Motorsports Driving Guidelines
By Bill Sandusky, CCA Competition Director
Motorsports driving allows the individual to learn how to handle a vehicle at speeds on a designated course. Vision, steering techniques, throttle and braking inputs can be learned. The information below will help get you get started in autocross and road course driving.
Autocross events are run usually in large parking lot areas where you drive through a series of cones hitting as few cones as possible while staying on course. You will have multiple runs on the course. These are timed events to determine overall and class winners. Plan to spend the whole day. This is a low cost way to get started in motorsports.
High Performance Driving Events ( HPDE ) are done at a race track. Tracks will vary in size and configuration. Here you will have multiple sessions on track and in the classroom. Beginners will have instructors teaching the proper line, turn entry and exit and proper throttle and braking inputs and when to use them. These events are usually two days long, but some have options for single day or partial day sessions. Costs are more than autocross.
One of the best resources of event locations and dates is www.motorsportsreg.com Here you can search for almost any kind of motorsports activity. You will find descriptions and costs for the event.
Vehicle prep is important for any motorsports activity. For autocross, its pretty simple. Have a decent set of tires and brakes. You can bring your stock (nothing done to the car) to the event. For a HPDE event, most organizations provide a tech sheet you can use to get your car ready. You will need tires that have more than 50% wear remaining, new brake pads and fresh fluids are a must for your car to get through an event. In the case of brake and clutch fluid, high-temp fluid is preferable.
What do I need to bring to an event? At a minimum, a torque wrench and sockets, tire gauge and a helmet. For yourself, plenty of fluids to drink, lunch/snacks and a chair will be all you need.
Where should I start? Autocross is an easy low cost way to get started in motorsports. You will learn basic vision, steering and throttle techniques to improve your driving skills at low speed. In car instruction is available and a great tool to take advantage of to get started. HPDE requires more time and instruction to learning how to drive on a race track. Expect to have to put more time into preparing your car for the event. Those skills you have been developing in autocross will help you handle the race course. In car instruction is a must and you will find the instructors will teach you how to be safe and enjoy driving on a high speed road course.