Charleston SCCA Autocross

Brownyard · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 10:26 AM

On Saturday November 3 there will be an SCCA sponsered Autocross in Charleston. Weather permitting, I will be running my car for the first time at autocross--giving the guys with the Hondas something to chuckle about. If any member is in the area, come on down and enjoy the fun

Rick

excelguru · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2001, 12:29 PM

I'll see if Elizabeth and I can make it. I might have the in-laws visiting this weekend, though.

Could you please email me information on the exact location, spectator fees, etc.?

Keith

jerry rowley · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2001, 07:22 PM

Rick,
I tried an autocross with my car this past weekend (2 day) and lost big time. We had an RX7 Turbo prepared running in the class with a very good sutocross driver. he turned some awsome times we couldn't match or even get close to. I hope you do better up there in your area. It is a lot of fun though, and I still haven't completely worn out those Hoosiers! I may run 'em in February again.

Jerry

excelguru · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2001, 06:51 AM

Well, it looks like the in-laws will be arriving this afternoon.

Good luck with the autocross. Be careful and have fun!

KM

Brownyard · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2001, 09:43 AM

XL--

sorry you can't make it, perhaps next month.

Jerry--

I'm fully expecting to get trounced, but my low gears and lighter weight may help a bit on a tight course.

I'll put the numbers up on the "wall of shame" after its over.

rick

Brownyard · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2001, 05:44 AM

Gents--

Well, the results are in and I really had a good time in my first autocross----BUT I CHEATED!!!!!

Not having done autocross before, I came to the conclusion that my first outing should probably be with a more autox friendly car. So I took my Porsche C-4. Probably a good decision since the high horsepower mustangs and zo6's were having a pretty tpough time on the tight course ( although I was seeing 65 miles an hour on one straight).

When all was done I had dropped my times from a 1:06 to a 53.89, good enough for a first in class and 3rd overall. What was sobering is whaqt beat me, A race spec miata and a autocross only 914 neither of which had more than half my power. Since the lowest time was a 51.9, the improvement I would have to make would be substantial.

For the record, best z06 time 55.1, best mustang 55.5.

Great fun and next time, now that I know what to expect, I'll take the FIA.

Rick

Mike I · #7 (**permalink**) 11-05-2001, 10:45 AM

Rick,

Congrats on doing so well your first time out, even if it was with the great unwashed anti-cobra!!

Remember, it's only cheating if you get caught

Did you sign up as a member or as a guest? Was it Solo II? Judging by the top speeds I'd guess it was. I'm asking because I plan on getting involved with either the Central or North Florida SCCA Solo II chapter next season and I'd like to know what approach you've taken.

Mike

jerry rowley · #8 (**permalink**) 11-05-2001, 10:58 AM

Rick I'm surprised at you getting chicken and using your Porsche!
Actually a god plan to learn to autocross with something that has a chance. I've run my Miata and I know that is a hot class. Best I do without special tires and shocks is about 2 seconds per lap off the winning pace. But in the Cobra, it's much worse! The only way to even win your class (AP) is to NOT have any turbo RX7s around, cause they will eat you for lunch!
Jerry

Brownyard · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2001, 12:15 PM

Mike--

Yes, I signed up, hadn't been a member of SCCa for some time, it feels good to be back in it again. It was Solo II and I was really surprised that they had a nice little straight to sort of even things up for the less maneuverable cars.

Jerry--

My guess is that I would have been about 2 seconds slower in the Cobra if I were lucky. One very beat up (looking) Miata turned out to be really quick and well sorted out. Looks can be deceiving.

For some time now I have been toying with getting a race car that was high tech but easy to work on. I'm thinking of going out to the Diasio plant to drive one of their D/Sports racers. That would be fun on open track, club and SCCa events and they reportedly go like the devil with their Kawasaki's.

Rick

jerry rowley · #10 (**permalink**) 11-05-2001, 01:09 PM

Rick the DSR class is very hot in-deed. We have one in SCCA here that has a $15k Kawasaki engine, the car is a LeGrand. This last weekend the top time for a stock car was 57.5 roughly and a little kid driving the DSR turned 51.1! Bob lets his neighbors, nephews and friends drive the car. It had four drivers this weelend. ALL THOSE NOVICES beat the FTD for normal cars with ease. he also holds the record at Talladega at 58.1 sec/mile.
For about $30k you can get a real racer and stop beating up your collectors item!
Jerry

Johan · #11 (**permalink**) 11-06-2001, 09:07 AM

Those Mazdas are wicked, so I do my best to avoid them...
Rick, I have a car you might be interested in.....
By the way, Worldcarz and I are working on getting Road Atlanta the first or second weekend in Jan (cold, i know..) and Sebring in March... for those interested.
Rick, congrats on participating....

Brownyard · #12 (**permalink**) 11-06-2001, 12:04 PM

John--

Yeah, thats more like what I had in mind--great looking ride!

I love Road Atlanta, did the Porsche school there last year. I would come for the club track, but would be uncomfortable running the full track given the VERY high speeds attained. In the Porsche it was fine, but the Cobra ain't no Porsche at higher speeds. what is the plan?

Rick