I honestly don't know why this board doesn't see much action... Anyway, I'm looking to try to actually take my car to a local autocross event. Next one is at a local community college on August 5th. I've been reading stuff like crazy, and hope to have some fun! Any tips for a brand-spankin' new novice like me?

 

check out the stickies at the top http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=128380, in particular the first link in that section. Alot of good information there to read up on.

 

^ Definitely been reading those! Just found my region's forum and was browsing that before I pass out for the night. If I really like it, I'm going to dust off my OEM 16's and pick up some decent tires for them. I'll go to my first event with my 18's, as my tires are about done for anyway.

 

Maximas are a little porky to be throwing a round an Auto-x course. I picked up a 95 Miata R just for that reason. The only bit of advice I can give you is to pick up a set of slicks and put them on your factory wheels. Then if you take off the FSTB then you might have a chance in G Stock to place decently. If you keep the bar on and run on the 18s then you will be in STX or STU and get murdered. Lots of built STIs running in the ETR. Might see you up there some time.

 

Maybe you should speak to the DSP Spec Miata that finished 2nd to a 3rd gen (gdmaxse) at the last Washington DC SCCA event (a VERY competitive and deep region). Gabe almost always finishes top-3 in a fairly deep DSP class in Washington and Philly SCCA regions.

(Or all the Miatas I've beaten over the years, including one of our esteemed moderators here )

G stock is a killer - that's where the Minis hang out. A maxima has no chance in there (John Whelan, care to comment!?)

maximas have the best chance modded up into DSP or EP, IMO...though I've finished top-3 in STU a couple times back when I was legal for it.



Besides, I'd rather finish last than drive a Miata

 

Yeah, the Max is kinda big to be throwing around a auto-x course, but it'll be fun! I'm registering for the Regional #6 at Pellissippi State on August 5th... I'm probably going to throw my 16's back on, with the 2/32" of tread left. I've been reading the class modifications and will probably take off the FSTB and not put on my LTB when I receive it from the group deal...

But yeah, won't be running 18's... Tires are too expensive and I haven't graduated from college yet...

 

Just don't expect much from worn tires. You'll just spin and slide around and it's not much fun. Know that going in so you don't get disappointed after.

P.S. Starting shopping for a Mini S for the wife. Could mean trouble for me next year.

 

^ True. Not that I've consistently pushed my car to its limits for a length of time, but it's still pretty hard to make my Michelin Pilot Sports slip on dry pavement (thankfully). I'm debating between using the 18's or 16's.... Either way, the tires are worn (but I've got slightly more on the 18's).

 

I finally did it yesterday, and damn did I have fun! Auto-X = Addiction...



I learned a lot after my first run... DNF because I missed the first cone in the last slalom. Had a hell of a lot of fun and am looking forward to it again in < 2 weeks... I'd also like to tip my hat to the father/soon team that ran the 99 SE yesterday, as well. Dad took first in novice and his son was third. They're on this board somewhere...

 

Nice body roll in the right-hander. That's doing well if you only had one DNF your first event - congrats! There's some good drivers in your club - I've gotten my butt kicked personally by both Doug Allen and Heward Wagner. Oh, the father & son were misclassed though - they should be GS not HS. They still rule the Novice class but the index points were off a few positions. Have fun next event & welcome to the addiction!

 

^ Thanks! I was also wondering about the other Max's class, but wasn't sure. Got another one coming up a week from sunday...!

 

Hi Guys I'm the father of the father son team. Thanks for letting us know we are in GS not HS. We didn't know any different because thats what they put us in when we first registered. After looking into I now find out that once we graduate from Novice we'll be competing against Cooper S's in the same class! I guess we'll need to collect our t-shirts while we can in novice.

 

^ Good to see you on here! Yeah, I think the Mini's would kill us both. You might have some competition, Derrick (GMC Sonoma) got some new tires and someone showed up in an 87 Supra. They got 1st and 2nd in Novice, respectively. I'm not driving all the way to Bristol, but I'll definitely be attending the rest of the ones at PSTCC.

 

We are going to Bristol only because it the only race that fits into our schedule for the next couple months and they usually set up a pretty good course there. We never expected to do really well any way and were suprised when we did so being beaten by a mini won't be so bad. Now a Sanoma picup truck thats a different story!

 

Hey guys, I didn't know there was any action in this forum. I've seen both you guys race before. I was at the race at PSTCC two weeks ago, where the 200 was at. Then I saw the 99 HS car run at the Oak ridge mall on labor day weekend. The 99 defenently needs some kumho 710s then they will give minis a good race.
I was the one holding up the beginning of the race two weeks ago in the black Miata with red strips. I'll hollar at you guys next time I'm raceing up there.
BEJAY1, you should have seen doug allen at the double cross in ATL a few months ago. He caused a bunch of people to be embarrased by his lil Honda. I think he came in tenth or so out of 200 cars.

 

If you don't have anything better to do, check out some photos.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...1829&albumId=0

 

Could you post the pics on a public uploader,not all of us have a myspace acct.

Thanks

 

Oh, yeah... I vaguely remember that... I keep hearing massive praises about the 710's, but they're too expensive for me (until I graduate). Yeah, give us a yell at the next Pellissippi event... October 7, if I remember right.

 

Good thing I'm sitting in a hotel room with nothing to do. Ive been meaning to do this for years.

There is a smattering of autocross pics, a few NOPI pics from last year and some photos of a cruise I went on a month a go.

Enjoy
http://picasaweb.google.com/choray911

I hope this one works.
Da Cho