Is there an RX8 club in Chicago that runs autocrosses?

I know the Windy City Miata club runs about 10 events per year but what about RX8s?

The Rotory Car Club of Chicago seems to be more of a social club. There is talk of setting up a track day at Gingerman Raceway, but that isn't set yet.
The best bet is the Chicago SCCA - http://www.scca-chicago.com/
I used to autocross with them before I went road racing with the RX7. Now that I have the 8, I may start again.

I would be interested too... ;)

I own all the autocross gear..since we use it at the Revolution. I'd be happy to assist with an autocross but getting a spot to do it at can be a pain.

I actually don't own an RX8 but I was just curious as I'm thinking of buying one. In fact, I test drove one today for the first time. I thought it handled great and the power was delevery was smooth. I think it would be a blast to autocross. In fact, I think the car could be an autocross beast. Although if I buy one, it might be without the sun roof as I think the headroom is a bit tight with my helmet on. I checked this out today.

I currently own BMWs and autocross with the Windy City BMW club. Unfortunately, you have to be a member to autocross a non BMW at their autocrosses. All non BMWs compete in the same class so you'd be running against Porsches and Vipers and whoever shows up that day.

Another good autocross group is the Audi Club Chicagoland club. They run great events and you usually get a lot of runs (9-12) compared to the BMW club (6 runs). Non members are welcome but non Audi's compete in the open class (basically anything non-audi/VW). They charge non-members $10 more so it's actually cost effective to join if you are going to do more than 4 events since the membership is only $40. (i'm an audi club member). you can also do DEs with audi club if you are a member.

Both the BMW club and Audi club will run the majority of their events at Maywood Park, a horseracing track south of O'hare airport a little bit. They also run at least one event at the Tirerack in South Bend.

Other local groups are the
Joliet Sports Car Club
Salt Creek Sports Car Club
Wisconsin Autocross Inc.

I've never run with the last three but I might check out the Wisconsin group, they run at Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers Stadium) which is only an hour from me since I in the northern burbs.

Perhaps the RX-8 people could get with miata people to allow an RX-8 class at the Miata club events. I think it would be awesome to see a group of RX-8s competing at an autocross.

looks like the windy city miata club has a class for non miatas with < 2.5 L engines. I think the RX8 could own that class.

I ran with the WMC last year for an event... I had a blast, but the fact they lumped all non-Miatas together soured the competition side of things for me. If they start breaking that up I might do some more events with them next year, or look into running at one of the SCCA events.

The Chicago Region SCCA always has a booth setup at the Chicago Auto Show. If you are interested in autocrossing, the people at the booth can give you more information.
I've been a member for 25 years.

I ran with the WMC last year for an event... I had a blast, but the fact they lumped all non-Miatas together soured the competition side of things for me. If they start breaking that up I might do some more events with them next year, or look into running at one of the SCCA events.

So you ran in the class with all non-miatas with less than 2.5l engines?

How did you do? I would think the RX8 would do very well in that class since the engine power is quite good compared to displacement. Although cars like the S2000 could make things difficult.

So you ran in the class with all non-miatas with less than 2.5l engines?

How did you do? I would think the RX8 would do very well in that class since the engine power is quite good compared to displacement. Although cars like the S2000 could make things difficult.

I was at the first meet of the year, so I guess they hadn't separated the non-miatas yet... I finished behind a corvette and a 427 Cobra replica I think. It was also my first autocross with the '8, so after owning a Miata for 5 years I was mistakenly trying to drive it like one (on a track laid out my Miata guys for Miatas), so it took several runs for me to get the hang of the extra weight, less nimble and softer suspension in the '8. I had 8 way adjustable KYB AGX shocks in my old Miata along with sways, so I was used to incredible handling... and the RX let me down a bit. I'm planning onbuying RB sway bars in the spring, and eventually getting some better shocks so I can be more competitive in the SCCA classes. I also hate the Potenzas - they suck for auto-x... and it took me a couple runs to learn how to use that 6sp gearbox and super tall RPM band to my advantage.

