Getting started in autocross at the novice level is easy. You can probably compete in the car you drive every day, on the same tires that get you to work. You won’t need extra equipment (or even a helmet!) when you start. Here’s what you’ll need to do to prepare for your first event:
Check Your Car’s Classing and Get Registered
You can check out our Classing Guide for a broad overview of autocross classes, and consult club members or the SCCA rulebook to find the right class for your car.
Most production cars with a low center of gravity are legal for autocross. SUVs, vans, and trucks are generally not permitted to compete unless significantly lowered. If you have a question about your vehicle, club officers are happy to help.
We encourage pre-registration on MotorsportReg, because it will save you a lot of time in the morning that you could better spend walking the course or talking about cars. It’s a great idea to register in Novice class for your first few events—we make resources available to help novices get their bearings.
Prepare Your Car
Over-inflate your tires. We recommend adding some extra pressure to your tires (~5 pounds higher than the manufacturer recommendation). This will reduce your sidewall wear as you begin to drive the car more aggressively.
Clean out your car. Remove all the loose items from your car before you arrive at the event. Backseat detritus, dash tchotchkes, and the candy stash in the cupholder can all become projectiles and will be called out during our tech inspection.
Check your lug nuts and battery brace. If you have a torque wrench, make sure the lug nuts are tightened to manufacturer spec. Under the hood, make sure your battery is secure.
Check the oil. Make sure the oil and brake fluid levels are normal. Verify the date of your last oil change to be sure you’re up-to-date on maintenance.
Pack Some Essentials
Autocross can mean a long day in the sun, wind, or rain (sometimes all three at the same event). Make sure you’ve got sunscreen, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are required. You should also bring your driver’s license.
Have Fun!
Arrive early (ideally by 8:00) so you have plenty of time to check in, get your car inspected, and walk the course. Join the Novice Walk to get an instructor’s help learning the ropes… and have a blast!
For more in-depth information, including details about our tech inspection and helmet requirements, head on over to our club rules page.