Autocross is the sport of trying to navigate your car through a defined course of pylons usually on a large parking lot, faster than your competition. Autocross courses are set up using soft orange traffic pylon cones (which should not damage your car) and events are run at speeds usually between 40-65 MPH, usually just using 2nd and 3rd gear. Autocross is a “performance driving event” and a safe way to learn how to drive your car at its limits. You not only learn how to handle your car at speeds that you drive daily, but you also:
- Gain confidence in your driving ability
- Learn the limits of your car’s brakes
- Learn correct seating, hand, and feet positions
- Learn the limits of your car’s tire adhesion
All levels of experience are welcome! Instructors will be provided for those that are new to the sport.
Most importantly, autocross is a social gathering of friends with a common interest and is simply a ton of fun!
Autocross are exhilaratingly fun and competitive events. Most Autocrosses are held in the large parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium.
How do you get ready?
Don’t worry about any advanced driving skills being needed! We’ll have an instructor help you get comfortable with your car and how you’ll be using it. You’ll be amazed how much you’ll learn and how much more comfortable you’ll become with your Porsche in just one or two autocrosses!
Make sure your car is prepared – ensure everything is tight, well maintained and ready to be driven a bit harder than you normally would. If you have doubts, visit your favorite Porsche repair facility and have a “safety inspection” performed. Make sure your gas tank is full, your tires are properly inflated, and you have enough brakes and tires for a “road trip”. If you wouldn’t drive cross country on those tires, they’re not ready for an autocross! Take everything out of your car that may go flying around while cornering hard. Bring a helmet (see the rules for requirements). If you don’t have a qualified one, be prepared to rent one at the event. When you arrive in the morning (get there early!) your car will be subject to a safety inspection. If it fails, you will be sent away to fix it, so don’t be surprised.
Bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks. You won’t really have time to leave for lunch, but we do typically have a lunch wagon come through. Very importantly, don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat to wear when you are not driving!
Typical Autocross Schedule
| TIME | EVENT | |
| 6:30 AM | Tech Inspection opens | |
| 6:45 AM | Registration opens, Note: There is a penalty fee for walk-ups. Pre-register using the on-line reg system and save money. | |
| 7:25 AM | Track walk with Chief Driving Instructor | |
| 7:30 AM | Late fees begin if not in the Tech Inspection line by now | |
| 8:00 AM | No admittance if not in Tech Inspection line | |
| 8:30 AM | Mandatory Drivers meeting | |
| 9:00 AM | Practice sessions begin | |
| NOON | Lunch available, usually while practice sessions in progress | |
| 2:00 PM | Timed Runs begin | |
| 5:00 PM | Timed runs are finished. Track closed. Pick-up track and pit area | |
| 5:45 PM | Awards | |
This podcast will introduce you to the excitement of Autocross:
AX Podcast
And check out this cool video!
AX Video
Be sure and look at the rules page
Additional information can be found on the national web site:
National AX Page
For more information, contact the Autocross team