Hi, I'm new here, hope you don't mind if I dredge up an old thread right off the bat.


The Chicago Region SCCA always has a booth setup at the Chicago Auto Show. If you are interested in autocrossing, the people at the booth can give you more information.


In case you missed the show, I was one of those 'people at the booth', so feel free to ask any questions.

I don't have an RX-8, and am not considering buying one... so what the hell am I doing here? Very good question.

Last year, B Stock was the biggest stock class around here, with 8 or more drivers at each event. Not only that, but it was arguably the toughest Regional class in the country. The competition was fierce and we had a great time... but now, all those S2000s and Boxsters have been moved to A Stock. That leaves me and my MR2 Turbo all alone in B.

So, I'm looking for some competition. Consider this an engraved invitation to come out to a Chicago Region SCCA (http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo) or Tri-State Sports Car Club (http://www.tsscc.org/) event, especially if you're going to run B Stock.

Hope to see you out there. ( 2 RX-8s are already signed up for the SCCA's Learning Curve Solo school in April. )

-David

Hi David,

Do you know Bill Nealis or Dave "The Pirate" De Bord? Those guys were also working the booth.


Forgive my questions because I'm a SCCA newbie.

B stock is the class that a Stock RX-8 would run in? Are any mods allowed? What about tires? Do those have to be stock as well? What is a PAX/RTP index?
It looks like a correction factor to compare times between classes.


I found a weblink and I'm downloading the rules.

Those guys also mentioned an SCCA class called the Solo experience. Do you know anything about that? How much seat time can I expect? Another guy I know from SCCA said it was mostly classroom stuff and not so much driving.

Thanks, and I hope to see you in B stock at one of the events. That sounds much better than competing with Porsche and Vipers in my local BMW club chapter.







Hi, I'm new here, hope you don't mind if I dredge up an old thread right off the bat.



In case you missed the show, I was one of those 'people at the booth', so feel free to ask any questions.

I don't have an RX-8, and am not considering buying one... so what the hell am I doing here? Very good question.

Last year, B Stock was the biggest stock class around here, with 8 or more drivers at each event. Not only that, but it was arguably the toughest Regional class in the country. The competition was fierce and we had a great time... but now, all those S2000s and Boxsters have been moved to A Stock. That leaves me and my MR2 Turbo all alone in B.

So, I'm looking for some competition. Consider this an engraved invitation to come out to a Chicago Region SCCA (http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo) or Tri-State Sports Car Club (http://www.tsscc.org/) event, especially if you're going to run B Stock.

Hope to see you out there. ( 2 RX-8s are already signed up for the SCCA's Learning Curve Solo school in April. )

-David

Do you know Bill Nealis or Dave "The Pirate" De Bord? Those guys were also working the booth.


Yes, in fact, I worked with Bill one day. I didn't realize anyone called Dave "The Pirate"... but I can understand why they would. I'll have to make sure to get that information to the announcers at our events. ;)


Forgive my questions because I'm a SCCA newbie.


That's what I'm here for.


B stock is the class that a Stock RX-8 would run in? Are any mods allowed? What about tires? Do those have to be stock as well? What is a PAX/RTP index?
It looks like a correction factor to compare times between classes.
I found a weblink and I'm downloading the rules.
Those guys also mentioned an SCCA class called the Solo experience. Do you know anything about that? How much seat time can I expect? Another guy I know from SCCA said it was mostly classroom stuff and not so much driving.


Yes, yes, no, yes, yes. ;)

The RX-8 is in B Stock, with the MR2, 350Z, most front-engined Porsches and older 911s, and a selection of BMWs ( E30 & E36 M3, M Roadster, M Coupe ).

In Stock, you can make the following modifications; any DOT-approved tires ( this includes "race compound" tires like Hoosiers and Victoracers, but not real slicks ), shocks with up to 2 adjustments, any front anti-sway bar, any brake pads, any cat-back exhaust, any air filter element, and you can add some safety gear, like harnesses or a rollbar, if you want. The tires are the big one, because a) they make a big difference and b) you have to keep buying them, as opposed to just once for everything else. I get about a season-and-a-half from a set of race tires, but that's higher than average.

