(2009) Autocross Events

[noelleslie]

For the people who asked where they can find more autocross practice, there is enough to keep you busier than you might like:

As many have said, "get out and practice!"

There are some schools offered by the SCCA that are really good too. The website mentions them from time to time. While I feel that NONE of the other groups can match the charisma and all around affability of the NCC BMW group, I do know the feeling of being frustrated and wanting to practice and practice. The events below are good for that.

This is only about 75% of what is out there. I personally am doing the BMW, SCCA and AI events with an occasional Porsche event, which makes about two to three events per month. If anyone is going, we can always create an NCC faction at the other clubs so no one is ever a loner... especially at SCCA, which can be huge and daunting.

Codes:

NCC = us (BMW)
SCCA = sports car club of america = http://www.wdcr-scca.org/
AI = autocrosser's inc (scca people) = http://www.wdcr-scca.org/
above(scca / ai) = register at www.dlbracing.com
PPCA = potomac porsche club of america = http://www.pcapotomac.org/
CPCA = chesepeake porsche club of america = http://www.pcachs.org/
CDC = capitol driving club = http://www.capitaldrivingclub.com/
be weary of the CDC events in Frederick, MD.. VERY SMALL lot.

Other Clubs:

Mercedes-Benz = http://www.gws-mbca.org/index.html
Mazda Sports Car Club of Washington = www.mscw.com
NASA = http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/
Cumberland Airport = http://www.nationalroadrally.com/info.html

2009 NL SCHEDULE - AUTOCROSS

Mar 21 Autocrossers Inc EVO School
Mar 22 Autocrossers Inc Event #1
Mar 28 NCC AX #1 at Summit Skid Pad
Mar 28 CDC Frederick
Mar 29 SCCA Practice AX Fedex
Mar 29 CDC Test&Tune Frederick


April 4 sat CDC Bowie
April 11 sat Autocrossers Inc
Apr 18 BMW AX school at MSP
April 18 sat CDC Summit Point
April 26 sun SCCA #1 Fedex
April 26 sun PPCA Bowie #1

May 2 NCC AX #2 Summit Point (PM heat)
May 3 AI Blue Crab Stadium
May 9 CDC MSP
May 16 CPCA #1
May 24 sun PPCA #2
May 31 sun SCCA AX #2


June 7 sun Autocrosser’s Inc #4
Jun 13 sat NCC AX #3 MSP
June 19/20/21 DC Pro Solo – (register on national site)
June 21 CPCA #2
June 27 NCC Car Control Clinic at MSP


Jul 11 sat NCC AX #4 TSP
Jul 12 sun SCCA AX #3
July 18 sat CDC MSP, CPCA #3

Aug 2 sun SCCA AX #4
Aug 8 NCC AX #5 MSP
Aug 16 (mod) SCCA AX #5 CPCA #4
Aug 29 NCC AX #6 MSP


Sept 19 CDC MSP, CPCA #5
Sep 27 (mod) SCCA AX #6
Sept 26 NCC AX #7 Bowie


Oct 11 (mod) SCCA AX#7
Oct 9-11 NCC DS at JC
Oct 17 CDC MSP
Oct 18 CPCA #6
Oct 24 NCC AX #8 Bowie


Nov 4 CPCA #7


Finally, if enough people attend an event, we can all compare videos. I use a simple camera mount that cost about $5 total and record all my events and analyze them afterwards. A lot of people do this that are fast: JB and CB and BH and WH to name a few.

My videos are at www.youtube.com/gol737 This also gives you a feel of what each location is like.

Here was yesterday's event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2mBB...e=channel_page

[mcoupemindy]

The AI series is fantastic and is closer to the feel "friendship". PCA events are also great IMO.

I stay away from the SCCA like the plague now. It seems like nothing but bad attitudes, hostility, and big $$$ competition.

[woodym3]

I stay away from the SCCA like the plague now. It seems like nothing but bad attitudes, hostility, and big $$$ competition.

And great courses on a great lot at FedEx Field (Redskins' stadium).

[Zcruizer]

Jonathan, your exhaust note alone could handle those attitudes and hostility. I know it scared me yesterday (just a little). BTW , did that 3.73 final drive make a big difference for you? 3.15 stock ?

[mcoupemindy]

Jonathan, your exhaust note alone could handle those attitudes and hostility. I know it scared me yesterday (just a little). BTW , did that 3.73 final drive make a big difference for you? 3.15 stock ?

I'm still on the fence with the final drive 3.73 - a big jump from the stock 3.23. I hit the end of 2nd twice, but didn't want to waste the time to shift into third. It definitely hauls in 2nd to the redline.

I had GOBS of understeer yesterday - a first for the car. Oh well.

[mcoupemindy]

And great courses on a great lot at FedEx Field (Redskins' stadium).

Agreed - they do have some awesome courses.

[ronh21]

I just want to add in that the Greater Washington Section of the Mercedes Club has monthly events, all at Millbrook high school in Winchester. It's a very friendly group, and usually maxes out around 40-45 cars, half MB. In May we did 4 AM and 4 PM runs, plus fun runs.

http://www.gws-mbca.org/index.html

[Reach]

Great list Noel and good additions guys! I'm one of the people itching for additional fun (or practice, call it what you want) so I look forward to spotting fellow NCC members at some of these events.

[noelleslie]

Cool. I updated the list to reflect the MB Club.

[mduhovich]

Thanks for the list!

[woodym3]

It's a little further afield, but around 2-hours from the DC and Baltimore beltways. I'm talking about the monthly Cumberland Airport AX series. They run separate events on different courses Saturday and Sunday. You can do either day of both. Cumberland is a beautiful town and has Friday night street parties in the summer. The autocross group has a barbeque or crab feast on Saturday evening. I recommend spending at least one night up there, but it's not necessary.

http://www.nationalroadrally.com/info.html

Here is a video from a Factory Five Cobra at the June event:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy2jtvnB8ZE

[Car54]

Don't forget about NASA events as well, including CircuitCross (Coming up in July) which is a hybrid of autocrossing and time-trials.

Here's their schedule:
http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/

[Reach]

Circuitcross looks like a lot of fun, but that's a long drive to VIR for an overgrown autocross. Yet, why am I tempted to sign up...

[ronh21]

Circuitcross looks like a lot of fun, but that's a long drive to VIR for an overgrown autocross. Yet, why am I tempted to sign up...

My thoughts exactly. I'm wondering if I can do just Sat HPDE, then the circuitcross stuff all day Sun.

[Car54]

Circuitcross looks like a lot of fun, but that's a long drive to VIR for an overgrown autocross. Yet, why am I tempted to sign up...

I've seen events in Hampton Roads area that use the oval's banks then you dive into the infield. 3rd gear is needed.

Hampton Roads isn't as far as VIR from DC area.