On this episode of Break/Fix we’re going to chat about a discipline of Motorsports where outsiders often ask “what in the world is going on over there!?” … you know the one, that form of racing many of us started with, where you attempt to navigate your car through a defined course made up of orange traffic cones on a large parking lot… composed of tight, technical layouts, these races put handling and driver ability above engine output and outright top speed.
Above: On-board with Tom Hill, NB Miata Turbo; Below: on-board with Todd Lilly, 66 Pontiac GTO.
If you haven’t guessed by now… We’re going to be exploring the world of Autocross (aka Solo) with Tom Hill & Todd Lilly, both are seasoned SCCA Autocrossers here to help us really understand, What is AutoCross?
Fun Fact: When the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was founded in 1944, some of the first events it held were local time trials, also known as Autocross. BUT – As we said in the intro… outsiders looking at an AutoCross for the first time might be thinking, “What are these cars doing driving around a parking lot with cones? Is this some sort of driver education program? Defensive driving clinic?” How would you explain AutoCross to someone that’s never seen it before?
In our discussion with Tom & Todd, we cover topics like:
- For many folks AutoCross has been a gateway, or transition into Motorsports. For some, they went from Karting to AutoCross to Track and beyond. How do you get into AutoCrossing?
- When you see an AutoCross “course” it can be a bit intimidating, people often joke that it’s just “a sea of cones” but there is a reason/purpose for the layout.
- One of the most important things every AutoCrosser learns is to “visualize the track” and that oftentimes comes in the form of walking the course, why is this so important?
- When you really get into AutoCross, it can become really complex, from the Timing/Scoring, Classing and especially the car prep side, let’s explore this.
- Is AutoCross safe?
- There are other variants of AutoCross, like Pro-Solo and TrackCross – expand on the differences?
- Like in circuit racing (ie: Track) we have our favorite and least favorite “tracks” is the same true of AutoCross? Aren’t all Parking Lots the same?
- and much, much more!
Above: Overhead view of Todd’s 66 GTO, Below: Tom’s C5 Corvette
Want to learn more about Autocross?
Look no further than GTM’s comprehensive guide to learning AutoCross. If you’re interested in an even deeper dive, check out more information at NMSA.
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