We do have a Street Tire class, for those who prefer to own just one set of tires.

Yes, the PAX index is a correction factor. A guy in a Yugo isn't supposed to beat a guy in Corvette... but if he gets close enough, he 'wins'.

The SCCA Solo School is actually called the "Learning Curve" (http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/2005/learncurve.html). I'm biased, since I've been instructing at it for the past few years, but it is the most schooling you will find for $100 anywhere. The school is two days, and the classroom session is only about the first 2 hours or so on Saturday morning. You should get 6-10 runs on each of two small courses on Saturday afternoon, with your instructor, and other 6 or so on the full course Sunday, again with your instructor riding. Also, on Sunday, instructors and other workers drive their own cars, so you can generally go for a number of educational ride-alongs.

Registration is open at http://register.scca-chicago.com/


Thanks, and I hope to see you in B stock at one of the events. That sounds much better than competing with Porsche and Vipers in my local BMW club chapter.


The bigger events like SCCA and TSSCC tend to have a few points in their favor... more drivers, which creates much tougher competition and also means more money to rent bigger lots, which means longer, faster courses.

Thanks for all of the info.

If I'm competing in Street Tire class, where would I be and who would I compete with. I don't plan to buy any autocross tires right away so I'll run on my street tires. I've only done 4 events so far and I've heard it's best to learn on street tires and then switch later.

I just downloaded the 312 2005 manual PDF file, so feel free to point me to the right page # for the street tire stuff if that is easier.

It is best to learn on street tires. Most people should run street tires for at least 1 season.

You won't find the Street Tire class in the national rulebook, because it's a regional class. As such, it's run differently everywhere you go. For example, Milwaukee and Chicago do it differently.

At SCCA Chicago and Tri-State events, it's pretty simple. Any driver in any car can elect to run "Street Tire" instead of their usual class. This creates one giant class of 40 to 50 drivers, at a typical event. The aforementioned PAX index is used to determine the standings within that class.

For example, if you show up in your ( let's say it's still stock ) RX-8 and run street tire, you will run with the B Stock index of .821. Also in street tire will be my friend with his '02 Corvette, which is a Super Stock car, so he runs on a .837 index. You run a best time of 60 seconds, while he runs a 59.

You win! ( 60 * .821 < 59 * .837 )

Street tire is a great class, because it's so huge, there's also someone to compete against. There are guys down in 35th or 40th place battling it out just like the guys at the top. Over time, those guys move up until they're winning.

It is best to learn on street tires. Most people should run street tires for at least 1 season.

You won't find the Street Tire class in the national rulebook, because it's a regional class. As such, it's run differently everywhere you go. For example, Milwaukee and Chicago do it differently.

At SCCA Chicago and Tri-State events, it's pretty simple. Any driver in any car can elect to run "Street Tire" instead of their usual class. This creates one giant class of 40 to 50 drivers, at a typical event. The aforementioned PAX index is used to determine the standings within that class.

For example, if you show up in your ( let's say it's still stock ) RX-8 and run street tire, you will run with the B Stock index of .821. Also in street tire will be my friend with his '02 Corvette, which is a Super Stock car, so he runs on a .837 index. You run a best time of 60 seconds, while he runs a 59.

You win! ( 60 * .821 < 59 * .837 )

Street tire is a great class, because it's so huge, there's also someone to compete against. There are guys down in 35th or 40th place battling it out just like the guys at the top. Over time, those guys move up until they're winning.


Thanks again. If I show up with street tires, I assume that I could choose to compete in B stock if I wanted to.

Yes, in fact, I worked with Bill one day

By the way, did you work with Bill on Saturday Feb 12th, like around 2pm in the afternoon? There was a guy with Bill, perhaps a little older, mustache maybe, I can't remember. Just wondering if I met you.

I was there with my wife (who is a kinda tall Japanese woman) and a blonde haired dude. Bill and I were talking about the last BMW event we both ran where he finished 4th in the open class and I finished 1st in the C class. It was a funny day and it was pouring rain.

