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I know there are a few. Let's see who does what and in what kinda car.

i have done autocross once....2007 Honda Civic Si

I've dabbled in autocrossing. Amazingly fun. I haven't done it alot, since most of the events are out in the western half of Ft Worth, about an hour drive from my house, but over the summer, I'm going to do a few events. I highly recommend it. Even with a bone stock mustang on shitty tires, its still way too much fun.

I'm thinking of trying it out. I've always been the offroader but I'm willing to expand my horizons.

When the spring comes I should have my stiffer rear sway bar installed, 1" drop and some good sticky tires.

ETA: I understand that when it comes to anyything automotive, it's always a "pay to play" theory meaning that you will be breaking parts and doing more repairs and what not... I'm fine with that. I'm just trying to get an idea of how expensive it could be.

AHTOXA wrote:I'm thinking of trying it out. I've always been the offroader but I'm willing to expand my horizons.

When the spring comes I should have my stiffer rear sway bar installed, 1" drop and some good sticky tires.

ETA: I understand that when it comes to anyything automotive, it's always a "pay to play" theory meaning that you will be breaking parts and doing more repairs and what not... I'm fine with that. I'm just trying to get an idea of how expensive it could be.

Auto X really isn't that hard on your car. Really the only thing you wear out in it is tires.

There aren't any hard launches, even the beginning launch isn't drag like, you usually don't get over 40-50mph, you don't hit other cars or objects, it's probably the least risky form of racing there is.

You do need to keep your car in tip top shape for Auto-x, but that's the case with all racing (and driving in general), so it's not a huge deal.

^^ +1 ^^ Autocross is more about handling, so you usually don't have to worry about your car (so long as it runs and won't flip or spin out)

drag is about pushing your car to it's limit, so that's where the breaking comes into play. Gotta go as fast as you can, but within the limits of your car, or you'll break the shit out of it. takes a lot of practice...

I did not have to take my car out of 2nd gear (besides the launch) IIRC my top speed was 44mph (pre engine mods my redline in 2nd was 57mph)

NjSi wrote:I did not have to take my car out of 2nd gear (besides the launch) IIRC my top speed was 44mph (pre engine mods my redline in 2nd was 57mph)

Yep, last time I did it, I stayed in 1st gear the whole time. Great torque manipulation, I could slide the rear a little around corners, and I could still get up to almost 40mph ish (yes, 1st goes that high in my car), and I touched 2nd once, then realized I was going to fast and didn't have enough throttle manipulation ability, so I put it down back into 1st.

Autox is so much fun, I cant recommend it enough.

I need to do this - any links or resources on where to find good AutoX events in various areas? (Yes, I know Google).

I would strongly suggest checking out the BMW CCA.

Granted, you don't drive a BMW, but the local chapter near me has like 10 BMW classes, and then they have like 4 non BMW classes (for autox days).
They are a really great bunch of guys, they've given me lots of tips, don't talk crap about non Bimmers, etc.

I don't know if they've got a chapter near you, they probably do, but the one near me is great. I'd check it out if there isn't like a Mazda club. The reason I like it better than the huge generic sports car clubs is that the groups are smaller, and they pay attention and are more willing to help out the noobs.

I've been racing on circuits for awhile now.

Johnf514 wrote:I need to do this - any links or resources on where to find good AutoX events in various areas? (Yes, I know Google).

SCCA Solo website (autocross) - http://www.scca.com/hub.aspx?hub=3

eaglecatcher wrote:Auto X really isn't that hard on your car. Really the only thing you wear out in it is tires.

If you maintain your car well, it isn't hard. But it is good for shaking down older cars.

That said, you shouldn't break anything too expensive on auto-x. That's why they use cones.

NjSi wrote:i have done autocross once....2007 Honda Civic Si

What class were you running in? Did your mods bump you up into higher classes?

I've done both. Autoxing is great! You can learn a lot from going to a few events. Very family oriented atmosphere.

I have also done both. It is great fun, and you also learn how to control you car. Unfortunatly the car I used was a Clio 172. Well, it is really fun, but a RWD is even more fun. This summer I probably will be driving a Porsche 968 at some track days and AutoX meetings.