then add more air. The main thing is to get as much seat time as possible and talk with the guys that are more experienced, even ride with them. Or better yet, ask them to ride with you. While it is easy to drop your times 2-3 seconds on a 50-60 second coarse with race rubber, this doesn't necessarily make you a better driver. I'm a proponent of educating the driver first, and then improve the car.

Noel

I am using Michelin Cup Sport, 205-55-16 at front, 225-50-16 at the rear, these are not really R-rubber but excellent on street and track event.b You can find them at Tire Rack under competition series...I love them.

I'm with Noel.

The best return on investement is adjusting the big nut behind the wheel.

You guys are talking about an AX on 3/28 in Alameda - do you mean the 3/29 PCA GGR AX in Candlestick? I'm hoping to go to that one.

I was at the 3/1 AX but arrived too late to register, even for the afternoon session. (Sort of a weekend from hell, on Friday a one-day business trip to San Diego turned into an unscheduled overnight stay when I missed my return flight, then arrived home Sat morning to find that someone had tried to steal the wife's Range Rover, spent the morning with the police and mechanic, then rushed off to Candlestick and missed the sign-up period. Arrgh.) So I watched and eventually an instructor signed me up to ride in his passenger seat for four runs, which was very interesting. Next time, I'll be driving.

BTW, anyone doing the 3/14 high-speed school at Thunderhill?

John L.

You're right - the date is the 29th, but according to the Nugget, its at Alameda.

Thanks for all the advice and thoughts.
I am sticking with the bad rubber I have until they are gone.
As for the AX, yes the one at Candlestick is where I will be. See you all there. I'll be in the 81 with the front and rear glass bumpers. Say hi if your there.

Tom, the PCA-GGR website says AX#2 is 3/29 at Candlestick.