Yes, you could ( run BS on street tires ). Nope, that's not me. I worked the 11th, 15th, and 19th. If you saw the in-car video that was playing in front of the rescue truck, that was me, though.

The only problem is, the season doesn't start for another month. If we were somewhere else in the country we'd be racing this weekend.

Oh well, I guess I have time to read the "Secrets of Solo Racing" again before the season starts.

The only problem is, the season doesn't start for another month. If we were somewhere else in the country we'd be racing this weekend.

Oh well, I guess I have time to read the "Secrets of Solo Racing" again before the season starts.

:) Yeah, I do miss Florida for that reason (and that's about it).

Good book, too...

So who is autocrossing in the Chicago area this season:

Should we do a little RX8 club competition?

Sure I am in first timer and season.

Sure I am in first timer and season.

That's two.

1. Machan
2. Adamrotor
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

You know i'd be down for this... but won't be in Chicago for long. :( Have fun though!

So who is autocrossing in the Chicago area this season:

Should we do a little RX8 club competition?

I'm going to try to make a couple events this season... we just had a baby though, so now with 3 kids life is going to be pretty busy :)

I also want to do at least one track event this season... either RoadAmerica or Gingerman with the RX7 club.

The Rotory Car Club of Chicago seems to be more of a social club. There is talk of setting up a track day at Gingerman Raceway, but that isn't set yet.
We're working on that. :) Keep in mind, we're trying to rebuild from the ground up, so unfortunately things are going to take a little while to get organized.

I also want to do at least one track event this season... either RoadAmerica or Gingerman with the RX7 club.

I am also planning to trying to autocross the 8 after a 15 yr. layoff.

I haven't driven Gingerman and would like to try. Road America turn 9/10 should be fun with with this car, followed by the pucker facter of turn 11.

I've raced motorcycles on both Gingerman and Road America. I like Gingerman much more, it's way more technical in my opinion and allot more fun. Road America has way too much straight connecting it's corners if you ask me, but it would be kind of fun to stretch the RX-8 legs a bit.

I've driven the RX8 at Gingerman, it was an absolute blast. The price can't be beat, it was like $60 from 5:30 till dark (about 8:30) on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. The track manager (Bob) was supper accommodating and one of the nicest track managers I've ever encountered. Keep us posted if there are going to be any Mazda events at either track.

I'm going to be doing a few auto-crosses at Miller Park in Milwaukee, quite a few cars from Chicago at those events. First I have to do is decide on BS or Street Tire and then get some tires ordered

I'm ordering magmetic numbers for autocross. For SCCA events, if I run in Street Tire, would I use the letters "ST", I assume the class letters for B Stock would be "BS"?

I signed up for the learning curve. There was one at least one other RX8 (a red one) signed up, looked like a husband and wife..

Anyone from RX8 club? Also anyone else signed up?








The SCCA Solo School is actually called the "Learning Curve" (http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/2005/learncurve.html). I'm biased, since I've been instructing at it for the past few years, but it is the most schooling you will find for $100 anywhere. The school is two days, and the classroom session is only about the first 2 hours or so on Saturday morning. You should get 6-10 runs on each of two small courses on Saturday afternoon, with your instructor, and other 6 or so on the full course Sunday, again with your instructor riding. Also, on Sunday, instructors and other workers drive their own cars, so you can generally go for a number of educational ride-alongs.

Registration is open at http://register.scca-chicago.com/

Road America turn 9/10 should be fun with with this car, followed by the pucker facter of turn 11.


They re-configured that section of Road America, and added "The Bend" before the Kink. Not many club events use the old course anymore ( too many cars balled-up in the Kink ).


I'm ordering magmetic numbers for autocross. For SCCA events, if I run in Street Tire, would I use the letters "ST", I assume the class letters for B Stock would be "BS"?


For Street Tire class, the only letter on your car should be an "S" ( or "L", if you are running Ladies ). Please don't get creative and put more than that, it only confuses matters. B Stock is "BS". Also, please make sure your numbers are *at least* 8 inches tall, and *at least* 1.25 inches in stroke, and in a consistent, contrasting color to your car ( 4" by .75" for class letters ). Keep in mind that people need to read your number and class from 100 feet away as you fly by at 60mph.

