First Autocross - What to take, not take?

[terryb]

My first AX tomorrow (San Diego) and I'm very excited, but not sure what to leave at home and what to take.

Do you take the little toolkit bag? The spare tire? Oil? Then what, put these in a pile somewhere?

Sorry for the newbie question, but I've never been to one and don't know what to expect. Advice appreciated!

Thanks.

[addictionMS]

see

Track Day Prep links?

[coolbreeze]

Unload all your nomally carried quipment and unpack it there. It's generally pretty secure with the resting run group around the parking area. I bring my car cover or blanket to cover my stuff. Bring a lawnchair and cooler with food and drink. Cigars if you so indulge.

I bring a 12 volt air compressor so if I want to increase tire pressure I have that option. Some guys will bring one of those air tanks. I would also take an air gauge, if you get hooked on it you mid-as-well start collecting data the 1st day out. If available bring along a course map, clipboard and note areas the instructor thinks you might want to improve on. It also is helpful to have a clipboard so your note taking on the map can start during the pre-run course walk. They (instructors) dont just give pointers they will critque and if you can write down what they tell you it can be studied for the next run. When you're not working the course or driving you're waiting so use the time to your advantage. It will all happen so quick (the first couple runs) if you can get the input the instructor gives and jot it down you can refer to it up until you pull away to trip the timing light on the next run. Try to get another instructor in the afternoon if you can. You can/will ride with the instructor and the more diverse experience and input you get the better.

I'm sure I forgot something but there's a few things to get you to fill the time before you try to go to sleep. I say "try" because you are all jonesed up and will have trouble sleeping, for that I recommend a shot of Snapps. Flavor is your choice, have a good time and you need to spin at least once to know what it's like,

Breeze

[ted]

You'll have blast, good group to AX with.
Visit the site if you havent already.
http://www.pcasdr.org/autocross/index.html#Day-schedule

How do you get ready?
Don't worry about any advanced driving skills being needed! We'll have an instructor help you get comfortable with your car and how you'll be using it. You'll be amazed how much you'll learn and how much more comfortable you'll become with your Porsche in just one or two autocrosses!

Make sure your car is prepared - ensure everything is tight, well maintained and ready to be driven a bit harder than you normally would. If you have doubts, visit your favorite Porsche repair facility and have a "safety inspection" performed. Make sure your gas tank is full, your tires are properly inflated, and you have enough brakes and tires for a "road trip". If you wouldn't drive cross country on those tires, they're not ready for an autocross!

Take everything out of your car that may go flying around while cornering hard. Bring a Snell 95 or newer helmet. If you don't have one, be prepared to rent one at the event. Bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks. You won't really have time to leave for lunch, but we do typically have a "roach coach" come through! And don't forget the sunscreen!



Directions to Qualcomm Stadium
Most of our autocrosses are held in the west, northeast or southeast sections of the parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium - when the Pads or Chargers aren't playing, of course! Qualcomm is located in Mission Valley off of Friars Rd., near I-8 between I-805 and I-15.

For a map and driving directions to Qualcomm, go to your favorite web 'maps' page, such as Yahoo! Maps. For the address, use: 9449 Friars Rd., San Diego, CA 92108. Enter Qualcomm at the main, north entrance at the end of Mission Village Dr., which is just to the right (east) of the star on the map. If you haven't used the 'Driving Directions' feature before, click on the link, then enter your starting address and the address above for your destination address. Yahoo! Maps will give you a very detailed list of directions. It may not always be the optimum way to get there, but it's a way that works!



Autocross Typical Schedule

6:30 am Tech Inspection opens.
6:45 am Registration opens, $60 per driver ($40 if pre-registered).
7:25 am Track walk with Chief Driving Instructor.
7:30 am $10 Registration late fee if not in Tech Inspection line.
8:00 am No admittance if not in Tech Inspection line.
8:30 am Mandatory Drivers meeting.
9:00 am Practice sessions begin.
Noon Lunch available, usually while practice sessions in progress.
2:00 pm Timed runs begin.
5:00 pm Timed runs are finished. Track closed. Pickup track and pit area.
5:45 pm Awards.

[HarryD]

Hi,

Some good advice.

For the first time out:

Before you go:
Check your brake pads (at least 50%) and fluid levels (should be at normal levels);
Check your wheel bearings and adjust if needed;
Check/adjust your tire air pressure;
Be sure your battery is secured; and
Torque your lug nuts.

At the track:

Take out everything that is not bolted down in the trunk and passenger compartment;
Check your air pressure;
Bring a chair;
Something to eat and drink;
Helmet (if they do not have loaners);
Hat; and
Appropriate clothing for inclement weather.

You should leave your ego at home since that guy with a beater Yugo is going to be faster than you (ask me how I know )

Listen to your instructor and have fun.

[Jeremy Cottrell]

Pull your wiper fuse out. Nothing is more unnerving then hitting the wipers in the middle of a timed run.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by Jeremy Cottrell
Pull your wiper fuse out. Nothing is more unnerving then hitting the wipers in the middle of a timed run.

Very true, I always thought that until the day my horn ring came off and my horn wouldn't stop!

[chrisreale]

Bring twice the ammount of water you think you will drink. Its no fun working cones in the sun with no water and you are already dehydrated. Sunscreen and a hat that keeps the sun off your face. Sun makes you drousy, and quite frankly sucks when you cannot get away from it! Have fun, it is a blast.

[CarreraS2]

All good advice, and the SD autocross is a blast!

My first time, I kept it simple. I just grabbed my helmet, got in my car and drove down there.

