Speed is in our blood. For that matter, it's hardwired in our DNA. So it's only natural for us to want adrenaline-infused driving. But, like they say, with power comes responsibility. So to get your fix without risking a ticket (or worse), you may want to look into autocross.
Also known as gymkhana, autocross events feature competitive driving on a closed course, with each driver trying to beat the clock for the lowest lap time. You don't need sponsors, a pit crew, special training, or a even a race car to compete. As a matter of fact, many guys "run what they brung," and autocross their everyday, street-legal rides.
legal street racing
In autocross, each vehicle is assigned to a specific class based on its type and any aftermarket modifications made by the owner. This ensures the guys in the Vipers and 'Vettes don't smoke the entire field of cars every event. Then again, the fastest times aren't always turned in by the high-horsepower sports cars.Proper performance driving techniques -- which you'll learn and practice -- are more important than having a fast car. Believe it or not, we've seen a Subaru Forester crank out a faster lap than a Porsche Boxster. Skill is a great David-and-Goliath kind of equalizer in autocross, which is a big part of the attraction. What's more, when you learn how to control your ride on a closed course, you'll find yourself applying the same techniques on the open road.
Autocross experience makes for more enjoyable street driving under normal conditions, and can help you react properly in panic situations. And the world could always use a few more better-trained drivers.
There are three popular types of autocross series to participate in:
Each series has its own appeal and demands different levels of skill, commitment and expense. They all represent ticket-less speed and can take a love of driving to new heights. Here's a breakdown of each series.
Parking Lot
Don't let the name fool you. This type of autocross doesn't involve creeping through the aisles outside the mall. If anything, this is the gateway drug. It's about as inexpensive as it gets: About all you need is your car and a few bucks to participate. Sometimes, a Snell-rated helmet is required, but that's about all.The course is often an open parking lot or racetrack infield marked with orange cones to follow. It also poses little risk. Properly sanctioned events require a technical inspection of your ride beforehand to ensure everything's up to par. The speeds you reach on the course are often less than the legally-posted speeds on the way to the event. But trust us -- it's a huge rush, and it feels fast!
Because these events are run one car at a time, you won't trade paint with anyone or risk hitting anything other than the cones. As a beginner, you should start with this series. Check your ego at the gate, because you'll soon discover you aren't half as skilled at the wheel as you thought you were.
Open your mind and accept the advice of experienced participants. You'll break bad driving habits, learn proper performance driving techniques and become addicted to ticket-less speed.
High-Speed
Once you've mastered the Parking Lot series, you might consider parlaying your newfound performance driving skills into High-Speed autocross. Also known as Time Attack, these events are often held on actual race tracks, still running one car at a time, letting you experience even bigger thrills without seeing those flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Likewise, the High-Speed series is more demanding on your ride and your wallet.Participation fees are greater, though still cheaper than a speeding ticket. In addition to your helmet, you'll probably need to spring for some flame-retardant gear to wear. Because of the higher speeds attained on the track, the stress on your vehicle will be greater; technical inspectors are going to be fussier about your car's condition.
They may even restrict the types of rides that can run, but that only makes sense. Do you really want to throw a pickup or an SUV into a tight hairpin corner at highway speed? Yikes. You'll still find a lot of daily drivers in this series, but most are in cars, and they're of a sportier nature (or at least modified for handling and performance). High-Speed autocross represents an ideal compromise of affordability and ticket-less speed.
Wheel-to-Wheel
If you've mastered the High-Speed autocross series, but long for a chance to run with the pack, you could step up to the Wheel-to-Wheel series. While not always considered autocross by the definition of some, this resembles High-Speed autocross in many ways, only you're out there with several others at the same time. Wheel-to-Wheel is the most competitive and most challenging type of autocross, and admittedly, it's not for everyone. For one thing, you'll likely need a competition license, issued through the sanctioning body after you receive medical clearance to race. Also, few drivers use their everyday cars.Like the other two series, Wheel-to-Wheel is still about having good clean fun, but it can become fender-to-fender by nature. If you're serious about this series, consider buying a cheap used car you can prepare specifically for racing (and spare parts, and a trailer, and...). Like they wryly say in racing, it's only money.
find an autocross club
If you're going to do it, do it right -- the legal and safe way. Check out the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) website at Scca.com. From there you can find a local club to get started. Members often comprise a melting pot of men and women, from grandparents to teens and white collar to blue collar. Their common bond is a passion for safe, legal, adrenaline-infused driving. There's great camaraderie here and members are always willing to help, whether it's sharing their wisdom or even their tools.You don't always have to be a member to participate, but your dues will help sustain activities and bring on- and off-track club events to life. Chances are you'll get a discount on your autocross fees, as well. With power comes responsibility, so check out autocrossing and get your fix for ticket-less speed.
Resources:
http://www.scca.com/
http://www.madisonsportscarclub.com/
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario