New Driver

[AWEsom]

Heya folks,

I'm a brand spankin' n00b to autocross, but I've been following the sport for a little while now. I just have a few questions:

1. Are there any newbie classes I can take?
2. Are there any events near the south metro 'burbs comming up?
3. I drive a Subie WRX, no mods besides the "performance exaust" option that came with the car - what class would I be in? And what would I be in if i where to change the up- & down-pipes and blow off valve?

Thanks in advance
~Esom Ash

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by AWEsom

Heya folks,

I'm a brand spankin' n00b to autocross, but I've been following the sport for a little while now. I just have a few questions:

1. Are there any newbie classes I can take?
2. Are there any events near the south metro 'burbs comming up?
3. I drive a Subie WRX, no mods besides the "performance exaust" option that came with the car - what class would I be in? And what would I be in if i where to change the up- & down-pipes and blow off valve?

Thanks in advance
~Esom Ash

Welcome! Check at this website/forum for event postings. There will always be plenty of chatter in advance of an event.

1. MAC will have a Novice Autocross School in April that will be the perfect way to get started. It's a combinaiton of a half-day classroom session and a full-day driving session.

2. There will be 12+ events within an hour's drive during '05. The autocross season in Minnesota runs from late April thru early October, so you have a bit of a wait.

3. Your car would be in D Stock, as described. Forget the blow-off valve - it will provide ZERO performance benefits for your WRX. Plus, it would bump you to Street Modified, which is a class for highly modified vehicles. Up-pipe/down-pipe will gve you a solid 20HP+ bump, and help spool-up a bit. With just the exhaust mods, your car would be in STX (assuming you don't get a re-flash or otherwise modify the stock boost mapping).

If you just plan to autocross occasionally and/or for kicks, then go ahead and modify your car any way you'd like - there will always be a class you can run in. However, if you plan to autocross regularly, I'd recommend not doing much to your car until you complete the school and have some events under your belt.

Look me up at the Novice School. I'd be happy to share what I know about WRX autocross setup.

Steve Garnjobst
Met Council Rules Chair
STX #75 - '02 WRX Wagon (old car)
SM2 #75 - '99 Miata (new car)