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

[Kentetsu]

An earlier post recommended reducing your tire pressure for the race. I do not agree with this, but it may depend on the size/type of tire you are running. I usually run my tires at 35 for street, but will go up as high as 50 for autocross. Here's how to tell what pressure you'll need, without getting very technical or requiring additional equipment.

Use some chalk or shoe polish to mark the sidewall of your tire, right up to the shoulder. After your first run, see how the markings have worn off. If it shows that you are rolling the tire over onto the sidewall, increase your pressure. If it shows that you are not anywhere near the sidewall, then you can reduce the pressure. The idea is to use all of the tread surface, without going onto the sidewall.

Good luck, and have a good time.

[SJ_chameleon]

Originally Posted by Kentetsu

An earlier post recommended reducing your tire pressure for the race. I do not agree with this, but it may depend on the size/type of tire you are running. I usually run my tires at 35 for street, but will go up as high as 50 for autocross. Here's how to tell what pressure you'll need, without getting very technical or requiring additional equipment.

Use some chalk or shoe polish to mark the sidewall of your tire, right up to the shoulder. After your first run, see how the markings have worn off. If it shows that you are rolling the tire over onto the sidewall, increase your pressure. If it shows that you are not anywhere near the sidewall, then you can reduce the pressure. The idea is to use all of the tread surface, without going onto the sidewall.

Good luck, and have a good time.

I agree. At all of the autocross schools and meets I have been to the older guys who have been at it a while tell me to raise my tire pressure when they see how low it is.

[scotty305]

Originally Posted by Kentetsu

An earlier post recommended reducing your tire pressure for the race. I do not agree with this, but it may depend on the size/type of tire you are running. I usually run my tires at 35 for street, but will go up as high as 50 for autocross. Here's how to tell what pressure you'll need, without getting very technical or requiring additional equipment.

Use some chalk or shoe polish to mark the sidewall of your tire, right up to the shoulder. After your first run, see how the markings have worn off. If it shows that you are rolling the tire over onto the sidewall, increase your pressure. If it shows that you are not anywhere near the sidewall, then you can reduce the pressure. The idea is to use all of the tread surface, without going onto the sidewall.

Good luck, and have a good time.

I agree with this also: it's a lot easier to let a little air out of the tires after a lap than to add more pressure.

Ask about instructor runs when you are at the registration table; the region I run with allows you an additional run with an instructor driving if you request it. It's really helpful to see what your car can do in the right hands, keeps me from spending money on suspension or tire mods when I really just need to "fix the nut behind the wheel."

If you're at a practice event, try to ride shotgun with other drivers if there is time when you aren't driving or working. It's nice to see the difference in lines, braking points, and steering is especially important on an autocross course.