View Full Version : First-timers Audi Autocross, Vancouver BC


Audi200tq
09-04-2002, 02:32 PM
Vancouver Audi Club Invitational Autocross Challenge

When: Sunday September 29th - all day

Where: Boundary Bay Airport

Who: All Vancouver Audi group members, significant others, and friends

What: Audi Invitational Autocross Challenge

Cost: $40

What to bring: Your car (but not truck or SUV)

Tell me more: Ok here's the deal. September 29th is a scheduled 'Club' event for VCMC, my car club. It's a perfect day for beginners to try autocross. I've made special arrangements for the Audi Club to have their own beginners division, if we can get 5 or more participants. So, you'll all be competing against each other. If you are not a first-time autocrosser, that's ok too, but you'll have to compete in your car's regular division.

What is Autocross?: It's a timed competition where a driver has to navigate a short course around a series of orange cones. The course is usually about a minute long, and only one car competes at a time. You'll never go faster than 2nd gear. So it's safe, controlled, and the worst you can do is spin out and hit a cone. If you do hit a cone, you get a 2 second penalty. You usually get between 4 and 6 chances to run the course, and your fastest single time counts as your final time. All Audi Club members and Audi Club friends will be running in AC class (Audi Club). Most of all, it's fun. It's a safe and totally legal way to drive fast, compete, and have fun.

What if I only have a truck? Beg, borrow or steal a car. Or convince somebody to let you co-drive their car. Up to 2 people can compete in one car.

What if my car is automatic? It doesn't matter. Really. For either auto or manual, the courses are designed for 2nd gear. While it might make a small difference to an experienced competitor, it makes no difference for beginners.

What if my car is old/slow? Same as above. For first timers, it doesn't make any difference how fast your car is. Besides, if you show up with a 5000 Avant and kick butt on your buddy in his TT, imagine how much fun you'll have trash-talking.

What are the safety requirements? Autocross is a safe sport. Each car is inspected by experienced autocrossers at the beginning of the day. Don't worry, any car in reasonable condition will pass. Tech inspectors check for the following:
- wheel bearings in good condition
- no missing wheel lug nuts/bolts
- throttle cable is not sticky and returns properly
- brakes and steering don't have excessive play
- battery is properly secured and held in place
- no loose items in the trunk/passenger compartment
While driving, you must wear your seatbelt and keep all hands/arms inside the car. You are required to wear a helmet, M95 rated (or newer). Don't worry if you don't have a helmet, loaners are available for first timers.

What kind of damage will this do to my car? For your first time, none really. You may experience slight tire wear, but not enough to worry about. Less than 1 week of regular driving. If you continue with the sport, you'll improve your driving skills and drive your car harder, wearing out your tires faster, but on your first time don't worry about it. Remember, each run is 45-60 seconds, and you'll get 4-6 runs. How much tire wear can you experience in this short time frame, anyway? Further, I can help you adjust your tire pressures so you don't trash them (subject of follow-up memo, approx 1 week before event).

How do I sign up? Just email me to RSVP: audi200tq@hotmail.com
Include the following information in your email:
Full name:
Year/make/model:
Car colour:
Class:
First time autocross (y/n):

I have questions: Email me with any questions: audi200tq@hotmail.com

Where can I get more info?: the following sites have some good info:
- my car club: www.vcmc.ca
- Autocross Novice handbook (recommended reading): http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm