Autocross

Here we sit, mid-winter and thoughts are already turning to what the summer of 2012 will contain and what the autocross program will entail. Mid-winter seems an odd phrase this year as it’s January first and they are complaining on the weather that we’ve only had three inches of snow so far. As far as I am concerned that is just fine. The drive to and from work this winter has been pretty painless so far. But, enough ramblings about winter and on to the news about the Genesee Valley Autocross season for 2012.

If you believe in the Mayan calendar than 2012 is a year of change and we have seen some changes already and more are to come. First, the Seneca Army Depot is no longer available for events so we are actively looking for new locations. We have also heard the opinions of our members that we need events closer to home. To that end we have obtained two dates for Letchworth State Park. If you were there last fall it was a great day and a good location for an event. Beautiful lots, flush toilets and a scenic location – what more could you ask for? We have one spring and one fall event on the books for this location. Letchworth does carry a caveat – your autocross car needs to be NYS registered to compete.

In June we will be running an autocross at WGI during the Niagara Region PCA 50th Anniversary event. It promises to be a big day and everyone should turn out to drive in the autocross and watch the Porsches both in the autocross and on the track. Promises to be fun.

For the fall we will return to Cherry Valley for what should be our last event of the season. It’s a great way to spend a fall day, drive the kart course, grab some fresh apple fritters for the return and maybe stock up on some fine apple wine from the local vintners while there.

There is still work to be done as we only have four events committed for 2012 and would really like to have two more on the books to make the Top Gun Challenge series a success. I anticipate that by the time the weather has started to warm again we will have all the dates set.

Autocross is an ideal way for drivers at any level of ability to learn the fundamentals of car control. It’s an opportunity to drive your car more aggressively than is safe or practical on city streets or country roads. That’s not to say reckless driving is encouraged; on the contrary, good autocross drivers are in complete control while driving their cars close to their handling limits. One of the attractions to newcomers is that any car in sound mechanical condition can be used. SUVs and vans are not permitted but beyond that, almost any car (BMW or other marque) can participate. Most people that attend an autocross for the first time have never attempted anything like it. Many come back because it’s just so much fun. A few keep doing it year after year because it has become a part of their lives.

We group cars into different classes to make things interesting. Cars are grouped by manufacturer depending on the numbers represented. We group BMW, MINI, and Porsche into separate classes. Other manufacturers are usually grouped into the ‘Other’ class but sometimes we’ll group Corvettes or Corvairs together when there is good turnout.

Guests are always welcome to watch and cheer on their friends. Things to bring to an event include the kinds of things you would bring to a picnic or day at the beach – appropriate clothing, drinks, sun block and maybe a chair. Food is usually available from a vendor or nearby restaurant, but packing a lunch or snack is a good idea.

Again this year we will use MotorsportReg.com for our registration. This will allow participants to enter information about their car and number preference and provide information in advance that will speed our registration process the morning of the event. Please take advantage of this feature as it will save time and help us get underway earlier, leaving more time for driving on course. Our autocross entry fees this year will be the same as last year: $30 for BMW or PCA Club members, $35 for non-members.

Our 2012 schedule of events so far:

  • Sat 5/12 Letchworth State Park – Mount Morris, NY
  • Sun 6/17 WGI – Watkins Glen, NY
  • Sat 9/15 Letchworth State Park – Mount Morris, NY
  • Sat 9/29 Cherry Valley – Lafayette, NY

We look forward to seeing a lot of old and new friends at our events this year! Please email Mel Dillon for more information on how to participate, instruct, or volunteer at these events. Check our Calendar of Events to get the most current information on these events.

We look forward to seeing a lot of old and new friends at our events this year! Please email Tony Barbagallo for more information on how to participate, instruct, or volunteer at these events. Check our Calendar of Events to get the most current information on these events.