Thanks.

-- Chief of Timing and Scoring

I went with 10 inch numbers and 5 inch letters.

Is the 4 inch letter a minimum?




They re-configured that section of Road America, and added "The Bend" before the Kink. Not many club events use the old course anymore ( too many cars balled-up in the Kink ).



For Street Tire class, the only letter on your car should be an "S" ( or "L", if you are running Ladies ). Please don't get creative and put more than that, it only confuses matters. B Stock is "BS". Also, please make sure your numbers are *at least* 8 inches tall, and *at least* 1.25 inches in stroke, and in a consistent, contrasting color to your car ( 4" by .75" for class letters ). Keep in mind that people need to read your number and class from 100 feet away as you fly by at 60mph.

Thanks.

-- Chief of Timing and Scoring

Hey Hillman,
Are you the guy from planet torque?

Good schedule of events that you have there:

http://planet-torque.com/sche.php

Is the 4 inch letter a minimum?


Yes, but don't make the class letters larger than ~half of your numbers.


Are you the guy from planet torque?


Yes, thanks. Lots of autocross in-car video (http://planet-torque.com/ms/), too, in case anyone out there is wondering what autocross is like. Still many spots open in the Learning Curve school mentioned above.

Here's my photos of the Labor Day weekend autocross at Joliet - it's a great place to run. I"ll be running most of the events this spring and summer - street tire class this year, then perhaps invest in some racing tires for next year.

Also, note my numbers ...

http://www.cowspot.net/autox

Stew

Here's my photos of the Labor Day weekend autocross at Joliet - it's a great place to run. I"ll be running most of the events this spring and summer - street tire class this year, then perhaps invest in some racing tires for next year.

Also, note my numbers ...

http://www.cowspot.net/autox

Stew


Which clubs are you running with?

Hillman: Good job at the autcross. You beat me by 2.682 seconds. I was the guy in the black RX8. We met briefly. How did your students do? Did you drive their RX8s? What were your impressions of the 8 as an autox car?

Stew: Are you going to the Chicago SCCA event in Joliet next Sunday? If so, try to find me. I'm in a black RX8.

How did your students do? Did you drive their RX8s? What were your impressions of the 8 as an autox car?


Only one of my students had an RX-8, the other had an MR2. They were both mid-pack among the students. One coned away some time, the other was consistently improving all weekend.

I drove the RX-8 once each on the short courses Saturday. To be honest, I really did not like the RX-8 at all. Conventional wisdom says a properly setup '8 will be faster than my car, or anything else in B Stock, but that's hard for me to believe. Granted, the one I drove was bone-stock on OEM tires, but it understeered resolutely, felt ponderous and huge, had surprisingly slow steering and lacked helmet-room to boot. Seats and brakes are nice, though, and it does have a ton of power.

For now, it's off my list of "cars I might one day buy".

Granted, the one I drove was bone-stock on OEM tires, but it understeered resolutely, felt ponderous and huge, had surprisingly slow steering and lacked helmet-room to boot. Seats and brakes are nice, though, and it does have a ton of power.

For now, it's off my list of "cars I might one day buy".
I'm surprised that you found the car to not have enough head room. I'm 6'2" and I don't have a problem. Did it have the sunroof?. I will be out Sunday after a long layoff from autocross.

For now, it's off my list of "cars I might one day buy".


That's how I felt after I tried to get into and out of a new Elise. :)

Sorry you didn't like the RX8, I had a blast with mine out there. I guess it all depends on what you are used to. I'm coming from BMWs that were much heavier and sloppier than the RX8. The RX8 is much much more fun to autox than my bimmer.

We were running much higher tire pressure than your students though, not sure if that made a difference in the handling.

I'm okay with not liking the RX-8... my 15 year-old MR2 is a /lot/
cheaper. The one I drove did have a sunroof, and I may not have had
the seat all the way down, but still, I'm under 6'.

