Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: New guy checking in

  1. #1
    Suspension Modder deano's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Carrollton, TX
    Posts
    32

    Default New guy checking in

    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

  2. #2
    Team Cheap Bastard
    President & Founder
    sammm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    6,457

    Default

    Welcome aboard...keep us posted on your search.

  3. #3
    Suspension Modder deano's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Carrollton, TX
    Posts
    32

    Default

    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.

  4. #4
    Chassis Designer
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    The Colony, TX
    Posts
    86

    Default

    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!
    2002 Mazda Miata LS Silver 6speed. Racing Beat Dual Exhaust, HDHCHTDD roll bar, Racing Beat Front Sway Bar, Whiteline end links.

  5. #5
    Team Cheap Bastard
    President & Founder
    sammm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    6,457

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by deano View Post
    Does anyone have a preference for the club that's the most novice friendly?
    Remember - it's all about seat time, seat time, seat time.

    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.

  6. #6
    Orange cones fear me. cone-cerned's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Woodbine, Texas
    Posts
    4,684

    Default

    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.
    On the track, I am fearless.
    If you were as slow as me, you wouldn't be afraid either.

    1994 M Edition
    CSP 67

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cone-cerned View Post
    PCA and BMW only allow their designated instructors to ride with you.
    Fixed that for you.

  8. #8

    Default

    BMW added a Novice group earlier this summer.
    '99 Emerald Green - 2015 NASA Texas TTE Season Champion (showing up is really 100% of it)

  9. #9
    Suspension Modder deano's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Carrollton, TX
    Posts
    32

    Default

    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?

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by deano View Post
    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.

  11. #11

    Default

    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!
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  12. #12

    Default

    Remember if you want seat time BMW offers 10 runs at each event.
    M3 is always the answer.

  13. #13
    Suspension Modder deano's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Carrollton, TX
    Posts
    32

    Default

    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...

  14. #14

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by deano View Post
    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.

Similar Threads

  1. New guy checking in...
    By Babe Tomahawk in forum Introductions
    Replies: 26
    Last Post: 02-20-2014, 11:25 AM
  2. Checking in
    By Tom95YJ in forum Bull
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 10-03-2011, 09:46 AM
  3. Just checking...
    By Jeff_nc in forum dfwMiata.com Classifieds
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 09-26-2006, 12:16 PM
  4. Checking the A/C 134a
    By POS Racing in forum Miata Tech and Chat
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 06-08-2006, 08:48 AM
  5. New Guy checking in
    By twodoggs in forum Introductions
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 11-12-2004, 03:04 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •