Do you really DRIVE your car?

[Kcorrigan2]

So, I am curious what all of you have to say. I used to go to a lot of car shows, park my car and talk to people. Just over a year ago I decided to overcome my anxiety and try the autocross at a Goodguys event...and I was hooked. Now, there are literally thousands of you posting and chatting on pro-touring, lateral-g etc and thousands of cars at events like the Goodguys but only a handful that actually hit the autocross....my question is why?
if you are like me, it was somewhat intimidating to watch these guys run and I thought I would look like a fool if I took my car out there. Well, I could not have been more wrong. I have been introduced to a new family. This family is different from most other motorsports in that everyone helps everyone. You will never feel foolish and if you mess up you will be in good company...because everybody does and we laugh with each other about it.
So, I know there are tons of you who live within driving distance of Nashville. Goodguys is coming to Nasville in 2 weeks and I personally would love to see a bunch of new faces out on the autocross. This is an invitation to you. Bring your car out, see what it will do. You will have the time of your life and I promise you this...if you have any questions come talk to me or any of the other pro drivers...we will help you in any way we can.
Are you ready? Let's have some fun!

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Why haven't I? I guess partially because I don't want to do anything half-assed. I had my 98 Pontiac Trans Am that might have been okay, but it had over 200k miles when I sold it a few months ago. I guess the practice would have been good, but I'd rather do it in a proper car to begin with, rather than a sloppy stock, worn out car (and frag an engine on a car I knew was going up for sale soon). So I've got my 71 Firebird with all new ridetech suspension ready to go on that I hope to have on the road early next year, and my cheap 82 Camaro... which ironically replaced my 98 Trans Am, but it's a simpler and lighter car. I won't be a champion with that car, but I'll at least be able to have some fun.

[Kcorrigan2]

Josh, thanks for the honesty. I completely understand what you are saying and would offer this...as soon as practical, run the autocross. As you get to know your car, your parts list will change. my Camaro was state of the art in this sport 7 years ago...In the last 3 months I have updated a long list of items on the car and continue to do so. It is really hard to tell what you need to update until you start driving and pushing. My new iFS designed and built by Rob at No Limit was a major leap forward in the cars handling and it showed me that the ergonomics in the car needed to be changed. The ergonomics let me feel what. The car was doing much better which is now leading me to spring and sway bar changes....there is just no end. It just. Depends how competative you...and your wallet, are. In the end this is about having fun and believe me, getting any of your cars out and driving would be fun.
I look forward to seeing your '71 in action....cheers to you!

[bret]

I think a lot of people are intimidated by the "fast" guys...Chris Smith, Rob McGreagor, Brian Finch, etc. The thing to remember is that, with no exception that I can think of, these fast guys are EAGER to help you make your car better. The better your car performs, the more you will enjoy driving it. And by performance, I am not limiting the definition to just suspension. There are lots of inexpensive ways to radically improve the performance of your car. Seats, pedal placement, brake adjustments, tires, fuel delivery...all these things have a great influence on the enjoyment of your car. The people who routinely run these Goodguys and optima events have gone through this process and are quite willing to guide others with their experience. Practice is the single most important ingredient to making your car perform better.
The best thing about participating in these events is that you get to hang out with a group of intelligent like minded people who live to achieve things in their lives. You won't find a lazy, mean, or dumb bone in their bodies.

[JustJohn]

Mine simply isn't safe to flog yet.

I've done track days in previous cars and know what can happen if you don't have all your ducks in a row. Very much hope to re-learn driving with a big car next summer.

[rickierockit92]

if you ask me .. i believe its about what pro "touring" really means.. touring. like driving the car. i respect the die hard autocross guys but i would rather enjoy my 327 with updated suspension just ripping through the mountains, valleys, coasts, and just checking out everywhere and anywhere i can. taking trips with it and not being afraid to drive it. rain or shine. i believe its about driving.


that being said .. autocross is definitely in the future for me. i just doubt they would let me on the track with a bench seat and lap belts lol

[72_Nova]

Soon...

[srh3trinity]

I am building mine to do anything. I really like the idea of the Cruising the Smokies type events. The USCA events would be fun to go to as a spectator, but that would be a bit much for me at this point. I am not into the competition side of things, more the fun side.

