Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Autocross and Open Track Auto X Secrets & Tips

Last time I gave hints, Frank M. started beating me..well no, he's getting better, I'm staying the same... its all about seat time..

As has been stated many times seat time is paramount. It was also mentioned finding a good local driver as a mentor. It would help if this person also drives a front-wheel drive car. Another big thing is don't make anymore changes to the car till you can drive the present setup to the best in can be. This will speed up your learning curve on driver training. Watch the fast people, see where they brake, get on the gas etc. Ask questions and be honest.

Respectfully,
Andy Hohl

This was pretty informative. Thanks everyone.
Yeah first timer as of this Sunday!

That's probably the biggest mistake everyone makes. Too many changes to their car on a constant basis. When you get to the point that you go out and put down almost identical times from your first run to your last. Then make changes to your car, you'll have a point of reference for how much this has helped or hindered the performance of your car.

Good luck.

....Last time I gave hints, Frank M. started beating me..well no, he's getting better, I'm staying the same... its all about seat time.. ......

I'm not sure abotu getting better, but sticky tires are pretty cool. 30HP over you and almost the same weight is also a nice plus.
Gotta agree with everyone seat time and just hanging out at the events having a little fun and chatting with people, watching, will give you what you need.

Move somewhere warm so you can autocross every month of the year. Find a region with longer than 25 second courses and more than 4 runs. Not a lot of seat time there!

Ride with someone else if they will let you to get over the "sea of pylon" syndrome and get the "sight picture"/typical speeds they are seeing. This will give you an idea of how violently (but smoothly) and late (but not too late) you need to brake, and the subsequent transition to cornering/acceleration and then to progressively harder acceleration out of the corner. All inputs are smooth. No suspension jerkiness allowed. Notice how good autocrossers will turn everything they can into a straight or at-least as much acceleration as possible.

Practice hitting your apexes on the street at moderate speed, OK faster than moderate, but safe for conditions. Practice late apexes. Practice late braking and trail-braking before that 90 degree left hander. As you get better, practice left-foot braking into that same corner, staying on the gas as you ease out of the brakes. Learn to modulate your left-foot braking at normal speeds before attempting it at an autocross.

Experience what happens when you let off the throttle suddenly in the midst of that fast corner at high RPM. Once you learn what a spin feels like, you will remember not to let off the throttle unless you get right back on it after kicking the rear around. Experience what happens when you give it too much gas in a slow corner...that grinding understeer. Your slow time and high tire bill will convince you that does not work.

Find a curvy, isolated road and practice at reasonable speeds, staying within the speed limit and YOUR limits! Of course three years of driving in Germany could not hurt!