Autocross Ruined My Life

[Rat Fink]

This past weekend the wife and I went to Norwalk (Summit) dragstrip for their Blue Suede Cruise which is a great time. They allow you to do fun runs on the track all day long, as many as you want. So we took the big red Ford out and let her rip. Snore! The wife even mentioned it was boring! Let me put all of this in perspective for you, I grew up with the drag racing/hot rodding bug, my first real drag race was at Norwalk, most of my cars were set up to go fast in a straight line. Brute power and raw acceleration, that's it. My wife grew up the same way, drag racing was the ultimate. Then we went to Goodguys and saw the Autocross, I was fascinated! I had to try it. After a couple of years of setbacks with the car I finally tried it this year at Columbus, with my bride by my side I slid that big red behemoth through the cones and had a ball, she had a ball, I think even the car loved it! I want to do more! The only problem is Ohio is drag racing country, no one "gets" why I would want to take that big ol' car and try to make it turn. Nothing against drag racers, but it ain't that hard to point her in a straight line and mash the throttle. The best part is, pro (amateur, in my case) touring cars are excellent street cars, drag street/strip cars are very limited in their abilities. I'm glad I tried it, and I can't wait to do it again. I just thought I'd share.

[ff5013]

Rat,
Amen brother. I grew up around dirt tracks and they only turned left, then Nascar, then Drag racing. I loved, breathed drag racing and thats all we did. We watched a Nascar race but my heart was into drag racing. I fell in love with autocross a few years back. I have not raced in a autocross yet but I am trying to get my car ready in a year or two, 69 Camaro.

[UMI Performance]

It is definitely addicting :)

Glad to hear you had fun. Enjoy it!

[Rod]

welcome to the DARKSIDE! :headbang:

[protouring70]

Yea it's a bad habit!

[UNBROKEN]

If you think it's not hard to point it in a straight line and mash the throttle you've never driven a truly fast drag car. Try something deep into the single digits and it's a whole new world.
I'll give ya one thing...this autocross stuff looks like a blast and I can't wait to try it myself.

[So Cal Camaro]

Drag racing is fun, I just hate waiting for my turn to run for 11-14 seconds depending on what I was driving. Autocross, depending on the event, you can get 10 to 30 runs in a day...and try to avoid all those cones....or not....LOL

[Rod]

your slide to the abyss has just started, first you say I will just drive around the track a little, it will be fun, after the races you go back to soccer games and softball and they all just seem boring and you remember each turn and slide, and think I know I can go faster, if i had sticker tires, more turns, and sliding happens, then after the races again you go back to soccer games and softball and they all just seem even MORE boring and you remember each turn and slide of the last event and you know you can go faster with a little more power for those sticky tires......and the cycle just keeps going, till autocross, trackdays and practices is all there is

not that that has ever happened to me

[CarlC]

Wait until you try a road course then try getting rid of that crack pipe. That's when it gets really addictive if speed is in your blood.

[j-rho]

The SCCA's Toledo ProSolo is this weekend: http://www.scca.com/events/index.cfm?eid=5485
Probably too late to become a member and get signed up, but spectating is free. "Real" autocrosses are a bit more open and fun (IMO) due to the larger spaces they play on.

Enjoy!

[Stg1Regal]

Rat Fink
I hear ya...

Been trying to get a autocross event of sorts going or started for Buicks , at any of the all Buick events.

Pretty much all the higher ups want A car show and drag races, they all seem interested , but don't want to get their fingers messy , direct me to do something off site of the venue and out of pocket.
But yes they want to use the events name.
Trying to get these dying Buick events some new blood, but the ole skoolers want to sit in their chairs and polish cars. A few left now days that go down the track.
back in the mid to late 90's it was hopping at these events , now days .. like you said boring..

[Jon @ Hotchkis]

Welcome to the fun! It is always fun to see someone try autocross for the first time, thinking they will just try it out and be done; and then they keep coming back, wanting more runs trying to go faster and faster, and after every run seeing a huge smile on their face. It doesn't get much better than that for us car guys.

[rustomatic]

Turns are needed. Without them, you'd just fall into the water. Drowning is no fun, especially if it happens after only a quarter mile of driving...

