Okay, please do me a favor and don't laugh when I tell you that I have a '99 Contour M/T Zetec that I would like to start autocrossing. Ever since I came across this forum on the CEG site, I have done nothing but dream of autocrossing!

I LOVE road racing (let's face it, I have to - I am a Sebring (International Raceway), FL native - home of the 12 Hours of Sebring as seen on SPEED) and have often wondered how I could get a slice of it - wah lah, here comes autocross!

Okay, so I am driving a stock Contour as far as mechanical goes. I was going to purchase new wheels this summer - looking into 17" with Kumho ECSTA 711 or similar. Before you tell me that 17s will place me out of stock - I know that. Here is why I think I should go with 17s. I have only rear drum brakes and thought the increased handling the 17s offer might help to compensate for the fact that my brakes are not 4 ways. That hypothesis was confirmed with a local tire/wheel (& autox sponsor) dealer. Any thoughts on that from you PROS out there?

Also, when I had my rotors machined yesterday, the tech. told me that they were getting thin (means nothing to me since I wouldn't know a thin rotor if I saw one) and should replace them. My questions is -- since I am considering autox, what new rotors should I replace the old ones with? Again, any thoughts you guys have would be appreciated!

Our first autox is coming up Sunday, but I fear that I will not be ready for this one. I need a coolant flush I think - it's getting black! Original antifreeze with 62,000 miles on the clock. Plus the tires need a rotation and I don't see all that happening before Sunday (4/28). I guess I will have to wait until June for the next event here in Asheville, NC.

Back to the questions - since the 17s will place me out of stock, with future upgrades to the engine and exhaust, do you think I would ever have a chance of competing in the street touring class or is that only a dream with a mere 2.0L Zetec? (again, please refrain from laughing!)

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for potentially posting a reply!

Don Francis - 1999 Contour Zetec MTX -- Stock except for stereo mods & 20%/5% tint:
Sony MobileES head unit, Pioneer 6x8 in front doors, 3 JL Audio 10" in the trunk, RF Punch amp pushing the doors, JL 300x2 amp on the 10s
Auto X Novice --> NHS 11 (ya gotta start somewhere) - thanks auto x guys for your advice!