For experienced autocrossers... do you think autox schools help when you're starting out? Or is it better just to jump in and see how it goes? Any thoughts on schools you've attended?

 

They cheap and you will learn a lot if you're just starting out, I can't think of any reason not to attend one if you're a novice.

 

I think it depends on the school. Many clubs hold novice schools at the start of the season (and maybe another one or two later on). The ones I've seen have been great places to start. They break things down into easily digestable chunks about the real, real basics and you don't get overwhelmed.

Something like the Evolution school probably isn't the best place to start, IMO. There's too much to learn and absorb when you don't really have any idea of what you're doing yet. But if you've already done a few autocrosses and feel like you're starting to get the hang of things, Evo Phase I is great.

Since you're in the DC area, I'd give Brian's Novice School a shot. I've heard good things about it and I know that the crew instructing there are very, very helpful. The local BMW Club chapter has a school coming up in April which is pretty good for starting out.

If you have any questions about what's available locally, I can try to help.

 

Renee and I have done the Evolution school twice and recommend it very much. Phase one and two the first time and phase two and three the second.

Vince

 

Go out and drive a few autocross events just to get a feel for things. Then take as many schools as you can find. You'll always learn something new and more seat time is never bad.
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OUTDOOR MOVIE

 

i think a novice autox school to properly introduce you to autox would be a good idea

plus you get to run around/over cones all day, that in itself is worth it :D

 

Thanks everyone! That's excellent feedback. I want to start autox this year and don't want to flounder in ignorance too much.

Thanks a lot Clyde! This is great info. I'll check it out.

Zoom Zoom...

 

Hey Paul, you can do like I did and just use the free/cheap events put on by auto companies to do all your training. Best part is you don't even have to use your own car to make your initial mistakes! :D

I've done Mazda's Rev It Up every year it's been offered and that has been REALLY beneficial (even won me an XBox for having such a good run!).

Got to try a Toyota one that was somewhat disappointing except for the fact that you could run their autox track as much as you wanted with a racing instructor (in a Corolla though, which was an absolute dog to drive).

Not sure if it's coming to your area or if it's really an autocross style event, but keep an eye on the Auto Show In Motion website and see if they'll be heading your way as well. They seem to be adding new venues every couple of weeks, Atlanta wasn't available when I signed up, so keep checking.

Hope some of those suggestions helped! I'll try and mention somewhere around these parts whenever I hear of a new event that's coming around. Good luck with the autocrossing!

 

more seat time = good. yes to anything that has you driving more!

james

 

Phila region is holding a Novice school at Ripkin Stadium on 4/1 and 4/2. The intent is to show the ropes to first time drivers via on course instruction and to help you sep up the car (tire pressures and whatnot).

My personal opinion is to just get out there and get a few events under your belt, whether at a novice school or just regular events. After you get over the initial stumbling blocks and get more comfortable with the car and driving at the limit (and over it) then go to an Evolution school or the like. From everyone I've spoken to they are worth every penny. I was hoping to make the DC region Evo school but my budget will not allow it.

 

I did the Evolution (phase I) School and I highly recommend it. What was the most beneficial to me is that each segment (of the course) is timed, so you can see where you are good and where you need help. When the instructor drives your car with you in it, and shows you what kind of time that the car is capable of, a whole new world is opened up to you.

Just do it!

 

Hi can anyone refer me to any novice auto-x schools in the LA OC area? im a college student with an RX8 and no money and would love to get my car on the auto-x. any help would be appreciated. can you please PM me? thanks :D

 

I've also done the evo school as well. (Phase I). The one thing you have to realize about the schools...is your going to tear the living hell out of your tires. In regards to the evo schools, your looking at 30-35+ runs. Some of the higher phases go into the 40+ range (and the weekday autocrosses).

The mazda 6 comes with stock all-seasons, and they went from barely used, to completely useless by the end of the day. I know you guys have summer performance tires, so probably won't have them completely destroyed, but be sure your going to have sidewall wear up the wazzo.

Either way, there is no replacement for seattime, and the classes give you a whole crapload of it.