[Rod]

"Real" autocrosses

not going to go there, but you shouldn't turn your nose at any autocross

[j-rho]

not going to go there, but you shouldn't turn your nose at any autocross
Didn't mean it that way at all, that's why it was in quotes. Any event that gets people interested in turning the wheel - both ways even! - is a great thing. Goodguys makes the most of the venues they have, and many SCCA events around the country are run under similar circumstances.

To those discovering autocross for the first time at an event like that, just know that there's a whole big world of larger-scale autocrosses out there, where you can go faster, choose your line, and experience more dynamic situations on longer courses, without the elevated danger of a true high-speed track event.

[72BBSwinger]

My first experience was a Track Day on a 2.??mile road course. Yes im hooked, and im going back asap. I think a road course requires more car prep for one thing. An autox you dont have to worry about over heating ANYTHING really, so that in itself can make it more appealing to a first timer as well.

[Randy67]

I've been hooked on autocross for a decade now, loving every minute. I used to drag race but got tired of the long waits between runs (45 mins or more), and realized I couldn't afford to go as fast as I wanted to. Can't afford to Road Race either at this time, but maybe some day.

I run in the Atlanta Region SCCA (in C Prepared)and we have a few of the pro-touring cars come out before. One thing that surprises some of them is where their car ends up being classed per the rules. Most end up in Prepared or Modified, and it may be due to just one or two mods they did. But most do enjoy it quite a bit.

[DesertFox]

In SCCA, I'm stuck in C prepared hell... but I still have a good time ;)
To the OP your life isn't ruined you've just found a new addiction to spend all your spare cash on.
First it's better suspension, then stickier tires, then.... and on and on......

[Bryce]

In SCCA, I'm stuck in C prepared hell... but I still have a good time ;)
To the OP your life isn't ruined you've just found a new addiction to spend all your spare cash on.
First it's better suspension, then stickier tires, then.... and on and on......

Race in SU with us in San Diego. It is a SD class only, but it captures the Pro-touring cars on street tire.

[Z06killinSBF]

On the SCCA events, is spectating free? The Texas Region #5 race is this weekend and I'd like to go watch but it only mentions registration fees.

[j-rho]

Yes, spectating is free. Would be a glorious day when an SCCA autocross is considered interesting enough to garner a ticket price!

[BMR Sales]

RatFink,



Take a look at this place which is not too far from you, but I can tell you from personal experience that it is a great facility!



http://pittrace.com/

[SRD art]

It's easy to lose the taste for drag racing after trying autocross, at least it was for me. I have an 11 second Nova I had a bunch of fun cruising back in the early 90s. After a while I got sick of breaking parts and pushing the motor to it's limit. It's been sitting in the garage for a long time while I sort out my station wagon. The wagon has about 250 LESS horsepower than the Nova but is WAY more fun to drive. After it's done the Nova will be getting transformed to pro-touring. No more slicks and skinnies for me.

[Rat Fink]

Thanks for all the info! I'll have to check out Pittsburgh and the SCCA soon. I'm amazed at how many ex drag racing guys are into this, I think I'm among good company.

[car_designer]

Rat Fink, I'm in the same situation. I've been on here for a couple of years, but never been to any autocross events... until last weekend where I watched some people run at the Syracuse Nationals. Now I'm starting to think about what I need to do to my Cutlass to give it a try at the show next year. Or try and find something local to attend this year.


Rat Fink
I hear ya...

Been trying to get a autocross event of sorts going or started for Buicks , at any of the all Buick events.

Pretty much all the higher ups want A car show and drag races, they all seem interested , but don't want to get their fingers messy , direct me to do something off site of the venue and out of pocket.
But yes they want to use the events name.
Trying to get these dying Buick events some new blood, but the ole skoolers want to sit in their chairs and polish cars. A few left now days that go down the track.
back in the mid to late 90's it was hopping at these events , now days .. like you said boring..

Chris, at least the Buicks had drag racing. The Olds club only starting officially running a drag racing event with their national meet a couple of years ago.

