I wanna try out autox this year and was looking for advice and such. i really know nothing about it and few subaru friends are gonna go with me but anyone with words of wisdom would be great.

and of course where do i buy a helmet

 

Have fun, get a feel for the car. Who cares if you get slow times? Your there to learn how the car handles first, and then you'll get good on the track.

Dont worry if you spin out, slide, whatever. Before you race, spend some time talking to some of the guys that have experience, as they will most likely be able to offer some good advice for whatever track your on. Dont try anything fancy like heel-toe until you've had some track time.

Uhm.. Dont forget to feed your goldfish before going out and remember the sunscreen.

Other than that check out the previous autox posts as there's some good stuff in there already.

 

Air up your tires and find an expert to sit shotgun while you run your first few times.

 

Second gear is your friend. Unless you have an overly large autox track you will be in second gear the whole time, you will never have to worry much about shifting techniques on an autox track, but left foot braking will come in handy once you get more experience.

Don't expect to be at the top of you class any time this season, just go out there and get used to your car and the course. Most of all, like Genom said, have fun!

Depending on your local chapter, you may want to hold off on buying a helmet right away. Often they will have some loaner helmets, or use a friend's helmet your first couple times out. If for some reason you realize autox isn't for you, then you will have wasted money on a helmet. Also, get something openface, I started with a closed face that I used for karting, and in a car there's just no need for closed face and it will only block some of your view.

Ike

 

just go and drive for a bit, having experienced people ride with you is good, as is riding with them. autox takes a long time for most people to get good at so be persistent.

tach out 1st, then shift to 2nd and dont shift again. (for several events at least). you lose time shifting because you 1. are coasting when you shift up 2. usually beginners cant downshift in threshhold braking, 3. you upset the car when you shift 4. you distract yourself when you shift.

have fun!

james
SFR SCCA Solo II school instructor since 2000

 

I, too am starting autoX for the first time, get you a HJC snell helmet at a local motorcycle shop, they're inexpensive, and very well made. I use one for riding my motorcycle. We should be in the "B" class for SCCA events