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I went to a "test and tune" event, its not timed and cones aren't counted in an effort to keep things moving and maximize run time.
First thing, it rained!
While some racers see that as spoiling the fun, the autocross drivers I met relished the chance to explore wet performance.
It was wet in the morning then dried out so I got some of everything.
At first there were two courses laid out, one with more sweeping turns and one tight course with sharp corners where you need to think about the line to get it right.
Being an autocross noob in a small car I felt they were both pretty wide and I was impressed with the wet grip of the stock tires. As much as I pushed I didn't get snap spins or anything.
In the afternoon the two courses were combined for a "long" course with a little bit of everything.
My impression, it is very fun and a great tool for learning your car. I was either going really fast or it just seemed like each run was over in a flash.
Since there was no timing it was hard to compare your performance. As a noob I mostly was trying to avoid chaining together mistakes. I'm not good at remembering courses but by the end I was actually remembering enough that I think I put together a couple decent laps.
Everyone had about 20 runs total, about 5 each on the short courses and about 10 on the long course. That sounds better than an SCCA event where they say you only get 3-4 runs (and hope one is a good time). I was still learning the course at run 15 so SCCA sounds like a crap shoot to me. Maybe that will change with practice?
Everyone there was pretty friendly and being "car people" many knew what my ST was (and several were Ecoboost challenge attendees), it got many comments including a report that I was three-wheeling it in at least one corner.
I enjoyed myself and I think I'm going to have to try a timed event soon just so I can compare my times with other drivers in other cars.
If you are on the fence, check out the events that are available in your area and do one!
First thing, it rained!
While some racers see that as spoiling the fun, the autocross drivers I met relished the chance to explore wet performance.
It was wet in the morning then dried out so I got some of everything.
At first there were two courses laid out, one with more sweeping turns and one tight course with sharp corners where you need to think about the line to get it right.
Being an autocross noob in a small car I felt they were both pretty wide and I was impressed with the wet grip of the stock tires. As much as I pushed I didn't get snap spins or anything.
In the afternoon the two courses were combined for a "long" course with a little bit of everything.
My impression, it is very fun and a great tool for learning your car. I was either going really fast or it just seemed like each run was over in a flash.
Since there was no timing it was hard to compare your performance. As a noob I mostly was trying to avoid chaining together mistakes. I'm not good at remembering courses but by the end I was actually remembering enough that I think I put together a couple decent laps.
Everyone had about 20 runs total, about 5 each on the short courses and about 10 on the long course. That sounds better than an SCCA event where they say you only get 3-4 runs (and hope one is a good time). I was still learning the course at run 15 so SCCA sounds like a crap shoot to me. Maybe that will change with practice?
Everyone there was pretty friendly and being "car people" many knew what my ST was (and several were Ecoboost challenge attendees), it got many comments including a report that I was three-wheeling it in at least one corner.
I enjoyed myself and I think I'm going to have to try a timed event soon just so I can compare my times with other drivers in other cars.
If you are on the fence, check out the events that are available in your area and do one!