[HELLCAMINO]

I'm the same way. I have a 71 Chevelle that has the skinny's up front and 11" of rear drag tires, but I have more fun Auto Xing my Elco. I haven't drag raced the Chevelle in 5 years either.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/0297_ax4_63013_zps432dd2ef-1.jpg

[Rat Fink]

You guys that are thinking of trying it or wondering what you need to do to get out there, I'm tellin' ya, just do it! My best run was a 51 and almost everyone else was running in the mid 40's, I had a ball you couldn't slap the smile off my face. She was all stock in the suspension dept., and those 50's cars weren't known for their handling. As for the guys who don't want to get off their chairs and have fun, get out there and show them how much fun it can be and maybe they'll join you. If not, their loss. That little guy looks like he's having fun in the El Camino.

[Z06killinSBF]

Well I did it, went to my first autoX race in about 15 years (I was a kid, dad raced C prepared 73 Camaro). Also, it was my son's first race experience (18 months old) and the wife's first autoX. Had a great time for the 1-1/2 hours my son let us stay. Now to get my blazer sorted and run over them orange pookey things.

[65_LS1_T56]

Hi, my name is Aaron and I'm addicted, to autocross! :drive1:

First time with G-Velle at Motorstate, had a blast.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/IMG_6651_zps041dcc26-1.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Motorstate%20Challenge%202013/IMG_6651_zps041dcc26.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/IMG_6683_zps42e205b7-1.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Motorstate%20Challenge%202013/IMG_6683_zps42e205b7.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/IMG_6685_zpsfd49a617-1.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Motorstate%20Challenge%202013/IMG_6685_zpsfd49a617.jpg.html)

[HELLCAMINO]

What wheels are you running on that 65 Aaron?

[struck by Lightning]

25+ years of drag racing here as well and still spray the truck down the track on occassion. I got hooked to auto-x in 2012 while attending a GG's show and shortly thereafter joined SCCA. I'm having a blast and am sooooooooo hooked that I'm building a 73 Camaro!

[65_LS1_T56]

What wheels are you running on that 65 Aaron?
They are Forgeline RB3C's. 18x8.5 fronts, 18x10.5 rears. Satin Gunmetal centers, satin cleared brushed outers, gunmetal inners.

[Rod]

25+ years of drag racing here as well and still spray the truck down the track on occassion. I got hooked to auto-x in 2012 while attending a GG's show and shortly thereafter joined SCCA. I'm having a blast and am sooooooooo hooked that I'm building a 73 Camaro!

addict!

[1966longroof]

Rat Fink I'm with you. Our car is a true daily driver/weekend bracket car. 11.90's manual shifting/12.30's leaving the 700R4 in drive (with slicks). Got tired of having to go fast and then.......hitting the brakes to make sure I didn't breakout. Told my buddies if I wanted to do sumthing for 12 seconds.....I'd have sex with my wife. Auto-X hooked me at Good Guys in Charlotte. My car is still a daily driver, but now have made suspension upgrades so I can turn both ways.
Not the fastest on the track. But having a riot sliding around on the front bench seat. And the wife loves it too. That's a win-win in my book.

[kmdracer]

My first experience at anything like Auto cross was right after I bought my wife's car. It's an 08 Caliber SRT4, and we got to go to the SRT experience track day. I had a blast on the cone course, and even managed to turn in 3rd fastest time of the day (against all the other amateurs, lol) but I really, REALLY liked the road course. So much so that I bought a 91 Camaro to build for stock class, but due to economic reasons, never got it finished, and it's gone now. So, for now, I'm just a lurker, getting my kicks watching everyone else.

[BuzzKillian]

:drive1:I gave a guy a "FREE" ride at Good Guys, and told him "You have no idea how much this ride is going to cost you."

