Getting into Autocross (broke and ambitious thread renamed)

[TTkickedin]

I hope I'm wording this right:

Many people my age (18-22 age group) that are into cars have came to the realization that upgrading cars is a very expensive hobby. And I can't fathom how many actual hours and days I have spent window shopping richer people's build threads, forums, and one off swaps with the hopes that I could gain some type of knowledge that would allow me to build some of the things I've came up with, such as a 1jz cressida, 2jz/rb25 miata, 1jz/v8 MGB GT, rwd golf, list goes on. Realistically, it's been a long time..and has taught me most of everything I know about cars to date. This is also the reason why I haven't stopped at a particular make/model as my obsession like some people do. I've also owned 'easy' cars to do swaps/builds to and still that just didn't cut it! (sc300, Miata, Subaru Legacy)

So how is it that the financially less fortunate people can build these cars and get into racing? Most of us know how expensive it is to maintain a weekend racer. (Hell , just maintaining my 300zx TT is expensive.) My question is, what's behind the scenes? What's behind these build threads that they don't post about? How long do these weekend racers actually last!? And what type of jobs do they have? I'm not asking for a biography of each individual automotive enthusiast that decides to build a weekend racecar. I just want to know the personal ins and outs of the auto racing industry that you can't search for. How does one go from weekend racing to maintaining a full time job and attending all sorts of auto events? Do they usually have their own shops to work with? Are most of these people even certified automotive techs/licensed racers?

Seriously, I'm finding it hard to get into racing and building cars and I'm just fed up with the loose ends of the research into it. I want to know the ropes, I want to be able to actually build a track car, I'd like to import a car someday like I've seen many people do. But doing these types of things just seems almost intangible to me. I don't know how other people do it but I've been interested in cars all my life, and I think my best motivation would be sitting in a dedicated track car that I built.

Can anyone offer me some sincere advice on any or all the topics listed? And if you were able to come up in the racing industry, how did you go about doing that? I'm serious about becoming a weekend racer, and I'd like for it to be my main goal in life to be successful in racing, maybe open up a racing school for young adults looking to do the same thing later on in life, via paid internships, technical classes, racing licensure, etc.

[frapjap]

I'd assume the capital comes from the typical places- parents, loans, and pure opportunity. Also, instead of going to college, graduating, and paying down loans, they can afford to take a lower paying job and pay for their vehicles and modifications pending they can manage their finances.

As for their careers and connections- I'd presume its like anything else that you (me, or anyone else) have the desire to do. The more people you meet in your hobby or career, the better the opportunities- whether it be work space, parts, or race entry. It could be as simple as "sure, you can use my lift to hang your exhaust, but put this sticker on the car somewhere," or "send me six new customers for oil changes." Apply yourself to something, work hard at it, make friendly connections and you'll get your opportunity.

[TTkickedin]

Sounds like a great idea. I've found that the networking piece is particularly important in landing good paying jobs within the IT industry, I guess the same would apply to gaining automotive related contacts.

You're from MA too, do you have any projects you've been working on? Any contacts/events I could get in touch with/attend possibly?

I've recently started contacting some aftermarket tuning companies (Honeywell/Garrett is the first) looking for potential sponsorships...But i'm not even sure how to write a formal proposal for something like that either. I suppose searching "sponsorship proposal" would probably be helpful too?

[VQpwrdSE-R]

Maybe bubba has some wit and wisdom for you with his track experience. I know from my own experience I have enjoyed autocross. You can start out driving your DD with little to no risk of physical damage to your car. Safety mods such as harness bars and roll cages aren't necessary. If you haven't autocrossed it's a great way to Push your car to the limits and hone your driving skills. Plus you can do it all for about $40 a weekend. Most SCCA chapters allow 3-4 runs per driver. Throwing tons of mods into an autocross car is not necessary, tires suspension and good braking system will be enough to remain competetive. You could find local shops to sponsor you like tire shops. Start out small and then as your IT career takes off and you have more cash flow move onto track days and a designated track car as you have mentioned.

