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Autocrossing.
> Most regions have a combined street tire class (sometimes called novice
> class) for those who haven't bought race tires yet. Your standing in
> that class is by taking your raw time and multiplying the PAX index for
> the class your car would fall under if you had race tires.
Though we might change it soon because of the *perception* (not the reality)
that novices have when they enter autocrossing, our region does not
calculate PAX for the novice class. There are two reasons for this.
First, there is no impact. If you're new to autocrossing, it doesn't matter
at all what kind of car you're driving. In fact, the "faster" cars (RWD cars
with power and handling: Vette, Porsche, etc.) are often more difficult to
drive. Very rarely does someone in a Porsche win the Novice class. It's
usually won by a Honda, VW, or Subaru...something that is easier to drive.
The best part is watching a Diesel Rabbit or Geo Metro beat Corvettes.
Happens all the time.
Second, THIS IS THE NOVICE CLASS. "Fair" or "unfair" doesn't even apply
because it isn't supposed to be competitive to begin with. It is supposed to
be a safe and non-intimidating learning environment. If you want to
*compete*, don't run Novice!
However, on the rare occasion that someone in a Porsche does win, everybody
starts complaining that it isn't fair that a Porche can compete with a
Honda, blah-blah-blah. Some people get pretty upset about it all. They just
don't get it.
In the end, the fact of the matter is that Novices want to compete. They
want a trophy. Who cares if the Open class for their car beat them by 20
seconds? They want to feel like they were victorious in a fair fight. It
isn't good or bad...it just is the way it is. So in the end, our region
might start PAXing the Novice results too.
But the bottom line for all my blathering is: DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.
Competition against other cars should be the last thing on your mind when
you first start autocrossing. The less you worry about the competition and
the more you concentrate on your own learning curve, the faster you will be
in the end.
Neal
> -----Original Message-----
> From: scirocco-l-admin@scirocco.org
> [mailto:scirocco-l-admin@scirocco.org]On Behalf Of Mike VanAmburgh
> Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2002 11:14 AM
> To: Scirocco
> Subject: Re: Autocrossing.
>
>
> Most regions have a combined street tire class (sometimes called novice
> class) for those who haven't bought race tires yet. Your standing in
> that class is by taking your raw time and multiplying the PAX index for
> the class your car would fall under if you had race tires.
>
> For example, you could be running in the same class as a Z06 Corvette,
> but your index of .782 for GS is much lower than the Vette's .837 index
> allowing you to run a lot slower raw time. In other words, you could
> run 40 seconds and the Vette run 38 seconds, but you would still be
> ahead of him/her in the standings.
>
> Mike
>
> Benjamin Harder wrote:
> > Stock class makes me laugh a little, because yes, the car must remain
> > *mostly* stock (no upgraded suspension/sway bars, etc... definitely no
> > engine changes either) but in stock class you need good race tires to be
> > competitive.
>
> I wrote:
>
> >>Stock is the best place to start. You could run a stock 16V in GS
> >>*locally* and still have fun. When you're ready to advance, you could
> >>consider DSP.
> >>
> >>Mike
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>Neal wrote:
> >>
> >>>Dude, don't even sweat all that technical stuff yet. In fact,
> other than
> >>>making your car run well, don't change a thing! Go to a few
> autocrosses.
> >>
> >>Run
> >>
> >>>in the Novice class if they have one, or whatever class they
> stick you in.
> >>>It doesn't matter at this point. Just get a feel for how the
> events work
> >>
> >>and
> >>
> >>>what classes are popular in your region, and get to know some
> people. Most
> >>>importantly, HAVE FUN!!!
> >>>
> >>>After your third or fourth event, you'll get a feel for
> whether this is fun
> >>>or not, and how affordable it is. If it is good, make the
> decision to go to
> >>>more events. If, after you've been autocrossing at least 6-7 times, you
> >>>really think you've found your hobby, ***THEN*** start
> worrying about rules
> >>>and crap.
> >>>
> >>>Then, read the rulebook, from cover-to-cover, TWICE!
> >>>
> >>>Finally, decide what class you want to run, what car you want
> to drive, and
> >>>what you need to do to get there.
> >>>
> >>>#1 RULE: do not spend a dime or an hour souping up your car (other than
> >>>regular maintenance) until after you've done all of the above.
> >>>
> >>>If you follow this advice, I guarantee you'll have much more
> fun and thank
> >>>me in the end. Give me a call if you want to talk more!
> >>>
> >>>Neal
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>-----Original Message-----
> >>>>From: scirocco-l-admin@scirocco.org
> >>>>[mailto:scirocco-l-admin@scirocco.org]On Behalf Of brianm@earendel.org
> >>>>Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 3:11 PM
> >>>>To: scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> >>>>Subject: Autocrossing.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>Hey folks.
> >>>>Since I now have my cars all in one state. Im starting to
> look at what I
> >>>>can do. Im interested in autoxing the white one (88 16v). I
> wondering what
> >>>>I need to have. This is assuming that the frame isnt toast.
> >>>>
> >>>>Can I mix and match cars. ie. can a swap 88 16v stuff into any mk2 8v?
> >>>>The reason that I ask is as we all know 8v's are cheaper and they are
> >>>>the same car.
> >>>>
> >>>>My initial bits about the car.
> >>>>88 16v motor and tranny good.
> >>>>TT race downpipe - catback - tip
> >>>>Koni yellows, cut springs -- grass trimmin low. may have to use the
> >>>>tractor to move it after it rains
> >>>>
> >>>>15" BBS wheels needing new rubber
> >>>>Tiny steering wheel -- no loafing with this wheel 100% attn
> >>>>A/C removed partially
> >>>>
> >>>>front end mushed. Have replacement core support
> >>>>
> >>>>needing
> >>>> hood
> >>>> fender
> >>>> lights
> >>>> front euro bumper maybe may be able to fix the old one
> >>>> the sheet metal between the glass and hood fixed.
> >>>> lower A-arms.
> >>>> Springs
> >>>>
> >>>>Have to trade
> >>>> 88 Red mk2 Doors
> >>>> 88 Red Rear Hatch
> >>>>
> >>>>Wondering what my best options are.
> >>>> This car doesnt have to be street legal. I can get a trailer.
> >>>> I'd be nice tho.
> >>>>Brian
> >>>>82 2.0L topless Bunny
> >>>>88 white 16v getting thought about now.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >
> >
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