(2011) Auto-X Newbie - What Do I Need To Know?

Just took delivery on my 2012 M3 last night. Feeling like a 5 year old on Christmas morning:biggrin:

The only semi-autocross I have ever experienced has been through BMW Ultimate Driving Events that have popped from time to time. I had a great time and really want to get into the sport for the experience (make me a better driver) and the social aspect of it (ie: competition!).

I am an NCC member and have been looking around the forums to try to learn more about what's available in our area. Can anyone provide me with a short list of things I need to know and what I need to do to get signed up for the next season?

Thanks.

Wow! Congratulations on your new car. There are numerous autocross opportunities in the DC area and perhaps the best place to start is with our own chapter. We will be hosting one or more schools this coming season, but participating in a school is not necessary to doing an actual autocross event. Lots of people there will be glad to guide you through the day.
The autocross section of our website will give you an idea of our unique car classing system.

The DC Region of the Sports Car Club of America runs the biggest program in the area, both in terms of the number of participants and the size of their courses at FedEx Field (the Redskins' stadium). The SCCA calls autocross "Solo". Here is one informative page from their website:
http://www.wdcr-scca.org/SoloAutocro...0/Default.aspx
and notice there are links to more information on the left.

Some of the earlier threads on this forum will have videos from our past events.
Woody Hair

Go fast.....don't hit cones.

If everything goes to plan, we will be hosting three autocross schools this year. I highly suggest you attend one as it's probably the best value per dollar you can get. Stay tuned to the autocross section of our forum and the autocross page at www.nccautocross.com for more information.

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Originally Posted by 03threefiftyz

Go fast.....don't hit cones.

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And probably the most important thing, stay on course.

The only thing you need to know is when and where to show up and to ask for rides/someone to ride with you. In older cars, its good to know that nothing is likely to fall off.

As Jonathan said above, we should be having a school in early spring. Come to the school, it is low stress and teaches you just about everything you will need to know to have an enjoyable autoX experience. If you can't make the school that is fine, just try to get to your first autoX a bit early and tell the folks at the registration desk that you are new and we will try to pair you with an experienced autocrosser.

Bob

Thanks for the great ideas and resources. I will definitely try to make it to the classes and the events. See ya'll out there. I'll be in the Interlagos Blue M3. You know, the one that posted a faster time than you!

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Originally Posted by milpar34

Thanks for the great ideas and resources. I will definitely try to make it to the classes and the events. See ya'll out there. I'll be in the Interlagos Blue M3. You know, the one that posted a faster time than you!

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^ :)

You stuffin' those 315 hoho's on there this year?

285's to start the year...when the temps heat up I will go over to 315's on all 4.

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Originally Posted by 03threefiftyz

285's to start the year...when the temps heat up I will go over to 315's on all 4.

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I envy you and the amount of rubber you can stuff under there. I was originally thinking about putting a real set of tires on my car again, however I'm pretty sure work is going to get in the way of me participating much other than with the BMWCCA this year. Might be smart just to put street tires on it again.

I do the vast majority of events on star specs. 315's on the front take some fender....modification.

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Originally Posted by mcoupemindy

I envy you and the amount of rubber you can stuff under there. I was originally thinking about putting a real set of tires on my car again, however I'm pretty sure work is going to get in the way of me participating much other than with the BMWCCA this year. Might be smart just to put street tires on it again.

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ENVY!?, Our Coupes are famous for da big booty, 3:15's are no problem.just the front is a problem

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Originally Posted by Bob

ENVY!?, Our Coupes are famous for da big booty, 3:15's are no problem.just the front is a problem

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I'm going to need to add the weight of a few more turbos to help eliminate the understeer I'll have up there. Ok, I'll just have to continue steering with the right pedal. LOL.

With the right offset I could put a 345 in the back.....lots of space back there :).