Mowog 1

[Dfish]

I'm planing on running in the first mowog this year. this will be my first event.I was too late for the beginer event earlier, but i've read numerous tip pages and have gotten pretty good at heel&toe shifting along with driving at the limit. (as good as a 17 yearold could be) Just wondering what class I'm in... I think f-stock but not sure. Driving a 1989 bmw 525i.
I've heard I also need to help... we call it gate judging in ski racing... watch the cones?
any help would be appreicated,
David Fischer

*EDIT* I forgot about a helmet, I don't have one... what should I do?

[miata#37]

There's lots to do to make an autox happen. Watching the cones and standing them up after some throttle jockey knocks them down is just one of the many jobs, albeit an important one.

The club has some loaner helmets for those who haven't bought their own yet.

There's a link to a 'novice handbook' somewhere on the MAC web site. It does a very good job of telling you what to expect when you show up.

Hope to see you there!

[MNbiker]

David,

First, your car would be in F-Stock, if it's still in stock condition. However, I'd recommend initially signing up for the Special Interest (SI) class. This is a class designed for new autocrossers and you'll have some competition. With F-Stock, you'll probably get bumped into a faster class (due to a lack of FS participants in the area) with experienced drivers.

I wouldn't worry too much about heel & toeing - just shift to second as soon as possible and leave it there. You'll have plenty of other things to worry about.

Not having attended the Novice School, your mains goals for the first event should be to learn how autocross events operate and how to not get lost on course. Kate Hughes' Solo II Novice Handbook (http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm) is a great place to start for the basics.

MAC has loaner helmets available at events.

Make sure to ask questions at the driver's meeting, if you don't understand something. If you don't want to ask in front of the whole group, approach one of the event officials after the meeting.

Make sure to go on the Novice course walk. An experienced autocross driver will lead the walk, and will provide insights and answer questions on how best to drive the course.

Since you're 17, you'll need a parent present to sign the appropriate Waiver Form. This step's really important, as you won't be allowed to drive without the Waiver!

Don't expect to win right away. Autocross is considerably more difficult than it looks, and setting fast times requires a great deal of precision. However, it's a great way to learn more about your car's handling at the limits and have some fun in the process.

-Steve Garnjobst
Eventmaster - MOWOG 1