I'm going to try to make it to an autocross race on june 9th, I'm looking forward to trying something new but i'm at a loss as to what i need to do.

I am used to drag racing, which is making all of this seem foreign to me. I know I need to preregister, but I have NO idea how to pick a class for my car. I've done a lot of looking around but I can't find anything helpful.

So far I found on the SCCA website that the non SS cobalts are HS class, or something like that. I have also found that my car, thanks to the lowering springs and sway bar, would have to compete in the street prepared class. I'm lost as far as what class to try to compete in.

can someone help me out with figuring out what i need to race in, and walk me through some of the basic classification rules? I also have 2 friends wanting to race, I want to be able to help them out. one has a celica gt, with some suspension parts, the other has a stock talon es.

 

most likely D street prepared if youre in a 2.2l car, or possibly C sp. just ask when youre checking in the morning of the race, they can change you to whatever class they deem appropriate. for the preregistering just enter dsp and ask when you get there. in street prepared as a newbie youre gonna be very slow compared to the regulars, class permits alot of mods port matching of intake and exhaust manifolds full exhausts any suspension using original attachment points one torque supression device any diameter and more importantly width wheel with any size tire(most likely hoosiers or khumos slicks) can also be prepped to it(improved touring) specs which includes gutting the car and adding a roll cage. most importantly have fun and judge yourself agains your own times to see if youre improving at first.

 

Hey there, and welcome to Autocrossing a Cobalt 101...


1) Other than the lowering springs, what have you done to the car? I would need to talk to my club members, but STS MIGHT be the class, but the engine displacement might bump you. I'll look into it.

2) If you want a great explanation of the rules and where stock vehicles are classed, check out the SOLO section of scca's site. They'll explain the classing better.

3) Go to one prior to you doing the event if you haven't already and check the way things are done. Look at what the average person it taking with them; tools, safetly equipment ( helmet bascially ), personal items... ( drinks, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, chair etc... ),

4) Talk to people at the events and ask questions. 90% of them will be glad to help when you tell them your new and want to try it. Just be aware when you're asking them stuff.... don't ask questions in the middle of their runs, if they look like they're having problems, etc.

Some things you want to have..
a) something to put #'s and class info on the car in big, easy-to-read letters & numbers. Make sure they're contrasting to the car's color.
SCCA prefers 8" high numbers and 4" ( or 5 depending on who you talk to ) high class lettering. Some regions don't allow or discourage using shoe polish on the windows.

b) bring a torque wrench, tire pressure guage ( and a compressor if you can ) , and basic tools to tighten or adjust things on the car.

c) make sure EVERYTHING is out of the car that is loose and can fly around. Spare tire is tightened down or out. trunk mat is ok though. All your floormats, phone chargers, i-pods, etc.... nothing above the visors, in the door pockets... you get the picture.

hope this gives you some idea about what you can expect and what you need to do.

any questions while your there... most SCCA solo regions have a "novice rep" of some sort that you can go to if you need anything, plus there might be a novice walkthru of the course where all the new people ( I still go on them to learn from the fast guys ) and you're guided along by an experienced driver that will show you what to look for and how to approach things.

If you need anything else, just ask us... we're all here to help bring new people into the group.

Good luck and let us know how you did and what you thought ( AKA... check out the Autocross diaries thread )