Autocross Primer: Part 2

THIS IS THE SECOND OF THREE ARTICLES in a series about autocross (autoX). The first article explained what the events are; this article talks to preparing for an event, and the final article will provide information on how to have fun and do your best at an autoX event.

Starting about 6 weeks before your first event, you will want to check condition of your car(s). While not as demanding as DE, autoX still puts some strain on a car, and it should be in good shape mechanically. If you are not comfortable doing the inspection and maintenance, a trip to your favourite mechanic would be in order. Be sure to let him know what you are planning!

General maintenance before you do an autoX event could include an oil change or at least top up and inspection; review of tire condition and replacement as required; brake fluid replacement or top up; wheel retorque; and an inspection of the suspension. Unlike DE, no tech inspection report is required to participate.

Take time to think about anything on the car that is not absolutely stock, no matter how minor, and prepare a list. This list of items will be used to complete your car classification form. The organizer will use your vehicle information, including any modifications, as entered into the form, to appropriately class your car. As mentioned in the first article, autoX tries to adjust the timing through a handicap system, making it fun and fair for each competitor 

You’re now roughly a week away from the event. You did register, correct? If not, no worries, unlike our very popular driving tours and DE events, you can usually register for these events even up to the night before. However, don’t forget – registration at the event is generally not possible.

Use the time leading up to the event to start organizing so you can focus on the driving and not running around trying to remember where you put your sunscreen. The most effective preparation leading up to the event is a few nights where you get some good sleep. This allows you to feel more rested and ready even if you have a poor night’s sleep before the autoX.

The next step is a combination of removing anything that is not needed from your car, and creating a new pile of stuff that you will take to the event. Try to remove anything that is loose or unnecessary for the event itself (e.g., dress shoes, golf clubs, and the 3 chew toys for the dog) the night before. If you try to remove items too far in advance of the event, they just seem to migrate back into the car.

In the pile of stuff to bring to the event will be the items that will help make your day successful and comfortable. These include:

  • Lunch and snacks – most of the events are held at places where it isn’t easy to get food, and the events usually continue past 12:30 or 1 p.m.
  • Water / drinks – again, not always easy to get at the event location and being hydrated is critical to good driving performance as well as personal comfort.
  • Helmet – bring your own 2015 or newer motorcycle or SA helmet (confirm helmet requirements on the organizer’s website). If you don’t have one, many of the autoX series (including Trillium/UCR) have loaner helmets. This info should be on the event website or registration system. If you need a loaner, arrive early, as there may be a limited number (especially in your size) and there is paperwork associated with the loan.
  • Shoes – these need to be a closed-toe pair of shoes that will allow you to easily feel and control the pedals. If they are less comfortable to stand in for a long time (e.g., driving shoes), bring another pair that are comfortable for marshalling duties.
  • Camp chair – there are few places to sit that aren’t inside your car.
  • Appropriate clothing – as you will be outside the entire time, you can easily be colder or hotter than you anticipated based on the weather forecast. Think about a hat/sunscreen, as you likely won’t be in shade for very much of the day.
  • Car numbers – you may have magnetic numbers, stick-on vinyl, shoe polish or masking tape. Pre-cut magnetic or vinyl numbers are cool looking, but you do have to order them in advance and car numbers are typically assigned when you attend your first event. Masking tape and shoe polish can work but can be challenging to apply or keep on in the rain.
  • Waterproof storage – this is to keep any important stuff dry while you are at a rainy event. Good solutions are a plastic tote or heavy-duty clear recycling bags (clear is better than a garbage bag as you are less likely to mistakenly throw the contents out).
  • Tire pressure gauge – you will want to check the pressure before the event, and likely during.
  • Pump – if you take some air out of your tires at the event, you will want to add some back in for the trip home.
  • Gloves – some people will bring driving gloves (leather or race) – this is a personal choice.
  • Paperwork – each series will have its own paperwork and sometimes you can fill all of it out online, while other events will require you to print, sign and bring it with you.
  • Oil – if your car likes to use a fair bit, doesn’t hurt to bring a litre.
  • Torque wrench – if you have one, it never hurts to bring it and recheck the wheel torques.

Check the weather the night before and adjust that list of items as appropriate. For example, if rain is predicted, then bring a rain jacket and an umbrella. Also, remember that autoX is held on a large, black asphalt parking lot with very little shade. This means that a warm day feels hot, and a hot day is a sauna. Consider the amount of water that you will want to bring to an event. It’s better to overpack on water, perhaps 4-5 litres of water for a hot day. You may not use all of it, but will have in case you need it, or can share with someone else. At the CAA Centre for UCR events, water is usually available in the washroom, but you’ll at least need a water bottle.

The car is packed, and you know you have the stuff you need in the morning. The last thing to do is check how long it should take to get to the event in the morning, and this includes any stops for gas and coffee. Now, it is time to relax until the alarm goes off the next morning.

When you arrive at the location, you will see that the tireless organizers have beat you there regardless of how early you think you were. There should be a marked parking/paddock area, or an area where people are already parked and pulling helmets out of their cars. If not, park away from any activity and then go and ask where you should start unloading your stuff.

Once parked, you can start unloading the great pile of stuff that you put in the car the night before. Perhaps park with an area in front or behind the car where no one else will park (e.g., a grass median strip). This gives you a place to put all of the stuff that you are taking out, and limits the chance of someone parking on-top of your helmet. If you come later and see a wonderful parking spot with no car there, but a large pile of gear, it means that the spot is already taken.

Report to the registration desk where you will get your car number assigned (if not already assigned), confirm all of your paperwork, receive your car’s classification for the event, and learn the time for the drivers’ meeting.

Next, apply your numbers. You either already have a number assigned from the series, or if this is your first event, at registration they will have given you a car number that you will put on both sides of the car. Try to make the numbers at least 6” high. You may also decide to remove your license plates, or to put tape over them. This isn’t mandatory but some drivers like to in the case there are videos publicly posted by other competitors.

Some of the other things you may want to do is: check the oil level; clean the windshield; and retorque your wheels. If you forgot something (like oil or a torque wrench) ask around as some other competitor will likely help. The last optional item is to set your tire pressure. For a new competitor, I would suggest setting it at the manufacturer’s pressure (as per the door sticker, NOT the maximum on the tires) and leaving it there for the day. In next article, we’ll talk more about tire pressure and performance.

The next issue of Provinz will conclude this series of articles with what you need to know and do to actually drive your car at an autoX event. </>

Story By Ian Drew and Hart Solomon | Photograph by Wolfgang Lott

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