Whats your secret to AC

[Topik]

Well as the local chapter is approaching a AutoCross event, I am pondering entering the event. I just want to started the thread for tips,tid bits, and secrets to place a fast time on the autocross event.

[reptar]

You should definately enter the event, you'll have a good time.

The real secret to going fast in an autocross is getting lots of seat time. It doesn't have to be all autocross time, but it does have to allow you to (safely) explore the limits of your car. I'm a frequent visitor to a local indoor karting track, and I think driving karts has probably helped me more than anything else. Autocrossing is something that takes practice to get good at, don't get discouraged if (when) you get beat your first couple times out... everybody goes through it.

Anyway, for a first event... just make sure you get there early enough to walk the course several times. Don't be afraid to ask people for help with the course or anything else you might have a question about. Most people will be more than willing to help. For your first run, just focus on staying on-course. After that, you can start pushing a bit harder and see what happens.

[sonza68]

Novice Handbook (http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm)

I'd highly recommend reading this before your first event. It covers a lot of the basic stuff about SCCA autocross. As reptar said, walk the course several times, if you have any trouble reading the cones find someone with experience to guide through the course. Our region offers a rookie walk through, if your region offers one definately take advantage of it. Feel free to ask questions if there is something you aren't sure about. Most people are friendly and will help you out.

[joemamaTypeR]

Left foot braking. If done well, you can get the back end to come around easier. Probably not something you want to try your first few times out though.

[gulfcat]

2 things (besides Look ahead!) that have helped me:
- think of the cones as functional groups - 4 cone slalom, 2 cone gate, 4 cone box, etc
- slow in, fast out - meaning brake before the turn, and come out fast. You'll see in the Novice Handbook that they say over & over that your tires can only do 1 thing at a time -- they can't brake and turn at once. (I wasted a lot of tire before I got that through my head!)

Good luck, but most important of all:
Enjoy!

[EricF]

Hope it went well.
One thing I remember is what a wise old autocrosser onces told me..
"don't try and be a hero"
basically he saw me out there pretty much over-driving the car..

Stay smooth with your movements, if your jerky on the wheel
your run will suffer.