Your First Autocross

So, it's the day of your first event. You're excited, you didn't sleep well the night before, and it's dawning on you that you're about to do things in your car most people would describe as "not safe". Take a deep breath, calm down, and enjoy yourself. I've listed a few things you need to do at your first event.

Before You Even Get There

Make sure you get there early! I suggest arriving shortly after they open the gates. This allows you to find a nice paddock spot, get your car prepped, walk the course, and still have time to walk around and get to know people. My post, 9 Things a Novice Should Bring to an Autocross has a list of things you should bring to the event.

Before The Race Starts

You're at the event, now what? Take anything not nailed down out of the car. Things like the spare tire, tools, dead bodies, and the drivers floor mat should come out. This includes loose change in the cup holder, things hanging from the rear view mirror, and loose items in the trunk. Check your tire pressures. They should be higher than you usually run on the street since the cornering loads will roll the tire over on the sidewall. Get your car teched. Most clubs have a lane where they can inspect your car for safety. Register and pay for the event and get your class and number. Put your numbers on your car, usually with painters tape, in a size and color that would be easy to read as you fly by the corner workers. Blue tape on a black car is hard to read so make sure you use contrasting colors! 

Now that the car is ready, it's time to walk the course, repeatedly. I recommend at least 3 course walks, and if you can tag along with some folks that seem to know what they are doing, even better. I'm not kidding when I say at least 3 times walking the course! The biggest issue novices have is they get lost when they make their first runs since the course can look like a see of cones! Many clubs have a Novice Walk Through where a veteran driver will walk the novices through the course, pointing out where you should be and generally giving you good tips.

Your First Runs

First off, get someone that's done this for a while to ride along with you for at least the first run. They will help you not get lost and give you pointers on what you did right and wrong. Second, do not bonzai the first runs!! Think of your brain as a computer, and on your first runs you need a lot of processing power just to figure out where you are going. This leaves little processing for going fast, so if you try to go mach 1 you will completely forget where to go. Fortunately, your brain will remember the course and you will find that each consecutive run get's faster. You should have both hands on the wheel at all times, except to shift into second.

Working

Autocross is a volunteer sport. This means you need to work the course while others are taking their runs. It may be hot, raining, or generally uncomfortable at times but it's required, and it's a good time to chat with fellow racers.

Down Time

At most events you will run one heat, work one heat, and have another one off. Take advantage of the down time by riding along with other racers, watching other's runs, or getting help from vets. When riding with others it's a good idea to ride in cars similar to yours.

The End of the Event

After your runs and after you have worked the course, it's time to pack it up. Make sure you clean up your trash, return your loaner helmet, and help clean up the course. Some clubs do novice trophies at the end of the event so stick around for the bling! Also, don't forget to adjust your tire pressures back down to normal levels before the drive home.