Car Handling Dynamics

[judaspriest517]

This seemed like the best place for this post, so here it is. I'm 17 years old, and some of the post that I have read about getting an MR2 as your first car have kind've scared me a bit. So I was looking for some literature on car handling dynamics. I would also like to know who I need to talk to about autocrossing in the Atlanta area. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Mach2]

Ncturnal would be a good start:
http://www.mr2board.com/forums/members/ncturnal.html

[thirdvector]

I'm sure Ncturnal would be a better source than me. However, if he doesn't have the time, I'm in the ATL too. I haven't autocrossed as much as I'd like, but I could help you get started. The next autox is May 12th, then June 17th, both at the Turner Field Blue Lot. I won't be competing with the MK1 until some more work is done, but I'll be helping my wife start autocrossing with her GS-R on one or both of those dates. Look for a skinny guy w/ glasses and a redheaded girl with a black 99 integra.

Also, I wouldn't be worried about the car's handling dynamics too much. Even if you are an inexperienced driver (no offense, you're young). There are considerations to be made when driving any mid-engine RWD car, but you have to be really ham-fisted to get a MK1 loose on the streets where you have to worry about it. Just don't bring the car to the limit around a highway clover-leaf then slam on the brakes when you realize your going way too fast for the car in front of you. That will likely cause a spin when you relieve all that weight off the rear tires. To put it in perspective, I just got this 86NA with blown struts, suspicous ball joints and tie rods, etc. Basically, it needs a complete suspension overhaul. However, I'm still impressed with how stable the car is (relatively) even after coming from an integra with a modified suspension. I love the way the car rotates. Just be chill on the road and test the limits at the track.

Oh yeah, if you want to start your literature collection:
Secrets of Solo Racing - Henry A. Watts (probably best one for you - driving techniques)
How to Make Your Car Handle - Fred Puhn (more about suspension design, kinda getting old)

[judaspriest517]

Which club are those events with? How much is it? And what kind of gear should I bring with me? Thanks for the reply and suggestions on literature. I'll definitely look into those.

[thirdvector]

Your welcome!

The events are with the SCCA. Check out www.scca.org for more info. They are the oldest club around (maybe since the 50's-60's, I think...) The other big club is NASA (not aerospace nasa) You might look into them too, but I don't have any experience with them to tell of.

Check out www.soloatlanta.com and look for the schedule for all Atlanta autocross events for this season. You must register for events beforehand through that website now due to increased attendance. When I started you could just register when you got there. Make sure to try to do this at least a week ahead. I think they have deadlines and a certain capacity.

It will be around $40 for non-members ($35 or so for members). I didn't autocross last season, so I'm not sure if things have changed. Shouldn't be too different anyway.

The only gear you really need to bring is lots of water (preferably in a cooler). Food (I like energy bars). Sunscreen.

However, it is also a good idea to bring a tire pressure tester (i like cheapo digitals) and (if you have it) a tire inflater that runs off your cigarette lighter. That way you can test and adjust your pressures in-between runs. While you're learning I wouldn't expect this stuff to make you noticeably faster (only your skills will do that), but it is a good learning tool to see how the car reacts with different tire pressures. When you get good enough to worry about it, get a pyrometer to see what your tire temps are at different parts of the tire (outer, middle, inner tread). That way, you know whether to increase or decrease pressure and diagnose your alignment setup. However, I digress. You won't need to worry about that for awhile. Just concentrate on having fun and learning as much as possible. The autox community is very welcoming to beginners, unlike alot of other automotive circles (ahem!).

Other issues of note:
Helmet - they provide a loaner if you need one. I did.

Plan on taking out your driver side floormats and any other "loose" stuff from your cabin. I just leave all floormats and spare tires at home.

Car has to pass basic safety inspection. Tires don't wobble, seatbelts work, battery tied down, etc. You'll be able to find specifics on either website I gave you.

Read the rules and look at those websites for everything else I didn't cover. I think I mentioned all the major stuff.

Oh yeah, wear very comfortable shoes. You have to work the track half the time while the other group runs.

Have fun and I hope to see you there!

-Matt