Autocross megathread

[optronix]

I know we're just now getting our cars and most of us have yet to even hit break-in, but that hasn't stopped me from registering for an upcoming autocross. I'm hoping to get at least a couple autocross, maybe a trackcross in this season before it goes into "hibernation mode" with all-seasons in November.

Also I saw a literally empty forum and figured I'd be the one to break ground in here.

So how many others out there are going to autocross their ITS? I'm absolutely still a novice; I've been to a handful of events over the past few years but only with PCA. It's definitely something I enjoy, especially because of the low barrier to entry, low risk of damage to your car, and low impact on wear and tear relative to other forms of motorsport. I'm guessing I'll start to branch out after this season and start investigating some of the more serious events with SCCA- but I have to admit as of right now, just thinking about all the classes and rules makes my head spin. As a casual autocrosser, it's just been far easier to look at a list for PCA, see my car and what class it's in, and just show up. I don't foresee myself getting crazy with mods to try to compete for FTD or championships, at least not with this car. Probably won't take it much beyond wheels/tires (brake pads/fluid for HPDE), but curious to see what other folks' plans are for getting their hands dirty with their ITS.

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[ZeroGSR]

What I would suggest is looking for Auto-X schools in your area. I don't think SCCA's will start up till next year, but I signed up for a BMW one in November (do NOT need to own a BMW) and since you have access to PCA, I would check with them for sure. In my experience, PCA has been the best experience, you get more runs, less stress, faster courses, etc... Their classes are excellent also. Check around in your area, for me there is one location nearby that hosts 4+ different groups, so there is almost always something going on every weekend. I haven't raced a FWD car (unless the S3 counts) in almost 20 years, so I am interested in a class to get more seat time.

If you are thinking of doing anything on a track, consider getting an SA rated helmet instead of M so you don't have to buy twice, or borrow.

Assume the DE5 will be in BS as that is what the FL5 and FK8 LE run in. Unless you want to run 285s, probably won't be competitive, but will see. Also know you can always do fun runs if you don't care about being competitive as mods can quickly knock you out of your class.

 

[bpebler]

I will also be a novice auto crosser & have an SCCA membership that I plan on using as well. I'd like to spend more time doing time trials or something of that nature. My father in laws old friend & coworker happens to be a coach at our local track, so that will be a convenient caveat.

 

[bpebler]

What I would suggest is looking for Auto-X schools in your area. I don't think SCCA's will start up till next year, but I signed up for a BMW one in November (do NOT need to own a BMW) and since you have access to PCA, I would check with them for sure. In my experience, PCA has been the best experience, you get more runs, less stress, faster courses, etc... Their classes are excellent also. Check around in your area, for me there is one location nearby that hosts 4+ different groups, so there is almost always something going on every weekend. I haven't raced a FWD car (unless the S3 counts) in almost 20 years, so I am interested in a class to get more seat time.

If you are thinking of doing anything on a track, consider getting an SA rated helmet instead of M so you don't have to buy twice, or borrow.

Assume the DE5 will be in BS as that is what the FL5 and FK8 LE run in. Unless you want to run 285s, probably won't be competitive, but will see. Also know you can always do fun runs if you don't care about being competitive as mods can quickly knock you out of your class.

What exactly are "fun runs"?

 

[ZeroGSR]

What exactly are "fun runs"?

It just means your times won't be official so you don't have to deal with protests. If you are stock, you can run BS and it's pretty straight foward. I think there is a novice class also. Once you start modding though, unless you know the rules well, for me it was easier to just fun run than to switch into one of the prepared groups where I would be destroyed.

As for mods, typically all that is allowed is shocks, a single sway bar replacement, and tires. Wheels can be increased or decreased in diameter by 1", but can NOT change width and you are limited to 7mm of offset change. So keep that in mind as just a rim change can knock you out of stock, plus virtually any standard bolt on.

 

[optronix]

It just means your times won't be official so you don't have to deal with protests. If you are stock, you can run BS and it's pretty straight foward. I think there is a novice class also. Once you start modding though, unless you know the rules well, for me it was easier to just fun run than to switch into one of the prepared groups where I would be destroyed.

