I am going to autox tom... anyone got ne advice for a newbie, Autox related in general or rx8 info i should keep in mind.

 

can a mod move this to the racing forum.. accidently posted here instead

 

Don't wreck?

:D

 

try to go really fast? miss the cones? :D

dunno, man, never done it either. I did see someone messed up their clear bra on a cone tho.

Here is the thread

 

Shocka, have fun, ask LOTS of questions, volunteer to help out and have fun.

Auto-x is a very friendly environment. If you make sure to let them know your a novice, everybody will be glad to explain and help out.

 

If you're in a city near an upcoming Mazda Rev It Up, I'd recommend going. It's the most fun you can have in someone else's car for $40 bucks!

www.mazdarevitup.com

It's a mix of performance driving school and competition. Or simply autocross for everyone. While it's not done in an RX-8, the competition and driving schools is a blast.

 

Don't try to go as fast as possible your first runs. I DNFed all three runs! There were two other 8's there and they both DNFed their first two runs. Being a novice, I had NEVER driven a slalom before and a 6-7 cone slalom near the end was my nemisis. I think the rev-it-up site says something like control always beats wild and crazy. I was too wild and crazy. I can't wait til next weekend for my second shot. Also walk the course many many times.

 

235/40 18s. Y-rated tires. Bridgestone S-03s, Toyo T1-S, Yokohama AVS. Just going to these tires on the factory wheels makes a world of a difference. If you are a beginner... drive with the traction control or until you get the feel of the track and braking points.

 

Hear, hear!

 

I went for the first time a few weeks ago - complete novice. I ran with the traction control off on all 5 runs. The course that was laid out was not the hardest I've seen. However, the 8 felt completely manageable at the limits of traction. It was very easy to maintain control even when the back end was swinging out. The lack of torque I think is a good thing. It keeps you from getting into trouble - unlike some of the d-bags hammering the throttle on the C5 Vettes. They were often out of control around corners and spun out (mostly driver insanity). However, the low torque is more forgiving.


Each pass I ran progressively harder, but smarter from having learned the course. I was also running on COMPLETELY WORN OUT stock tires. I ran neck and neck, timewise, with S2000's and a Porsche Boxster. I spanked a 350Z with racing rubber and upgraded suspension.

Everyone is cool and very helpful. Add some air to your tires walk the course. Best advice - SMOOTH = FAST.

 

This advice applies to emergency accident avoidance manuevers as well: look ahead a little further to where you want to go, not at where you're going to at the moment.

 

"If you're in a city near an upcoming Mazda Rev It Up, I'd recommend going. It's the most fun you can have in someone else's car for $40 bucks!"

I did this yesterday and it was a blast. It is well worth the time and money. If you go early you can get all your practice runs in before the competion runs. I wanted to run my RX8 so bad after driving the front wheel drive Mazda 3's. They aren't bad cars. Not one of them seemed worse from the wear.

 

i went yesterday and had a great time.. every1 was friendly and really helped me out. as for times i didnt do so great. i DNF the first time.