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06-04-2011, 07:28 PM
| #1 |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: In the Dark Edges of your Mind
Posts: 6,386
|  Who Autocrosses ? I have had Jeeps and trucks for the last 18 years. I finally got a fun road car again (08 Mazda3), and even though it's no Evo or WRX ... people autocross them. I think I'd like to give it a try. I went to a few sites that gave me some limited info, but what websites are the best for someone getting into it? I'd also like to see some of your pics, vids or read some stuff to help convince me  Thanks  |
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06-04-2011, 08:56 PM
| #2 |
| RCC Addict Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Reno, Nv
Posts: 1,964
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I have not tried it yet, just haven't had the time. Around here it is the SCCA (sports car club of America). They also do track days for around $175 at the local track! I am dieing to hit the track and drive my car like it was meant.
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06-04-2011, 11:07 PM
| #3 |
| RCC Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Lowell, Arkansas
Posts: 1,307
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Search the SCCA site for the closest club, then find out when the next event is and just go do it. I've taken my mom's Accord to several events, simply because I couldn't borrow anything better and they wouldn't let me run my 3/4 ton diesel truck.  [Borrowing my moms car makes me sound like some slacker teenager. That was a few decades ago.....]Also got to co drive a buddies fairly well prepped and sorted E/SP Camaro one time. I ended up winning the "novice PAX" that day. My buddy usually is usually contending for class win, PAX overall win, and FTC at club events. He can drive. I'd love to have a dedicated autox'r. 94-97 Miata is my pick. Just need the $$$. |
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06-05-2011, 04:47 AM
| #4 |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 8,009
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Used to run this beastie, took 2nd in D Mod back in '97.  I think I had $1500 in it  Built the hell out of a Fiat 1500 (with Yugo 1100 head for a compression boost) and a few hacktastic suspension tweaks. Having a dedicated race car means you can beat on it that much harder, and not worry about getting to work on Monday.This is the second race Yugo. The first one ended up on its roof after I experimented with slicks. Notice the complete lack of slicks on this one |
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06-05-2011, 06:34 AM
| #5 |
| Pebble Pounder Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fort Bliss
Posts: 177
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I've thought about it as well, I just have to find somewhere around El Paso.
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06-05-2011, 09:41 AM
| #6 | |
| RCC Addict Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Marshalltown
Posts: 1,003
| Quote:
Trail closures, trail maintenance, expense of having a tow rig, trailer 3 hrs to trails. I guess my whining goes on and on. My buddy races scca races all over iowa and the midwest with an EVO8 RS. Which apparently is the cat's meow when it comes to racing, its a stripped down machine, manual windows, no stock radio and just a cool ride. He has sank alot of money. I see there are ways to have fun on road courses with minmal money and lots of tuning. Keep us up to date on what you find. I am interested in a mid nineties miata or possibly a subaru 2.5rs. | |
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06-05-2011, 10:09 AM
| #7 |
| MODERATOR™   Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ohio
Posts: 18,928
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I use tah. A lot. 7 years. Every single event for the last 6 years. The SCCA website should get you what you need to know. http://www.scca.org/hub.aspx?hub=3 Be forewarned, like the crawling thing can be, the autocrossing can become addictive, too. Especially because it only lasts about 50 seconds at a time. Like little teaser tasters then it's over for a while as you wait for another run or two. Then work and watch everyone else have fun, then finally!!!! you get to run again. Then it's all over, and it's beers and dinner time. I know I keep posting this picture of the Honda, but it's a good one. Totally topped out in second gear and barely slowing down for the sharp right turn (in the backround) still completely on the gas as much as you dare, then instantly to the left for a long left hand sweeper as the tires are just past full grip and you're flying! The car is on three wheels there and it's pivoting around wonderfully. A memorable corner for me, especially as it's one of the few pictures I still have, and was taken pretty damn sweetly!  With a Mazda 3 I'd look hard at the stock class. Unless it's already got some mods to it? Otherwise, spend $1000 on race tires and learn to drive it. Then shocks. Then build a trophy case. Last edited by EeePee; 06-05-2011 at 12:09 PM. |
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06-05-2011, 10:12 AM
| #8 | |
| MODERATOR™ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ohio
Posts: 18,928
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The Subby isn't in the same league (in its respective class) unless you do crazy things to it. And it still won't turn right. And that means bye bye money. | |
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06-05-2011, 11:43 AM
| #9 |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: spring hill TN
Posts: 2,959
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Harvo I am starting to get into it some because of the new job. We have a 1962 mini that blows my mind how well it does but the guy has about 30,000 in it  We also have a lotus Europa that is pure insane in the corners.I like to be different so after running my TBSS the other day I am looking at building a fox mustang with a ls power plant that will go around corners and go really fast of course.LOL Something like this.  |
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06-05-2011, 12:06 PM
| #10 | |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 8,009
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Too bad I wasn't running against 'em Stupid Lotus Seven.
