Going to First A/X Need Advice

[axvel]

So going to autocross on Jun 12th El Toro Fields.

Have couple of questions..

On the budget, i need a SA2005 Helmet I think i found one for 148$

And then to pass the tech inspection my seatbelts are too old.

I checked with the our host and it's almost like 500$ Can't do that right now.

The car is 1977 911.

If you have a helmet for sale let me know or the seatbelts. Maybe to loan if you don't want to part with it.

Anything else i need? This is my first A/X so i'm a little nerveous.

Thanks in Advance

[Evan Fullerton]

AXVEL, I have a newish Driver 3pt. belt that I bought from the dealer a year or two ago. I have since gone to 6pt. harnesses and no longer have a need for it if you are interested. That said, the 20 year rule on seat belts was dropped by Zone 8 and the current verbiage is as follows.

"For all Autocross entrants and Time Trial / DE entrants in classes Street Stock and Stock, at least fully functional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) style 3 point seatbelts are required. Belts that are visibly frayed, damaged or dysfunctional must be replaced with new belts."

PCA OCR also has loaner helmets if you do not wish to purchase your own at this time.

I am in charge of car classification and rules interpretation for PCA OCR so if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Look forward to seeing you out there.

-Evan

[DaddyGlenn]

Don't worry about anything. Just go have fun.

[Pete R]

If you can afford it buy an SA 2010 helmet. It will be a bit more up front but will be good for 5 more years than the 2005.

[krystar]

go there and just be up front "i'm a noob and i don't know what i'm doing. please have somebody help me out"

[axvel]

Evan thanks for letting me know about the belts, i am interested in yours just not at this time. I know about loaner helmets but i'm afraid i won't get one since there is a handful. If you are in charge and you will be there i will def say hello. See you there.

Originally Posted by Evan Fullerton

AXVEL, I have a newish Driver 3pt. belt that I bought from the dealer a year or two ago. I have since gone to 6pt. harnesses and no longer have a need for it if you are interested. That said, the 20 year rule on seat belts was dropped by Zone 8 and the current verbiage is as follows.

"For all Autocross entrants and Time Trial / DE entrants in classes Street Stock and Stock, at least fully functional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) style 3 point seatbelts are required. Belts that are visibly frayed, damaged or dysfunctional must be replaced with new belts."

PCA OCR also has loaner helmets if you do not wish to purchase your own at this time.

I am in charge of car classification and rules interpretation for PCA OCR so if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Look forward to seeing you out there.

-Evan

[axvel]

The one that i found for 148$ was a pyrotec openface helmet is that good or no?

Originally Posted by Pete R

If you can afford it buy an SA 2010 helmet. It will be a bit more up front but will be good for 5 more years than the 2005.

[racer]

If it fits, it should be good. Make sure that the SA rating sticker can be found and shown to whoever inspects such things.

Slow down and take the time to read any website material information about the group you are running with as well as specific rules that you must adhere to. Your first post comes off a little unsure of what is needed. Seems like Evan can certainly you out.

[axvel]

Originally Posted by racer

If it fits, it should be good. Make sure that the SA rating sticker can be found and shown to whoever inspects such things.

Slow down and take the time to read any website material information about the group you are running with as well as specific rules that you must adhere to. Your first post comes off a little unsure of what is needed. Seems like Evan can certainly you out.

Well i'm prob going to show up and say what others have said, no experience, need guidance, and no i don't know what class i'm in or which am i supposed to be in. I know i'm a noob that should sum it up

[racer]

Ah.. but you do know you want to AX.. and you do know with whom it will be. If a PCA region, they likely have a website and a link to their rules/classes and some general AX information that would at least make you a smarter noob! (we were all noobs once)

Some clubs prefer (require) preregistration for instance, or offer a price discount to preregister.

You might want to make sure you put some extra air in your tires (some would suggest maybe 5psi more than "stock" to begin with). May want to bring a cooler and some food since sometimes large, open parking lots don't have their own food services. If hot, bring extra water, and a hat. Realize that there will be times you will have a work assignment and need to shag fallen cones, so be ready to run.

Either way, enjoy yourself and have some fun!

Is this the event? http://www.pcaocr.com/?page=1&e=829 ? looks like they even have helpful links AND mention the need to pre-register.. shocking

[axvel]

Originally Posted by racer

Ah.. but you do know you want to AX.. and you do know with whom it will be. If a PCA region, they likely have a website and a link to their rules/classes and some general AX information that would at least make you a smarter noob! (we were all noobs once)

Some clubs prefer (require) preregistration for instance, or offer a price discount to preregister.

