Autocross Car Handling & Set Up Basics

[89gt2nv]

I just wanted to say "Thanks Roger"! I just finished reviewing your Autocross Basics info that you posted on the club website.

There's a lot of usefull info for anyone wanting to do a little "parking lot racing". I know there's a few of us that have a few runs under our belts and we kinda know what we're doing, but I believe the info will be usefull to us veterans as well as the novices among us.

Now I am anxiously awaiting an opportunity to get out there and drive, so I can practice what I've learned.

Thanks again to Roger, Erik and Derald for all the great info.

[davew]

When Roger mentioned that he was going to be puting this information on the web site I was very excited since I just registered for the RMMR autocross and I've never done anything like this before. Now that I've read the information I'm truely thrilled and thankful for all the great information and suggestions provided. Made me think about things I hadn't even considered before. Looking forward to getting some first hand experience at a pre-RMMR event and some coaching from you guys.

Now I need to install my new Hurst Short Throw Shifter that arrived yesterday. ;D

Thanks Roger, Erik and Derald!!!

Dave

[4ZZS]

Dave,
You'll definitely have to go to the May 23rd event in Castle Rock and I'll keep checking to see if there are any other early events before RMMR.
Ken

[4ZZS]

Those looking for MORE Reading Info on Autocross can check out the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Rocky Mountain Solo Series info at www.rmsolo.org

Click on the Getting Started link on the left side of the page and then the RMSolo Autocross Introduction. This reading (and visuals of driving lines) is a great supplement to the information Roger provided on our website.

We are all going to do great this year!

Ken

[davew]

Thanks Ken. More very useful information. I had no idea there would be so much homework.

Dave

[davew]

I have a few questions about the autocross. I know the answers to these will depend on the track, car type and driver experience but I was just curious in general. Using the RMMR course and my car type as an example what might I expect? My car: 2008 Mustang GT, 5-speed, 3.55 gears.

1. What range of speeds might I expect to get to?
2. Should I expect a lot of shifting over the course or do you tend to get into specific gear (2nd or 3rd?) and run most of the course in the same gear?
3. Leave traction control system on or off?

Just curious.

Dave

[poyzniv]

OK Dave,

1. You won't be going real fast.

2. Chances are you want to use 1 1/2 gear, but you'll be using 2nd gear for the whole run. 3.55's are pretty tall gears, but you should'nt have to shift once you get the car into 2nd gear out of the gate. (You'll be wishing you were running 3.73's or lower)

3. Leave it OFF! Drive it like an old fashioned Mustang and remember to "Drive It Like You Stole It!"

Irene

[4ZZS]

More Answers:
1. 0 - 80 mph ;D
2. I agree with Irene. If you hit 3rd gear you will be off into the tennis courts somewhere.
3. Leave it OFF! The audience loves to see spin-outs and lots of smoke! (Right Jim?)

Ken

[davew]

1. Only 80? I thought we were going to be going fast?
2. No third gear? Actually I was thinking about getting in a game of tennis while I was in Steamboat. This could work out pretty good. ;D
3. Lots of smoke? My son is coming with me and I've been trying to get him to stop smoking for years now. I guess I better leave the TCS ON.

Thanks for the "help" guys (and gals).

Dave

[poyzniv]

Feb 16, 2010 20:49:23 GMT -7 4ZZS said:

More Answers:
1. 0 - 80 mph ;D
2. I agree with Jim. If you hit 3rd gear you will be off into the tennis courts somewhere.
3. Leave it OFF! The audience loves to see spin-outs and lots of smoke! (Right Jim?)

Ken

Gee Ken,

I sign onto the forum for once to offer advice, and you think it's Jim. ;D

Thanks for the compliment, now you know I'm not just a passsenger.

Irene

[4ZZS]

Feb 17, 2010 20:29:52 GMT -7 poyzniv said:

Feb 16, 2010 20:49:23 GMT -7 4ZZS said:

More Answers:
1. 0 - 80 mph ;D
2. I agree with Jim. If you hit 3rd gear you will be off into the tennis courts somewhere.
3. Leave it OFF! The audience loves to see spin-outs and lots of smoke! (Right Jim?)

Ken

Gee Ken,

I sign onto the forum for once to offer advice, and you think it's Jim. ;D

Thanks for the compliment, now you know I'm not just a passsenger.

Irene

OOPS! Sorry Irene, I didn't look at the signature. (Original post is corrected)

Ken

[Mr. Snake]

Sorry it took so long to get into this string - too much work and business travel. Thanks for the kind words, you all are welcome. The more you know the more fun you'll have. It's what the club is all about.

Irene is right about the gears. Talking with several people 3.73's seem to be the best for autocross as you can almost always run the whole course in 2nd. They are a bit short if you do a lot of street driving (I'm 3,200 @ 80 in 5th). 3.55's are close, way better than stock 3.08's or 3.23's and are better for street driving than 3.73's. 3.55's may not come off the slow corners quite as well in 2nd but will work well on the longer starights. It'll have to be a pretty slow turn for you to have time to grab 1st.

See you all in the cones.

(Don't forget, I still have a 3.55 ring and pinion set for sale).

[mustang6]

I generated a bunch of tire smoke driving my car like I stole it last year. Ken can confirm this

[davew]

What is the definition of "LOUD EXHAUST?" I keep seeing comments in the autocross rules that do not allow "LOUD EXHAUST?" I'm wondering if my street legal Ford Racing mufflers (same as what comes stock on the S197 Mustang Bullitt) are consider TOO LOUD.

Dave

[89gt2nv]

Are you kidding? Your car is quieter than ours...............there shouldn't be any problem.

Jim