I'm sure if I jumped in an RX-8 from, say, my old Legacy wagon
that I ran for two years, I'd love it.

See you guys Sunday.

I'm bad with names, and only slightly better with faces...
Machan, you're Matthew Reid, right? The same one bringing an
XKE on Sunday?

I'm okay with not liking the RX-8... my 15 year-old MR2 is a /lot/
cheaper. The one I drove did have a sunroof, and I may not have had
the seat all the way down, but still, I'm under 6'.

I'm sure if I jumped in an RX-8 from, say, my old Legacy wagon
that I ran for two years, I'd love it.

See you guys Sunday.

I'm bad with names, and only slightly better with faces...
Machan, you're Matthew Reid, right? The same one bringing an
XKE on Sunday?

That's me, except the XKE will look a lot like a RX-8 ;) . I've heard Mazda likes to snoop the SCCA results to void warranties so I list my car igcognito.

I was told I could list my car as anything as long as it was in the same class, B stock in this case. In retrospect, I probably should have just listed it as bstock or left it blank or something.

Although, my father said he would leave his silver 69 XKE to me in his will and I could turn it into an autox car :cool: .

I've heard Mazda likes to snoop the SCCA results to void warranties so I list my car igcognito.

Man, I'd love to get some more RX8s down to the event from Chicago. I promise Mazda won't snoop results for warranties on our two autocross tracks. ;)

Man, I'd love to get some more RX8s down to the event from Chicago. I promise Mazda won't snoop results for warranties on our two autocross tracks. ;)

I'd love to join you because it sounds like fun but I have a slight issue. If I went to something like that, my wife would kill me... :(

I'm doing an autocross this weekend and then a DE on April 30th-May 1st. I'm also doing a local autcross here on April 23rd and a friend is visiting me. Maybe next year??? :cool:

That's me, except the XKE will look a lot like a RX-8 ;) . I've heard Mazda likes to snoop the SCCA results to void warranties so I list my car igcognito.

I was told I could list my car as anything as long as it was in the same class, B stock in this case. In retrospect, I probably should have just listed it as bstock or left it blank or something.

Although, my father said he would leave his silver 69 XKE to me in his will and I could turn it into an autox car :cool: .
Where did you hear about Mazda snooping. I have hear that it was ether Mitsubshi or Subaru that was doing that. I hadn't hear it about Mazda.

As far as the XKE. That car is worth too much to modify for autocross. I wouldn't even risk it in any competition. Does it have the 6 or 12 engine?

Where did you hear about Mazda snooping. I have hear that it was ether Mitsubshi or Subaru that was doing that. I hadn't hear it about Mazda.

As far as the XKE. That car is worth too much to modify for autocross. I wouldn't even risk it in any competition. Does it have the 6 or 12 engine?

I just heard that from my instructor and fellow student at the autocross school.

As for the XKE, I disagree. Cars are made to be driven. The 69 jaguar that I'm referring to is a 6 cylinder fixed head coupe.

My father also has a 62 ( I think), one of the first 200 made and also a 73 V12 roadster. Now those are worth too much to modify or risk in competition. :D

Where did you hear about Mazda snooping. I have hear that it was ether Mitsubshi or Subaru that was doing that. I hadn't hear it about Mazda.

As far as the XKE. That car is worth too much to modify for autocross. I wouldn't even risk it in any competition. Does it have the 6 or 12 engine?

Allan,

I see you are signed up for the SCCA event at Joliet. I'll try to stop by and say hello. Good luck on Sunday.

Hi Alan,
It was nice to meet you and congrats on your finish. You placed one spot in front of me.

Sorry I didn't get a chance to say goodbye. Since I had already worked, I bolted early since I was beat and had a long drive home.

I probably won't do many SCCA events this season but I'll participate more next year. Good luck with your season.

Bumping for '06, since there's a lot of good information in this thread,
especially the first two pages.

The Learning Curve school is in two weeks ( April 1-2 ) and is about 75%
full right now. No RX-8 drivers are registered yet.

http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo
http://register.scca-chicago.com

See you there.