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06-05-2011, 12:18 PM
| #11 | |
| MODERATOR™ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ohio
Posts: 18,928
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You get up to speed quickly and stay at top speed more often. Equals win. | |
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06-05-2011, 12:43 PM
| #12 |
| Rock Crawler Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Salt Lake
Posts: 605
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I tossed my neon around a few corners. Mopar extra high rate springs, koni yellow fully adjustable struts, stock sways and a set of falken azenis and it did quite well. Best thing about this sport is it's not all about raw power.
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06-05-2011, 12:56 PM
| #13 |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 4,273
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I used to autocross very seriously for 10-11 years 'til I got out of it in '06. I raced all kinds of cars in dang near every class and competed in both Solo II and Pro Solo. Lots of fun, but can be stupid expensive to compete these days with the high price and commonality of high end dampers (Moton, Penske, etc.) Besides the SCCA's website, I'd recommend sccaforums.com for more helpful info. Good stuff there....or used to be anyway. I haven't visited there in years. joesbruiser, that's the same flares I wanted for my Fox back in the day. They look like JBA or maybe Maier? I'll always have a sweet spot in my heart for Fox bodies even though they're a bitch to get them to turn worth a flip!  They sure are fun, though...Here's a couple pics of my rides....not that anyone asked!  2001 Pro Solo Champ and 4th at Nationals in CP:  2005 3rd place at Nationals in STX:  I miss autocrossing sometimes.... |
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06-05-2011, 01:07 PM
| #14 |
| RCC Addict Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Moncton, NB, Canada
Posts: 1,962
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I went to a Solo II event today to watch, was pretty sweet, lots of fast cars and great drivers.
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06-05-2011, 01:43 PM
| #15 | |
| MODERATOR™ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ohio
Posts: 18,928
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06-05-2011, 01:45 PM
| #16 | |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: spring hill TN
Posts: 2,959
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I am sure all i will end up with is a over powered smoke machine but it will be fun. If I really wanted to turn corners I could build the little lotus 7 or the Europa we have on top of our fab room at work but I like American muscle.  | |
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06-05-2011, 01:52 PM
| #17 |
| MODERATOR™ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ohio
Posts: 18,928
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This was good |
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06-05-2011, 08:34 PM
| #18 |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: In the Dark Edges of your Mind
Posts: 6,386
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So yeah... This is something I want to try. The Mazda is stock. Even so, it handles great. I definitely think stock class is where it belongs, but I have heard this car will benefit from a front sway bar. Joe, it looks like the only active SCCA group in TN is in Nashville (out your way) I wish there was something closer.Is it possible to have fun and race your daily driver without screwing it up as the daily driver? Out of the many videos I have watched, that one ^ actually seemed fast. What was the noise that kept happening everytime the car got close to redline? |
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06-05-2011, 08:36 PM
| #19 |
| Quarry Creeper Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Paragould
Posts: 368
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06-05-2011, 08:59 PM
| #20 | ||
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 4,273
| Quote:
If you have an open diff, I'd be leary of running a bigger front bar on a FWD car. It can make putting power down next to impossible. If you have some sort of limited slip, then a front bar may be something to consider. Quote:
Rarely do autocross videos look fast, but the experience when driving is COMPLETELY different. Otherwise, most of us wouldn't do it.  I say give it a try and see how you like it! Chances are the club you'd run with has some sort of novice program to help show you the ropes. | ||
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