Just did my third AutoX ever, second in the 996tt. 2nd gear popout is killing me on the 90 deg turns
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfoBV5Pd8RU[/youtube]

Any feedback would be appreciated

 

That looked pretty good for your third autocross ever. You were missing quite a few apexes, but you'll get better with experience. Brakes are your best friend in an autocross. That being said, that seemed like a relatively high-speed autocross. What kind of tires do you have on the car? Tire pressures are important and can make a huge difference in your times. With that damn music, I couldn't tell if your tires were squealing at all. You want them to squeal a bit, but not SCREAM.

As for the second gear pop-out, there's not much you can do about that except get it fixed (hopefully under warranty).

Here's one of my older autocross videos from when I was driving my E36 M3... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqOj-26yeqc

Edit: Then there's this one (different autox), from outside the car, just to give you a feel for smoothness and the line you should be taking, etc. I'm not trying to hijack your thread... just trying to help out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxab-Txdf34

 

Not hijacking at all, this was very helpful. Thanks a bunch. Still trying to get a feel for the car since I got the car only 2 months ago. 2nd gear popout isn't covered because I just passed 61k miles and it's a 10 yr old car. But that's what I thought too, I didn't late apex enough and use my brakes that much. Went for a smooth run, but I guess autox is all about maximizing the straights

 

I've never done an AutoX but have interest, from watching the videos, I would be confused on which direction to go next, I suppose they walk you through the course and it makes more sense in person ? or not ?

 

I'm still getting the hang of it but it gets easier to understand what's going on with more seat time. There are pointer cones next to the upright ones to tell you which side of the cone you should be on. And yes, you do get to do a course walk as well as have an instructor sit with you and direct you if you are going to get lost. It's addicting! lol. Although I do not think our cars are autox cars, but in the hands of a competent driver, they certainly would be competitive.

 

Pics: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjuYETas

 

The walkthrough definitely helps. It's easier in person (as far as memorizing the track) than watching it on video. Also, you get something out of standing around forever and watching the other cars run the course.

 

Reminds me of an AutoX event I went to a while back where a guy showed up with a NASCAR (a real one). The best part was when he just blew by the slalom portion as a straightaway.

I think our cars are best on the track!

 

didn;'t know if I was watching an autox or at da club haha...untz untz untz!!!

 

Although Porsche likely didn't have autox in mind when they designed the 996tt...when modified and driven correctly they are very capable! I've seen several 996tts and GT2s campaigned competitively in the SCCA National Tours over the years.

It's good to see that you are out there autoxing your car...there's no better way to (safely) learn its limits. Remember: "smooth" is for the track...to be fast in autox "you've got to drive it like you hate it" as a multi-time SCCA National Champion told me. When I'd take people for rides during my runs they frequently used the term "violent" to describe it.

 

Agreed. It's been a while, but I recall being tossed around much more during AutoX events (even though I was in a Miata back then). I wonder if AutoX might even be harder on the car than track events.

I do remember AutoX as being a lot of fun -- it can be more intense than the track, but for a much shorter duration. I just didn't enjoy the waiting around so much for a short run.

 

You can be violent and still be smoooth.

 

Thank you. I thought about this too, and I think it's true. I am so used to taking the right line and slow in fast out approach that this is completely new to me. It's mostly brake go brake go brake go lol. I'll get the hang of it eventually. Getting faster and faster with every event and not getting lost!

 

Very true, the top times were all seemingly crazy looking and slow but their cars were screeching like mad. I'll have to abuse the car a little bit more next time

 

I would upgrade three things if you are getting 2nd gear popout. Motor mounts, tranny mounts and the g- box detent mod. While you are in their changing the tranny fluid will get rid of any metal shavings that may be floating in there. The mounts will atop drivetrain movement that can sometimes contribute to gear engagement issues. Just my $.02