Da Groj

Winter is upon us. We know this not because of the weather (which really hasn't changed much), but because the snowbirds have returned!

Registration & Event Info

This is the last Open event of 2016. The next two events will be Classics! So, bring all of your friends. You know, the ones who keep saying they want to try autocross, but never do. Yeah, them.

Basic event details:

• This is a FAST Open autocross, that means that it is open to all licensed drivers.
• Novices and first-timers are encouraged to enter!
• Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all Drivers AND Guests. We can't let you in the gate if you're not registered.
• Driver entry fee is $38.50, guest entry fee is $7.
• This will be a split-format event. You can enter the Early session 8am-12pm or the Late Session 12pm-5pm, or both.
• Snacks and cold beverages will be provided for all registered drivers and guests.

Registered :thumbup:

I plan to come to the early session Dec 3rd, but I'm not sure I'll have my Insight by then. I need a fallback co-drive. I am also driving Miata (1999 ES) up in Wisconsin these days, so a Miata co-drive would be nice. But I am open to any option.

Again, I may not need it if the Insight arrives by transport on time.

Anyone willing?

B
(Insight Guy)

bluesight wrote:I plan to come to the early session Dec 3rd, but I'm not sure I'll have my Insight by then. I need a fallback co-drive. I am also driving Miata (1999 ES) up in Wisconsin these days, so a Miata co-drive would be nice. But I am open to any option.

Again, I may not need it if the Insight arrives by transport on time.

Anyone willing?

B
(Insight Guy)

Hey guys Mike is a great safe/mature driver. He co-drove my RX8 very successfully last year @ Brooksville while waiting for his "insight" to arrive. He'd like to run in the morning EARLY. He will help with expenses but not make you rich. Note he races a Miata also!!
The Mayor

It looks like my Insight might arrive on time (actually too early) so that I can use it for the Dec 3rd event. In case things still don't work out, there are folks that have been nice enough to offer co-drive options...so thanks all for the fallback piece of mind!

B
(Insight Guy)

I didn't post the course map yet, did I?

C'mon Loren... Post. That. Map.

I'm gonna print it, flip it and tape it to the dash so I can study by reflection for all 1,080 miles home.

Alrightythen.

Hi-Res PDF Course Map

This will be my first autocross event, ever.
Thankfully there is a ton of information provided to help me out. But if anyone has advice or suggestions prior to going, im all ears.

JakeB wrote:ut if anyone has advice or suggestions prior to going, im all ears.

http://drivefast.org/novice-tips/your-f ... autocross/

Wear sunscreen, don't be late!

Welcome to the forum!

Don't be shy about asking for rides and instruction. We do a good job making sure you have an instructor for your first run, but don't be too proud to ask any of our instructors to ride along with more or even all of your runs. You'll have fun either way, but you'll learn way more with an instructor.

I'm happy to assist as well Jake. High horsepower cars can add a unique twist to the experience, ask me how I know. As Ben mentioned, there's a lot of talent in this club and they're all happy to assist. Just enjoy the event, you'll love it!

JakeB wrote:This will be my first autocross event, ever.
Thankfully there is a ton of information provided to help me out. But if anyone has advice or suggestions prior to going, im all ears.

Find someone to ride with. At the Open events I think FAST still has a "novice instructor" type role which would mean someone is working that group jumping in cars with novices to give them tips. I haven't run with FAST in a bit so I could be wrong. Either way other competitors will be happy to help you out by riding in your car, providing instructor runs in your car if you desire (I'm personally against instructors asking to drive a students car and feel the student should ask for an instructor to do so), and by letting you ride with them assuming they are driving in that group.

There are plenty of good drivers in the club with a mix of experience that are more than willing to give you some of their time and feedback.

Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to it. I will definitely take any opportunity to get instruction. I've got some power mods and new tires... on oem suspension components, so I'm sure it'll be interesting.

Dave-ROR wrote:At the Open events I think FAST still has a "novice instructor" type role which would mean someone is working that group jumping in cars with novices to give them tips.

We still do. There's a guided novice walk prior to the drivers meeting, and 2-3 instructors are assigned per run group. We try and plug newbies into a passenger seat before their first run, so they can see the course at speed, then it's mandatory to send an instructor with them for their first run. And of course, there's as much help as you can stand after that.

Jamie wrote:

Dave-ROR wrote:At the Open events I think FAST still has a "novice instructor" type role which would mean someone is working that group jumping in cars with novices to give them tips.

We still do. There's a guided novice walk prior to the drivers meeting, and 2-3 instructors are assigned per run group. We try and plug newbies into a passenger seat before their first run, so they can see the course at speed, then it's mandatory to send an instructor with them for their first run. And of course, there's as much help as you can stand after that.

Excellent.

As you guys know my passenger seat is always available so they can learn what not to do

JakeB wrote:Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to it. I will definitely take any opportunity to get instruction. I've got some power mods and new tires... on oem suspension components, so I'm sure it'll be interesting.

Put 40psi in those new tires so you don't ruin/chunk them. Clean out any loose junk in your car including floormats. Leave the stability control on for the first 2-3 runs or until you feel comfortable with the car tossing it around. You will get all the help your brain can soak up. You still have to control your lead foot:)

JakeB wrote:This will be my first autocross event, ever.
Thankfully there is a ton of information provided to help me out. But if anyone has advice or suggestions prior to going, im all ears.

Have fun and try and hitch a ride with others. Riding shotgun is a great way to learn the course.

All: I'm going to be in the Tampa area the weekend of the 3rd (Indian Rocks Beach to be specific), visiting from Connecticut. I'm planning on attending the morning session (the temps will be more in line with my home ). I will be in a rental beast, and while fun, I'm sure it won't be set up for optimum autocross performance.
That being said, I'm hoping I might be able get a co-drive for this event in a real car.
As to my background, I've got my name in the back of the SCCA Rule Book (National Champ B Stock 1998, H Stock 2002, H Stock Pro Solo 2007, New Jersey Pro Solo Super Challenge winner 2011, along with local class championships in the New England and Northern New Jersey Regions of SCCA). If nothing is available, I understand (there is no right or wrong answer when someone asks for a co-drive, yes or no: it's your car). I wish I knew what the rental pig was going to be but I have a feeling it won't be a CTS-V.
So does anyone want to share a car and maybe learn from me (what to do or NOT to do LOL).
Matt Murray

Opportunity knocks...