[numbnuts240]

drugs. sell some.

[bigbadberry3]

This reminds me of Paul Walker/Diesel from the 1st F&F talking about how to make some money.....

[frapjap]

This reminds me of Paul Walker/Diesel from the 1st F&F talking about how to make some money.....

In that case, first you'd need two of them. The big ones. Tonight.

[frapjap]

Sounds like a great idea. I've found that the networking piece is particularly important in landing good paying jobs within the IT industry, I guess the same would apply to gaining automotive related contacts.

You're from MA too, do you have any projects you've been working on? Any contacts/events I could get in touch with/attend possibly?

I've recently started contacting some aftermarket tuning companies (Honeywell/Garrett is the first) looking for potential sponsorships...But i'm not even sure how to write a formal proposal for something like that either. I suppose searching "sponsorship proposal" would probably be helpful too?

I auto-x, but Have no real contacts for automotive services. Other than a cool low key shop that does my exhausts and another for miata parts, I'm not of much help. Go to a bunch of events next season and start poking around. Some of the guys may know someone and if you're friendly, may be of help. I frequent the ADSI courses at Quonsett AFB in RI. They're done for the season, but the folks there are pretty awesome.

[300ZXttZMAN]

drugs. sell some.

[TTkickedin]

Maybe bubba has some wit and wisdom for you with his track experience. I know from my own experience I have enjoyed autocross. You can start out driving your DD with little to no risk of physical damage to your car. Safety mods such as harness bars and roll cages aren't necessary. If you haven't autocrossed it's a great way to Push your car to the limits and hone your driving skills. Plus you can do it all for about $40 a weekend. Most SCCA chapters allow 3-4 runs per driver. Throwing tons of mods into an autocross car is not necessary, tires suspension and good braking system will be enough to remain competetive. You could find local shops to sponsor you like tire shops. Start out small and then as your IT career takes off and you have more cash flow move onto track days and a designated track car as you have mentioned.

Very helpful reply. I never even knew how much autocrossing events were, so thanks for this info! I'm just going to get my car all sorted out maintenance wise, and make sure my suspension setup is what I'd like it to be (either upgrade my shocks or just go with full coilovers), then I might give autocross a try. I'm assuming you have to have a helmet, correct?

Frapjap, Besides the Quonsett AFB are there any more events off the top of your head you can think of? I think my brother used to know of some but I'll double check.

[300ZXttZMAN]

TTkickedin you should seriously move down here to Louisiana.

You do have to wear a helmet but they have loaner helmets I can't belive you have never done an event before they are so fun and down here where I live there is one ever other sunday during the season.

You need to move down here for sure.. Imagine being able to drive your Z year round if you wanted to.

EDIT: I know I told you before to move here but seriously you really need to you would like it way better not to mention the change in life would be good for you.
You know what I mean?

[TTkickedin]

I'm planning on moving southwards anyway, my brother moved to ft lauderdale,a nd my sister moved to georgia. I was really hoping to move out to Alabama, but I hope where I move, I don't have to deal with the KKK or racism.. I woud love to move though. Haven't really given louisiana a thought.

[frapjap]

Very helpful reply. I never even knew how much autocrossing events were, so thanks for this info! I'm just going to get my car all sorted out maintenance wise, and make sure my suspension setup is what I'd like it to be (either upgrade my shocks or just go with full coilovers), then I might give autocross a try. I'm assuming you have to have a helmet, correct?

Frapjap, Besides the Quonsett AFB are there any more events off the top of your head you can think of? I think my brother used to know of some but I'll double check.

Just run your car stock suspension man. Learn to drive it stock before you modify it- my Miata is bone stock (and will be getting upgrades this winter) but my point is that you won't have any less fun driving it because of the suspension underneath. Even if your car isn't the fastest, driving it hard is still enjoyable. Either way, I've never seen a 300zx on any course; though there are plenty of 350's and 370's.

Helmets are usually required.

The only other place for simple auto-x is Devens AFB, but you won't find me out there simply because if something happens to the car, its a long, expensive tow home. Once a year there is one 8 miles from me at Horseneck Beach, too. Terrible pavement, but so close to the house!

