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I've been lurking around this forum for a few months because I've decided it's time to feed my roadster bug.
I'm looking for an 01 to 06 that's a nice daily, but want to start getting into autocross. I've seen a few being offered on here that are modded - saving me money on upgrades. Debating waiting for the winter sale, but it's getting harder to resist. Lol
Welcome aboard...keep us posted on your search.
Well, waiting didn't go so well... I picked up the green and tan '03 that Prof had for sale. Been having a blast making up excuses to drive around.
Now I'm looking to get started in autocross, so if anyone wants to throw in some pointers... I've seen the DFW Autocross site, but all the clubs are the same to me, right now. Does anyone have a preference for the club that's the most novice friendly? This looks like a lot of fun, and my girlfriend is interested in playing, too.
Congrats! I got my miata 2 months ago and have done 2 equipe rapide events.
Their last 2 events events have been closest for me (Plano to mesquite), they are cheaper in price for non-members ($25), and there always seem to be a good amount of drivers running in the novice group (13 last week). Plus a few of the people that put on the event are members of this forum!
Since they don't have a Sept event Im going to try the texas region SCCA next. I like how both equipe rapide and Texas scca uses the national scca solo classing for cars. BMW club and NTAXS have their own classing rules based on engine size. And as for the Porsche club, I havent checked out their site yet. Hope this helps!
Remember - it's all about seat time, seat time, seat time.Quote:
Originally Posted by deano
SCCA and ER will have the better competition, and are the only clubs to offer a 'Novice' registration.
A big factor is how the car is mod'ed to calculate your PAX.
NTAXS and BMW will get you more seat time per event, but you'll get lumped in with experienced drivers. Not that that's a bad thing.
Another thing to note, SCCA and ER allow riders. Therefore, you can ride along with an experienced driver or get an experienced driver to ride and coach you. NTAXS, PCA and BMW only allow their designated instructors to ride with you.
All the clubs are good and it's worth attending any of their events. Just jump in to the first event you can make it to, no matter who's it is.
Look ahead, be smooth.
Fixed that for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by cone-cerned
BMW added a Novice group earlier this summer.
Thanks guys. I know you probably repeat this stuff to every new guy that stops by, but thanks for taking the time.
Last question (for now): does the DFW Autocross website consolidate everything involving autocross in this area, or are there other sites I need to monitor for upcoming events?
One-stop shopping for all DFW autocrossing. That is, the clubs that allow all makes. Be sure to Like DFWAutocross.com on Facebook for even more updates.Quote:
Originally Posted by deano
The autocross calendar tab at the top of the page on this forum is also a good resource, since it mirrors dfwautocross.com info.
To add to what has already been said: for a brand-new driver, any club is a good choice to get your feet wet and experience the sport. All are friendly, welcoming, and you will get your butt kicked by experienced drivers! :) Seriously, just show-up and get some seat time, whatever club is offering an event that is good for you time/place-wise. The only club that requires a yearly membership is BMW. Many of us attend events at all of the clubs, depending on schedule and the extent of our addiction.
From a Novice-instruction standpoint, SCCA has the most developed and structured Novice program, and Equipe Rapide is known for helping novices throughout the season. NTAXS has smaller events with more seat time, which is very popular with drivers who are trying to get better. You can also get ride-alongs very easily due to their run system. They draw a wide variety of experience and modification levels, so pretty much anybody can find someone to compete against.
BMW has a system much like NTAXS, except they class BMW-made cars separately from others (as does PCA - Porsche) and they now offer a separate Novice class. Both BMW and PCAare known for having small crowds and tons of runs - often 10 or more.
The prices vary a little, but not significantly. Best advice: preregister, ask questions, and let people know you are a novice and would like some help. Welcome!
Remember if you want seat time BMW offers 10 runs at each event.
Thanks for all the info. I look forward to meeting some of you at a future autocross or two...
And thanks for not getting tired of repeating yourselves to the rookies! Lol
Maybe they should take these nuggets reserved for the noobs and combine them and sticky them. Mandatory "new guy" reading...
Yeah, I guess we need to update the FAQ -- http://www.dfwmiata.com/faq.php?faq=vb_faq. Still good reading, though.Quote:
Originally Posted by deano