Getting ready for first autocross..

[3.2Carrera]

Well I am getting my car ready for its first autocross. I was just wondering if any of you guys had any suggestions for what needs to get done before i go out. I recently installed new shocks and struts(Bilstein HD'S), new tires, brakes and lines. Any tips or recommendations would be helpful. Thanks !!

[berettafan]

Check tire pressures, check wheel bearings (wiggle tires at 12/6), empty car out, get ready for a good time!

[cgarr]

Walk the track and don't get lost! Nothing more funny than watching someone just drive randomly trying to find the exit, and yes I have done it! SMOOTH IS FAST

[ChkbookMechanic]

For you: sunscreen, a large hat and lots of water
For your car: alignment and what berettafan said

[3.2Carrera]

Thanks guys, just installed new wheel bearings in the front forgot to mention ...

[3.2Carrera]

whats the best way to worm the oil b4 my run??

[peppy]

Originally Posted by cgarr

Walk the track and don't get lost! Nothing more funny than watching someone just drive randomly trying to find the exit, and yes I have done it! SMOOTH IS FAST

Oh so true. I was as lost as a fart in a whirlwind my first time. Slow can be fast too.

[Techne]

I haven't AX'ed my 911 yet, but I hear you might want to pull the windshield wiper fuse - it is easy to bump the stalk and you end up racing around with the wipers going...I have seen it and it does look a little goofy.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by 3.2Carrera

whats the best way to worm the oil b4 my run??

They usually have 3 groups at an autocross, 1 group working, 1 group driving and 1 group resting. When you are resting, start the car and let it idle.

Just go and enjoy yourself. With this being your first autocross there is a lot to learn and you will certainly have information overload.

Don't be afraid to ask if they have instructors who can ride along with you. That's the best way not to get lost on course.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by Techne

I haven't AX'ed my 911 yet, but I hear you might want to pull the windshield wiper fuse - it is easy to bump the stalk and you end up racing around with the wipers going...I have seen it and it does look a little goofy.

Nothing says Rookie Newb more than flapping windshield wipers coming out of the 180....

[ChkbookMechanic]

Originally Posted by Driver8

They usually have 3 groups at an autocross, 1 group working, 1 group driving and 1 group resting. When you are resting, start the car and let it idle.

Just go and enjoy yourself. With this being your first autocross there is a lot to learn and you will certainly have information overload.

Don't be afraid to ask if they have instructors who can ride along with you. That's the best way not to get lost on course.

Watch out on letting the car idle, depending on the outside temperature (i.e. Texas or someplace in the south) you could be hopping into a car that is about to overheat.

Definitely get as many ride alongs as you can.

[mkossler]

Originally Posted by mikez

Nothing says Rookie Newb more than flapping windshield wipers coming out of the 180....

Gee, and here I thought I was demonstrating Rookie Newb mojo just fine this weekend, when I was exiting the track surface backwards at 75-80 mph on turn 4 at Roebling. Yeesh. Then again, that was a DE and not AX-ing.

At least I got that first experience out of the way early.

3.2Carrera, good luck! Prepare for the fire hose of information...

[algs911]

Have a great time! I think EVERY new driver (not that your are) should do an AX. It's a great way to learn about your car, your abilities, etc.

Being a tech inspector and an instructor, I think I can offer the following in addition to the tips already mentioned.

Make sure the batt is tied down. I've seen cars fail tech inspection because of this. It's amazing how many cars have the batterey just sitting there, not tied down!

Bring a nice air gauge with you. You'll start your first run with, say, 36 psi. After your first run the air in the tires will heat up, thus increasing your tire pressure. Use the gauge to bring the pressure back down to a normal level. Once you get used to this you may want to experiment with tire pressures front to rear, left to right (so, bring an air pump too, even a nice bicycle floor pump will work). ASK other drivers (in similar cars) what air pressures they're running (ask a veteran AXer, they're usually great help).

Remove the dust caps from the wheels (not the dust caps on the hubs, just the hub-cap type caps that are there just for looks). Although I've only seen one fly off, it did get really scratched up (bummer).

Many people remove the spare wheel/tire, tool kit, etc. from the frunk (front trunk).

Floor mats can get in the way sometimes. May want to remove them.

Wear full finger gloves. I didn't the first time, and when I was done with the day my finger nails made little scratches in the dashboard. I was totally bummed.

Most of all, have a great time. It's very addicting and the most fun I've had for $30.

Alan

[CMDR Perry]

You will need some Big numbers and class letters.

Pack a wet wash cloth in a Ziploc bag and stow it in your cooler for a quick refresh on a hot, dry day.

Use the "force"; Slow in and Fast out. Avoid using the brakes if you can just lift or coast. The strength of a 911 is acceleration out of a corner.

Hit a few cones to get a physical sense of the exterior points of your car.

Have fun and make new friends, remember no beer until after the event.

[berettafan]

when you walk the course the second time plan your braking points.

[austin552]

Relax. At first I was really nervous. Everyone gets lost or eats cones. Think of it as a learning experience. Make sure your really into it before getting the racing wheels/tires, etc, etc...
Have fun.

[teamfee3]

What everyone else said and.....

Oddly enough you'll probably be in second gear the entire time. A lot of courses are fairly small and the 915 doesn't seem to lend it self to getting back into 1st in a hurry, for me anyway. A long course and you might touch third, maybe.

Sunscreen, take all the crap out of your car, and watch what others do in cars like yours. Sideways = slow. Walk the course like you are driving, look ahead for reference points, cones, cars, trees.

1st run, just complete the course, not too slow or you get confused and miss your reference points, 2nd run just try to go a little faster in the place you knew you were too slow, last run go for it a little. 2nd run will probably be your fastest in your first auto-x.

[austin552]

Originally Posted by teamfee3

, take all the crap out of your car.

A water bottle can ruin your run.

[dentist90]

As mentioned, pull horn and wiper fuses. It's just embarassing.

[Joe Bob]

Catch a ride with the local hot shoe.....bribe him.....get in the 2nd seat, shut up and watch what he does.....

Take your time, go in slow and in control, flog it going out.....NEVER LIFT in a corner.....NEVER say, hold my beer and watch this....never let anyone record that comment or your first time out on the track, never admit this is your first, it may be futile as vets can smell rookies.......unless you wanna give up your man card....