Had my first Autocross in the MEGABUSA today...

[Hank]

[/url]http://www.hanksmegabusa.com "Click on the Racing link for pics"

 

Yep, I got tired of the "toy car", "show car only", blah blah BS and I brought the car out to lay the smack down on all of the nonbelievers. Believe you me, I don't want those little orange bastards (cones) to kill the bodywork. That is true. I've never been associated with killing cones so I didn't want to start now.

 

First run I slipped the clutch hard at the line and I slammed second just shy of the rev limiter. Damn clutch pedal got stuck behind the bolt stop which keeps the clutch from being pressed too far. Not 4 seconds into the course I'm stuck in neutral and I coasted to the finish after bypassing the entire course. Not good. I keep my cool, kneel down next to the car and I bend the clutch pedal over slightly. Problem solved.

 

Second run I decided to try my hand at left-foot braking. Not good. I blew past a few gates and tried to negotiate a 90 degree turn at 60mph. I felt like that one hoodlum on TRU Tv's "MOST SHOCKING" video that tries to turn the Cadillac at the interstate offramp going 90mph and he plows through the intersection and rolls the car. No cone damage and I got to complete the course for future reference.

 

Third run was going REALLY WELL until I hit a patch of sand/pebbles and all hell broke loose. Keep in mind this is my first attempt at autocrossing a RWD vehicle. I have been spoiled with AWD vehicles in my autox/lapping day career so far. I did have a 2004 Cobra Mustang once but it only saw dragstrip duty. Anyhow, I hit the slick patch of asphalt and I went for a ride. Not good. I slid sideways and took a cone out at 50mph. I cringed at what damage could be done to the car, but I was lucky to hit on the driver side where the header promptly melted the top of the cone off. Nice. To make matters worse I hit another patch on the back side of the course and I proceeded to make a big smokey 350 degree burnout. I ALMOST completed the turn but my inferior torque let me down. Now I see why all of the Se7en owners like boost!

 

Fourth run was completely perfect (I thought) until I saw my time. I'm on the heels of competitive drivers with street tires, but I need much work to catch those R-compound folk. I need to purchase some Hoosiers for the 13" wheels gathering dust in the garage, NOW!

 

Fifth run was kicking butt and taking names until I drove into a Chicago box that a Hummer H1 could easily fit through at speed. Not good. Overconfidence set in and I spun out merely 20 yards from the finish. I quickly exited the course and apologized for my actions.

 

Next time, you wait! :nopity:

[slngsht]

heh, best way to autox is take the 1st run at 75%. nice and easy drive through the cones. (yeah, sometimes I don't follow my own advice). sounds like you had some excitement though.

[Kitcat]

As our local auto-x hotshoe and multi-time solo champion, Danny Popp, likes to say:"How do you know where the limit is unless you exceed it?" He also constanly asks:"Are we having fun yet?"

 

Sounds like you just needed one more run to put it all together and that you were definitely having fun!

 

Mike

[Mondo]

I'm looking forward to doing some autoX but found out we don't do them locally anymore, they hold them kind of far away and I'll have to drive the car there and back (seen it done). Just putting it off as it seems a lot of effort for maybe 10 minutes of actual racing.

 

I figure I'll either spaz out - getting all out of shape or embarrass myself for going so slow (probably after spazzing out;)). Old enough now that I don't really car as it's all about having fun.

 

I really like the idea of being able to test the limits of the car (and my abilities) in a safe environment.

 

Glad you had a frustrating but good time.

[MHKflyer52]

I'm looking forward to doing some autoX but found out we don't do them locally anymore, they hold them kind of far away and I'll have to drive the car there and back (seen it done). Just putting it off as it seems a lot of effort for maybe 10 minutes of actual racing.

 

I figure I'll either spaz out - getting all out of shape or embarrass myself for going so slow (probably after spazzing out;)). Old enough now that I don't really car as it's all about having fun.

 

I really like the idea of being able to test the limits of the car (and my abilities) in a safe environment.

 

Glad you had a frustrating but good time.

 

Mondo,

 

Their is an Auto-x in Camarillo, CA this coming weekend on the 13th.

Look in events section Pacific as the info is their. Still not to late to call and see if any spots are still open. I will be their and I can say this you will get more than just 10 min's of time the way they run this Auto-X. http://www.usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?p=33805#post33805

Usually three sets of three practice runs befor the time runs.

And yes I usually spin out at least once during the runs as I tend to push it for fun.

Edited September 8, 2009 by MHKflyer52
Added link to info in another post