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which I will echo. I've done two autocross events in my SPG, but this was before I made any handling mods other than the 16" rims and hi-po tires. Your 15's and 60 profile will NOT help you any, but as you say, the overinflating is a good idea. It will be tough to get the optimal tire pressure right off the bat. After the event, remember to lower the pressure! Mark the side walls of your tires with chalk to show you how much rollover you are getting.
I would lighten the car as much as possible. Remove anything you can (I remove my spare tire, jack, rear package tray, subwoofer, and any other loose crap floating around in the car). 1/4 tank of gas is not a bad idea. Just don't run out during the event! Your runs will likely only be less than a minute each.
Use good gas. You still have a catalytic converter, so don't go buying CAM2 or anything like that. Try some octane booster (Kevin K posted a chart a while back of those that were worth a damn; I've used "Outlaw" booster with success.)
Memorize the course. I recommend making your own map unless they have them provided. The best run with missing one cone equals no recorded time for the run (off course time). Stay on course!
Aim for the inside edge of the cones. The C900 body is extremely narrow compared to other cars. use that to your advantage. The downside to that is that it is longer than most cars. Keep this in mind when cornering.
As others said, be smooth in your motions. Having less power can work for you in autocross, as it makes it harder to overpower the chassis. I was spinning tires a lot coming out of the turns, which slowed me down considerably.
DO NOT TRY TO GET INTO THIRD GEAR! As Talladega900 about that. I've done it on an autocross course, but this was a HUGE course; even then I was in 3rd for less than 2 seconds. It was fun, but I was out of control and barely kept the car on course. Bad move (it was my first event) :o) .
Pop your hood after each run (as soon as you cross the finish line, pop the hood; don't get out and open it, just pop it!).
Offer to work the course during the event. Most events require this as part of the fee. It's fun, and you get the best seat in the house. Just be careful out there, and take it seriously. There are going to be guys out there that missed the fun boat when it comes to autocross. You, howevere, should have a great time! Take it all in. It's really a lot of fun (aside from the guys who get really mad when they lose).
Lastly: bring food & water. You might be in the middle of nowhere, so bring a small cooler with refreshments.
Have fun!
Mike
88 SPG
95 Aero
posted by 12.40.175...
, Wed, 22 May 2002 17:45:04
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