Interested in Practice AutoX April 30th

[5spoke]

Hi, I am not a member of VMSC but I attended yesterday's event and was very impressed with the club. I am very interested in taking part in the autoX practice, or "school" as I heard it referred to by a member, on April 30th. It would be my first time participating in any sort of racing event but I am eager to have some fun and learn some things. My main question is can a non VMSC member participate in the practice? And if so, do I register through MyAutoEvents like the rest of the club?

Thanks!

Chuck

Edit: Mods if this should be in the "Events" section feel free to move it. I don't want to double post the same question.

[blue06civic]

Hi Chuck,

Glad you were impressed by the event.  You do not have to be a VMSC member to participate.  Registration for everyone is done through MyAutoEvents.  I do want to be clear that the 4/30 event is not a school since we don't provide instructors, but I'm sure there will be people there willing to give you a few pointers or let you ride and see what they're doing.  Hope to see you there!

-Justin

[gunny]

Hey if he wants someone to show him the ropes I can be up there.
Didn't plan on running my car but I'll be there if someone wants or needs me to.

just throwing that out there.


Gunny

[5spoke]

Hey guys thanks for the replies,

I went ahead and registered for the event. I really just want to get my feet wet with autocross. I am brand new to the sport so any experience will be helpful. Is there anything major I should know before showing up? I am planning to run my stock tires and everything about the car is stock. I have heard to inflate the tires a bit more than stock and remove any loose items in the car. Any tips you guys may have would be much appreciated.

Thanks again!

[blue06civic]

There's a document titled "Your First Autocross" in the Downloads section of our site which has some good pointers in it.  The most overlooked prep item that can't always be taken care of at the event is to make sure your battery is secured with a tie down (bungee cords don't count, make sure you have a real tie down).  Most cars come from the factory with a tie down, but sometimes they are missing.

Running your stock car on street tires is the best way to learn.  The slower the car is through the course, the easier it is for you to keep up with it and really focus on driving it to 100% of its potential.  Then, if you want to modify it you will have an idea of what you want out of it (more oversteer, less oversteer, etc) which can influence what parts you put on it.

[5spoke]

Awesome I will make sure I read through that document. I will be driving a 2010 MINI Cooper S. The battery is "secure" but I am not sure what the requirements for a tie down are. It looks like the battery is clamped and held by its bottom edge. I attached a break down of how the mounting system works. Do you think this setup will be ok or should I look into a different way?

Thanks!

[wahoo5]

It should be fine unless something is broken or loose. I have an '09 MINI and I don't have any trouble with my battery moving.

David

[5spoke]

Hey guys,

Quick question, what time are the practices usually over? I am just trying to schedule a meeting with my fiance and our wedding musicians.

Thanks!

Chuck

[blue06civic]

We're planning on finishing around 4, but you can leave any time you like after your work assignment.

[5spoke]

Great thank you!

[5spoke]

I had an awesome time Saturday and even decided to come compete on Sunday, the event was great and I had a blast. It was awesome to actually get to really drive my car for the first time.
Thank you to everyone who helped me out or rode along and gave me some advice!

[blue06civic]

Glad you enjoyed yourself, that's our goal when putting on these events.  I hope you're hooked now and we'll see you at our next autocross on the 15th 

[wahoo5]

I enjoyed meeting you, Chuck. Did you buy Ray's wheels? I noticed he sold them.

Hope to see you back.

David

[5spoke]

David, It was great meeting you as well. I actually contacted Ray about them the night before he sold them, so I missed out. But I am on the hunt for some others. Thanks for the tips!