Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Not so much. You need aero like this for it to be effective in autocross:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0001_large.jpg
http://www.crowmountainhillclimb.org...ts/Bowland.jpg

Yes, that is a real autocross car.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Note: in the first pic the top elements of both wings are removed. Most likely to provide a better balance between drag and down force for a higher speed event.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Thanks for the tips, I think i will just start and see where I end up from there.
Congrats again, Auto-x seems addicting as hell because everyone that does it just gets a crazy look in their eye and say they want more.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

There is a reason the local events always fill up and there is a waiting list of people wanting to sign up in the morning of every event. If I recall correctly, Ryan, myself and Hughes (Kracka) all started around the same time, late 2007 into 2008, we didn't know what to expect at first but now we're all hooked to varying degrees. Ryan has already competed on the regional and national level, I hope to go to nationals next year.

As they say, autocross is the most fun you can have in a car with your clothes on. :)

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Congrats, guys. Great driving out there from cars sporting 'Style stickers every time I make it out.

It'll teach you throttle control really quick, they love to plow under any throttle in the really tight stuff.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Oh for sure. My fwd 1g just fucking plows straight off the course unless I do some tricky braking to get the rear end light.



Congrats on the win Matt!

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

I'll be spectating next year, at the least. I'd hate to take up somebody's slot being a newb, tho.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Just try it! At the very least sign up for the Novice School.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Will definitely do that.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Shawn Carroll, the guy with the silver Evo X at the dyno day, was within a second of Brandon Ranvek's time this weekend. Brandon placed 4th in his class at the national event. Shawn just started autocrossing this year. You have to start sometime, and the sooner you start the better.

There is a no-pressure non-competitive class for new people, we've all been there. I highly suggest doing the Novice School ASAP. Even if you decide autocross isn't your gig it's still a heck of a lot of seat time to throw your car around with some good instructors.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Worst case scenario of taking the novice course: You decide you hate autocross but you still come out a better driver with improved car control. Its a $50 well-spent for anyone.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

You should try road racing in brainerd next year. There is an instructor who races an EVO and they appear to handle great on the track.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

We'll see, but paying a large amount of money to tool around a track in the car I drive to work every day doesn't interest me, honestly. In autocross I can step on the gas, mash the brakes and crank the wheel as hard as I want without having to worry about hitting a wall or landing upside down in some trees. Maybe I'll reconsider once the car has less value to me.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Congrats!

But I thought driving in parking lots with cones was for 15 year olds???

I keed I keeeed :D

Great job man!!!!

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

The course in Brainerd is fairly wide open. I was a little concerned before also, but I got used to it. The instructors have a lot of experience (one was a F1 driver) and they are available to help all day. Nobody pushes anyone for speed so people are able to go at their comfort level. We saw mlomker there one day and he had a blast with his car.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

I value my car also and wrecking was a concern the first time out. We don't hessitate at all in taking either James' or my car to the track now. Have seen several new GTRs there, ZR1 vettes, new vipers, GT40s, etc. Not that we don't care about our cars, there is not much to hit.

My concern about wrecking is only if for some reason I lose my brakes or have some kind of mechanical failure. Then trouble can happen. I have been off track several times and no concern about rolling or hitting anything. Actually I have alot more confidence in my car by due to spinning out. I am 99% sure the car will never roll on flat ground.

It is something where you go as fast as you want to go. Start off slower and gain speed with confidence. There is no pressure to go fast, 85% of people attending the driving school have never been there before.

You are a good driver and should do well. The car should do great.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

I used to think the same thing! Then I tried it and found out what it's REALLY about.

I think I'm going to try and make it up to BIR again. (after I have my cooling issues taken care of) It's a very diffrent experince from AX, no timers so pushing the car doesn't matter much.

Re: MattD WINS MOWOG AutoX SM class for 2009!
 

Nice work Matt! Despite that pesky intercooler pipe you pulled it off. I guess we will see you in January.

Guys,
Autocross is a blast! If you have any inkling to try it, sign up for Novice school and be prepared to get addicted.

Shawn