The RX8, as you well know, handles amazingly well. Here is a chance to put your car and your driving skills to the test in the safety of a wide open parking lot.

It's called autocross and it's a blast.

For those wo dont know -- it's a timed event in which you maneuver your car through a coned-off course. The cars are divided into classes (unmodified RX8 is B Stock) and the quickest car and driver in each class wins the top honor in their class and bragging rights. You typically get 4 to 6 runs.

This is my first year to do it and I'm loving it. If you've never done it before - come on out and give it a go!

--

Texas Region SCCA Solo - http://www.autocross.com/texasregion/
September 17, 2006 - Texas Motor Speedway Bus Lot

Maverick Region Porsche Club - http://mav.pca.org/mav/Events/AX.asp
September 10, 2006 - MineralRing

LoneStar Chapter BMW - http://www.lscbmwcca.org/autocross-schedule.html
September 9, 2006 - Grayson County Airport

Equipe Rapide - http://www.autocross.com/er/c.htm
September 10, 2006 - Pennington Field, Bedford

 

I'll be at the Texas Region event at TMS in Jon's Lightning Yellow. Last local event before I bring home my own RX-8.

 

This Sunday.. TMS Bus lot.

 

I know I've said this before, and it I guess it comes across as me just blabbin, but I REALLY want to get into autocross.

I've never been, and unfortunatley cannot go this month. I am kind of at a point right now where I'm extremely busy during the week, and the weekend tends to be the time to catch-up on things. Plus I don't really have the money for it right now.

Don't count me out yet though! I will go soon. I would really appreciate if when I do I could hook-up with some people who regularly do it, to kind of show me the ropes.
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Hurt From Depakote

 

you may want to go with one of the local people now before your ready to do it for yourself. That way you can see the process before diving in.

Just a suggestion.

-hS

 

ditto

 

autox is awesome but it can be a big money sink. Brake pads, tires, rotors, clutches, flywheels....are just a few things that take the brunt of autox.

Make sure you're ready for that kind of commitment.

 

Come to the October BMWCCA event at mineral wells. Sat night is a night autocross and sunday morning is the official autocross for points. I'd be glad to show you the ropes if you come by. There are usually 2-4 RX8's there as well.

 

A big money sink compared to what? Driving to the grocery store? You'll get some increased tire wear and you'll go through brake pads a little faster by autocrossing regularly, but your rotors will be fine unless you run extremely aggresive pads. Your clutch and flywheel won't take any additional abuse, unless you do a bunch of ProSolos or you just can't drive. In fact, a typical autocross involves less shifting - and less slipping of the clutch - than driving a couple of blocks in city traffic.

Eight years of autocrossing, most of those years with 20+ events, and I've never chewed up a clutch due to autocross use. You can spend as much or as little as you'd like autocrossing - wanna run occasionally on your street tires in your daily driver just for fun? No problem. Wanna spend a hundred grand to build a purpose built autocross car and compete all around the country? We've got that end of the spectrum covered as well... but you don't have to spend big bucks to have fun autocrossing occasionally at the local level.

I encourage any of you who are curious about autocrossing to come out to the North Texas S2000 autocross on September 30th at Mineral Wells. These events feature small turnout (typically ~40-50 cars), good courses, and a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, instruction and ride-alongs are available free of charge, whether you come out to run or just to watch. I'm an instructor at these events, and I'll have my new RX-8 (Imp's Nordic Green '04) out on the 30th. Come and find me, and I'll be happy to instruct you if you want to run, or let you ride along if you just want to see what it's all about.

 

That sounds great! I would probably just go once in a while, like once a month or so, but I just am not sure how to get started. All I really need is my car and a helmet right?

I'm pretty anxious to go to one of these, because I know a lot of people will be there who know cars, and how to drive well. I consider myself a decent driver, not amazing ro anything, but I guess everybody would like to think of themselves that way. I guess this is a way to find out.
________
Paxil Attorneys

 

Yep, you just need a car in good shape. You can borrow a helmet from the club, just leave your ID at the tent when you need it and you get it back when you return it. If you plan on doing this fairly often I'd suggest just buying a helmet though.

PM me and i'd be happy to show you the ropes.