So... you've decided you want to try an autocross... You're probably wondering what you need to do, what it will be like and what can go wrong. Although there are no guarantees, here are my tips to help make your first experience dancing through the pylons the best possible with the least chance of problems for you or your car.

The most important thing you'll need to do before you show up at the event is making sure your car is in tip-top mechanical shape. There are a few things you'll need to do the day before the event, and there are a bunch of things you'll need to do when you show up. Preparation will make your day at the event much less stressful.

Things to do right now

Pick an event you'd like to attend. For first-timers, we recommend the events hosted by Equipe Rapide, the North Texas S2000 Owner's Club, and the Maverick Region Porsche Club of America. Events hosted by these clubs make it much easier for you to learn and will almost allow you to have an instructor ride with you as much as you feel you need. Once you've picked an event, make sure you're chatting with the folks in our forums. You'll need a friend when you show up for the event.

Check every inch of your car. Start with your tires. You'll find out after running a few events and chatting with competitors that tires are the most important part of your car if you want to go fast -- and be safe. If you're planning to drive to and from the event on the same tires you compete on, you should have at least 3/32" tread remaining. There shouldn't be any bulges in the sidewall, and there shouldn't be more than 1 plug (patch) in the tread (none in the sidewalls).

Make sure that your brake pedal is firm. You should change your brake fluid every year. It's good for your brake system, and it improves your ability to modulate the brakes.

Especially if the car is more than a couple years old, put it up on jackstands and check the torque on suspension bolts. Have someone you trust give you a hand, employ a competent mechanic, or get to know some of the experienced autocrossers from our forums.

When your car goes through tech at an event, they'll check the following:

• Throttle return spring
• Brake pedal pressure
• Wheel bearings (they'll pull firmly on the tops of each wheel)
• Battery must be secure and positive terminal must be covered (this is the most common reason cars don't pass tech)
• No loose body panels
• Wheel center caps removed
• Condition of tires

If possible, beg, borrow or buy a helmet with an M95, M2000, SA95 or SA2000 rating. While most clubs do provide loaner helmets, you'll be more comfortable with your own, and you won't have to run back and forth to pick up and return your loaner helmet.

Things to do the day before the event

Wash your car. Don't take it to the Oasis. Do it yourself with a sponge, a hose and a bucket. It won't make you faster, but it will calm your nerves, and it will make you feel better about your car and yourself when you get to the event. Take extra care to clean your windshield and side windows. Cleaning the glass may make you faster.

Remove all loose objects from the car. Get all the coins, gum wrappers, papers, gas receipts, pine scented air fresheners and floor mats out. While you're at it, put a couple of large trash bags in the trunk in which to place anything you missed when you get to the site.

Make plans to have your tires inflated to at least 36 psi cold when you get to the site. If you're not driving a long way (or don't have particularly stiff side walls), you can go ahead and inflate them now. Otherwise, pack your compressor or air tank, or make arrangements to borrow one from one of our forum members.

Check your oil. Make sure that all your other fluids are at appropriate levels as well. If your brake fluid looks like day-old coffee, you should have read the first section and been motivated to change your brake fluid...

If your car is dark colored, put a roll of wide, white masking tape in the trunk. If it's light colored, use the blue painter's tape. This is for putting class and number markings on your car at the event.

It's also important to prepare yourself for the weather! Put sunblock, sunglasses, hat, snacks, a jacket (or even raingear if rain is likely) in the car tonight. You'll forget it tomorrow. Since my car lives in the garage, I usually stick my wallet in the driver's seat the night before as well. Not that I'm forgetful, or anything...

You should also set a cooler somewhere that you absolutely won't forget it in the morning. Bring lots of water and/or sports drinks. Stick in one or two of your favorite sodas for after the event. I usually put my cooler in the driver's seat of my car the night before so that I don't forget to add ice in the morning.

Now... Set your alarm clock so that you'll get up in plenty of time to arrive at the event site early. Go to bed early and get some rest. You'll need it.

Things to do before you leave the house

Put ice in the cooler. You did remember the cooler, right? Make a quick double check that you've got cash for your entry fee, plenty of water, sunblock and snacks.

If you've never been to the event site before, make sure you've got your directions with you. Now... put your hat on, lower the top and hit the road!

Things to do when you get to the event site

Find the Miata guys! It may not sound important, but it will be. All of the area Miata pilots are great guys who are never afraid to share their expertise. Even if you're not driving a Miata, we'll be glad to help you find an expert in a car similar to yours -- we'll even tell you whether their advice is good...

Depending upon your timing, you can either start prepping your car, or you may need to go register. In either case, your first two tasks are to get registered (and get a work assignment), and to finish preparing your car.

What do I need to do to finish preparing my car?

• Remove EVERYTHING that isn't bolted down. Floor mats, spare tire, jack, loose change you missed, drink cups, cameras, caps... You get the picture.
• Adjust tire pressures - get some help from your new friends
• Clean all the bugs off your windshield (and side windows)
• Once you're registered, place your car class and number on each side of the car using tape (you can spend some $$$ and buy fancy magnetic numbers later)

Once your car is prepared, go through the tech inspection. Someone will double check the mechanical condition of your car and verify that all loose items have been removed. The inspector will usually place a sticker in the upper left corner of your windshield to signify that your car has passed inspection.

If you haven't already, apply sunblock. You're going to be out in the sun all day.

Now... Walk the course. The first time through, grab a tour guide who will help you "see" the way through the course. Walk it again by yourself (several times). Walk it with someone you haven't walked it with before. Walk it with the official "novice walk-through" if there is one. Your first time out, you'll always wish that you'd walked it one more time than you did. Although it's tough, try to visualize what the course will look like "at speed." It will be completely different from what you see at a walking pace.

Depending upon the event, you'll either be working the course or driving next. When working the first time, it's important to remember to never turn your back on a moving car. Always keep tabs on where cars are on course so that you don't step out in front of one while running to pick up a downed pylon.

Whenever possible, make arrangement to ride along with an experienced driver before you make your first run at the course. It will be extremely helpful to see the course at speed before you try to drive it. Similarly, when driving the first time, get an experienced driver to ride along with you. If you get lost, they'll help you get back on track.

So... If we haven't scared you to death, check out the calendar and pick an event. We look forward to seeing you!