Going to my first auto-cross, in the RX-7, what do I need to know?

[P71]

So I've been filling out forms all week, I have my SCCA membership sent in, and the paperwork for the auto-cross. It's a Novice only event (maximum limit of 10 auto-crosses to be allowed into this one). It's in exactly 30 days.

I already have a Snell M2005 full-face helmet (for drag racing) and the car itself is my 100% stock 83 RX-7 GSL which has a fresh tune-up and oil change.

What else do I need to do, especially to the car, before the auto-cross? I'm not worried about winning or placing, but seeing as how it's a 50-mile drive each way to the event, I'd like to finish the event and be able to drive home with no problems.

My car does have new tires and runs and drives well. It does have a bizarre groan when turning very tightly and/or going over a bump/dip funnily (like at an angle instead of straight on). It's manual steering and the posi works excellent. Brakes seem very good, but I haven't actually had the wheels off to check.

Any and all advice is appreciated. I just want to be able to concentrate on the instructors and learning how to auto-cross properly without worrying whether or not the car will make it!

[Willub and Company]

good job! glad to see you making the jump on your first event. so things you need/should know/should bring..

1) remove loose junk from the car before you get there. don't wait, do it at your house, only bring loose things that you need, wallet, phone, tools maybe.
2) make sure you have a battery tie-down and that the tray it is tied to is tight, if they sense it to be loose at all, they won't let you race.
3) I highly recommend sunblock. even if you think you won't get burned, you will, always happens. even if it's cloudy out.
4) bring a tire pressure gauge and if possible a small electric compressor. you will want to take out some air for the race and then put it back in after wards. between heats check the tire pressure, it will go up as the tires get warmer.
5) bring lunch, don't expect there to be food there. and don't expect to leave, you will have to work a heat too remember.
6) have fun!

that's all i can think of for now.

[dinosaur]

look through this site, it has info on preping the car, driving the course and working the event. (it's interactive and even show different lines and the results of each, so click around)
http://www.wtfstables.com/rmsoloschool/

Show up early, walk the course a few times, ask questions (most are more than willing to help you), and HAVE FUN. It's like Crack for car nuts.


Dean

[Turbo II]

Battery is the big one for tech inspection, along with no leaks, good belts and lug nuts torqued down. I'd also ditch the spare tire once there and floor mats if you have them. Like said anything loose that you don't need. Since you have the helmet already, see how you fit with it on in the car. Some people have to really change the way they normally sit to fit right with the extra height the helmet adds. Your instructor should walk you through the course, memorize it in your head and replay it over and over.

Other than that, just relax and have fun! It's addictive and you'll be surprised how much you'll learn about you and the car.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Werd on the helmet thing, I usually pop up the sunroof on the SE so my helmet doesn't hit

[railgun]

Use the proper wheel studs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3yLGTYX7kI

[josh18_2k]

check your wheel bearings. if they can rock your wheel on the hub they wont let you race. you going to the one in bremerton?

[P71]

No, the Oregon SCCA Novice one at PIR on April 13th.

[josh18_2k]

oh cool, ima drive too. cya there!

[P71]

Sveet! If it stops raining I'll be at the drags tonight and/or Sunday. Isn't looking good though

walk the course as many times as u can...

full face helmets suck (sorry to say) they limit yoru perifrial vision... if its not to late I woudl trade it back in for a brain bucket..

on the first run just feel the track dont try and "win"

most the time u get 3-5 runs leave the glory runs untill u are ending for the day...

good luck, have fun, and most importantly be safe

[P71]

I've been using for drag racing since 2006, so yeah a little late. I happened to be working for Daytona International Speedway when Dale Earnhardt had his fatal wreck. Seeing what happened to him, I'll stick with a full-face helmet and just deal with the visibility issues.

[Willub and Company]

well if you luck out they might have helmets there that aren't full face. i know the local club brings about 5-6 open face helmets that people can use when they get up to the line.

[josh18_2k]

Originally Posted by P71

I've been using for drag racing since 2006, so yeah a little late. I happened to be working for Daytona International Speedway when Dale Earnhardt had his fatal wreck. Seeing what happened to him, I'll stick with a full-face helmet and just deal with the visibility issues.

dont worry- when you hit the concrete barrier, it should be at no more than 90mph.

i use a motorcycle helmet. i dont think its a big deal- you should be looking where you're going, and theres no traffic, so who needs peripheral

[P71]

Lol! I might pick one up just because. I'll see what Summit has on sale.