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How to Autocross
Autocross is the most accessible form of motorsports for the sports car enthusiast. With many clubs sanctioning events, it is possible to attend an event nearly every weekend in many areas. The low-risk format allows drivers to participate without needing to extensively modify their car for safety. Autocross events are held all across the United States and Canada. These events allow the average person to participate with their typical street cars. Because of the nature of the sport, drivers of many different skill levels and goals participate together. Casual drivers out for a good time and serious competitors with loads of talent can run in the same event and all have fun.
How to Autocross covers everything you need to know to get behind the wheel and start autocrossing. It covers basic modifications such as tire pressures, alignment, and dampers, to more advanced modifications that go beyond the stock classes. Because autocross is a test of driver skill, there is a heavy emphasis on driving and car control, with coverage on accelerating, braking, weight transfer, shifting, corners, slaloms, and finding that perfect line. Information is also included on car classes, driver schools, data logging, how events are typically run, and how to find events in your area.
If you would like to start racing on a budget, and want to have a blast on weekends showing off your car and your driving skills, How to Autocross is a great guide to get you started!
Acknowledgments
Preface
Author Bio
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Basics
Overview of an Event
Basic Autocross Gear
Classes: How to Decide Which is for You
Chapter 2 Car Control
Seating Position: Hands and Feet
Steering Inputs: Using Your Hands
Looking Ahead
The Friction Circle
Weight Transfer
Braking
Cornering
Accelerating
Feeling the Car
Recovery
Chapter 3 Driving: The Line and Other Strategies
Corners
Slaloms
The Slow Corner
Making Straights
Linking Elements
The Important Corner
Key Cones
Driving the “Swept Line”
Walking the Course
Autocross Strategy
Bumps and Other Surface Changes
Risk Versus Reward
Chapter 4 Car Setup Basics
Using the Tires Effectively
Alignment
Adjusting Roll Resistance
Chapter 5 Advanced Car Control
Blending Techniques
Shifting
Left-Foot Braking
Launching
The Advantages of Being Early
Chapter 6 Stock Category: Car Preparation and Tuning
What’s Allowed
Evaluating the “Stock” Automobile
Tires and Wheels
Wheels
The Front Sway Bar
Dampers: Black Magic!
Exhaust and Other “Expendable” Items
Alignment
Chapter 7 Beyond Stock: Suspension and Light Chassis Modifications
Suspension Bits
Wheels and Tires
Lightweight Batteries and Battery Relocation
Race Seats
Update/Backdate
Out-of-Production Cars
Chapter 8 Beyond Stock: Powertrain, Ballast and Aerodynamics
Engine
Differential
Ballast
Aerodynamics
Chapter 9 Getting Help
Driving Schools
Autocross Schools
Having a Co-Driver
Free Advice
How to Get More Seat Time
Data Logging
Chapter 10 Good Things to Know
Traveling to “Other” Clubs
The PAX/RTP Index
SCCA Divisional and National Tour Events
SCCA ProSolo National Series
SCCA Solo National Championships
North of the Border
Autocross is the most accessible form of motorsports for the sports car enthusiast. With many clubs sanctioning events, it is possible to attend an event nearly every weekend in many areas. The low-risk format allows drivers to participate without needing to extensively modify their car for safety. Autocross events are held all across the United States and Canada. These events allow the average person to participate with their typical street cars. Because of the nature of the sport, drivers of many different skill levels and goals participate together. Casual drivers out for a good time and serious competitors with loads of talent can run in the same event and all have fun.
How to Autocross covers everything you need to know to get behind the wheel and start autocrossing. It covers basic modifications such as tire pressures, alignment, and dampers, to more advanced modifications that go beyond the stock classes. Because autocross is a test of driver skill, there is a heavy emphasis on driving and car control, with coverage on accelerating, braking, weight transfer, shifting, corners, slaloms, and finding that perfect line. Information is also included on car classes, driver schools, data logging, how events are typically run, and how to find events in your area.
If you would like to start racing on a budget, and want to have a blast on weekends showing off your car and your driving skills, How to Autocross is a great guide to get you started!
Acknowledgments
Preface
Author Bio
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Basics
Overview of an Event
Basic Autocross Gear
Classes: How to Decide Which is for You
Chapter 2 Car Control
Seating Position: Hands and Feet
Steering Inputs: Using Your Hands
Looking Ahead
The Friction Circle
Weight Transfer
Braking
Cornering
Accelerating
Feeling the Car
Recovery
Chapter 3 Driving: The Line and Other Strategies
Corners
Slaloms
The Slow Corner
Making Straights
Linking Elements
The Important Corner
Key Cones
Driving the “Swept Line”
Walking the Course
Autocross Strategy
Bumps and Other Surface Changes
Risk Versus Reward
Chapter 4 Car Setup Basics
Using the Tires Effectively
Alignment
Adjusting Roll Resistance
Chapter 5 Advanced Car Control
Blending Techniques
Shifting
Left-Foot Braking
Launching
The Advantages of Being Early
Chapter 6 Stock Category: Car Preparation and Tuning
What’s Allowed
Evaluating the “Stock” Automobile
Tires and Wheels
Wheels
The Front Sway Bar
Dampers: Black Magic!
Exhaust and Other “Expendable” Items
Alignment
Chapter 7 Beyond Stock: Suspension and Light Chassis Modifications
Suspension Bits
Wheels and Tires
Lightweight Batteries and Battery Relocation
Race Seats
Update/Backdate
Out-of-Production Cars
Chapter 8 Beyond Stock: Powertrain, Ballast and Aerodynamics
Engine
Differential
Ballast
Aerodynamics
Chapter 9 Getting Help
Driving Schools
Autocross Schools
Having a Co-Driver
Free Advice
How to Get More Seat Time
Data Logging
Chapter 10 Good Things to Know
Traveling to “Other” Clubs
The PAX/RTP Index
SCCA Divisional and National Tour Events
SCCA ProSolo National Series
SCCA Solo National Championships
North of the Border
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