[RobNoLimit]

You guys, you say 'addicted', and 'ruined my life' like it's a bad thing. lol. this is by far the least expensive (no, didn't say cheap) way to go racing.
- drag car, 40k, long tow, high pit fees, on a good day maybe 40 sec in the seat. With tires, fuel and rebuild/freshening costs, over five years, $400/sec.
- IMCA mod (ask me how I know) car 25K, lower pit fees, but tires and the cost of 'rubbin (everything), fuel, rebuild...But, on a good Saturday night, 40 min. seat time. five year ave. $100 minute.
- Flat track/Speedway bikes. Love it, but, I don't heal that fast any more.
- Auotcross. OK, some of have to much in out cars, but we would own these cars anyway. So really, we're talking about the extra to make it competitive, - maybe 5 to 10k. Tires and fuel, cheap enty fees. Total seat time is not as much as in the modified, but it's more fun. About 12 to 15 minutes per outing, my average is running about $25 / minute.
So, don't think of it as "ruined my life" or "addicted", or "WOW, this is gonna cost me", put it in perspective, and think, "HEY. autocross is saving me a bundle!!"

[Ron Sutton]

25+ years of drag racing here as well and still spray the truck down the track on occassion. I got hooked to auto-x in 2012 while attending a GG's show and shortly thereafter joined SCCA. I'm having a blast and am sooooooooo hooked that I'm building a 73 Camaro!

Cool. What does big red run in the 1/4 on nitrous?

.

[Ron Sutton]

You guys, you say 'addicted', and 'ruined my life' like it's a bad thing. lol. this is by far the least expensive (no, didn't say cheap) way to go racing.
- drag car, 40k, long tow, high pit fees, on a good day maybe 40 sec in the seat. With tires, fuel and rebuild/freshening costs, over five years, $400/sec.
- IMCA mod (ask me how I know) car 25K, lower pit fees, but tires and the cost of 'rubbin (everything), fuel, rebuild...But, on a good Saturday night, 40 min. seat time. five year ave. $100 minute.
- Flat track/Speedway bikes. Love it, but, I don't heal that fast any more.
- Auotcross. OK, some of have to much in out cars, but we would own these cars anyway. So really, we're talking about the extra to make it competitive, - maybe 5 to 10k. Tires and fuel, cheap enty fees. Total seat time is not as much as in the modified, but it's more fun. About 12 to 15 minutes per outing, my average is running about $25 / minute.
So, don't think of it as "ruined my life" or "addicted", or "WOW, this is gonna cost me", put it in perspective, and think, "HEY. autocross is saving me a bundle!!"

Hey Rob ... you've raced a lot of different stuff like me. You are a true "racing lifer" .

.

[Rat Fink]

RobNoLimit,
I love your sense of economics! Although the comment about "ruining my life" was tongue in cheek and it's an "addiction" I'm happy to have! I even caught my wife talkin' about suspension parts and tires the other day, now I can tell her we're saving money at the same time!

[RobNoLimit]

RobNoLimit,
I love your sense of economics! Although the comment about "ruining my life" was tongue in cheek and it's an "addiction" I'm happy to have! I even caught my wife talkin' about suspension parts and tires the other day, now I can tell her we're saving money at the same time!

haha, just chiming in. I get it. I'd race shopping carts if thats all there was. From time to time we get the customers who's husbands/wives are getting concerned about the time/money spent in the garage. I like to remind the all "It's better to spend it in a car, than spend it in a bar". Most of them calm down after that. BTW, - dig the 59.

Ron, I'm right with you. I like McQueen's saying "Racing is life. The rest is just waiting". Yosh (my mentor from the old Nissan P-car days), would say "The real racing happens in the shop. Usually late on tuesday or wednesday night. That stuff we do on sunday is just showing off"

[Ron Sutton]

Ron, I'm right with you. I like McQueen's saying "Racing is life. The rest is just waiting". Yosh (my mentor from the old Nissan P-car days), would say "The real racing happens in the shop. Usually late on tuesday or wednesday night. That stuff we do on sunday is just showing off"


Very true. That was always our belief & way & it's worked out for us.

.

[Schubitzky]

just know that there's a whole big world of larger-scale autocrosses out there, where you can go faster, choose your line, and experience more dynamic situations on longer courses, without the elevated danger of a true high-speed track event.

Please provide names of clubs that offer the bigger, faster courses. The only thing I've been able to find local to me is SCCA. thanks.

[struck by Lightning]

Please provide names of clubs that offer the bigger, faster courses. The only thing I've been able to find local to me is SCCA. thanks.