As for mods, typically all that is allowed is shocks, a single sway bar replacement, and tires. Wheels can be increased or decreased in diameter by 1", but can NOT change width and you are limited to 7mm of offset change. So keep that in mind as just a rim change can knock you out of stock, plus virtually any standard bolt on.

This is helpful. 7mm though!! On these cars that's kind of unreasonable. Seems like a lot of FL5 guys like to go 18x9.5 +45, but the stock offset is +60. Have to assume that carries over to the DE5. Guess that's off the table unless I want to go exploring what other classes are out there, and as you suggest that makes me feel like the deep end of the pool.

And if I'm reading between the lines, tire width is NOT taken into consideration? So running 285 on 18 or 19" tires (assuming offset is within 7mm) is legal, and in your words- essentially necessary to be competitive?

I'm fine with fun runs and it's what I've been doing for years with PCA. However, that said- the last event I went to in my 718 I was 9th overall (out of 60+ cars, about 80% Porsches), so was knocking on the door of FTD. There are of course a couple guys out there I recognize as generally being the fastest every single time, but I was only 2 seconds off with my completely stock car on the OEM Pirelli PZeros, all the guys ahead of me were running RE-71RS. On this course 2 seconds was a lot (FTD was ~46 seconds), but I was feeling kind of good about myself.... and it got me thinking that the competitive element sure as hell does invoke even more fun.

My local PCA chapter definitely has a class, I'm just wondering how much of a faux pas it is to run an Acura in a Porsche class... but I definitely need more training and seat time because while I might be feeling good about my autocross times I get absolutely crushed in trackcross the few times I've been at Summit Point. I don't see myself ever using this car as a true circuit time trial weapon; I'll do an occasional DE because they're non-competitive but my philosophy has always been to leave the car mostly stock, and you can't really get away with that if you're trying to be competitive on a "real" racetrack. But I think I can for autocross/trackcross.

Also a lot of it is apprehension. I was taking my 911 and 718 out there- both north of $100k cars- to a track where there are actual walls you can run into. I had a real hard time pushing myself or the car because of that. I'm not convinced the "only" $50k I spent on the Acura will really move the needle, either. I'm just out there to have fun, I'm not trying to set any record lap times.... but as a result I'm getting punked by 15 year old STIs and E36s in my 400+hp Porsches. There's got to be some middle ground.

 

[bpebler]

It just means your times won't be official so you don't have to deal with protests. If you are stock, you can run BS and it's pretty straight foward. I think there is a novice class also. Once you start modding though, unless you know the rules well, for me it was easier to just fun run than to switch into one of the prepared groups where I would be destroyed.

As for mods, typically all that is allowed is shocks, a single sway bar replacement, and tires. Wheels can be increased or decreased in diameter by 1", but can NOT change width and you are limited to 7mm of offset change. So keep that in mind as just a rim change can knock you out of stock, plus virtually any standard bolt on.

Geez! I knew there were a lot of rules but wow. I'm pretty much only familiar with drag racing brackets. Really, I just want to be able to mod the car as I please and time track against myself. I don't even really need to compete against anyone - just wanna safe place to push it to the limit and try to keep beating my times.

Otherwise, I will have to read a lot more carefully when I have time!

 

[ZeroGSR]

Exactly, that's why I said don't stress it too much and see if you can just do fun runs, or whatever your local chapter calls them. Also, just remember, Auto-X is 90% the driver, 10% the car. I have been beaten by a Prius on Hoosiers, it's depressing, but happens. I have also beat my fair share of high end Porsches so it evens out...

As for needing 285s to be competitive, I should say at the National level. In your local region, BS is probably a smaller group so you might do better in that regard. But the competition has some much faster and more importantly RWD cars. My neighbor is taking his FK8 to nationals this year, so will ask how the FL5s are doing, if anyone is even taking one. I know they are having a hell of a time finding rims that will work as pointed out above.

I am taking my Integra to a BMW school, so will let you know if they complain! I have been told they are just happy to get people out there and no one at PCA ever complained about my S2K. They were always very nice.

 

[jmoncer]

I have AutoX and Track Night in America experience with the SCCA. The Track Night's are a great way to get on a track in your car and have fun. I am usually in the middle group but have been moved into Advanced at times. Passing is in designated areas only and you have to have a wave by from the car in front of you.

