Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Autocross and Open Track Have You Ever?.... Poll Question

AutoX is awesome! Its so much fun. I cant wait to go again now with front and rear strut braces, subframe connectors, and the Koni kit. Not to mention stickier tires. Its going to be a blast!

I dont go to compete, however. I go to have fun and hang out with fellow car enthusiasts. Talk about cars, learn about new stuff, etc. With all the mods on my car I get stuck in a class that I couldnt be competitive in even if I tried, so I couldnt really give a crap about that.

The first time I did it I did have serious thoughts about selling my SVT and buying a miata or some other small [cheap] RWD car. There was a S/C Miata the last time I went, and that thing looking like a farkin blast to drive. You could build up an old one for a reasonable amount too.

I do it every month. I run somewhat competitive times but don't really care about that as the car is about worn out at 15 years old, I just have fun.

I probably couldent do it, id be afraid to roll the contour (i rolled a jeep in a parking lot a while ago) and it freaks me out, Ill track the car (circut) but i wont ever Auto-x

You have a higher chance of damaging your car on a track than autox. How in the heck are you gonna roll a contour when autoxing? You said you rolled a jeep, go look in your driveway/garage,,, does that look like a jeep?

There is a moderate risk of damage on the open track. There is a minimal risk of damage at an autocross. Ironically, there has been a Contour rolled at an autocross - Buckshot - but there were extenuating circumstances: he went WAY too fast and drove into a tire wall at a kart track.

I'd agree with everything that Phil said except for the tire pressures. Start with 38 F&R and go from there. Hell, I liked it so much that I bought a second car!

Yeah, Weargle's tire pressures are probably a good starting point. I went high fast because I had the 205 width ZRis on which were very, very soft. Stiffer tires, or even different sized tires may require less pressure, so starting low isn't bad. Just make sure you raise them some, to prevent excess wear or even rim damage.

Thanks for all the response so far. I actually come from a family that is highly involved in SCCA and racing. Both of my folks are still active members in the club racing side. They have been involved in racing for at least 50 yrs or so. I grew up around road racing all my life, but I've never actually given in to the bug. I've been busy trying to raise 4 kids myself but no that they're older (4 teenagers two of which drive) and I'm past the minivan stage I may just give AutoX a try. I'd love to go Club but I know theres no way I could $$ that. My kid brother did race a GTI for a while but he had to give that up due to no money. So hopefully AutoX is a little more wallet friendly. The first one of the season around here isn't until mid april. Can't wait till spring Winter bad