Signed Up For 1st Autox

[XStang302x]

So went ahead and signed up for my first autox in a couple weeks. I'm really looking forward to it to find certain limits of the car in that environment. Ideally, I want to start doing a track day or two a year...but feel this is probably the safest, cheapest, and less wear n tear route to start learning the grip limits of the car. I do take her up to the mountains occasionally to drive the same route I ride my bikes on and was quite impressed. This car is definitely quite capable in stock trim.

Aside from the general stuff I've read about 1st time autoX advice, do any of you vehicle specific advice I can take with me?

 

[15GTrob]

@XStang302x I've auto crossed mine a few times it is a LOT of fun. It's also a lot of frustrating if you take it seriously. You make one lap then you wait for everyone to go. I much prefer road courses where you are making multiple laps. Study the track! I've made the mistake of just showing up and being clueless of the track and it makes the session more difficult. Cross over sections really get me. It just doesn't feel natural to cross over to the other side of the track. I would short shift to 2nd gear just before turn one and hold 2nd through the entire course (obviously depending on the size of the course you will determine if you need 3rd but I doubt it). I've never had a use for third gear at an auto X plus our cars have plenty of torque to bring 2nd way down in the RPM range. They always told me keep the motion with the wheel smooth. I tend to be a bit jerky in the slalom. This really isn't car specific but they are some of the things I've picked up along the way of Auto X. Have fun let us know how you do!

 

[XStang302x]

Thanks for the tips @15GTrob ! Ya, I plan on getting there super early to study the track so I'm not a lost idiot...but i probably will be the first run or two haha. Been watching other people's vids from the same group to kind of see how they set the course up and the cone layouts to indicate direction so I have a general idea. Anyway, looks like it's going to be a good time and if I can score a gopro i might be a vid up if it isn't too embarassing

 

[15GTrob]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHGNMEH7eps
Here's one of mine.

 

[XStang302x]

Nice man! That looks like a fun course for sure!

 

[XStang302x]

Man what a blast that was! I'll definitely be doing another one for sure and having a GoPro next time haha. I did really well for my first time out and started to get into the competitive spirit towards the end of the day. Looks like the site is still down so I don't have the official times yet (looks like someone forgot to pay their GoDaddy bill hah). I think my 1st run just learning the course was 82.x secs and by my last run I had got that down to 70.x secs.

Highly recommend it for anyone looking to push their car a bit affordably and without a lot of wear and tear.

 

[XStang302x]

Finally got the link to the times http://mgascca.com/results_live.htm

I think the times in the total section are the formulated adjusted times...I'm not really sure, still kinda figuring it all out. Looks like I was the fastest stang though!

 

[15GTrob]

Nice work Broseph!