[coolbreeze]

I did not mention the car prep issues due to the fact unless he started with the schnapps I recommended it was mott (sp?). I guess I took for granted the brake (this would include fluid, pads, and rotors), wheel bearing (is it bearing like roar, or baring like "I'm grinning and baring it"?), and other car prep. You have to assume if he has a pelican handle he would have done at least that.

Ted, are you an instructor with that group? If so or not Teds the man you want to find. Stand near him every chance you get. That way you will know when to laugh or cry during the drivers meeting. If ted is an instructor get him, that way we all here at Pelican will get your progess report come monday morning.

Most important thing is have fun,,,, and hang out till 5:45 to see the awards given. Never will a $12 chunk of plastic hold so much value in your, and everybody in that lots eyes. You have bought and sold the minimum wage chump that designed and assembled that trophy a dozen times, hell you drive a 911.

Breeze


PS- That $12 chunk will only be a $12 chunk of S at the office monday so should you get one leave it at home Monday. People at the water cooler will not get it.

[Joe Bob]

No need for water....they always have a lot on hand. Bring a good book....sometimes you will need it....

Steal your kids scooter for the day. Good way to get around the track and approximate your turn ins and exits.....

[HarryD]

Originally posted by mikez
No need for water....they always have a lot on hand. Bring a good book....sometimes you will need it....

Steal your kids scooter for the day. Good way to get around the track and approximate your turn ins and exits.....

Scooter! What a great idea. I always seem to get the station at the far end of the track!

[ted]

Originally posted by coolbreeze

Ted, are you an instructor with that group? If so or not Teds the man you want to find. Stand near him every chance you get. That way you will know when to laugh or cry during the drivers meeting. If ted is an instructor get him, that way we all here at Pelican will get your progess report come monday morning.

PS- That $12 chunk will only be a $12 chunk of S at the office monday so should you get one leave it at home Monday. People at the water cooler will not get it.

Yes I have instructed at the SD AX. My advise when in doubt laugh!

Actually they hand out 50 cent ribbons, and you are right I don't take mine to work. At the end of the day after the track is picked up the club has a big beer bust/ awards presentation.

If I do get called to pick up a ribbon I question myself, "Why am I spending all this money and time for a ribbon?". Then I remember all the races I finished behind Dan, Curt, Tom or Lewis and I think before I quit this hobby I've got to finish ahead of them a couple more times.
Last AX.

PS Breeze my 1st post was just a cut and paste from the club web site, those are not my words. It may have made me sound like a SD AX god but I'm not. Where do you race?
Pardon me while I part the skies for another sunny SD AX.

[sammyg2]

Here's my list, most of it has already been posted:

Ditto on the scooter, just make sure you don't forget it. my daughter has three scooters now due to daddy having to replace the one he lost, only to have a fellow PCA member return the lost scooter at a later date

SD AXs are a blast but bring patience. If they get a large group you will do a lot of waiting. You need to be comfortable, water, chair, hat, sunscreen, snacks, a small tool kit just in case, air pressure gauge, comfortable walking shoes, approprite clothing for the climate conditions and also for driving even if you have to change back and forth. In the hotter months a T shirt and shorts work, but I'd recommend changing to a long sleeve shirt and pants when it's your turn to drive. Bring an extra quart of oil, a spare fan belt, etc.
A fire extinguisher is also nice to have just in case.

Last time I went to Qualcomm I blew out my knee which required surgery, so maybe a knee brace would be appropriate? Jk.

Bring a back brace if they ask you to chalk 1000 cones

If you can, get a copy of the rules and sign up sheet off of the SD website and have it all filled out before you go. That makes tech a lot easier and saves everyone time.

[HarryD]

Sooooooo, How was it?

[wevoid]

If you wear a wristwatch, remove it.
I cut my right arm twice before I realized how....

Regards,

Hayden

[terryb]

As a quick followup I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the tips on what to do and bring--I had a fantastic time!

My instructor, Jim, was extremely good and picked up on exactly what I needed to do to drive the course better. It was also very instructive to be in a car with a really experienced driver to see and feel what a good run is. On the first run, Jim's RS blurred my vision and soiled my shorts! Seriously though, it was quite inspirational to know what's possible and then try to remember it when it came my turn to drive.

I got a 2nd place ribbon for my class. Uuuh, but there were only two cars in your class Terry... Another first-timer and I were joking that our ribbons were not unlike the free hit a dealer first gives you to get you hooked (or so I'm told).

And so the addiction begins...

[HarryD]

Originally posted by wevoid
If you wear a wristwatch, remove it.
I cut my right arm twice before I realized how....

Regards,

Hayden

Never thouhgt of that one, but then again, I am left handed so my watch has nothing to hit.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by terryb
As a quick followup I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the tips on what to do and bring--I had a fantastic time!

My instructor, Jim, was extremely good and picked up on exactly what I needed to do to drive the course better. It was also very instructive to be in a car with a really experienced driver to see and feel what a good run is. On the first run, Jim's RS blurred my vision and soiled my shorts! Seriously though, it was quite inspirational to know what's possible and then try to remember it when it came my turn to drive.

I got a 2nd place ribbon for my class. Uuuh, but there were only two cars in your class Terry... Another first-timer and I were joking that our ribbons were not unlike the free hit a dealer first gives you to get you hooked (or so I'm told).

And so the addiction begins...

Terry,
Glad you had a good time. We just had our last AutoX for the year here in Portland. I think I have increased my lock in the bottom ten.

A buddy came to me after the event and after saying he enjoyed me sliding around the track and locking my wheels a few times, he suggested I look into sticker tires, lowering the car, new shocks.... I guess if it isn't your money, it is easy to dream..

It's a long winter...... You might want to get the Henry Watts book (I think it is titled Secrets of Solo Racing) for a bit of winter time study. Lots of good info for you to see and digest.