The SCCA will be conducting autocross schools in the KC area on Saturday 3/23 and Saturday 4/20, each school followed by a points event the day after on Sunday.
Location is the GSA facility (aka "the old Bendix plant") at the northeast corner of Bannister and Troost, across from the Sonic. Entrance to the facillity is the first right north of Bannister on Troost.
This is not just about how to drive at an autocross, it's also about what will and will not pass tech inspection, about work requirements and more than anything else, safety. Autocrossing can be considered a test of precision car control, not outright speed, as car speeds rarely exceed 60 mph and on this lot probably not over 50, but you'll be flogging that SOB for all it's worth at all times. It is an intense 30-60 seconds a lap.
There will generally be two groups, one on course while the other gets the off-course instruction, and then a switch. The afternoon will be all the runs you can fit in and also a test & tune for other autocrossers.
Instruction will probably begin around 9 and I urge you not to straggle because it'll be hard to fit you in and get you filled with all the helpful info if you show late.
But DO SHOW, the cost is only $10, yes that's $10 for the biggest bag of screaming smiles you'll be able to get in your car with your clothes on without losing your license.
I will be instructing as will several other very experienced autocrossers who will tell you how it works, talk about car control, ride with you while you get the hang of it, even drive your car witih you as a passenger if you like so you can see what it might look like at the other end of the learning curve.
If there was ever an event where you don't have to worry about being new at it, these are the ones. Nobody's going to point fingers and nobody's going to laugh at slow times. We're all out there to grow the sport and all of us had to walk before we could run and everyone's very understanding that NOBODY is Michael Schumacker right out of the gate.
You'll come away with a much better appreciation of what your car will and will not do at its limits and a much better ability to handle tricky handling maneuvers in emergency situations. You'll also come away with a grin you won't be able to lose for a week.
So come on out and join the fun. If you have a Snell 90 or newer helmet, bring it, otherwise there will be loaners available.
You'll need a valid drivers license and if you're under 18 you'll need proof that you have permission to drive the car.
Safety/tech wise you'll be expected to remove all loose items from the car before running, including bbut not limited to radar detectors, CD's, pretty much anything not bolted down. If your car has nitrous it would be a good idea to leave the tank at home. Your battery will need to be secure and nothing looking like it's going to fall off the car. Wear decent shoes because you will do a lot of walking and standing.
Hope to see you there. Like I said, I'll be instructing and so will my wife and if you want to find us ask for Fraser or Donna. We'll be there with the Mustang and will likely be burning off some rubber in the afternoon.