Quick net seach in your region;
http://www.nasaracing.net/
http://www.vmsc.org/
http://www.capitaldrivingclub.com/
http://www.autocrossersinc.com/site/
https://www.pcapotomac.org/
http://mscw.com/
http://www.pcachs.org/
http://www.nvcorvetteclub.com/

[struck by Lightning]

addict!

:lmao: Yes ...... my name is George and I'm an autocross junkie.

[Chris_67SS]

I auto cross every chance I get

[mikes2nd]

The only problem is Ohio is drag racing country, no one "gets" why I would want to take that big ol' car and try to make it turn

I'm gonna call bs on that statement... :)

http://www.where2race.com/autocross-solo-events-in-ohio

http://noraracing.net/
http://www.ovr-scca.org/
http://nelsonledges.com/

And you LIVE one hour from this place called "mid ohio" :) ever hear of it? for crying out loud...

http://www.midohio.com/

[Rat Fink]

mikes2nd,
"And you LIVE one hour from this place called "mid ohio" ever hear of it? for crying out loud..." Wow! that was a little harsh, ouch! While I truly appreciate your links to all of those wonderful events, your opening statement (I'm gonna call bs on that statement... ) in an otherwise lighthearted thread struck me as a little rough.

[ohsolow]

Glad to be your crack provider! See you in Indy

[Rod]

that stuff we do on sunday is just showing off"

i love showing off!!! :bicycle:

[Taman]

I was ruined on the 2008 Power tour. Had my buddies 200 Corvette setup for road racing. And I thought drag racing was fun! Now my 75 TA is ready to rock for autocrossing. The problem is I get put in the Mario Andertti class. I finished 43 out of 105 raw time. Not bad only have done it 5 times before. But add the index in I finished 103 out of 105. The 2 other guys in my class went 1 and 2 raw and indexed. Had more fun than most that day!

[rustomatic]

Here's the conundrum: What do you do when you find yourself suddenly so addicted that you constantly find reasons to rip your car apart and change things? This of course leads to a lack of autocross, since the changes leave the car immobile; at least it's late in the season, I guess, short of the GoodGuys thing in November...

[steveracer]

Hi, my name is Steve and I'm a crossaholic.

Hey there RF, glad you've caught the autoX bug. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I saw you with the 59 on the ridetech scales at good guys. I can't remember what it weighed but I remember thinking it was way less then what I thought it would be. My buick went 3850 without me in it and 56 percent on the front. I'll look forward to seeing you there next year ruining your life. Oh yeah, I'm a drag racer too, well not so much any more.

[06RangerSTX]

I would say consider yourself lucky... I myself am terribly addicted to autocross/trackdays, but no car to satisfy the need... I used to own a 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5Rs (worst mistake of my life type car) that I modded to drive in autocross/trackdays, Actually drove on Mid-Ohio once, 120mph down the back stretch is fantastic!! probably the most adrenaline rush that I have ever had in my life...

I know that my post sounds like "oh woes me" type post, I am just tired of being the one who is always watching from the sidelines at the events... Man that feels good to get out of my head!!!

but get out there and enjoy the car!! OVR (Ohio Valley Region SCCA) has a good operation going that should be pretty good to get out and race with...

[Rat Fink]

Steveracer,
She weighed a svelte 3516 lbs! Funny story, Rodney from Ridetech asked me how much I thought it weighed, I said 3522 (thinking 3515 was too "even" of a number), he was shocked at my guess, as was my wife and I. She's 50.57% front and 49.43% rear, not bad for an old gal! Were you autocrossing yours this year at Columbus? If you were, I think I was parked a couple of cars down from you in the pits on Saturday. Make sure you come up and say "hi!" next year.
06RangerSTX, thanks for the info about the OVR SCCA, I'll have to check them out.
I gotta say, you guys are a friendly group! I hope to meet many of you at some events, I'll be at Goodguys Indy with the 59, stop by and say, "hi!"