[300ZXttZMAN]

Louisiana is awesome no emissions... I am running a open (no cats, no res) 3 inch turbo's back on my Z FTMFW!!!

[TTkickedin]

^^ You're WAY down Massachusetts bro! Does the commuter rail go out there?

Haha, I would've went with stock suspension, but since the z had RSR springs and some shocks when I bought it, I guess it stuck nevertheless, i think the z will be a challenge around the autocross course, can't wait to see what I can do.


^ I envy you man. I bet it woudl be much easier to import something there too. No emissions is the best part about all those southern states.

[300ZXttZMAN]

^ I envy you man. I bet it woudl be much easier to import something there too. No emissions is the best part about all those southern states.

[frapjap]

WAY down? Its seriously a 35-40 minute ride from my door to downtown Boston.

New Englanders are retarted- I swear, the maximum radius of willingness to travel is about 15 minutes or 8 miles, whichever comes first.

But yes, commuter rail is in the construction phase to pop into New Bedford soon.

[Dattebayo]

Ugh, Braintree. I remember going there, what a dump. End of the line on the T, and end of the line for life as I knew it then.

I must've ran into 100 pimps, drug dealers and hoes in that place.

[TTkickedin]

Post #617 can't wait till #781

Ugh, Braintree. I remember going there, what a dump. End of the line on the T, and end of the line for life as I knew it then.

I must've ran into 100 pimps, drug dealers and hoes in that place.

Not sure if troll

You must be mistaking it for Weymouth. Braintree is actually a nice place, but there are suburban kids that just drink and do drugs and screw everything that walks..they're in every town though. Pretty sure there's no pimps though..

T stations are all the same no matter where you go, but is the worst at places like downtown crossing...

^^ How is that possible? Boston is 30 minutes from Holbrook (20-25 from Braintree.) And on google maps, it says it takes a hour from New Bedford

[Dattebayo]

No troll, been there, stayed for 3 weeks, met way too many people on the underside of life without trying to.

Maybe you just don't walk around your own town enough and during all times of the day?

[frapjap]

^^ How is that possible? Boston is 30 minutes from Holbrook (20-25 from Braintree.) And on google maps, it says it takes a hour from New Bedford

You didn't get the memo? RT24 is the states unofficial speedway.

Google Maps probably makes is calculations by the posted speed limit at 55-60mph, though I have never (and haven't ever seen anyone else) travel at anything less than 70-75mph on 24.
90% of the time I'm traveling in the middle lane at 75 with a steady stream of traffic passing me on the left.
State Troopers be damned, its just the flow of traffic. Anything slower is a serious risk to safety.

[TTkickedin]

Ah, I see what you did there. I'm at the more 'reserved' end of route 24. there's always staties rolling around so nobody tends to speed in the randolph/brockton side where it merges. But no doubt they do speed like crazy on RT 24.

No troll, been there, stayed for 3 weeks, met way too many people on the underside of life without trying to.

Maybe you just don't walk around your own town enough and during all times of the day?

I will admit there are places that are run down. There are in every city. But it seems as though the closer you get to weymouth, Holbrook, and quincy, s*** gets real. I've lived in braintree for +12 years. I was really close to the mall area in an area with neighbors that were actually very nice people. (5 corners area off west st.)

[Bubba1]

Maybe bubba has some wit and wisdom for you with his track experience. I know from my own experience I have enjoyed autocross. You can start out driving your DD with little to no risk of physical damage to your car. Safety mods such as harness bars and roll cages aren't necessary. If you haven't autocrossed it's a great way to Push your car to the limits and hone your driving skills. Plus you can do it all for about $40 a weekend. Most SCCA chapters allow 3-4 runs per driver. Throwing tons of mods into an autocross car is not necessary, tires suspension and good braking system will be enough to remain competetive. You could find local shops to sponsor you like tire shops. Start out small and then as your IT career takes off and you have more cash flow move onto track days and a designated track car as you have mentioned.

