Is it really worth it?

[xShiFTx]

So a little background.. I inherited an '02 Focus SE (SPI) bone stock with atx. I previously had a truck.

I've been out to one local autocross, just to watch, and am interested in getting involved. Is it going to be worth going out and participating in an autocross event? I guess I am worried about how competitive I would be.. Will an spi get blown out of the water by all the other cars? Am I going to look like a fool?

Also, how do you all get some practice in? I am interested in some tips on how I could get myself ready before I actually went out and participated in an event.

I tried reading "A novice guide to autocross" but the link was broken.

So what do you all think?

[Sponsor]

[WD40]

The "novice guide" link should be OK...
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=33797

As far as practice, you'll get none better than just going out and entering and competing in events.
It's MUCH safer that way, and you'll end up faster in the long run.
Most clubs are very open to helping novices out with clinics and ride-alongs.

Yes it is very much worth participating, so get out and do it!

[xShiFTx]

Weird, everytime I click it I get errors that state "Invalid Thread specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator"

My account seems to have some major problems, surprised you can even see my original post because I sure can't.

[WD40]

Lemme look into it.
That is weird.

[S2]

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=33797

The above link works for me, it should be accessable for everyone. Worst case Doug, just recreate the thread (cut/paste) and relink it accordingly.

[WD40]

xShiFTx;
Can you still not see the Novice Guide thread?
Or, are you saying you can't see your first post in this thread?

[xShiFTx]

I see neither. I clicked the link and got the famous "Invalid Thread specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator"

I've tried it from multiple computers even. :(

[WD40]

Well, here's your first post so the rest of the folks can see it:

Originally Posted by xShiFTx

So a little background.. I inherited an '02 Focus SE (SPI) bone stock with atx. I previously had a truck.

I've been out to one local autocross, just to watch, and am interested in getting involved. Is it going to be worth going out and participating in an autocross event? I guess I am worried about how competitive I would be.. Will an spi get blown out of the water by all the other cars? Am I going to look like a fool?

Also, how do you all get some practice in? I am interested in some tips on how I could get myself ready before I actually went out and participated in an event.

I tried reading "A novice guide to autocross" but the link was broken.

So what do you all think?

As far as the other thread, lemme see what I can do.

[focusedaddiction]

Why not go out there & just do it, lots of seat time is your best friend!!!
my wife races her ATX wagon and does pretty good. she usually beats a certain loud mouth in an eclipse..lol occationally a mustang or two!

[BradWhite]

Yep, it's worth it! I'm 50 years old and attended an Auto-X "school" a couple of months ago. Perhaps the club(s) in your area offer the same. Even if they don't I'm sure you'll find the other participants willing to help and answer your questions. I plan on attending every event when the 09 season begins.

It was a blast to get out there and run my car on the course. But more importantly to me was how much I learned, in only one day, about my car and myself. I feel that I'm already a better driver because of it. And I certainly have a lot more confidence in what my car is capable of.

Don't worry about being competitive, the courses are setup for driving skills - not excessive speed. I ran better times than a Lotus and a Corvette with my Focus!

If you want to worry about something, worry about getting addicted to it.