I plan to have the ITS out there just to have some fun whenever there are events close enough.

 

[A3REDT]

Saw a white A-spec out at my last TNiA at VIR a couple of weeks ago and it was doing alright for what it is. Absolutely dusted it in my Camaro SS, but that is to be expected, that's why I drove the Camaro to that event and not my A-spec. Type S may be a different story with the added power, but where I was really impressed with my A-spec was in Autocross-style racing. On a tight course I was able to beat modified IS300s, an e90 M3, and a late-model Camaro all on the stock all-seasons. I ended up 1 ticket short of being in the final elimination rounds, which I was absolutely thrilled with for a stock commuter car. I think that the Type-S could be quite competitive with the right rubber - it should be light enough to work really well with RE-71RSs if you decide to upgrade the tires for more competitive AutoX times, but be warned that those RE-71RSs are LOUD tires, would definitely recommend an extra set of wheels for the performance tires if you go with something like that.

 

[Gregg]

I'll be doing a TNIA at Charlotte Motor Speedway (ugh) this Wednesday. I've got some G-Loc R8 pads & RBF660 brake fluid, and some 200TW tires on a spare set of wheels. I'll let you know how it goes w/ stock alignment.

 

[6-Speedio]

Geez! I knew there were a lot of rules but wow. I'm pretty much only familiar with drag racing brackets. Really, I just want to be able to mod the car as I please and time track against myself. I don't even really need to compete against anyone - just wanna safe place to push it to the limit and try to keep beating my times.

Otherwise, I will have to read a lot more carefully when I have time!

This is the category the majority of folks will fall into that want to take their car to the track. I think they're generally called "hot lapping" or "open lapping" events and not autocross.

My understanding is autocross is tightly regulated to keep things within competitive closeness as far as the cars are concerned. It all then comes down to driver skill. It can be very competitive too, with points being awarded for how well you finish and I think you can earn trophies ,etc.

For hot lapping events, cars are broken out into driver capability more so than the car capability itself. These allow you to mod your car as you like (beginners roll with beginners etc). You're out there to have fun, legally push your car to its limits all while also honing your driving skills. The only real competition is yourself. It's a ton of fun and you still feel like you're racing others even though you aren't actually

 

[bpebler]

This is the category the majority of folks will fall into that want to take their car to the track. I think they're generally called "hot lapping" or "open lapping" events and not autocross.

My understanding is autocross is tightly regulated to keep things within competitive closeness as far as the cars are concerned. It all then comes down to driver skill. It can be very competitive too, with points being awarded for how well you finish and I think you can earn trophies ,etc.

For hot lapping events, cars are broken out into driver capability more so than the car capability itself. These allow you to mod your car as you like (beginners roll with beginners etc). You're out there to have fun, legally push your car to its limits all while also honing your driving skills. The only real competition is yourself. It's a ton of fun and you still feel like you're racing others even though you aren't actually

Thanks for the info! I think I'll do both but MUCH prefer pushing the limits with the hot/open lapping!!

 

[ZeroGSR]

I finally got my car on track for a full day Autocross class over the weekend. I can't recommend it enough, especially since we had a storm roll thru and no better way to learn a new car's dynamics/limits than a wet skid pad!

Overall, to say I was impressed was an understatement. I thought moving from much smaller cars (S2K/S3) that I would be eating cones all day, but that wasn't the case at all. It's so agile/nimble and turn in is so quick and crisp that I really only had to watch myself when doing quick right transitions in the slalom. I could see wanting a RSB for full time Auto-X use, but overall I don't think it's necessary, I was able to get the car to rotate just fine through throttle input. Also, understeer wasn't really a problem, mostly it occurred when I was either entering at far too high a speed (those straights were killing me, lack of restraint...) or I was steering too much under trail braking. Also can't say enough how magical that LSD is. The Pilot Sports had no issues in the rain, I was amazed.

DEFINITELY do the pedal dance EVERY TIME. I adjusted the individual settings from there if I needed to back off a bit. I will say if it's your first time, try setting it to comfort so you have a little added smoothness in your transitions. Then move it to Sport + as you get smoother.

 

[mattm]

My in-car video autocrossing at the Meadowlands, on Veteran's Day 2023. It had about 1,500 miles on the clock.

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