looking into autox...

[wrc_fan]

Actually you want to look at the Kumho XS, its out new this year.

[Auto-X-ZTS]

Originally Posted by wrc_fan

Actually you want to look at the Kumho XS, its out new this year.

Yep...along with a bunch of others. The RE01 is being replaced by the RE11--so there may be some closeout deals on the 01s soon.

The RE01 has a softish sidewall, and from what I read so does the Kumho. Something like the Dunlop Z1 with a stiffer sidewall may serve the Focus better--it's not a light car, even when 'stripped'.

[SMITHBOY76908]

Originally Posted by ZenRanger94

actually he's talking about seat time at the track. It's a completely different driving experience than on the street or back roads. here's a good read that helped me out http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm.
Don't worry about beating anyone yet, just have fun, that alone is worth it.

well, right! I'm talking about grabbing an abandoned parking lot and setting up some cones (or markers of some sort) and getting the feel for the suspension and its limitations, that way I can work out the kinks before I step out on the track so I don't look like a jackass! lol

[WD40]

In all seriousness...don't waste your time in the parking lot.
You'll only develop bad habits, and there's no way you'll be able to duplicate genuine AutoCross conditions.
^^^Worse yet...there's no way to duplicate SAFE AutoCross conditions.

Nobody is going to laugh at you at your first event.
On the contrary, you'll find genuine respect from fellow competitors,
and everyone will be most willing to help and answer any questions you may have.

[wrc_fan]

Originally Posted by Auto-X-ZTS

Yep...along with a bunch of others. The RE01 is being replaced by the RE11--so there may be some closeout deals on the 01s soon.

With the new RE11 coming out, I would say finding some RE01's on closeout would be a good way to go.

The Dunlop SS are pretty affordable, I just wish they made them in 225 for a 15 inch wheel.

[SMITHBOY76908]

I just went and checked out a set of Bridgestone RE760 Sports. Expert tire here in Laurel, MS is having a great special on them trying to promote them. I'm buying a set of 225/45/17.

[Blurvfocus]

Originally Posted by SMITHBOY76908

that way I can work out the kinks before I step out on the track so I don't look like a jackass! lol

Be prepared to have your butt whupped- by a girl, even.

This is ALL about the driver, at least for your first season or so. Eventually you'll be able to benifit by performance mods, but at first, they might unbalance the car and actually make it harder to get the basics down. There's a lot of science to all this.

My advice to you is try to have an instructor drive your car for you early on. You'll be amazed by what your car can already do...

[steve35svt]

This may sound funny but experienced drivers will say this "slower is faster", means driving to hard through a corner, sliding the front tires,understeer.
Learning car control at an auto-x will help in emergency situations on the street, like black ice, etc...

[SMITHBOY76908]

Very well understood. I'm taking all this into consideration. I'm not afraid to lose, that doesn't bother cause if I'm gonna be in a tough class with STIs and EVOs, then I know I'm gonna get my ass kicked!

It makes me want to get into autox even more when you say it will improve my every day driving skill.

[Blurvfocus]

Originally Posted by SMITHBOY76908

you say it will improve my every day driving skill.

Oh it'll do that all right.

Do you know that Philly region SCCA event #2 is going to happen on Feb 8? It's at Citizen's Bank Park in south Philly- about an hour and a half up I-95 from you. (www.phillyscca.com) Looks like there's going to be a good turn out of foci too.