Autocross Event (Passenger)

[MidwayJ]

I went to my first autocross event yesterday and rode shotgun in 3 different cars. (Someone was trying to tempt me to start, lol.) Man, you Autocross guys really drive those courses hard! Cars I rode in: '12 Boss 302, early 2000s Lexus IS300, early 2000s Focus SVT.

The layout of the course was not clear to me at all on the first run, but I suppose walking the course in advance helps. I can tell it's more fun to drive than being a passenger. It felt like a rough amusement park ride, lol. Driver skill is paramount. In the first ride in 36 degree temps the guy drifted through a lot of the course with impressive control.

The Boss did great riding on 305/30s all around but I think I could have just as much or more fun in a smaller, lighter car. The BRZs/86s looked really nimble out there and turned in a lot of the best times.

Sponsored

 

[NightmareMoon]

Its true.

Rule #1 - find the limit
Rule #2 - drive at the limit the entire time.
There's no rest for the wicked.

As for momentum cars like the BRZ, I personally find power cars to be more enjoyable to autocross, but yeah they're fun too. Its not an easy challenge to design a course that's fair and equal for power and momentum cars. The lighter momentum cars have such an advantage for corner grip, which is usually 90% of the course. Power cars need acceleration zones, or slow corners followed by straighter sections where we can use our power to get back up to speed faster.

 

[MidwayJ]

Its true.

Rule #1 - find the limit
Rule #2 - drive at the limit the entire time.
There's no rest for the wicked.

As for momentum cars like the BRZ, I personally find power cars to be more enjoyable to autocross, but yeah they're fun too. Its not an easy challenge to design a course that's fair and equal for power and momentum cars. The lighter momentum cars have such an advantage for corner grip, which is usually 90% of the course. Power cars need acceleration zones, or slow corners followed by straighter sections where we can use our power to get back up to speed faster.

Part of it is given I'd be a novice I'd expect the smaller, lighter cars to be easier, but I understand why the experienced drivers would prefer the power cars. The Boss 302 guy is very experienced and goes to nationals, etc. The course yesterday definitely had some tighter turns than your video, too.

 

[NightmareMoon]

The power power RWD cars are definitely more forgiving to drive safely. Driving a high HP RWD car in dynamic situations is a lot. Its easier to learn car control skill starting on a lower HP platform.

Low HP cars are not at all forgiving for mistakes on the timecard. If you loose momentum, you're not getting it back very quickly, but in the plus column, you can feel that tangibly, which probably makes you a better driver.

Sponsored