Hi,
Ahh to be at the bottom of the Learning Curve - I can't even remember back that far.
First, the expense of a Helmet can be overwhelming, especially for a sport which you have yet to decide is gonna be a regular thing. But a Head Sock or Balaclava is pretty cheap and prevents you from getting cooties from a borrowed Helmet or spreading yours...
Usually, you'll want to lower your tire pressures a couple Lbs. to increase the contact patch, not too much because you don't want to roll over the Tire, but start with Street pressures and adjust between runs - it's nice to have an air bottle or even one of those cig. lighter inflators along with a good gauge (add a pyrometer once you really get competitive). Also, be sure to remove any loose gear in the cockpit or the trunks.
Don't worry about embarrassing yourself. In a field of experienced competitiors, you
will - that's pretty much a given for a 1st timer.
Instead concentrate on learning. If you hit a cone, the time penalty will usually take you out of the running, but don't let up (a common rookie trait) - consider this now a Free Run and press even harder! Experiment and learn for the next run. Don't worry what others think - they were all there too once.
Depending upon how the course is laid out, you're unlikey to see 3rd gear, or if so, maybe only once/run. Get your 1-2 shift down and use the brakes more than the clutch or letting off the gas - keep the revs up. Look at the next gate, not the current one and try to set your line early. Once you learn this, there's no need to see what you're doing now - you plotted that course in the last gate - concentrate on the next one. If you blow a gate, forget it -
play the next shot, don't replay the last one...
If you have acquaintances or friends there, ask them to watch your runs and get their report - they will often see things you can't. Since you cannot expect to be competitive against seasoned drivers, I like to recommend that rookies take a ride-along with some others and also that you take a passenger on the 1st run or so. This will give the car less lean/lift through the gates and allow you to better concentrate on your next line - the car will feel more stable.
Also, most Auto-Xs have
Buck Runs prior to, or after, the event. You pay a buck to do more laps - practice, practice, practice! But, more important than any of this -
HAVE FUN!!...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99
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