I was hoping to find some good opinions on this topic, since it seems that many members here are involved in Motorsports with their 997s. I have a large, and hopefully unfounded fear that typical Autocrossing cones are going to damage the rocker panels as well as the rear wheel arch housing on the 911. My last few cars had plastic panels here, and a bit of Painters Tape was all that was needed for protection. I was going to do an EVO school in May, but I fear for my car's safety. The instructors push the cars pretty hard and tend to "collect" cones with the side panels!
Any other advice on the 997 and autocrossing is greatly appreciated as well!!
Thanks in advance!!

 

I track my car, and I have been known to "collect" a few cones. I am sure the speeds that I have "collected" the cones at are much faster then the ones you will be at during an AutoX. I had a number of track scars from the cones, and at the end of the season took my car to a detailer and they came right out.

If you are really concerned, go and get a clear bra on your car.

 

I just did my first one about 2 weeks ago. The thing that I came away with is this. You can tape the car as much as you want which will prevent the marks, or you can just go an have fun, take out the cones and the marks come off later, just need a little elbow grease As far as things that you might want to watch for at the autocross. Definitely tape around your wheel wheels, once the tires get warm little gravel pieces start flying in that area and chips unlike cone marks aren't coming out. And if you really get into it, you may want to consider a set of tires for the track. Autocrossing can really put a beating on your tires. Biggest thing is just enjoy it, it's what these cars are made for. As I said just did my first one and I can't wait for the next one

 

First couple of times I used the tape. I suppose it works - but now I don't bother. Scratch-X or polish takes care of the cone burns.

Ironically the only mark I haven't removed 100% is on the clear bra. I haven't tried everything on it yet because it really doesn't show.

 

hey guys, thanks for the replies! Sounds like good news that the cones can't dent the car! I usually get a bunch of those rubber scars from the cones and use WD-40 to wipe them off. My biggest fear was to whack a cone with the rear fender flare and have a nice dent. Sounds like that does not happen, which takes a load off of my mind. I also suppose the PS2s don't last long at the auto-X. I used a cheapo set of Bfgoodrich Kds before and got good use out of them. Maybe if I get better and have a chance at winning, a set of hoosiers might be a good idea. I know there are some threads on clearbra, but is there one that can take the cone/stone hits better than others???

 

1. Clear bra saves taping your car every-time. But get the full front if you will be tracking the car. (I only got the half and im regretting it as when you chase cars on the track rocks are hitting the unbra-ed portion).

2. Cones will not hurt your car or dent your car 99% of the time (never say never).

I have hit a large cone (3+ feet) at 50+mph head on and it did nothing to my bumper or hood.

3. Have fun with it.... I DO!!