[06RangerSTX]

Steveracer,
She weighed a svelte 3516 lbs! Funny story, Rodney from Ridetech asked me how much I thought it weighed, I said 3522 (thinking 3515 was too "even" of a number), he was shocked at my guess, as was my wife and I. She's 50.57% front and 49.43% rear, not bad for an old gal! Were you autocrossing yours this year at Columbus? If you were, I think I was parked a couple of cars down from you in the pits on Saturday. Make sure you come up and say "hi!" next year.
06RangerSTX, thanks for the info about the OVR SCCA, I'll have to check them out.
I gotta say, you guys are a friendly group! I hope to meet many of you at some events, I'll be at Goodguys Indy with the 59, stop by and say, "hi!"

I almost forgot... check out www.unitedfordowners.com, they as well host a number of functions and also have autocross at Columbus Motor Speedway (http://www.columbusspeedway.com/), 1845 Williams Road in Columbus, Ohio

[Project92rs]

Here's the conundrum: What do you do when you find yourself suddenly so addicted that you constantly find reasons to rip your car apart and change things? This of course leads to a lack of autocross, since the changes leave the car immobile; at least it's late in the season, I guess, short of the GoodGuys thing in November...

This would be why you should always keep at least 1 backup vehicle that is capable of going out to play when the primary car is down. Val races the collection in the following order:

1. The 88 TransAm GTA. Most heavily prepped car for the events.
2. The 02 Camaro SS
3. The 90 IROC

As a true sign of the addiction, we're actually considering building one to store in Kentucky to use for events in the eastern US instead of having to drive one out from Phoenix when we want to hit an event east of the Mississippi.

[406 Q-ship]

Wait until you try a road course then try getting rid of that crack pipe. That's when it gets really addictive if speed is in your blood.

Amen brother Hollywood

[67goatman455]

mikes2nd,
"And you LIVE one hour from this place called "mid ohio" ever hear of it? for crying out loud..." Wow! that was a little harsh, ouch! While I truly appreciate your links to all of those wonderful events, your opening statement (I'm gonna call bs on that statement... ) in an otherwise lighthearted thread struck me as a little rough.

I dont think he meant it in a harsh way, its hard to judge sometimes when people are giving you a hard time. I have never met an auto-x'er that was a mean person. I think he meant "let me open your eyes to all the events around you!"

anyways, just wait till you get a little bit of suspension and brakes and try a road course! now that has ruined me for sure.

[gto406]

Resurrecting this thread!

What (if any sanctioning body) provides venues for both - straight line AND cars that go ‘round curves (left and/or right)?

I seem to recall one of the magazine’s (Hot Rod or Car Craft) talking about such a series but no luck finding it online (Google not helping me so far)!

Any thoughts or feedback appreciated!

Thanks,
Brian.

[RT66ProTouring]

Resurrecting this thread!

What (if any sanctioning body) provides venues for both - straight line AND cars that go ‘round curves (left and/or right)?

I seem to recall one of the magazine’s (Hot Rod or Car Craft) talking about such a series but no luck finding it online (Google not helping me so far)!

Any thoughts or feedback appreciated!

Thanks,
Brian.

Holley LS Fest

[gto406]

Holley LS Fest

Thanks! I checked their site and they appear to restrict it to cars with LT or LS GM v8 engines.

Anything similar to this that doesn’t restrict your source of power? Format is exactly what I was looking for. Perhaps an LS based car is in my future [emoji106]

[icemanrd19]

Optima street car challenge.

[TANKMASTERJ]

I haven't even Auto crossed yet as my car is in the build stage almost 3 years now I merely went and watched it at Memphis Motorsports Park and I am ruined LOL
What started out as a simple restoration on a 67 Camaro has now become a pro touring nightmare haha.
Speedtech front and rear suspension roll cage Etc.
Now power plant choices only make the expense and decision harder!

[bertram1999]

Resurrecting this thread!

What (if any sanctioning body) provides venues for both - straight line AND cars that go ‘round curves (left and/or right)?

I seem to recall one of the magazine’s (Hot Rod or Car Craft) talking about such a series but no luck finding it online (Google not helping me so far)!

Any thoughts or feedback appreciated!

Thanks,
rufus (https://rufus.cc)

I checked their site and they appear to restrict it to cars with LT or LS GM v8 engines.