Topic: Doing my very first Autocross - Any Advice

[Arcrider]

Hi all!

I love my 08 GXP and am entering my first autocross here in cleveland. Since I know some of you have done this, any advice on helmet type? Race day prep at home? good music for it?

I searched and couldn't find all of these answered in a post..

Haters hate and will flame, good forum members will supply their honest input! Thanks

 

[Uranium-238]

If this is your first time, most groups have "loaner" helmets and I'd suggest using them. Then, if you decide to get more into autocross spend the money on a good helmet. Anything SA-2010 should be good, best to find a store that sells several and try several types and pick the one you like best.

[Arcrider]

TY Uranium!

[Critterman]

no music, no distractions, you will be too busy.

Look at the next set of cones not the ones you are approching.
Take your time and walk the course and then just drive it the first time don't try to kill it.

[snaponbob]

Go slowly, stay on course, and just work into a little extra pace with each run. Try being a passenger with some experienced drivers to get a better idea what is going on. And, by all means, have an experienced driver take you on a course walk.

[elff]

If you are running stock tires. Bump them up to about 40PSI.  It will really help your cornerning.
Don't forget to air down before you go home.

In your walk through, pay attention to the pointer cones and take stock of which side[if you have the option] will allow you to enter and exit the slalom's faster. 
Forget that you have 3rd gear. Once you hit second gear, leave it there and concentrate on acceleration and braking only

Good Luck

[Arabas]

not an experienced autocross driver here, but i agree, no music distraction. don't try to make it as fast as you can the first time. each time work on improving a little bit! and have fun!!!

[Excelsior]

Don't hold your breath.  Lock the seat belt at the start line.  Put the car in Competition mode unless it is raining.  Take your KEY off the keychain and use JUST the key.

[Treeman]

Look ahead but don't look at the cones.  There are no cones on the course.  The cones line the course.  Human brains are designed to go where we are looking.  Look at the course.  And look ahead.

[POS VETT]

Learn the car without nannies from the get go and turn ESC off.

The same with music, turn it off. 

The night before - get enough rest, overinflate the tires (not to exceed maximum) so they can be adjusted at the autox (you do have a good tire pressure gauge, right ?), leave anything loose in the car at home, put on number/class display if you have them (bring a roll of painter's tape if you don't)

Don't forget to bring a collapsible chair, sun protection, and drinking water.  You can bring lunch, but usually there are venues nearby.

Man, it's extremely rare I go to an autox with such a simple list.  Nowadays, I usually bring a 5-ton train ...

[GXPinKC]

Wish you well Arcrider!  You just might get hooked.  Anyway have fun and just relax and good luck. 

[Arcrider]

Thanks everyone for the advice!

I'll let ya know how it turns out.