Considering Auto-X, where to start?

[Damon]

My friend is going to give me his 89 CRX Si (I know, it's not a euro, but it's light and FREE) to race with. Therefore, I'm finally going to get off my ass and try my hand at "competitive driving."

I've started looking around at scca.org and the local SCCA chapter (http://www.sdsolo.com/forum/index.php). I just need some reccomendations on where to start. Do I just show up on an event day and watch? Volunteer?

Maybe get some trained track time in before I start (like Racer Factory)?

Should I start racing the car as soon at it is safe (needs a few repairs like brakes, ball joints, etc) or wait until I'm finished with a few things like suspension, wheels, tires, etc? I guess I could start in the stock classes and move into STS2 eventually.

Just... kinda lost on where start.

[Slapshotnerd]

yes, i would suggest showing up and watching. ask any questions you have. get a copy of the rules and read up on them.

Then, start working on your car.
step 1 - fix anything and everything that's broken. Also fix things like belts and hoses which may not be broken, but probably should be replaced on an older car
step 2 - go and drive your car bone stock. get a feel for the car and how it handles. Also, see if anything which you didn't think would break actually does.
step 3 - now check over your car, and fix everything that you broke.
step 4 - read the entire rulebook twice. figure out what modifications you can do and what class they put you in.
step 5 - plan out your modification
step 6 - ask another autocrosser or a staff member to look over your planned mod list to make sure that they put you in the class you believe them to put you in.
step 7 - start modding
step 8 - rinse, repeat, and enjoy

also - if you need to replace the brakes, double check and see if it's worth it to upgrade. You may be able to upgrade pads but not rotors without changing classes. Also, switch to a high boiling temp fluid (ford racing blue brake fluid is very good on the track, and available at nearly every ford dealer)

[Monster8V]

Getting started in Solo2 is easy. You just show up, sign up, get a SD card (1 time deal), pay the registration fee's and go race. Its an all day affair so dont be in any hurry but at the same time, get there early to get registered and teched.
There is a Novice program, sign up for that. They provide an instructor for you to get you up and running.

The car should be mechanically sound. No leaks, have brakes and a seatbelt. You will need a helmet.

Racerfactory is a track event. Solo2 is more like chess of racing. Still fun, still teaches you the fundamentals of driving but Solo2 takes much longer to learn to drive fast.

The SD region forums page is here.
http://www.sdsolo.com/

[Paul]

It's easy to get started.

Before the day of the event check over the brakes, battery (must be solidly tied down), wheels should be torqued, and checked. Clear out any loose objects from the car (misc stuff in passenger/trunk). If you have a motorcycle helmet M95 or newer it should still be ok, M00 or SA00 or newer preferred. if you don't have a helmet they'll loan you one...

Day of event show up early (one this weekend, practice on sat (closed so you won't be able to participate but you can watch/ride, championship(pointed event) sunday) but you can get your SD region card Saturday (just ask people at registration desk). As for clothing, wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunblock (you will be working out in the open so sunblock is good), shorts are allowed, as are t-shirts. Bring something to drink if you don't want to shell out for drinks at the roach coach (which is almost always there for championship events).

Anyways get your card...
Get there early, get registered. They will ask you to select a class for the car. If your car is bone stock it will be easy to class. Just look up in the handbook or ask. Odds are someone there will know (CRX's are common). Do NOT sign up for sound/scoring/trailer/gate work. Sign up for course work. Do this at least for a few events. I personally like course work but that's me.
Get tech'd early, this way you will have plenty of time to prep for the day's events. When you get your region card you'll get assigned (select from available numbers) a number, this number you'll put on your car for ID every time. They'll have pieces of paper with large numbers printed out you will be able to tape to the car. Also tape up your class, and an N to show that you're a novice. At some point you can invest in magnetic numbers which will make life easier.

All said and done pay attention to annoucements for when they do the novice walk, and join the group. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Then until your work group or run group watch people run. Then when its your turn, relax and just drive. Oh bring some dollar bills... if there is time you can go on fun runs at the end of the day for $1 or $2 / run.

[Damon]

Very good information, folks! The CRX is going to be driven in from Louisiana this summer, hopefully with a rebuilt stock motor.

Again, thanks for the help!

[Bierbau]

Here is a good link for the SCCA car classifications and rules. http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/

BTW the CRX is a great car for autoXing, I guarantee youll be hooked after youre first race.