[BADNBLK]

I wish I drove mine more. I have ran a couple local autocrosses and the Goodguys CO Nationals event. I look forward to the USCA event in CO this summer and a chance to run a road course with some great teachers and pro's to bug for advise. I built my car to run the canyons outside of town, but as I have aged I no longer feel the need to break the law, and put my self and others in danger, so sanctioned events it is. I consistently encourage other gear heads to get out no matter the car set up or experience to try autocross, as it is extremely fun to just get out and turn around the course whether you're are a contender or not.

[raustinss]

I would if it was in one piece. I have my list of events that I will go to. The other thing there aren't really any major events in canada. So I have to plan for that too

[rickierockit92]

Do you need a 4 or 5 point harness? .. And other rules or regulations that you must for your car?

[JEFFTATE]

these fast guys are EAGER to help you make your car better. The best thing about participating in these events is that you get to hang out with a group of intelligent like minded people who live to achieve things in their lives. You won't find a lazy, mean, or dumb bone in their bodies.

Touche' Bret

[Kcorrigan2]

No harness required...actually there are very few requirements. Everything must be strapped down securely, tires in good shape, brakes in good shape and you must be ready to have fun.

[Kcorrigan2]

Bench seat and lap belts will work fine. You would be surprised to see what people drive and have for seats. When I first started in the Thunderbird I had a flat bucket seat and three point belt that let me slide all over the place...I never felt unsafe but I sure slid around...especially as my driving skills improved along with my times.

[Kcorrigan2]

Here is a link to the Goodguys autocross rules...it looks like a lot but it's really not.
https://www.good-guys.com/events/eve...guys-autocross

[Kcorrigan2]

Well said Bret! I would include you in with those "fast guys"!!
There are certainly a few guys get very "focused" on race day but I have seen even those guys climb underneath a competitors car to help him/her make the next round. It is always impressive to me just how much all of you guys know and how much you are willing to share. We also do ride-alongs for any of you who are interested...this is a great way to see what it is all about and pick up some driving tips along the way!

[Kcorrigan2]

I am building mine to do anything. I really like the idea of the Cruising the Smokies type events. The USCA events would be fun to go to as a spectator, but that would be a bit much for me at this point. I am not into the competition side of things, more the fun side.

Cruisin the Smokies was a fantastic event...I agree, these are incredibly fun and something for everyone. I will tell you that USCA now offers a single day registration if you just want to run the Autocross and Brake stop challenge. I personally love all car events but the ones that involve any type of driving the cars are my favorites!

[SSLance]

Glad the bug has bitten you Keith, you seem to be really enjoying the sport now that you finally dove in...

I drive the wheels off mine every chance I get and love it as well. I've never done a Good Guys though...my car is too new to run with them. ;)

[Project92rs]

Right now, mine is getting a few necessary upgrades to run in autox type events. It will debut at something this fall if things go as planned. It will very likely turn slow times but put on a great sound and smoke show. Until then I play pit crew and lead builder for my wife's 88 GTA that runs all over the country having just completed USCA Vegas followed by a trek cross country to run and play in Pigeon Forge at Cruisin the Smokies as part of the BFG Share the Ride initiative. We'll make it to another USCA event and Holley LSFest in addition to some of the SoCal Hotchkis autox events and at least one more GoodGuys All American Sunday.

So, yes, we drive them as much as possible although both vehicles have been long retired from true daily driver status. That job goes to some other less noticeable and identifiable vehicles.

[Kcorrigan2]

Glad the bug has bitten you Keith, you seem to be really enjoying the sport now that you finally dove in...

I drive the wheels off mine every chance I get and love it as well. I've never done a Good Guys though...my car is too new to run with them. ;)

Yep, it bit me hard!! With regards to Goodguys events...actually there are a few events each years that are open to any year Americanmade cars and most Sunday's are open to all American made cars. I run SCCA events like you do and the difference is the spectators that attend the Goodguys...it adds a whole other level of excitement to the event...I have read a lot of your posts all the way back to when you first started talking to Ron Sutton...you have taken the time to understand your car very well and as a result you are running rather well....I hope we get to run together sometime!! Maybe a USCA event?