[a69star]

I'm 18, drive a 95 accord vtec, with an auto, ihe, front and rear strut bar, eibach sportlines, and migle miglia glides w/kuhmo 712's w/ 205/50/15. I want to start xcrossing, but i have no idea where to begin. i don't want to go to the track and break something or look like an idiot. i'm a good driver, and i race alot (street drags and homemade roadraces). What else do I need for my car and where should i start. I live in NW indiana, 45 minutes from chicago and south bend.

 

[ITR#231]

Someone from your area will hook you up with a place to run, I'm sure, so I'll wait until they show up in this thread. Until then, look here:

http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/

You have more than enough parts for your car already. No need to add anything else. Just make sure you either have your own helmet, or the region you're going to can loan you one. Other than a helmet, you'll need your driver's license and around $20-30. That's it...

Look around the forum for good info for beginners. Start here:

http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

Finally, enough with the street racing and homemade road courses. The fact that you're posting this question means that you're ready to step up to the real deal, and I applaud you. You'll soon find that the level of competition and the skill level required is so much higher.

If you're interested in road racing, just say so and I'll get you some info on that too.

 

[Philbert]

I live in NW indiana, 45 minutes from chicago and south bend.

The Chicago SCCA is holding a Solo II driving school the weekend of April 6th and 7th. I am new to the sport as well and will be attending the school. Should be fun and informative. Take a look at:

http://www.scca-chicago.com/solo/2002/learncurve.html

then click on the "Printable Event flyer/Entry form" link.

i am thinking about buying my helmet as i'd like to have one that fits properly and will accomodate my specs.

 

[a69star]

wow, thank you for the quick and helpful replies

 

[shorthand]

It may be cheaper to go to an event first if you want to stick your toe in before diving.

The expensive part of a school is not so much the admission fee - its the set of tires you burn through in the 20 runs you make the second day.

Never be afraid just to show up for your first autocross.

 

[a69star]

what class would i be in and what would i be racing, i don't want to show up and race m3's, c5's or something like that, if i have too many mods, i could take some off and drop a class and race civic's, tegs, etc...

 

[Philbert]

what class would i be in and what would i be racing, i don't want to show up and race m3's, c5's or something like that, if i have too many mods, i could take some off and drop a class and race civic's, tegs, etc...

you can check out some good information about classes and rules at this website: http://mouton.best.vwh.net/sccasolo/

I believe you'll be in STS (street touring - s). These are the requirements:

Street Touring - S
If your car is a normally aspirated sedan (four seats, four factory seatbelts, not sports-car derived) of 3.1 Liters or less, or one of a few small turbocharged cars specified in the rules, and perhaps prepared further than allowed in Stock Category, it may be eligible for one of the Street Touring Classes.

Street Touring allows anything allowed in Stock, plus (roughly these modifications:
Any shocks, struts, and springs, using original attachment points
Any sway bars
Any wheels up to 7.5" in width that fit over stock brakes
Tires up to and including a width of 225, with a treadwear rating of 140 or greater.
Strut bars/braces as allowed in Street Prepared.
Exhaust system downstream of catalytic converter(s)
Short throw shift kits
Spoilers, body kits, rear wings, etc.
Pedal kits and other interior cosmetic accessories
Alternate brakes pads and linings
Any fully padded and upholstered front seats with reclining seat backs
Removal of factory trim (rub strips, emblems)
Alternate steering wheels of any diameter, otherwise meeting Stock rules
Cross drilled and/or slotted brake rotors
Alternate air cleaner enclosures
No limited slip differentials except factory viscous coupler type units
Stock brake calipers/drums
Fenders may not be cut or flared (but specific modifications for tires OK)
Emission-legal headers
Emission legal modifications to Engine management system, either electronic or mehanical, but not both.
Engine and transmission must remain unmodified, including emissions equipment

types of cars you'll see:

Civic, Integra, Accord
Volkswagen Golf/Jetta/Beetle/Passat 1.8T
Audi A4 1.8T, non-Quattro
Mazda 323 GTX(awd)
Mazda 323 GT
Volvo S40 and V40

and they don't mention it, but I would imagine the subaru imprezza 2.5RS and maybe the WRX as well?? can anyone verify this?

 

[PseudoRealityX]

and they don't mention it, but I would imagine the subaru imprezza 2.5RS and maybe the WRX as well?? can anyone verify this?

the WRX isnt allowed, but the 2.5RS is, and is one of the top cars in STS, along with Neons, Sentra SE-Rs, and BMW 3 series cars.

And yes, youre in STS.

Please dont think youre going to start winning your first time out....as that will just lead to dissappointment, and you wont have fun.

 

[a69star]

i understand that i won't be competetive for a long time, i would just rather fit in and suck, then not fit in and suck even worse.

 

[shorthand]

Some people get the knack quicker than others. Look at CivicSiRacer. The fact that you've been racing your car through turns before means you may pick up quickly.

Honestly, you mainly run against yourself in autocross. Its such a skill game that you are always looking to improve. That's part of why its so fun.

You'll also be very glad to be part of safe, legal, fun racing.

I should add that the handling mods you've made will make more difference in an autocross than any power mod short of a radical turbo. You're definitely barking up the right tree.

 

[CivicSiRacer]

What I actually do to see if I'm improving is to match my times with the head honchos. Like people who always place 1st since they are mostly consistent. I find that every year I gain about .5 seconds on everyone

 

[PseudoRealityX]

What I actually do to see if I'm improving is to match my times with the head honchos. Like people who always place 1st since they are mostly consistent. I find that every year I gain about .5 seconds on everyone

Hmm, i hope i can do that well! That would give me a good chance at Nationals in 4 years