[Shotimes] Autocross a SHO

[Donald Mallinson]

John Stout wrote:

>Just run the car the way it is, the true Autocrossers will appreciate what you are trying to do taking a "Whale" on the course, but what is really fun is when you get 3 of them all Silver to SHO up together ala Don, Ken, and myself.  But if your a good driver, it doesn't really matter what you drive, saw one of the guys from Champaign take his wifes 4 door Plymouth grocery getter and set fast time.  It is the Driver not the car, so have fun enjoy, see ya in Memphis where it will look like a herd of Turtles on the Auto-X
>

YES!  This is what I was waiting to hear from someone about autocross.  
The car doesn't matter.  Driver skill, at least till you get to and 
beyond the regional level is much more important than the car, tires or 
preparation.  Drive what you got and enjoy it.  Learn the basics, learn 
from the fast drivers, most will share secrets till you start beating 
them!  :)

Mods come much later, and sticky tires (step up to really good summer 
tires or all the way to race rubber) is a real kick once you get the 
most from street tires.  Some people never step up, they just keep 
having fun with a stock car.  At the local level, it need not be about 
winning trophies, but improving your self against the competition and 
having fun.  Pick a really good driver that is consistently there and 
fast, and watch your times compared to that one.  You will see as you 
learn that you get closer and closer, may never beat this person, but it 
is just a guidepost to your improvement.

Sunscreen, hat, chair, good shoes and lots of water are essentials.  A 
good tire gauge, 12v air pump and a good helmet.  That is about all you 
need.

Have fun.

Don Mallinson
DSP local and regional champ in an MGB, also took the AMGBA nationals 
one year!  FS runnerup for 2-3 years in a Mustang,never worked at being 
a champion in my SHO, but it is still as much fun.  Stepped up to track 
days and haven't done much autocross since, but the few I make are still 
a blast.