Hi folks, I'm helping out the good folks at SPDA (www.spda-online.ca) to spread some information on the upcoming 2012 Autoslalom (autocross) season.

Hope the info is useful and we see some of you out there!

SPDA’s newcomers guide to CASC-OR Autoslalom:

Autoslaloms (or autocrosses) are time trials around a course laid out with traffic pylons/cones. They are designed as ‘grass roots’ motorsports events that can be participated in by anyone with a regular license and a regular vehicle.

A typical autoslalom is about 60 seconds long and is composed of turns, slaloms and quick transitions that allow you to enjoy exploring the limits of your car and driving abilities in a safe environment. See the videos below for examples of a typical CASC-OR (Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs – Ontario Region) autoslalom course:

http://youtu.be/mH6UUL6L-pc
http://youtu.be/0yzV8fV3qaM
http://youtu.be/Q4bF1JJjnQY

Cone layout confusing? Don’t let that worry you; it confused us too at one stage. All of our experienced competitors will be happy to instruct you on how to read the course, bring you out on ride alongs and give you in car instruction.

CASC-OR clubs host events throughout Southern Ontario in locations such as Barrie, Brampton, Peterborough, Picton and Mosport. The facilities used include large parking lots, race tracks and air strips.

The events are very social in nature and run from 9am to around 4pm. With somewhere between 50 and 80 competitors showing up, they are a great place to meet like-minded car enthusiasts.

FAQ

What kind of car do you need to compete? I don’t think my grocery getter will be quick enough…

There are ALL kinds of cars competing, from 20 year old 55hp diesel Rabbits, completely stock Mazda 3’s, souped up Impreza STi’s to custom built racecars. Most people compete in their regular daily driver.
Each car will fit into a certain class depending on its abilities and its times will be handicapped accordingly. That custom built racecar can quite easily lose to the diesel Rabbit. If it’s safe and is a car, you can compete in it. Autoslalom is about the driver first and the car second.

I had a look at the rulebook. How am I meant to understand that?

It can look a little daunting. All you have to do is tell us what your car is, what modifications (if any) you have and we’ll get your car placed in the correct class. Once you get a handle on things, then you can explore the rulebook more closely if you choose to modify your car further.

I have no experience in racing or driving fast. What if I embarrass myself by going too slow or knocking down all the cones?

Our experienced competitors are only too happy to see new ones arrive. They started out slow as well and, occasionally, they still knock down all the cones too. We will all be happy to provide instruction to help you increase your skills; skills that will help you with safe car handling and accident avoidance on the public roads.
Rookies will also be timed against other rookies, so you can see how you are doing against competitors with similar experience levels.

Some competitors are focused on getting the fastest times, while some focus more on the experience and social aspects. Whatever your level of competitiveness is, you can enjoy yourself.

I have plenty of experience driving fast and doing trackdays etc. Why would I want to do autoslalom?

A lot of us enjoy trackdays too! It’s a very different driving thrill. Tracks give you high speed and long sessions. We like speed.

However, autoslalom gives you a new course every event, a LOT more driver inputs and a greater emphasis on raw car control. It is also a lot less demanding on your car than the racetrack and is a lot less expensive in terms of event costs and wear and tear costs on your vehicle.

It’s hard to beat the instant rush of a one minute course that requires steering, throttle and brake inputs a number of times per second.

When are the events?

The 2012 schedule is yet to be published, but there are typically 6 to 8 ‘regional’ events between May and September, held on Saturdays and Sundays. A number of CASC-OR clubs also hold their own local series throughout Southern Ontario. If it’s between May and September and it’s a weekend, there will probably be an autoslalom somewhere.

‘Regional’ events? What are they?

CASC-OR has an Ontario Regional Autoslalom Championship composed of 6 to 8 events. Your best results from half the events plus one count towards the Championship (So, if there are 8 events your best 5 results are counted). At the end of the year trophies are awarded.

The Championship is 100% rookie friendly. It’s not just for the ‘serious’ competitors, drivers of all experience are welcome. A separate rookie championship, with trophies, is run as part of it. You don’t have to be part of the Championship to run at a regional event.

How much does it cost?

Autoslalom is CHEAP! Event rates vary depending on how much it costs that club for their venue, but costs are typically in the $25-$35 range for the full day.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions, feel free to email rookies at spda-online.ca or post a question in this thread.

Don’t be afraid to ask anything autoslalom related. There are no stupid questions.

You can also visit our website: www.spda-online.ca
The CASC-OR website: www.casc.on.ca

How do I get started?

First port of call is to drop an email to barry at spda-online.ca or rookie at spda-online.ca and we will help you out.

SPDA will be hosting an autoslalom school around the end of April. It is a fantastic introduction to the sport, showing you what it is all about and teaching you the skills you’ll need. There is a very small classroom portion and the rest is all hands on, in your car, with an experienced autoslalom competitor as an instructor in your passenger seat.

Details of the school will be posted later. Sign up quickly when they are, it always sells out.