Very helpful reply. I never even knew how much autocrossing events were, so thanks for this info! I'm just going to get my car all sorted out maintenance wise, and make sure my suspension setup is what I'd like it to be (either upgrade my shocks or just go with full coilovers), then I might give autocross a try. I'm assuming you have to have a helmet, correct?

Frapjap, Besides the Quonsett AFB are there any more events off the top of your head you can think of? I think my brother used to know of some but I'll double check.

Well, the direction and how far you want to take it depends on the deepness of your wallet, how much time you're willing to invest, and how high a priority you want make it. There are no shortcuts, but there are plenty of options/directions. You do have an advantage over others your age, as you already recognize that it's an extremely expensive hobby in addition to being seductive.

If you're looking for places to simply get your car out for speed and fun, autocross is obviously a great, fun choice. Another idea is HPDE. (hi peformance driver ed). Braintree MA is not that far from NHMS (Loudon, NH) or Lime Rock (in CT) You might consider joining a car club and taking one of their courses. I instruct for the Audi Club who hold 1-2 day driving schools at both tracks, but there are many other fine car clubs that do the same exact thing. for a couple hundred bucks, you get 2 days on the track with instruction, literally hours of track time, high speeds, no trading paint. No special requrements for your car. you do need a helmet, but some clubs will rent you one if you don't own one. Since these are driving schools, mods are normally permitted.

One more ideaa is to come join us in Carlisle PA May 12/13 for our annual NICOfest where we host two days of autocrossing and drifting at the Carlisle Fairgrounds during their Performance and Style show. Very inexpensive, unlimited runs, no special requirements for you or your car, and it'll give you a nice taste for motorsport with your own car. We also have some experienced instructors that will gladly help you. Food for thought.

[VQpwrdSE-R]

I looked into stock classifications for your car in autocross. According to the 2011 stock classification guide you will be in CS. This class includes your 300zx TT, pontiac solstice/saturn sky, porche boxter, BMW M3 e-36 chassis, BMW Z3, jaguar XKE, mazdaspeed miata, Rx-8, rx-7, mercedes Benz SLK, mini cooper S just to name a few.
I agree with others, dont go in heavily modding your car, different parts can bump your car into special classes where you may not have any competition.
Heres a link to the classification I found from my SCCA area chapter http://cms.scca.com/documents/2011%20Te ... stings.pdf

[audtatious]

I did none of it (racing and such) when that age...but...I took advantage of break-fix opportunities. Something breaks and I would replace it with something better. Otherwise, I would look and learn. I never figured I deserved anything and decided to work through the #1 disadvantage in my life: me.

Now that I can afford to do what I want I don't do it because I can't convince myself of the need. I have to justify the expense to myself and it's a hard thing to do (or I'd have a real supercar instead of a G37). I don't get the thrill of instant gratification like I did as a teenager or twenty-something.

[IanS]

Ray and Bubba are correct, get yourself out there. Get to events, meet people, make friends, and build connections.

i would suggest picking what kind of racing you want to be seriously involved with early. Different sanctioning bodies and different style events will have different restrictions and requirments. if you put 1 wrong thing on the car that bumps you up class, then you could be very uncompetitive. Build the car to the specs required. this doesnt mean only going to those style events. Get out to everything, track days, auto Xs, rally Xs, drift events, and what have you. just get out there.

Dont worry about sponsorship yet. you are setting yourself up for disapointment. Nobody is going to waste money on you at this stage. You have no plan, you have no car, and you have no experience. They say "if you build it they will come", but its more like, "if you build it they might come". Get a plan sorted out. Decide what you want, then prepare the car. Then hone your skills, a lot. Then do that some more. Every kid thinks they are the fastest driver ever, but trust me, there is more to it then stabbing the loud pedal, and pointing the steering wheel. You need to focus on car control, build reflexes, and learn your limits, as well as your cars. Then you can work on following lines, and increasing your cornering speeds. HPDEs and other track events will help with this. Having never been to one, you have no idea how much you have to learn. look at Karting. Its a great way to learn good techniques for timing your braking points and turn in. Its also a great way to meet people.

