Autocrossing
 

Hey guys,

Autocrossing is something I've been hearing about a lot and it really seems to be a great "sport". Now that we've seen the RX-8 perform on track (laguna), what are your opinions on RX-8 performance on an AutoX course?

Now I know for a newb to AutoX like me or the average Joe, the driver is the real determining factor, but I would be interested in hearing what you guys have to say about the abilities of the car?

I'll start. Recently on another forum, I've heard (heard, mind you) that a long wheelbase may limit performance on a tight course. How do you think this applies to the RX-8?

The wheelbase will not be an issue. It's not like it's a limo or anything.

I think it will be a great car for autocross, and I highly recommend anyone to try it. The skills you learn can teach you a TON and can someday prove invaluable. Many of us find it to be like an addiction. :)

One of the big questions about this car for national level autocrossers is the classing. But class it where ever, it will be a good time.

Have fun!

I've always been interested on autocross, but I,m very particular about the appearance of my cars, how much damage can those cone do to your car when you hit them?

That of course depends on the size and type of cone you hit! But most clubs use cones which are pretty flexible and do nothing worse than leave a black mark on your paint, which you can remove with a little cut'n'polish and elbow grease. (And yes, orange cones leave black marks. Go figure.)

Yeah, most cone damage is harmless, which is why they are used. The only time that I've seen a cone do damage was on a road course, where speeds are much greater, and even then, that damage was very inexpensive to fix.

---jps

I'm guessing RX-8 will be classed in B-Stock, against cars like the S2000, FC TII (THAT's news to me), and (surprise!) G35 coupe

take a lookie at the classing for the 2003 season :)

http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2003/stockc.html

Our club puts on Autocross training/practice session 2 or 3 times a year for members. For these sessions that typically give the driver 6 to 10 runs for the day, how will the 18" tires on the RX-8 hold up? I know it's been mentioned pot holes are a nemesis to the narrow sidewalls of the tires. Will the stress of autocrossing for a day also be a problem?

In a word: no. :) Potholes can kill big wheels with rubber band tires around them. Autocrossing on a flat surface will be fine.

Here's my prediction: the RX-8 will be classed in BS with the S2000, MR2 Turbo, etc. But it will not oust the S2000 as the nationals car of choice for that class. It may have a higher center of gravity than the S2k (what with having a roof and all ;)) and probably has a bit more body roll stock as well. I also wonder how easy it is to find nice wide R compound tires for the 18" wheels.

The car should be very capable though.

Don't forget to pump up the pressure and chalk the tires to see if you are rolling over onto the sidewall..
What was the top speed in 1st gear again? If high enough, on some tight auto-x courses one could leave the 8 in 1st gear for the entire run.. I've had a couple of courses like that in my Prelude..

RX-8 Autocross Classing
 

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BryanH

Here's my prediction: the RX-8 will be classed in BS with the S2000, MR2 Turbo, etc. But it will not oust the S2000 as the nationals car of choice for that class. It may have a higher center of gravity than the S2k (what with having a roof and all ) and probably has a bit more body roll stock as well. I also wonder how easy it is to find nice wide R compound tires for the 18" wheels.

The car should be very capable though.
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I think you are correct, I have been hearing BS for an SCCA class as well (T3 for the new PRO series?).

I am not so sure that the RX-8 center of gravity will be any higher than the S2000, I think (worst case) they will be the same - keep in mind that the 4 cylinder in the S2K is VERY tall (compared to the VERY short Renesis). The polar moment on the RX-8 will also be significantly lower (better) as well, this will allow quicker transitions.

I think that the convertible works against typical chassis, as they can not be made as "stiff" as a full-bodied car (such as the RX-8). This comes from autocrossing a series of Miata's over the last 10 years (Blue 90, Black 97, Blue 99 10AE) at the National level. The Miata is "soft" compared to most cars, but I think everyone would agree it's a GREAT autocross car.

And, about the tires: The Boxster has 18 x 7.5 wheels (front) and the National guys are putting 245/35/18 Hoosiers and 265/35/18 Kumho's without an issue. The RX-8 has 18 x 8. It seems like PLENTY of tire for a sub-3000 lb car..........

Please check out the article in Sports Car International: it is an excellent and balanced article. The writer provides some insight into his experience with the RX8 with respect to autocrossing. Here is the thread where you can read the article; better yet, get a copy of the magazine: it is excellent.

Autocrossing reference starts on "page 4" of the article...

On classes, where RX relative to class Miata is in?
 

I've just gotten the bug to this addiction hardcare after doing the Thunderhill performance class last week.

I've pre-ordered an RX-8, but now have a whole new respect for our Miata. Are they in the same class? Would they be?

I'm weighing getting a used Miata for auto-x and track work vs. a new RX . . .

Hmmm.

BB

Re: On classes, where RX relative to class Miata is in?
 

Indeed, I miss my 10AE Miata, though at least I still get to take out the wife's '02 on weekends. (Won street tire class in it just last weekend. :) )

To answer your question, it's unlikely that the RX-8 will be in the same class as the Miata. 1.6L Miatas are in EStock, 1.8's are in CStock, and although there's no official pronouncement yet, the unofficial word (from a local club member who's also on the SCCA SEB, which classifies cars), it's likely that the RX-8 will be in BStock, where it will compete against the likes of the S2000 and 350Z.

How would you describe diffenence in driving feel
 

RX has similar balance etc as Miata but LOTS more HP etc. I was stunned by the fun of the Miata on the track . . . (as a newibe) but how do you articulate how the RX will be different in feel?

RX has lotsa HP, similar 50/50 balance etc. As a newbie I've no reference . . . I'm thinking, "I loved the Miata on the track, how would an RX feel in comparison."

BB

Re: How would you describe diffenence in driving feel
 

Take that Miata grin and multiply it by a factor yet to be determined. :D