Favorite Autocross Elements?
08-10-2004, 11:17 AM
#11
Registered User
My favorite from the BMW club:
This one I think was 1.5 miles long and timed out with FTD around 100 seconds. It was LONG and I think as a result a lot more fun. The issue would be safety. The "loops" help out in getting more usable track space without compromising the safety of the course (the exit and other elements are what made safety questionable).
Walls can be fun if placed appropriately. One thing I like about S2k and BMW events, when it is done, is a "smooth" course. One where there isn't a lot of hard brake zones and acceleration zones but just smooth curves.
I agree, too, that the high-speed slaloms are much more fun than the slow ones. My personal preference is smooth, but then again I race a momentum car.
This one I think was 1.5 miles long and timed out with FTD around 100 seconds. It was LONG and I think as a result a lot more fun. The issue would be safety. The "loops" help out in getting more usable track space without compromising the safety of the course (the exit and other elements are what made safety questionable).
Walls can be fun if placed appropriately. One thing I like about S2k and BMW events, when it is done, is a "smooth" course. One where there isn't a lot of hard brake zones and acceleration zones but just smooth curves.
I agree, too, that the high-speed slaloms are much more fun than the slow ones. My personal preference is smooth, but then again I race a momentum car.
08-10-2004, 12:16 PM
#12
A nice, very long straightaway.... 
08-10-2004, 05:00 PM
#14
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dallas / Ft. Worth Metro
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How about an increasing distance slalom (gradually increased spacing between cones) to replace one of the straits? That seems like it could be difficult to master in a few runs.
I also like elements that offer a choice two or more ways with no clear 'better' way. This includes slaloms and walls. I think it's fun to try these both ways and compare the results.
Agree with marcucci on the BMW course. That was a fun one. My only major complaint is that the actual wall placement was not even close to that shown on the map. It was far closer to the entry gate and ended up an insanely slow maneuver (for me anyway).
I also like elements that offer a choice two or more ways with no clear 'better' way. This includes slaloms and walls. I think it's fun to try these both ways and compare the results.
Agree with marcucci on the BMW course. That was a fun one. My only major complaint is that the actual wall placement was not even close to that shown on the map. It was far closer to the entry gate and ended up an insanely slow maneuver (for me anyway).
08-11-2004, 08:00 AM
#16
Originally Posted by mxt_77,Aug 10 2004, 12:43 PM
And only left-hand turns, right? 
Gernby, Yee Haw!! Famous last words: "Watch this, Cooter!"
08-11-2004, 09:09 AM
#17
Registered User
And that's before you even get in the car.
I actually prefer to have at least one decent straight, the problem is that 1/8 mi straight in the S2k equals a good bit less top speed than, say, QUIKAG's vette. It becomes a safety issue when we try to keep things tame.
One thing I do prefer is wide gates. I hate small tight gates. I know they are useful for maintaining low speeds in critical zones for safety, but it CAN be done without making it an unpleasant experience.
Clovis, are you asking because you are running out of ideas? If you are tired of designing courses we may consider requesting submissions a week or two before the event. We can review for safety and make modifications as needed for whatever courses look fun.
I actually prefer to have at least one decent straight, the problem is that 1/8 mi straight in the S2k equals a good bit less top speed than, say, QUIKAG's vette.
It becomes a safety issue when we try to keep things tame. One thing I do prefer is wide gates. I hate small tight gates. I know they are useful for maintaining low speeds in critical zones for safety, but it CAN be done without making it an unpleasant experience.
Clovis, are you asking because you are running out of ideas? If you are tired of designing courses we may consider requesting submissions a week or two before the event. We can review for safety and make modifications as needed for whatever courses look fun.
08-11-2004, 12:23 PM
#20
Registered User
Originally Posted by Gregg Lee,Aug 11 2004, 01:30 PM
The BMW map appears very gymkhanaesque. Have there been rumors or using reverse gear next time?
The first "loop" was very fun. It was only slightly a decreasing radius and just about the "right" radius for an S2k. The one at the end was terrible, it was WAY too tight, their attempt at controlling exit speed. What they didn't plan for was the circus-style finish that a lot of people did, trying to hang on while rocketing out of the loop.