Question:
I just surfing the web and bam, I came across this whole Gymkhana / Autocross thing. I was toying with it in my mind, I realized this is what I need to do. I need to train myself to first be a good driver first, then go about planing buying cars/researching cars. I realized before buying something with 300 hp+ its a good idea to learn how to control and refine my driving skills. Its not the mods that make the car go fast, its the driver! So all in all, I was just wondering what you guys and girls thought about autocross, does anyone participate in it? Been to meet? Have stories? Personally, I think its a safe, fun, educational, inexpensive and competative way in learning how to be a better driver.
I was never interested in drag racing, show, or other auto competitions. I wanted to track and touge, but THIS is what will help me be a better driver, especially on a budget. It will buy me some time to save money at the same time hone my driving skills. What a great invention! I love the idea you only pay $15 or $20 bucks to enter the meet, get to practice in a large open parking lot (safe environment), compete against yourself, can race in stock class or other classes that allows more permited mods, dont need massive hp, can compete against cars in the same class as you, Its so economical! it's like the precourser to tracking! =D
Answer:
Tons of fun but make sure you know what you're doing first. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
It's much better than the so called racing that people seem to like to do here. (People going 120+ on the freeway) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
Answer:
there are certain modifications you have to do you to enter a specific class in auto-cross. make sure you visit the SCCA site or whatever auto-sanctioned event, you better read the rules before modifying your vehicle, otherwise you will put into a modified class.
Answer:
auto x and gymkhana are awesome. i've been to more than a few gymkhana events (i believe i have posted pics of a couple of them) and they are a lot of fun. same goes for auto x. they are great and safe ways to learn the limits of the vehicle and improve your driving. like v8subie said you need to see what modifications are allowed in the class you want to run. otherwise you will be put in a much higher class for something stupid like a radiator. although if you dont plan on doing it competitively it doesnt really matter.
Answer:
^
So... basically, I can add whatever mods I want if I dont do it seriously... or try to be the #1 person in the events, for my class.
Hmmm.... I just want to have my fun, learn how to drive my car safely, learn it's limits, go fast (includes upgrading some parts). Hmmmm... I better start reading that rule book 0_o
Any personal advice for someone starting out? You have a list of mods you've done? What class are you put in? Whats the total hp of your miata?
Answer:
It's only engine and drive train mods that change the class you are in correct? Suspension, weight reduction, etc. won't right?
Answer:
It's only engine and drive train mods that change the class you are in correct? Suspension, weight reduction, etc. won't right?
that will also. read the rule book its very specific about what you can and cannot change in the different classes.
Any personal advice for someone starting out? You have a list of mods you've done? What class are you put in? Whats the total hp of your miata?
my advice is tires, tires, tires, tires and did i mention tires? tires will make the biggest difference besides the driver. after you get yourself a set of tires, get an aggressive alignment, and then some adjustable shocks (koni yellow are great). i would suggest running in the stock class. you'll have more fun if you are in a class, and the stock class doesnt require investing tons of money. you can still mod a little bit. brake pads, shocks, sway bars, tires, air filter, catback exhaust. i dont run my miata in scca solo, but i would probably be in SM2. my total hp of my miata? thats a good question. stock 116hp, so i probably have about the same give or take.
solo rule book
Answer:
http://www.gymkhanausa.com/rules_regulations.html
Found that off Zilvia so hope that helps.
Answer:
Whats SM2?
Also, whats the difference between solo and soloII?
I been reading a lot, I know it's suspension and power gains early on is what makes autocrossing fun, due to it being a short course + low top speeds (relative to track). This being said, what would be your weapon of choice? I know the rx8 is extremely agile and balanced, but maybe the required lofty rpm power range is too high for autocrossing? The s2k I hear are very competative, so are the mr2's, what else?
Also, Akira, how do you fit in the Miata? im 5'9'' and I got a long torso + I weigh roughly 220lbs (I can imagine getting into my miata and all tires popping. *sigh im going on a diet). Do you think I would be able to fit in a Miata? Im thinking of eventually being in the STS2 class, with all those mods done and after much improved driving skill's I will probably move on to a bigger, badder, faster car. Probably give my car to my sister, open up a tofu shop in the Pocono Mountains and be king of the mountain passes~~~~ ok, sorry I was off dreaming.
I cant wait until I get back to the states, first thing im doing is talking to my parents, saving some money and start doing this whole autocross thing.
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haha i remember seeing alot of supercharged Mini Coopers at local events
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i fit fine in the miata im 5'10.5'' and i weight about 155. the best car to start out in auto x would probably be the miata. its light, easy to drive, and makes a good stepping stone for higher powered cars. the s2000 is another good choice, those do well in auto x. the fd is great at auto x, in fact it dominated SS until the z06 came out. though i wouldnt advise you to start out with an fd.
Answer:
Question for you guys, the Mazda Miata '99+ does anyone know what class it is considered for autocrossing in soloII? I cant find it anywhere online. Not allowed in the STS2 catagory? Is it only allowed in the Street Prepared catagory? If it is in the Street Prepared catagory, mannnn its some fierce competition!
Thanks in advance!
Answer:
the 98+ miata is in c-stock
Answer:
stick with the miata. its cheap (depending on the MYxx), its light, its rwd and they are loads of fun to drive.
