[Infini_IV]

Okay, I will soon be getting my new car (´87 tracer) on the road, and I hope to start autocrossing soon after. I was wondering if any of you could give me some tips on car preparation (i will be entering the lowest class possible at first!) and pylon-navigation. The last time I went to an event, I was confused as to how they knew what way to go around each pylon. If not, maybe someone could offer a website with that info on it.

Thanks!

-Infini_IV

 

[egtdude]

I´m sure steve aka miatatude will chime in here but in the mean tim look under topics (not in the forum but regular articles) for steve autocrossing primer. The best way to know the track is get their early enough to walk it as many times as possible. If I´m unsure I hang back and listen to a seasoned vet on how he is going to go. Basically you are going to have to just talk to others and when you get more experience you will know. some times more turns are better if the net result is taking the turn after the slolum faster.

 

[Infini_IV]

I understand the walking the course thing, but how do you know what way to go around the pylon? do they give you a map? I really don´t even know the basics of it. All I know is drive around a course of pylons.

 

[Juggernaut]

probably looking at the course from even a small distance away and out of your car, it will look extremely confusing because of the angle your looking at it. once you´re actually going thru the course, whether walking or driving, the layout might appear a heck of a lot more obvious. for the most part, isn´t it just driving thru gates (between 2 pylons) or weaving thry a section of pylons?

 

[egtdude]

sorry didnt explain that very well. Yes most places give you a map. in my region (AZ) they also used to line the track with chalk. Everyone gets lost a couple times starting out. so don´t worry about it. If you have questions ask. if no one is willing to help I´d suggest finding a new club or region to race with. most of the people are more than willing to help. mind you once you get better don´t expect them to help as much when they are trying to get the same trophy

 

[Infini_IV]

I hope they DO give out a map. The one I went to didn´t make any sense, but I couldn´t figure out how they knew that they had to drive around a circle of pylons 3 times before finishing??? Did someone tell them that? Is there a guide to "a pylon like this means:" or something? Very confusing. And, I live in a very lame, rice town. No autocrossers here. I have to drive @ least 2 hours to an event. I´ve tried to get some people together to start a club or something, and no one ever calls me back, talks to me...etc. I think I will move to toronto soon. I don´t like it here.

 

[Juggernaut]

aw that sucks, dude. i´m lucky that i found my local autocrossing club here! i doub there´s anything else major around here, maybe 8 hours away...

 

[Skuce]

If you did start up a X club...then where would you go?

 

[Infini_IV]

If there was maybe a general motorsports club (rallies, autoX, etc) then everyone could keep an ear out for local things. The more people looking the better the chance of finding something, I think. As for now, I wouldn´t know who to talk to.

 

[Robofunc]

Usually the way you tell how the course is laid out is by looking at the cones. there will be several cones in a line at each turn, with one cone laying on it´s side pointing in the direction of the turn. know what i mean?

 

[Infini_IV]

I understood that part, but other things were confusing. How did they know what pylons were for the way there and what ones were for the way back?

I guess I´ll go to more autocross events as a spectator until I have it figured out.

 

[Robofunc]

Go to an event, and sign up to run your car. They should give you any info you might need. if they don´t, then just take your first one or two (or however many laps you need) slowly so you can get to know the course. the way to go becomes more obvious once you are on the course. at least, that´s how it goes here. the autocrosses i go to are set up so that you can´t miss the difference between going up and coming back. there is a hairpin at the end where the drivers turn around so the whole corse is shaped like a long "U"

 

[Juggernaut]

it´s easier for us here cuz the only venue we have to autoX is on an oval track, so it´s pretty simple to see where to go. we´re looking for a few parking lots though for the future