Shinobi BMW > How to Get Started Autocrossing

My Autocross Experience

Autocross Trophies/Awards

How to Get Started Autocrossing

A Typical Day at the AutoX

My Track Experience

"Upgrade The Driver, Before Upgrading The Car"

Autocrossing or Solo II, is a form of racing where drivers negotiate a course marked by cones and chalk and race against the clock. Participants learn to handle their cars in a course that challenges their driving skills in a safe environment at speeds usually below 80mph. This sport is alot of fun and teaches you how to handle your car at its limits, with virtually no risk of damage (other than some extra tire wear). Upgrading the driver is one of the most important mods you could ever make to your car, and I HIGHLY recommend it.

So...how does one get started? Well, its really quite simple and I have provided here a list of things you can do to properly prepare yourself:

Visit http://www.bmwcca.org and join the club. For $40, you get the following:

1 year membership
Subscription to the BMW Roundel magazine
Discounts on parts and accessories
Priority at BMW Autocrosses/Driving Schools
Local chapter newsletters

Required Items

You should definitely have these ready when attending any autocross:

1 year membership
Driver's License
Current Registration
Cash or check. Its fun, but it ain't free. Note - some clubs offer online payments for events.

Recommended Items

Although not required, I strongly recommend you have the following with you:

Reliable jack
Open face racing helmet
Portable air compressor
Breaker bar and socket
Torque wrench
Plenty of water, especially in the summer months
EZ Up or other type of shade for the summer months
Sunblock and hat/cap
Portable chair

Car Preparation

It is definitely not necessary to make any special modifications to the car for this sport NOR IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR REQUIRED. You can certainly run your car bone stock. Just make sure you do some routine maintenance, such as checking your tire pressures, oil level, and brake fluid. Make sure your car is not experiencing any brake, engine or suspension issues, otherwise get them fixed first.

Signing Up For Local Events

Various local clubs host autocrosses. 3 clubs in particular offer excellent opportunities and numerous events throughout the year. Look them up on the web for autocross events scheduled this year:

BMWCCA:
These are the best to get started with as most people there will be driving BMWs of course. Prices range from $45-$65 per event and lunch is usually included.

CSCC/SCCA:California Sports Car Club and/or Sports Car Club of America:
Numerous car makes and models. VERY good drivers attend these events and many are current/former national autocross champions. Prices range from $20-$40. Lunch is not included and discounts are offered with membership.

PCA - Porsche Club of America:
Very friendly group, and very fun courses. Porsches racing is a beautiful sight. $50-$65 per event. Lunch is not usually included.

Classifying Your Car

Different clubs classify cars differently, but here are some basic guidelines for the clubs I run with. Its a good idea to know ahead of time what class you'll be participating in. 1st time drivers are usually in Novice, but the car can still be classified:

BMWCCA:
C: 6-cylinder stock for all e46, non-M
D: 6-cylinder modified for all e46, non-M
M: M-stock for e46 M3s
MM: M-modified for e46 M3s

* Allowed mods for stock classes are any size wheels, any brand shock absorber, any air filter and/or cat-back exhaust system.

CSCC/SCCA:
D-Stock for stock e46, non-M
B-Stock for e46 M3
D-Street Prepared for modified e46, non-M
B-Street Prepared for modified e46, M3s
Street Modified 1 for all heavily modified 4-seaters

* There are VERY specific rules regarding what modifications are allowed. Generally speaking, the stock class allows a thicker front sway bar, R-compound tires. On the other end, almost anything goes in Street Modified.

PCA:
X: All non-Porsches, regardless of mods compete in the X-class.

OK, now that you know how to get started, read my writeup on what a typical day autocrossing is like.