I know how everyone here always says how the best mod you can do is better yourself, and I'm finally looking into doing so. I'm looking for a driving school within an hour or 2 max from the Baltimore area to help me learn how to really let it scream on an autocross type track, and maybe help with emergency maneuvers and such. I've looked on the Internet but can't really find anything decent. Anybody?

 

Autocross is certainly your best bet for this since you won't have to modify your car if it is in good working order.

The Capital Driving Club still has one or two more events in Frederick. You can register online or just show up if I'm not mistaken. There are also loaner helmets there so you're good to go.

Starting around march there'll be a lot more Autocrossing to do. Look for the 2013 MD/NOVA Auto-X Thread on here in Feb/march.

 

Check with Getfast (Jon)

 

BSR at Summit Point Raceway offers an Accident Avoidance class for $375 that uses their cars on the track.

In the spring several autocross organizations run "schools" to get new people up to speed quickly but you can learn a lot at a normal autocross. Just tell them it's your first event and you can ride with an instructor in his car and have one ride along with you. I would recommend you do this then sign up for a school in the spring that way you'll already know the basics. Some of the region's fastest drivers and best instructors are on this forum. See more here: http://www.accidentavoidance.com/

BSR is running a Friday At The Track (FATT) this Friday (the last one until April) at Summit Point's Main Circuit. You'll have an instructor in the right seat and you'll have fun and learn a lot about your own driving and your car. I believe they are $250 for the day. See more here: http://www.summitpoint-raceway.com/i...d=20&Itemid=14

 

I just got this email:

SATurday November 17th Autocross Harry Grove Stadium, Frederick, MD is the location of the 2012 Season Finale CDC autocross on SATURDAY November 17th. We will also have a Test and Tune SUNDAY November 18th. Registration and tech inspection will be at 8:00 and will promptly close at 8:45 to try to accommodate the full field, while still giving 6 runs. You must be DONE by 8:45. So if you arrive at 8:00 you won't have a problem. Don't arrive at the last minute. The event fee for the Saturday autocross is now $30 for members and $40 for non-members at this event. Bar Codes Make sure you download the bar codes. Print out new barcodes that can be found on the web forum under autocross section. You have to register on the forum to open the attachments. If you have problems, we can also print barcodes for you at the event. SUNday November 18th Test and Tune Day These Sunday Test and Tune Events will be held the day after the Saturday Harry Grove Stadium Autocrosses in Frederick , MD. The Test and Tune event will be an informal autocross using the same/similar course as the day before. The differences are the following:

• Field is limited to 40 participants with about 5 organizers (for a total of 45 vehicles).
• Times will be announced and recorded on the timesheet, but no results, no points, and no indexes will be posted –This is only for fun
• No extra runs if we miss a time – This is only for fun
• The format will be 2 heats with 5 morning and afternoon runs (number of runs in the afternoon will depend on time and weather conditions. We hope to give 9 to 11 runs).
• No food or drinks will be provided – We need to keep the amount of equipment to a minimum. So plan on either bringing drinks and food or going out to lunch.
• Event is open to members and their guests only, since the event is so limited in size.
• The entry fee is $35 per member, $45 for non-members.

All 40 slots will be given on a first come, first serve basis. On-line Reservation System Member reservations (or participants that will join the club upon showing up) for any events can be made at any time at http://www.capitaldrivingclub.com/ under the Schedule Tab. Open reservations for non-members for this event begin Friday November 9th. New Members We will be accepting new members at this event. If you plan to join the club at this event, you may make a reservation at this time by doing the following: 1. Use "0" as the member number (a permanent number will be assigned to you after you join and you will get a temporary number for this event)2. TYPE "I will be joining the club at this event" in the NOTES section when making you reservation. The annual membership is $30 and is good for 12 months from the date you join. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at http://us.mc1117.mail.yahoo.com/mc/c...ng%40yahoo.com . Ed Chan

 

Thanks guys!

 

Sorry to bring back a semi-old thread, but I had a question. I was talking to an instructor with the MD BWM Club (and he seemed to be a very knowledgeable guy) and if I remember correctly, he said that autocross isn't really a great way to learn because it teaches you bad habits that don't necessarily translate well to the street and/or the track. He was saying the most valuable time a beginner can spend is usually on the skid pad. I didn't get the impression that he was anti-autocross though, just that it didn't necessarily make you a better driver.

Do you guys agree with this or have any comments? I haven't done either (tracked or autocrossed) so I have no opinion on the matter - just interested in hearing what others have to say.

 

Seat time is seat time.

Autocross may not be the best place to learn, but it still gives you a feel for what your car does under certain situations and how to control it. Just like anything, you get what you put in, so if you really push yourself and take time to talk to folks/instructors and get ride alongs, then you will learn a tremendous amount. If you are scared to push yourself and your car, you will get little to nothing out of it. Don't be afraid to spin out and eat some cones.

Ideally, for learning purposes you'd be on a wet skid pad, under controlled conditions, at minimal speed, inducing loss of traction, and learning to recover from it. However, I'd argue you can learn just as much if not more from autocrossing...

 

Thanks for the insight.

 

Autocrossing is also the safest way to get into this stuff. Regardless of how you race, the same principles will apply and will allow you to get a feel for what your car can and can't do.

I will be running with Capital Driving Club, SCCA, and the BMWCCA clubs next year, and new drivers are more than welcome to ride along and get some free instruction out of me.