Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches South Central Autocross Schools in KC March 23 and April 20

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.

I'm interested and I will hopefully attend. I'm trying to get more guys interested in autocross, but they realise that it is very hard on there cars. Come on guys I admit I have only went autocrossing once, but let me tell ya it ws a blast. Are cars were made for this, yeah it's a lil hard on tires, but beleive me it's worth it. Anybody else interested?
Thanks for the info MFE
Robbie

...yeah, and the thing is it's really NOT that hard on the car. Yes you'll put some miles on the tires and yes you'll spend a few seconds at top rpm but c'mon, how much can you abuse a car in 45 seconds or so without exceeding "normally encountered highway speeds"? You generally get it in 2nd gear and leave it there, then haul ass as much as possible.

I'm going to try and make it...

I'll be there, but I won't run

BTW, here's the schedule for the year between the two major clubs that run events:

3/23 SCCA Solo School, GSA
3/24 SCCA Event #1, GSA
4/20 SCCA Solo School, GSA
4/21 SCCA Event #2, GSA
5/5 Crown #1, The Woodlands (bigger lot, generally longer courses and higher speeds)
6/2 Crown Event #2, Arrowhead, Dream Factory Charity Event (HUGE lot )
6/9 SCCA Event #3, Woodlands
6/16 Crown #3 Arrowhead
6/23 SCCA #4 Arrowhead (damn we're lucky this year to get this site so many times)
7/28 Crown #4, Woodlands
8/11 Crown #5, GSA
8/18 SCCA #6, Arrowhead
8/24-5 Kansas City Championships, Woodlands, non-points event basically a grudge match for all comers, must run both days to qualify for trophies
9/2 Crown #6, Woodlands
9/22 Crown #7, Woodlands
10/6 SCCA #7, Woodlands
10/13 Crown #8, Woodlands
10/27 SCCA #8, Woodlands

I'm going to do the one in April!

Hey, this is SiBlk00, I will try my damndest to get there, I have been wanting to do this forever, now is the time, I will try and drag some other people there as well. We will see if I can drive as well around cones as good as I can a straight line.

Can you go to both schools, or is the intent that you only attend one? I had been planning on going to both sessions for the extra seat time but I don't want to keep anyone else from getting to play, too.

Well I can't make the one in March...

Well not in the SVT anyway...

I will be going to the one in April with the SVT for certain...