I figure since I'm one of the instructors for tomorrow's autocross school, I might as well put together a few tips for the new drivers that will be attending.
Safety First!
Before following these tips, please make sure you read and understand each tip. Failure to comprehend these tips could lead to an unsafe situation on course, and as we all know, safety is the most important thing to keep in mind in amateur motorsports!
1 - Looking Ahead:
You'll probably hear the phrase "eyes up" or "look ahead" a thousand times during the school. What we're talking about is called "target fixation". The goal of "keeping your eyes up" is to make sure you look at each cone as you pass it. This allows you to keep as close to the cones as possible, thereby effectively shortening the course, and lowering lap times.
2 - Slow In, Fast Out:
The "slow in fast out" theory is that a car that's slow in to the pits off the course, is usually a fast car the next time it goes out for a run. Ideally, near the end of your run, you want to slow down and allow the tires to cool (and in a turbo car, you can actually get the intercooler to cool down a bit too) so that on your next run, your tires are stickier, allowing for a faster time on the next lap.
3 - Being "Smooth":
Another popular phrase amongst autocrossers is "be smooth". A "smooth" driver is one that makes very few input changes to the car, and makes them very quickly to minimize how long the car has to change direction. For example, when turning the wheel, it's much better to turn it very quickly to the desired angle and hold it there. That way, the car only has to rotate once to the correct turning radius.
4 - Throttle and Brake Utilization:
When using the throttle and brake, make sure to go full throttle as fast as possible, and brake as hard as possible. If you're not one or the other, then you're wasting the car's potential for acceleration and deceleration. Also keep in mind that in an ABS equipped car, you'll want to be on the ABS every time you brake, since ABS is so much faster than a human can be for modulating the brakes. If you're not on the ABS every time you brake, you're not braking hard enough!
5 - Tire Pressures:
Tire pressures are the easiest thing for a new autocrosser to change at the track to help the handling of their car. It's a good idea to make sure your tire pressures are a few pounds lower than the factory recommendations. Basically, factory specs are designed for lower rolling drag so as to increase fuel mileage. By lowering the pressure you turn those hard, low drag tires into much stickier race tires. Having softer side-walls means the tire can really squat and grab the tarmac. On a street-tire'd WRX, I'd suggest 32lbs front / 30lbs rear, since you want a little less traction up front to help the car rotate.
6 - Planning Ahead:
Planning your run ahead of time is usually a bad idea. Remember that most excellent race drivers have amazing instincts and reaction times which allows them to take every corner at the limit as they come. As a new driver, you'll want to hone your driving instincts. Since you've already walked the course the morning of the event, you shouldn't have to think about it anymore. Just get out there and let your driving instincts take over!
Finally... before you get out there and use these tips, please make sure you know what day today is.
