how to make a autocross practice course

How do I plan an autocross course?

Go with an experienced friend, if possible, and compare your ideas with theirs. Take your time, try to look at each corner as you want to approach it, and get a general picture of the overall course. Traffic cones, often called "pylons" in autocross, are used to mark out the autocross course.

Is autocross a good way to learn to drive?

But rest assured, autocross is still a kick when you are just learning to navigate the course. Autocrossing is clearly a sport of driving skill, but it has a mental aspect to it as well. Whereas on a racetrack you must learn the "line" around the track, the pavement is always the same regardless of which day you are there.

What are the principles of autocross?

By the time your car is coming around a pylon, there is little you can do to make any difference, so your eyes should be on the next turn, and your mind should be planning the turns beyond that. The second principle of autocrossing is to find the line that allows you to go as straight as possible. The straighter the line, the faster you’ll go.

What should I know before going to an autocross race?

Because autocrosses tend to pack a lot into a day, pay close attention to the schedule of when you can have your car go through tech inspection, when registration opens, when the course is open for walking, when drivers meetings are held, etc. Helpful tip – Autocrosses tend to run in any weather.

How do you memorize an autocross course?

Some tips to try to help you memorize: (1) redraw the map onto a separate piece of paper; (2) walk it as many times as possible, as fast as possible; (3) stand at some point on the course (e.g., the start) and look out at the next section as you visualize the driving line through that section of the course over and ...

How do you start an autocross event?

If you're not sure where to start, here are some tips to help you get started.Find Your Location. You can set up an autocross event anywhere that there is sufficient flat pavement that's not already populated by other cars. ... Set Up Your Course. ... Plan Your Day. ... Don't Forget Paperwork.

Can you make money in autocross?

There is no prize money, no guaranteed contract that gives you a car and gas and tires for free. Just maybe if you're really good and win at the SCCA Nationals you might earn a free set of tires and some discounts on brakes if you win on a brand of tire or brakes that sponsors the event.

How much does SCCA autocross cost?

How much does autocrossing cost? Prices for entry fees vary across the United States but most regional events will cost between $25 and $45 to enter. Costs are generally related to the cost of the site, and also cover event operations and insurance.

How long is an autocross course?

one to two kilometres longAutocross courses are typically one to two kilometres long and tend to place demands on car handling and driver skill rather than on engine power and outright speed. Courses may be temporary and marked by traffic cones or be permanent tracks with approval by a motorsport body.

Are SUVs allowed in autocross?

Car: Almost any vehicle can autocross, the exception are vehicles with a heightened rollover risk such as large SUVs or pick-up trucks.

Is autocross hard on your car?

DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR CAR Autocross is far more hardcore than you can imagine, but at the same time it's not very rough on your vehicle. If it's in reasonably good shape it'll do fine. Don't worry if the tires are normal all-season models or if your car is bone stock. It will be fine!

Does autocross hurt your car?

Any responsible organization holding an autocross will adhere to safety rules about keeping the course away far enough away from anything you could possible hit and damage your car. The only real problems I have witnessed were with cars that were fairly heavily modified.

What is the easiest racing to get into?

Autocross. Autocross is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get into racing. Typically, autocross is where an organization rents a parking lot and sets up a temporary racetrack using cones.

Are helmets required for autocross?

Helmet Requirements Helmets must be worn for all track and autocross events. Helmets certified as meeting the most current or the two most recent applicable Snell, FIA, or SFI standards are acceptable.

How many runs is an autocross?

In an autocross, you do not get a practice run, so the more familiar you are with the course, the better your initial run will be. You will get three runs, sometimes more. Generally the number of runs is announced at the driver's meeting before the event begins.

Does autocross run in the rain?

Autocross in the rain is different; the car will transition from having (nearly) maximum grip to completely 'losing it' at the blink of an eye. It happens quickly without warning and it happens maybe 25 or more times each run of the course. Sometimes in different spots around the course from run-to-run.

How to autocross well?

First, remember that the main trick to autocrossing well is to turn series of straight lines into smooth curves. Don’t think of the chicane as a set of separate turns, but rather as a sort of slalom, where you want to take as straight a line as possible through the box.

What is competitive autocross?

Competitive autocrossing is a great alternative or supplement to track days. In autocross events, yours is the only car on the course while you’re running, so you don’t need to worry about anyone else getting in your way, or worse. Speeds are typically slower than on the track, so if something should go wrong, you are more likely to be able ...

What are the obstacles in autocross called?

These obstacles, a favorite of the fiends who lay out autocross courses, are called “chicanes.” (A good term, since the word is the root of the word chicanery, meaning trickery or deception.) Often the chicane is enclosed in a box of cones to make the problem a little more difficult.

What is a 360 turn in autocross?

Sometimes, the course may even require a 360 turn. This turn will be marked a single pylon sitting in the center of the path of travel with some large open space around it.

What happens if something goes wrong in autocross?

Speeds are typically slower than on the track, so if something should go wrong, you are more likely to be able to deal with it than you might on the track. Under the worse of circumstances much less damage is likely to be done should the car get out of control on the autocross course.

How many runs can you run in an autocross race?

