I currently live in southern IN and am wanting to start getting into Auto-X at the entry level. I have done nothing like this before and really don't know what I am doing besides what I can read. I was wondering if there were any classes or schools around(midwest) that could get me some coaching with someone who knows what they are doing. I wanted to go to the one in Chi-town May 2nd but work got in the way "last" minute (to sign up and make arrangements)....long story....I know there was an Auto-X event in STL last weekend but I am a touch apprehensive to attend something like this just on my own without any previous experience, a mentor like figure, or really any clue. I would rather be safe then ignorant and pull a bone head move that could hurt someone else, myself or my car. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to how to start getting me and G8 into some controlled racing environments?

Chance,

Hey I attend the auto-x in St. Louis. I am thinking about going to the next one that is June 26. I will be more than happy to help you out. The group in St. Louis is really a good group of people and will help you out in any way that they can. I will post a link to the St. Louis SCCA Solo webpage, on their main page they have a video of walking you through the process of a day of auto-xing. I can also send you another video that was made in San Diego that explains the whole process.

Being a novice, you will have some extra perks of getting extra help. We have a novice chief that will take you around the course for a course walk through to give you hints, tips, and tricks on how you should approach different sections of the course. Also, as long as he is not running in the same heat as you, he will be more than happy to ride with you to help give you pointers while driving or after you finish depending on what you want him to do. If he is not available talk with someone else and see if they can ride with you to give you some help.

Another big help is riding along with another driver. People are very accommodating and will let you ride along to give you a good idea on how to approach the course and at what speeds. If you come to the next event, you would probably be running the second heat, of course that depends on the mods of the car.

Also make sure you read the supplemental rules on the St. Louis website that I will provide you. They will give you a good idea of what to expect and what the organization expects of you as a participant. Don't worry the document is only a couple of pages and not a huge rule book.

Like I said if I am there I will help you out in any way that I can. You are also more than welcome to ride along with me if you like also.

Here is the St. Louis SCCA Solo web page (http://stlsolo.org/). The site name is stlsolo.org just for reference. Explore the site and soak up the information on the site. Right now I believe that your car would run in STU or ESP due to the CAI and your tune.

Here is the link to the other video that is a very good auto-x documentary (http://vimeo.com/12067348).

You just missed the novice school that they put on in may. They do have school coming up July 2nd, which is a evolution or Evo school that they are putting on. They have a phase one class for beginners. The vast majority of all the drivers have taken this class. It is a very good class to take, and I plan on taking it at some point in time. The class is a little pricey at $225 or something like that, but from what I heard it is well worth it.

Well there should be plenty for you digest here, sorry for the long post. Any way if you have any questions just let me know and I will try to help you out where I can.

Cheers,
JJ

Lethal_427,

Sorry I am just now getting back to you but thanks for all of the info this helps ease all my apprehensions about going to one of these for the first time, and now I know were to go to get some good support for someone as green as myself. The links were awesome and have read all of em a couple times when there isn't anything going on (working nights does that....)

I don't think I will be able to make the event on the 26th sadly. I just closed on a house today and the 26th is the last weekend I will have to move out of the apt before the EOM. So next couple weeks are going to be CRAZY busy, prepping the house before moving. Hopefully I can catch one of the next events in the later part of the July though. I will make sure to give ya heads up before I come.

Thanks again!

I'm not sure if this is any further help to you, but I know the Skip Barber Racing Schools have gotten high reviews on their teaching methods, and they're located in several locations all over you the US. I think the closes one I saw to you was at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Bellville, OH. I'm not sure if the courses would be too much outside of your budget, but I know it's a great school, and a very good networking opportunity. Just a thought; check it out. Skip Barber Racing School (http://www.skipbarber.com/default.asp).