Robin Yang

Home / Drive / Autocross

An autocross is a relatively low speed competition where drivers try to be the fastest in their class through a defined course. Cars run one at a time at safe intervals and a timing system is used to determine each driver's time on course. The course is laid out in an open area and marked with traffic cones.

There are many reasons why I like autocross. You drive your own car so you learn its traits and limits. It's an open course so the worst thing that can happen is you spin out and hit some traffic cones. And regardless of what kind of car you have or what modifications you've done, there is a class you can compete in.

Here's a DiVX video of me driving a Honda S2000 in the parking lot at Oakland Coliseum. The S2000 is a great autocross car. It's light, handles great and is relatively narrow--all the easier to maneuver between cones. For a different perspective, here's a video driving a BMW 540i. The 540i has great horsepower and torque but it's much heavier and wider than the S2000. That makes it harder to drive through the tight courses.

In 2002 I took first place in Street Modified Novice class with my 540i. In 2004 I placed fifth in Street Tire with the RX-8. Considering the high percentage of nationally-ranked champions we have in our region I consider my performance pretty good for a beginner. I still have a lot to learn.

Resources:

Autocross guide. The San Francisco Region of SCCA put together a basic introduction to autocross and what you can expect the first time you compete in an event.
Cone cam. All the driving videos you see here were taken with a cone cam. Its small size and light weight allow you to place them almost anywhere on the car without worry of them falling off. Randy has updated the original cone cam I purchased with a more expensive bullet cam that offers higher resolution.
DL90 data logger. You can use video by itself to help learn what you did (and didn't!) do well on a course but to really analyze what happened you need a data logger. Originally I used a Geez! cube but didn't like its accuracy or software. I sold that and have been very happy with Race Technology's DL90. In addition to two accelerometers used to measure g-forces, it utilizes GPS to map your position and speed. The software allows you to view lateral g-forces, acceleration, braking, engine RPM and time through various sections of the course. It also has extra analog and digital inputs for things like steering wheel position.