Autocross

[mpozzi]

Third: Question for the seasoned autocrossers / club racers out there:

What does it take to competitive in C Prepared on the national level?

Judging by what I have seen, no road going car is going to be able to compete on that level in C Prepared?

I absolutely refuse to have a car dedicated solely to racing at this point in my life....Which leads me to the unevitable requirement of selling my car (which I have already tried and isn't going so well) and buying something that can compete in Stock for awhile and been driven daily....then move along to other classes later / turn it into a club racer.....


Thanks In Advance,

Chuck Mamich

Hi Chuck,

It all depends on what level of competition you're going to be satisfied with. For C Prepared, it will take a specialty-build car to be competitive at the National level. The Ankeny Camaro (V6, 2600 lbs, built to the limit of the rules) was advertised for $40K in Sports Car (SCCA periodical) and I think it sold on eBay (not sure how much). And this car finished only in the TOP FIVE at Nationals.

At a Regional or local level, you can take a street car and do okay. You won't be in contention for TTOD or possibly even a Top Ten time of day but will have fun and get some good competition. Again, your expectation is what's essential to doing well and feeling comfortable about C Prepared.

CP is all about power-to-weight. The majority of these cars are tube-frame, have lightweight engines (V6 or V8), adjustable coil-over suspension, racing slicks, and have been put on a strict diet. They're not street cars. As you're not willing (nor should you be as you have a nice car) to strip your current Camaro to National CP trim, step down and run it Regionally or locally. As you're still a relative novice with Solo II, give yourself a season to become familiar with the events and different types of track surfaces. All of this becomes very important the higher up you are with level of competition. To run a nationally-competitive CP car for a season (unsponsored and all on you), you're looking at at least $3-5K a year. This includes entry fees, tires, fuel, maintenance, and trip expenses (Nationals in Topeka, KS). It doesn't include a tow vehicle nor trailer.

Now, your other question also sounds very interesting and for Stock Category competition, there's F Stock. Both the Camaro and Mustang offer each other good competition but so far the Mustang Shelby GT500 is the car to beat. The Camaro SS/Firebird WS6 aren't classed in F Stock but do well in E Street Prepared with the allowed modifications. You have some options here and all will offer a fun street car as well. Again, tires are going to be the biggest expense to keep you competitive.

Good luck and there may be another thread with more autocross/Solo II information elsewhere in the forums. I've competed my '73 RS locally and done pretty well; there are threads that give the build and fun with this car.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi