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Finally out to autocross

1K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  claudermilk 
#1 ·
I finally got my car out dodging cones this weekend; I ran the autocross with the Speed Ventures guys at Auto Club Speedway--what a blast. Attendance was apparently pretty light from what they often see, so we got plenty of runs--this is a different setup than Solo II's 3 runs & you're done, then you take a turn chasing cones.

My first two sessions were in the wet, but this was probably a good thing as it kept the speed down and really forced me to focus on grip levels. This was my first time out with the car, with a RWD chassis, and first autocross in about 10 years. At least I did have the old memories of how an autocross works going for me.

So, of course the first thing I do is get a little lost, then spin as I tried to regain my bearings. After that the butt was mostly dialed back in and I started learning how the S197 chassis handles at the limits. I am still a bone-stock GT with Brembos & 3.73 gears, still on the OEM Pirellis.

I was already impressed with the handling of the ancient-tech suspension running on the street & a couple of canyon runs. Now that I could go 10/10ths, I am even more impressed and look forward to what this beast can do with improved suspension components & tires. The back end broke away smoothly, and I quickly got comfortable balancing the car with the throttle around most of the course. I still think I'm overdriving the really tight corners and am still trying to unlearn the FWD mindset on how to rotate the car in those. I'm probably leaving speed on the table in the faster sections as well. That said, on a course that the fast, gutted Fox Mustangs were running low 37's I got down to a 38 flat, so I was hanging within a second or two of them. Not too bad considering lack of experience in the car, and lack of preparation.
 
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#3 ·
I took mine, but they did have loaners (looked like the loaner helmets & timing system were rented or on loan from the local SCCA). It's best to have your own helmet--then it will fit properly, and you aren't wearing one that dozens of other people already have.
 
#4 ·
Nice! It's so easy to let the rear loose on these things! I used to go to the solo2 autox at aaa speedway but they're done for the season. How much is it to run with speed ventures? I've been really wanting to run the road coarse inside the aaa speedway but its too pricey.

I know Adams raceway does track events Tuesday and Thursday nights too.

Where you located btw?
 
#5 ·
For the track it was $150, autocross was $70, or $140 to run all run groups. Any of those are a screaming deal IMHO. Next autocross with Speed Ventures there is Feb--I plan on being there. I know San Diego region is running this weekend, but I'm already in the BCMC show at South Bay Ford (hint, hint, drop by).

I'm in HB.
 
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