As you involve yourself in the automotive world, always try to meet new people, at the very least you could end up with some new good friends. If you are really lucky, maybe someone offers you a seat for a 24 hours of lemons race or something like that.

Which brings me to another good point. Join someone elses race team. Help fix the car, load the service rig, cook hot dogs, whatever, just be near the action. Lemons is a great way to do that, there are some very seasoned teams out there, but most arent too seriouse, so you can get closer to the action. Gleen info from them, learn the ins and outs of the sport, and meet more people.

Lastly for now, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you most likely wont ever make a job out of this. It wont ever be cheap, and most people will never understand it. Thats not why we do it though. There is a reason that on any given night you can find me laying on a dirty garage floor with dirt and brake fluid raining into my hair, or bent over an engine block with a tooth brush. To many of us, this isnt a hobby, its an obsession. Sometimes I forget why I do it. It all comes back as I sit at start control with the clock counting down. The unmuffled wail of 4000 rpm bouncing off the trees around me. The sound of my co-driver counting off the seconds over the intercom. When the light changes from red to green, and the go pedal slams to the floor, nothing else matters.

[IanS]

Take a moment to watch this video. This is aimed specifically at rally drivers, but the message stands true. Our sport has a seemingly endless supply of kids trying to be famous race car drivers, but most are not willing to put in the work needed. Dont be one of those kids.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/8281956 ... lly-driver

Another thing to think about, once you have the car built, and you have honed your skills. Dont be afraid to shamelessly promote yourself. Take pictures, shoot videos, abuse social media, and sooner or later, you might get lucky, and you you might get someone to sponsor you. Its not a sure thing though, so get used to being broke and having fun on your own dime.

Speaking of shameless plug, I am just going to go ahead and leave this right here.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvogmjyr ... ature=plcp[/youtube]

[TTkickedin]

OK, thanks everyone for the advice. Flatblackian, I can see where you're coming from with not knowing why you do what you do. The biggest thing i'd ever gain out of racing is that I've been always wanting to do it. People say "im on X racing team in a X with a Y swap and Z, etc and I'm having a lot of fun doing it."
<
> I just want to be that person! I'm not trying to be famous per-se, but at least trying my best when I'm on the track is what I want to achieve.


Now with that said, I will check out that video as soon as I'm out of work. But for right now, I'd like to understand the SCCA a bit more. I've checked out a few links about the SCCA solo stuff, and that's where im like So, I get how the z32 tt is in the CS class. BUT what I don't understand is how they pick these classes. Is there a certain weight criteria, amount of power, allowed modifications, and other stuff to be in the CS class?


Better question, what is the absolute extent, and maximum amount of modifications/weight reduction I would be allowed to do to my z to keep up with the better handling cars in the CS? (Lotus seven, esprit, mini cooper, etc.) What type of tires are allowed? If anyone has a link on that or a better explanation for this, please let me know. Right now, my z has what's in the sig; 17" wheels and goodyear eagle f1's, diy intercooler water sprayer, apexi intake, a street legal exhaust stock cats, rsr springs and some shocks, and a rear strut bar. Would I be CS class legal according to the rules?


http://moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2011/ ... tml#Nissan

The z32 twin turbo is listed here as well as a "BSP" but it doesn't even say what that means. Can anyone explain how this works? I don't understand this stuff at all.

[VQpwrdSE-R]

I've got another link for you man. It explains the restrictions for each class beyond. I used to race mine in ST but my mods bumped me into STX. From my experience nobody gets phanatical about classes but it's up to you to be honest about your cars modifications. I had a lot of questions before I went but after reading a book on it watching some videos helped. I also met up with a veteran who gave me some good pointers on reading the course. From the videos it looks like an overwhelming sea of cones but when you are on the course you can filter and focus on only the ones that matter. I can guarantee that MA won't have any events until march

[VQpwrdSE-R]

http://cms.scca.com/documents/Solo_Rule ... gories.pdf