how to navigate differnt parts of an autocross course

How do Autocross courses work?

Nearly all autocross courses are timed electronically, with a beam of light and electric eye at the start and at the finish. As you make your start and cross the finish, your car breaks the beam of light, starting and stopping the timer.

What are the different types of autocross tracks?

Autocross courses are typically made up of standard right and left turns, plus some ingenious obstacles that will be incorporated into every course. These include slaloms, chicanes, 360-degree turns, and sweeping turns. For each of these, we can offer some tips to take them as fast as possible

What are the driving rules for autocross?

The first rule for all types of driving is to look ahead of where you are and look in the direction you want to go. In autocross, this means that as you make your turn, you should already be looking at the next turn, or often the turns after that.

How do I get Started in autocross?

When you're starting to autocross, take advantage of all the opportunities to learn from the experts. At most SCCA autocross events, a "novice" course walk is scheduled in between sessions, when an experienced autocrosser takes newbies around the course and offers some tips on how he or she makes fastest times of the day.

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 drive an autocross?

2:034:25Why You're a Slow Autocrosser | Autocross Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake things as simple and repeatable as you can in a day at an auto cross that way you don't have toMoreMake things as simple and repeatable as you can in a day at an auto cross that way you don't have to have it as a distraction from what you're driving. Um you know keep an eye on tire.

What do the cones mean in autocross?

Traffic cones, often called "pylons" in autocross, are used to mark out the autocross course. In a slalom, a cone on its side indicates that you are expected to go past the standing cone on the opposite side. Each cone is outlined in chalk. You can touch a cone as long as you don't knock it completely out of its box.

How do you set up an autocross suspension?

For autocross, adjusting your damping can simply be done by turning the knob at the top of the coilover in the + direction. Once you're done racing and drive your race car back home, you can turn the knob in the - direction for a more comfortable ride.

How do I become a better Autocross driver?

1:289:14How To Autocross Faster If you are not going over the limit you are under ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStay tight ish full throttle a little braking catch it sliding. Look on this cone on this coneMoreStay tight ish full throttle a little braking catch it sliding. Look on this cone on this cone fading out left more I focused on the slalom way down here. I'm looking to the end of the fall.

Does Autocross hurt your car?

Autocrossing can have an effect on how your car wears standard consumable items such as tires and brake pads, however it is extremely unlikely that it will threaten the structural integrity of your car.

What does Pax mean in autocross?

PAX: Stands for Professional Autocross. The PAX system had a method of scoring cars together from a wide variety of classes by applying a multiplier to their times.

What is Backsiding in autocross?

Back siding the cones is a proactive approach to the slalom in which you are trying to hit each cone with the backside of your tire or turning in as early as possible to move to the next side as fast as you can.

What is a Chicago box?

The University of Chicago has partnered with Box to deliver file sharing services to all faculty, staff, and students. Box is a cloud-based storage service that provides unlimited free, online space for storing or sharing files.

How do you set up a track suspension?

2:0430:00Suspension Setup, Adjustments, and Testing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRate essentially is how hard or soft your Springs are in most racing cars you run about a fiftyMoreRate essentially is how hard or soft your Springs are in most racing cars you run about a fifty percent stiffer spring than stock. So if you have a 300-pound spring.

What is bump adjustment?

Adjusting the Compression (Bump) Damping Control Bump damping controls the unsprung weight of the vehicle (wheels, axles, etc.). It controls the upward movement of the suspension such as hitting a bump in the track. It should not be used to control the downward movement of the vehicle when it encounters dips.

How do I set up a rally suspension?

0:454:18Setting up Suspension on a Race Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe trailing arm and elongate the toe link and that allows the wheel to keep straight. As we go overMoreThe trailing arm and elongate the toe link and that allows the wheel to keep straight. As we go over bumps Kress.

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 ...

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 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 slalom segment?

For each of these, we can offer some tips to take them as fast as possible. Slalom Segments. Slaloms are an important part of every autocross course. This segment of the course will consist of a straight line of cones, typically placed at equal distances from one another.

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.

What are some examples of objects that can factor into a course layout?

Some obstacles won't show on an overhead view. Potholes, seeping pavement, manholes, crests and valleys are all examples of objects that can factor into a course layout.

How to print a race map?

Printing/publishing course maps serves a variety of purposes: 1 Help racers help themselves. No guessing as to where the course goes on race day. No guessing were "corner 3" is located for a course worker. 2 Simplify setup. Handing a course map to each helper at course setup makes things dead simple. Each worker can take a car full of cones to one section of the track and get to work. 3 Avoid stupid mistakes. Have you ever set up your entire course only to realize a timing cable wouldn't reach, or was destined to cross the course at some point? I've seen two broomsticks used to bridge a cable over the course. Not ideal. 4 Advertising space. If your club is fortunate enough to have event sponsors, placing their logo and contact info on the course map ensures that every racer at the event will see it. In fact, this space is more prominent than virtually any other space, including the website or a trackside banner.

How long is a passenger car?

An average passenger car is about 13ft long. If your overhead photo features any of these cues, they can be used to establish scale. I've found it's best to place both a graduated scale and some common course elements at the appropriate scale onto the course map for reference. If you're using a computer, it can simply be copied again ...

What is a corner station?

Corner stations, along with markings defining which parts of the course belong to which corner. In addition, it's helpful to include a schedule for the day. Registration, course walk, first car off and more will help to ensure everything stays on schedule.

What are some examples of objects to have on a lot outline?

Light poles, parking blocks, buildings are all good examples of objects to have on a lot outline. Here I've traced the lot and added any notable obstacles. Interestingly, this lot features only one light pole, but two artificial palm trees. Also, there are some trucks parked in the far corner of the lot.

Register for an event early

If you decide that you want to take the plunge and get your feet wet in the world of autocross racing, then it’s a good idea to register for a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) event. These events are typically held during the warmer months of the year across the nation, so you can find one in your area and sign up for it early.

What you should bring to an autocross event

After signing up for your first autocross event, it’s a good idea to take inventory of what you’ll need to bring to it. Technically, all you need is a good working car, a helmet, your driver’s license, and money for the entry fee. However, there’s a lot more stuff that you might want to bring if you’re planning to stay for the whole day.

What to do when you get to the autocross event

Now that you know what you need to bring to the autocross event, it’s good to know what to expect when you get there. According to the Fort Wayne SCCA, you should register early and get your wristband. Afterward, park in the paddock and pick a spot to store all of that stuff you brought with you.

During the event

Now that all the preparations are done, it’s time to start the events of the day. There is typically a driver’s meeting to go over all the rules and the schedule for the day. While some events can vary when it comes to their schedule, most events are divided up into two or three “heats.”

Have fun

While it’s easy to get nervous before running an autocross race, it’s important to have fun while doing it. After all, driving your car to its limit in a safe can be fun, so why be nervous about it? Just remember the course layout.

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.

How to get started in autocrossing?

Here are 10 things to get you started in autocrossing: 1. Restrain yourself. Don’t modify anything on your car before you begin. You’re learning to drive all over again. Don’t enhance the car, enhance you. You’re relearning the car and its capabilities, tuning yourself to make you faster. 2.

Can anyone race in autocross?

Anyone can race, and anyone who's willing to practice can be good enough to win. There’s a huge population of autocrossers in the US and beyond, and some are very, very fast. Competition is fierce. Any car (and some trucks) can race, so if you brung it, you can run it.