You might want to make sure you put some extra air in your tires (some would suggest maybe 5psi more than "stock" to begin with). May want to bring a cooler and some food since sometimes large, open parking lots don't have their own food services. If hot, bring extra water, and a hat. Realize that there will be times you will have a work assignment and need to shag fallen cones, so be ready to run.

Either way, enjoy yourself and have some fun!

Is this the event? PCA - Orange Coast Region ? looks like they even have helpful links AND mention the need to pre-register.. shocking

racer, thanks for the input just read everything and preregistered i'm PCA OCR Region Zone 8 memeber so i read everything, funny, everything you said, hat, chair, cooler, they also said to leave the beer at home, sun block, take all the loose crap out of the car and get tech inspection.

[Pete R]

Originally Posted by axvel

The one that i found for 148$ was a pyrotec openface helmet is that good or no?

like Racer said if it fits... the protection for all the helmets will be about the same. Some have vents, style, accessories, and fit different. That's personal and I don't think anyone will be much help in that area. What I meant is, all the SA 2005 helmets should be discounted right now because the 2010's are out. They may have that helmet in a 2010 rating as well. Now if it's only a few bucks more for the 2010 you should get that one because it will stay up to date 5 years longer than the 2005. that's all. comfort and style are up to you.

[racer]

Unless a helmet liner can be cleaned in place or removed for cleaning, I imagine ANY helmet used in (near) california deserts/heat will be pretty stinky in a few years and will warrent replacement.

Glad to know you found some new info and are better prepared for your event.

Some other tips I would share:

1) Walk the course as much as you can before hand. I've never been a fan of AX maps due to the fact that I can't read the map when I drive the course. You want to know the whole course in your head if possible. how can you do that? walk it.. then walk it again. If they offer a novice/rookie course walk, do that one too.

2) Keep you eyes up. Don't focus on your hood, or fenders.. try to look 2-3-4 gates ahead. The sooner you see what's ahead, the less "re-active" your driving is.

3) If you struggle staying on course, and its allowed, ask for an instructor or experience person to ride with you.

4) If possible, get a ride with a quick person. Worry less about if its the same type of car.. simply watch all they do (hands, feet, eyes etc).

5) have fun!

Do your best to leave at home as much as you can. No need to drive to the event with a car packed with crap. bring a tarp or a large garbage bag to put your stuff in (prevents it from blowing away, getting rained on, filled with sand etc).

[HarryD]

For first timers, the big deal is to have fun. Get an instructor to ride with you and show you the course. They will help you build up your speed as the day progresses.

[Pete R]

Originally Posted by racer

Unless a helmet liner can be cleaned in place or removed for cleaning, I imagine ANY helmet used in (near) california deserts/heat will be pretty stinky in a few years and will warrent replacement.

ha, being from NE I didn't even think of that...good point.

[Dr J]

It would be good if you can go with someone else who has another car so that you can store stuff in it. When you drive, the car can't have anything inside. No cooler, lunch, tools, not even floor mats! If you show up by yourself, you may be stuck not having anyone to hold your stuff.

Also, don't worry about trying to mod the car. Run it stock (at least for now

Definitely ask to have an instructor with you. It's easy to get lost in the sea of cones.

Make sure your battery is tied down and the positive post to the battery is covered. Any other thing (e.g., audio amps) needs to be bolted down.

Some small bungie cords can help secure things.

[axvel]

Wow lots of good pointers, thanks everyone for such great tips. Unfortunately I will be going solo, so I guess I'l leave the chair and the hat at the parking spot.

[krystar]

Originally Posted by Dr J

It would be good if you can go with someone else who has another car so that you can store stuff in it. When you drive, the car can't have anything inside. No cooler, lunch, tools, not even floor mats! If you show up by yourself, you may be stuck not having anyone to hold your stuff.

most ppl i know go alone. we just put all our crap in a blue tote bins and leave it in the paddock area.

[HarryD]

when I go, I have most of my AutoX specific stuff in a milk crate (numbers, sun block, chalk, tire pressure gauge, snacks, water, helmet liner, sunglasses). I take all my loose stuff out of my car (spare tire, tools, floor mats, etc) and place it next to my car.

All you really need for the first few times is a safe car (be sure you can pass tech - the organizer should publish a list of what they look for) and an open mind. Once you go a few times, you will know what you need.

[axvel]

Got it do I make numbers with masking tape? Do I need one?