Unwind With A Weekend Of Autocross In Your Sports Car
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I don’t care whether you drive a BMW M3, a Lotus Evora, or an Aston Martin Rapide--these cars aren’t meant to be driven docilely around town all the time. Sure, they can do it. But that’s not their true purpose. So if you’re just doing the market run in your sports car, then you might as well get yourself a Nissan Leaf and be green about it. To keep these cars under the speed limit is to deny them their reason for being. But I understand the hesitation to take your car to the track. Tires are expensive. Trying to avoid the other drivers can be a worrisome endeavor, especially if it’s your first time. And the cost of a mistake is prohibitive since track days are usually not covered by your insurance. But what about giving autocross a try?
Autocross events are timed competitions usually run in open spaces. The “track” is designated by orange traffic cones. And the rules are simple: one car drives one lap as fast as possible against the clock, receiving time penalties for hitting cones. And usually, only one car is on the course at a time (if not, the cars are spaced out such that passing isn’t really even possible). Also, unlike most track events, convertibles are allowed to participate in many autocross events (though they are still not encouraged). If this sounds like your cup of tea, then look for a local autocross event (probably put on by a local car club), and make sure that your car’s tires have a good amount of tread remaining and are fully inflated, the cooling system and seat belts are in working order, and that your brakes have been serviced properly. Then, empty your car of all loose objects, put on your helmet, and have some fun.
I will be driving in my first autocross event this Saturday, August 14, 2010. This event, put on by the Los Angeles chapter of the BMW Car Club of America, is a little different than your usual autocross event, as it will be held on the Streets of Willow track. During the all-day event, which costs $100 per driver, participants will get nine to twelve runs on the track, instruction all day (including a classroom “chalk talk” and in-car coaches), lunch, and water. When not driving around the track, participants can expect to help work the course. For more information, or to register for this event (which is expected to sell out), visit the BMW CCA LA website. Also, don’t forget to check in next week when I report on how my day went.
[BMW Car Club of America - Los Angeles]
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