I know you guys autocross some. so I need advice.
okay my g/f has a mid 90's Civic (it's strictly race car) she autocrosses(5 speed). anyhow she wants me to start driving it. and I think I could do okay but I need tips on any time savers. As far as car set up her dad and she does that. but I'm talking on the track tips. thanks

 

Most first timers overdrive, meaning try to go too fast for what the car will do especially on corner entry. Just be smooth not choppy and out of control. It is all about maintaining momentum. You have to look 2 or 3 corners ahead to set the car in the proper line. Most important, have fun!

 

Brake before the turn and then power through it. Also turn the steering wheel as little as possible to get the job done. You maintain the greatest amout of speed this way. Long sweeping turns.

Wait a minute I drive like this going to work:P

 

Walk the course several times to get the feel for it. Memorize it if you can. You'll lose lots of time if you enter corners too fast. Try to build up speed gradually. If your GF autocrosses a lot she will probably beat you so be humble. It takes lots of practice to get good at no matter how fast you can take that favorite corner. Do it though. It's a blast and one of the best ways to learn car control.

 

be smooth, no sudden changes in direction.
remember, you want the spring to compress DURING the corner, not way before. balance is important, and the best way to make sure it doesnt ruin your fun is to be smooth when changing direction.
absolutely no brakes during corner, but power out of corner. if you understeer to much, take your foot off gas at a rapid pace to induce some oversteer(counter the unders). also, if she has adjustable shocks, try setting the front/rear stiffer and softer seperately.

 

Be sure to be off the brake before entering the turn - if you are braking and turning at the same time all of the force is applied to just one wheel, and that'll kill you.

 

Go here and read this...

http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

Some very good pointers for newbies.

Go have some fun and try not to kill too many of the little orange guys!

 

Good info guys!! I could use this stuff also. Thanks!

 

walk the course MANY times

get the feel for the car's capabilities in the first couple runs

accelerate through corners

if you hit a cone, fuk it...keep going and finish as best you can

above all, HAVE FUN!!!!!