AutoX prep advice: 1st timer!

hey y'all

i've never even looked into this forum until today (how close minded!). well, yesterday a friend of mine passed a flyer of an autox that's gonna happen here in town may 26th. at first i was hesitant but then i said what the heck, i'll do it. i'll be doing a novice course, which they walk you through and provide some class time prior to the competition.

you guys and gals have any advice, preparation tactics for this first timer?

the scoop: i have a 2000 auto gt with some general engine and suspension mods: intake, exhaust, 17" wheels [which i'll switch to my stock 15", hotchkis springs & FSB). i'll be installing some headers in about 3 weeks too.

Thanks in advance! :)

[pitcrew]

First go here:
www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm
That will give you all the basic info you'll need to know, do, bring to your first AX.
The next thing you (talking about every novice) need to do is leave any attitude at home. Believe me, if you haven't AXed or received track driving instruction, YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE! Admit you are a raw novice, forget what you learned in driver's ed or on the street. Listen to the instructors, they KNOW what they are talking about, do it THEIR way! You'll learn much quicker and become a MUCH better driver for it, as well as earning the respect of the instructors and other competitors.
Except for the basic car prep in the handbook, don't concern yourself with the car. AX is >90% driver skill, anything you can do to the car won't make you any quicker at this point.
Concentrate on the basics, don't worry about your class, your times or anyone else's until after you learn to find the course and get through it with the car going forwards all the way (NOT as easy as it sounds!)! After that, the only important times are your own, learning to go faster each run.
Most of all, relax and HAVE FUN!

[silver2001gts]

Three words: Walk the Course.

Repeat. Repeat. If you do not understand the course, ask. Attend the drivers meeting. Listen to everything.

Many novices get lost on their first run. Then they will not accept help in the form of an experienced autocrosser passenger, then they get lost on their second and third runs. On their fourth run, they hit 5 cones, and forget to go through the timing lights. They go home mad and frustrated. Don't do that.

If you hit a cone, do not worry about it; just keep going and try to keep the rest of the run clean. Do not look in your rear-view mirror to see if the cone fell over.

And, like pitcrew said, it is driver skill that makes you fast, not your car. A good autocrosser in a K-car would beat a bad autocrosser in a Corvette Z06.

thanks y'all!! :)

[Al2ktoy]

If I could recommend one book for you to read. This would be a great one:

Secret of Solo Racing by Henry A. Watts. You can find one for about $13-$15 in Barnes & Noble, Boarders, Amazon.com, ect.

It's small enough to fit the compartment behind the passenger seat. So it's nice reading while you're waiting for your runs or work group during the auto-x event.

Since you live in Florida, and you have the cash. Attend the Evolution school.

www.autocross.com/evolution

Lord knows Jean Kinser Dana puts a million of these schools at their home state.

Last thing, when you register in the morning, make sure you let the reg desk know you are a novice and ask if they have a novice mentor around to show you the ropes.

-Alan