anyone autocross?

[snk1994]

Just wondering if anyone autocrosses. A friend of mine has been doing it for years and I finally went to one last weekend. After looking at the course and finding it totally safe I decided to enter. I told my friend I would only push my car about 80% and I was just there to have fun. Well after my first run I was hooked and was running my Vette at about 98%. Took first place ! Kinda nice being able to run the Vette like it was made too. Was worried at first that I would just be out "thrashing" on my car but after seeing the other 62 vettes at the race decided that it wasnt a bad thing. i was turning some better times in my '81 then new C6's. Obviously they cant drive but still makes for good bench racing and bragging at the tavern.
Just wondering if anyone else has "discovered" thier cars like I did this weekend.
its great cruising down the road at 25mph so everyone looks at your car but there is something to be said about drifting into a hair pin corner at 30mph and lighting up the tires for the straight away.


Steve

 

[22229stingray81]

Wow, sounds like fun Steve. Have any mods done to her?


-Tatortot

 

[garycr14]

I don't autoX my 81, but do my 94. I have been restoring the 81 to be a cruiser, and don't have the cash to start replacing driveline parts as they break down, which will happen, it's only a matter of time. A lot of guys in my club race their older vettes, and they are fun to watch, or ride in, and some of them turn out great times depending on mods, and skill level. Have fun!!!

 

[81 Corvette]

i'd like to, but she's not ready for that kind of a beating yet.

i think a full on road coarse would be the shiznit

 

[fmize]

I have been known to run around a few autocross courses, it's been several years now, but I am looking forward to getting back on the track pretty soon. I probably will not run my 81, but probably a C4 in the near future! it's a fun safe way to explore the edges of Americas best sports car ever made!!!

Franky

 

[fmize]

Ok it's been a while since I have made a post, but what's up with the "new member" under my name, I joined when there were like 29 cars total and we had our own website/forum! it was way before 2003!!

Franky

 

[garycr14]

Ok it's been a while since I have made a post, but what's up with the "new member" under my name, I joined when there were like 29 cars total and we had our own website/forum! it was way before 2003!!

Franky

Welcome back.

 

[fmize]

Thanks Gary, good to be back! I won't stay gone as long this time! I have just been very busy and haven't had time for postings. I have missed the old L81 gang! I was going to try to make it to the Auburn get together, but could not find the time.

Steve, what sanctioning body do you autocross in up in Washington? do they have NCCC autocrosses? SCCA? I was stationed in Whidbey Island back in 1992 and remember not being able to find anything up there back then.

 

[snk1994]

Raced SCCA last weekend in Portland and NWACC the week before in Tacoma.
I just get with the local Corvette clubs and they usually have a good idea on whats going on.
As for any mods I havnt done anything yet. Only real change to the car was a little wider tires on the rear. Went to 295/50 R15's. Stick better comming out of the corners.
Last weekend running SCCA I came in 2nd. Lost to a big block. He was running some pretty good times. The best performers out there are the C5's. Hard to compete against the technology. Took a ride in a 700HP Calloway C4. Holy cow was that fast. Guy could drive too. Running race slicks, race gas, super charger the whole bit. Said he has about 120K into the car. Thought that was a little extream but hes into it and thats what matters.
And for the comment about dropping driveline parts your right. Depends on how hard you push your car, How good your maint. is, and putting quality parts back in when and if they break. I have never broke anything to date (knocking on wood). Smoke up some tires pretty quick though.
Anyone that truly enjoys a Corvette should at least go to an event. Just to watch those beautiful cars (yes even the C4's) go around those cones.

BTW....ran some better times in my C3 then some of the C4's and C5's.....

 

[HotVetteHotBlonde-Wink]

Im going to enter the autocross for my first time in my C6 this weekend in Illinois. Top speed they allow is 80. Must be alot of hairpin turns for such a low limit on speed. Should be alot of fun. Have been studying streaming video of others during there race from inside the car. Studying how they take curves, etc. Have to find a place to buy a helmet though. Not sure where to go to get the proper one. Can you just wear any motorcycle helmet?
Teresa

 

[garycr14]

Im going to enter the autocross for my first time in my C6 this weekend in Illinois. Top speed they allow is 80. Must be alot of hairpin turns for such a low limit on speed. Should be alot of fun. Have been studying streaming video of others during there race from inside the car. Studying how they take curves, etc. Have to find a place to buy a helmet though. Not sure where to go to get the proper one. Can you just wear any motorcycle helmet?
Teresa

The helmet depends on the venue or hosting clubs rules. If you are going to buy a new helmet make sure it is both DOT and Snell 2000 ( I think that's what Snell's current rating is at) approved. The helmet should be good for 5-10 years. You can use a motorcycle helmet, I advise using a full face helmet, if you ever need it, it will keep the airbag out of your face, though I doubt that you'll ever really need it, but safety first when it cimes to racing. You cn buy them from places like Summit Racing, any motorcycle shop, some autoparts stores, even most WalMarts. Again be sure they have both ratings, then you can safely use your helmet for any AutoX or drag race venues.

80 mph is not bad for a top speed, on some courses you wont get over 60, but I've been on some courses where 100 mph or higher are achieved.

Good luck, and let us know how you did at the autoX.

 

[snk1994]

I run with at DOT helmet and do get some flack from some hosting clubs. The rules usually say DOT or SNELL approved. Like garycr14 said just get one with both ratings.
Make sure you look at the requirements for racing. you will have to have your car go through a pre-race safty check. You probably wont have any problems with your C6 since it is so new but things like carborator return springs can keep some people off the track. Make sure you take out your floor mats! would hate for one to shift and get stuck either under or over your brake!
As for speeds I dont think I ever get over 60mph! The are very tight courses and not open road tracks.
Rode in a C6 the other day at the track and he took his first run with the selector switch in Touring and traction control on. Second run was in Sport mode and tracton control off. Definatly did better the second time around but that traction control is there to make up for novice drivers.
You can probably enter into the novice division. Up here you can do that for 5 races before they require you to go into a standard class. Just remember if you decided to enter a standard class first and dont enter the novice class you can never go back to novice.
Dont worry about cones tearing up your car...The people that host these events also drive the courses and they get really soft compound cones so they flex and bend under your car when you dragg them around the track. I have never seen a car get damaged by a cone. When your out walking the course before you go look at the cones. They are all black and scuffed up. Thats from everyone else running them over.
And stage in a lane towards the back. then you can watch the other drivers go around the course before you have to. Just remember when your lane is called to get in your car....some people forget and hold up the whole thing while they run back to thier cars...you dont want to be one of "Those guys"!
My first time out I was the only novice driver so I decided to enter the standard S2 class. Took 1ST place. but the C4, C5, C6 classes are much more competative.
Good luck and remember......TIRES GROW ON TREES.....LIGHT THEM UP!

 

[22229stingray81]

Do you have a 4-speed or auto, snk1994?


-Tatortot

 

[HotVetteHotBlonde-Wink]

Hey thanks garycr14, snk1994, 22229stingray81, for the feed back and info. I really learned alot. Its appreciated. Snk1994, great info.
Teresa

 

[snk1994]

I have a TH350
Matter of fact alot of the time on the slower tracks I never take it out of first. Just more tourqe and plenty of speed.

BTW...
there is also womens classes too. I have put a link to some good reading on this to make you more familiar with it.

technical inspection form
http://www.nwacconline.com/Autocross%20Tech%20Inspection%20checklist.pdf

Racing guidlines
http://www.nwacconline.com/2005%20Speed%20Event%20Guidelines.pdf

 

[CoachS]

I've ran 7 events this year and it's a blast !!!!