Poor Mustangs and Camaros, having to face up to getting beat down by a 4 banger Dodge.[sm=smiley15.gif][sm=smiley36.gif]

 

Wow I didn't think I would be the first one to catch this but the 200X Challenges are put on by a mag called Grassroots Motorsports. NOT by the SCCA.

On another note I competed at the 2005 Solo Nationals in Topeka in my family's Formula Vee(think VW Beetle gone bad) came in 26th out of 40 and had a blast. Solo 2 is the entry level, or grassroots, level of racing the SCCA offers. There is a saying that graet autocrossers make great road racers but great roadracers don't make good autocrossers.

There is one thing that makes Solo2 so unique, and that is it teaches you to drive fast, not speedwise but actually driving ahead of the car. All of the greats got their start in autocross, Randy Probst, Ruebens Baricello(sp?), Schuey, and Colin McRea, just to name a few. Its worth a try, and turn for turn and dollar for dollar it is a better buy for around 20 clams for about 3-6 runs depending on the region than any form of circuit racing(sorry track guys), in my opinion. And for the circuit guys I have offended I do get regular track time however I just don't trust anybody else out on a track. In Oklahoma we have some pretty bland choices for tracks, Hallett(famous for Holy **** Touring) and Tulsa Raceway Park, anytime between now and never!!!

I hope that this has helped anybody who is courious about the SCCA and will encourage them to comeout and try(even the truck guys have a chance, I should know I used to autoX my R/T)!

If in doubt which region is closest to you check out www.scca.org and then click on the locate you region tab.

 

Mopar in SCCA few and far I had client 97-99 ran avenger body with 305 c.i. X block W-2 in GT-1 club racing he rebodied and went to late camaro clothes and a 366 c.i. in 01, 95-96 I ran a Duster in Super Production (a regional class) never done solo race a whole bunch of things there but I like tracks more than cones. This region we go to Willow springs, Buttonwillow, California speedway, Laguna Seca, Sears point and, Thunderhill in CA and the first National races of the season at Phoenix second race at Firebird in AZ.

 

how do I get started in SCCA???I really dont want to call the main line cuz my car isnt exactly stock (turbocharged) what class would that put me in??? Tried registering but that site is down....

 

I have not done auto x in about five years, but I'll try to help. First, if you want to auto x don't worry about class. Find an event you want to attend and find out how to register. It is usually better to register early to be sure the event is not filled. Or, you can show up the day of the event and hope there is an opening. Class does not matter for filling the event. Here in Detroit, when I ran, there was a 200 vehicle limit for an SCCA event, and no restrictions on how many in each class. If there were 200 and you showed up you did not run. Period. The only possible down side is you have no idea about weather. Yes, the SCCA plays in the rain.

If you are in a good class there are just more of you and "trophies" are given by percent, it was like the top 15 or 20 percent, I don't recall off the top of my head. I was in DS (D stock) when I ran. It was pretty much the neon class at the time. As far as I know, though, the SCCA has restructured the classes and the class the neons are in is no longer DS.

Auto x events are most often held at areas with a large, open area of concrete, asphalt, etc. Usually a parking lot or airport type place. There is a course set up with cones you don't want to hit (2 second penalty). I know there are also auto x events at road courses, on occasion. I never went to a road course to auto x. If I recall, they were more of a school than a race. I remember a friend telling me he went to one and the safety stewart insisted someone with experience take him around the course before he was allowed to try it himself, and the experienced person then rode along.

The first time I did auto x, the SCCA had a driving school for it. It is usually in the spring (in the north , anyway) and there will be a day of class to explain techniques and rules with a Q and A. Then they broke us into small groups and had an experienced auto xer take us out to the course and walk it to show lines.

Walking the course is extremely important to driving fast. The reason is you must be thinking one or two turns ahead of where you currently are on course. You can not drive fast if you do no know which way the car needs to go next. Also, it gives you an idea on how to "straighten" the course. I mean, just beause the course curves does not necessarily mean need to. The more small straights you can create the more full acceleration and braking you can do. There is also trail braking and late apexing but I am getting a little off topic.

As far is all out Club road racing much of the things that need to be done are safety related. I may be wrong be I believe all classes require cages and racing seats with harnesses. You will also need a fire suit, gloves, shoes, etc. Club road racing can get expensive but like anything the faster you want to go the more it will cost you.

So to get started look for an event, hopefully a school. If no schools, sigh up and show up EARLY. This way you have time to find a parking spot and set up. You will be there all day so bring food, peanuts are great energy boosters. You will need to check in (or register if you didn't do it early) then go through tech inspection. Be positive all your front end components are in very good condition and there is nothing extra unbolted items in the car. You can also remove your spare tire to reduce weight ond remember to remove things like floor mats. After that, hang out and talk to people (because you were there so early like you were supposed to be!!) if others are not too busy virtually all I ever met were quite friendly and willing to help others. Next, the track will be opened so you can walk the course. Use all the time allowed. Most courses are small enough to walk a few times, you may even want to draw a small map to help you remember. MEMORIZE the track!! You will "get lost" and go extra slow trying to remember when you are on course if it is not memorized well.

Last, you do not need to be an SCCA member to auto x. Entra fees will be slightly higher is all. And remember to have fun! Also, you will have to work the course (to set knocked over cones back up). When you do, watch the lines others take. Even if you have already driven you will really see the lines that work and the lines others take to make mistakes. Also, on real tight curvy courses, FWD and RWD will take somewhat different lines. You will see this when you are close to the action.

Sorry so long but there is a lot to having a smooth and fun time at an auto x.

 

Just thought I would bump this up to the top of the forum. Mainly because the 2006 TireRack.com Solo Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka is just around the corner(no pun intended!)!!!!! If you are a Soloist then you NEED TO REGISTER NOW!!!! If not the come out and volunteer for a couple of days to get a feel for the sport at its highest tier. We are always hurting for cone chasers and other personel. I personally won't be competing this year mainly because of the amount of projects I have going on(Omni, Festiva, and Formula F1RST) But I will be out there pitting for my Dad's car #42 FM.

So sign up, get up there and lets make this the best nationals ever!!!!