Walking the course ahead of time can make a big difference. Since most autocross events only allow the drivers two or at most three runs, there really isn’t enough time to develop a strategy for the course and figure out the best line while driving it.

How many turns does a chicane turn into?

On most chicanes, you will be able to get on a straight line and back on the accelerator well before you’re actually through the obstacle, turning what could be three turns into only two turns. The chicane is proof that in autocross, you don't always drive the way the course looks.

What is autocross racing?

Autocross is an organized sport where drivers navigate around tight, technical courses of traffic cones as fast as possible. An autocross course could be set up in a parking lot, on a race track, or on a closed road. Events are usually timed, and drivers are awarded points based on their class placement with respect to other drivers.

Why are cars broken into different classes?

Cars are broken into different performance classes to keep the focus on driver skill rather than vehicle type or aftermarket modifications . For instance, comparing a driver in a Toyota Corolla to someone piloting a Porsche 911 Turbo would be apples to oranges, so those drivers would race in separate classes.

What year does SCCA accept Snell M helmets?

Most clubs follow rules written by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), including which helmets are allowed. SCCA currently accepts Snell M or SA helmets, 2005 or later. If you’re not sure about your helmet, check with your local club for more information.

What is CAM class?

You’ll also get your cardio workout in for the day, especially when the Classic American Muscle (CAM) class is running; high powered rear wheel drive cars usually hit the most cones.

What are some examples of coursework duties?

Some examples of coursework duties are working the radio, picking up cones, recording times, or starting drivers. Working the course can actually be a lot of fun.

Why do drivers wear orange vests on courses?

Collisions are extremely rare and happen at low speeds, resulting in minimal damage. Course workers wear orange vests for visibility and stand well clear of the drivers’ paths.

Can you autocross a car?

You can autocross almost any vehicle; it doesn’t even have to be a car. Some people bring trucks, crossover SUVs, and even minivans to the event! Motorcycles are typically not allowed. Some club rules prohibit any vehicle that is taller than it is wide to reduce the risk of rollover accidents.

What to bring to an autocross?

Helpful tip – Autocrosses tend to run in any weather. Bring appropriate clothing and weather gear, closed-toed shoes, and drinks/snacks for the day. Since no loose objects are allowed in your car while you’re competing, a plastic tote bin is a helpful item to bring and put your stuff in.

How long does it take to walk a golf course?

You probably want to get there in time to walk the course at least 2-3 times and they usually take 5-10 minutes per walk depending on the location.

How to get better at running?

Have fun, look at your time, and try to go faster. Repeat until all your runs are done. Helpful tip – Look ahead and relax. Looking ahead helps you see where the course is better, and relaxing enables you to feel what the car is doing better so that you can ultimately get a better time.

What is an autocross course?

An autocross course is set up with orange traffic cones. Some cones are on their sides with the narrow ends pointing to one side of a standing cone. Sometime two cones will be spaced a car width apart. Often there are single cones spaced in what almost appears to be a line. What does it all mean?!

How does a car drive through an autocross course?

As you drive your car through an autocross course, the car is always in contact with the pavement via the underside of each tire. As you drive around a corner, accelerate or brake, the weight of the car will be shifting among the bottom of the four tires constantly.

How far should a tire roll over when cornering?

Ideally, the tire should never roll over more than a ½ inch below the shoulder between the sidewall and tread surface.

What is the trick to driving a tire at autocross?

One trick that is often used is to observe how much the tire is "rolling over" following an autocross run.

Why is it important to memorize driving courses?

Memorizing the course is crucial. If you go off-course, it drastically reduces your ability to improve with each successive run.

What does trail braking mean?

Trail braking means to keep some pressure on the brake pedal as you turn. However, at the same time, if the rear tires get too light, then the car will be prone to oversteer (i.e., the back-end will come out on you) as you go through the turn.

Does autocross come naturally?

Even seasoned track drivers will sometimes find that autocrossing doesn't immediately come naturally. It's very important to remember that you're competing on a "track" that you've never seen or driven before -- and one that you've only been given a limited time to walk. You also have to commit the course to memory.

What is autocross racing?

Autocross (Also known as "Solo" and "Autoslalom") is a form of time-trial racing run with cars ranging from stock production cars to purpose-built race cars. Within classes that match vehicle type and horsepower to each other, racers negotiate a race course one or more at a time (not side-by-side, but at intervals) while being timed.

Where is racing found?

Racing is generally on parking lots, kart tracks, road course circuits, and dirt circuits and is widespread throughout the Americas, UK and Australia. There is also a type of off-road racing called Autocross sanctioned by the FIA in Europe. Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level) Contents [ hide] 1 Design and Construction.

What are the modifications to a powertrain?

Powertrain: Powertrain modifications at the entry-level usually consist of freer flowing air filters and mufflers, spark plugs. Aerodynamic: Usually no changes in aerodynamics are permitted at the entry-level, and given the top speeds achieved (Usually under 100 km/h or 60 mph), they would be of little value anyway.

Can you modify suspension on an autocross?

Suspension: Entry-level Autocross does not permit modification to the suspension, but consideration should be given to the unsprung weight at each corner of the vehicle (Wheels, tires). If some leeway is allowed by the regulations, wheels, tires and brakes can be optimized.