PBIR Autocross

A J Moffit, staff writer

If you don’t already know what Autocross is, it might be high time you learn. Those who participated in the PCA Autocross events at Palm Beach International Raceway on Saturday, January 15, 2022, can surely tell you what fun Autocross can be.

Autocross is believed to have been invented in the late 1940s as part of a club competition in the United Kingdom. In a race against the clock where participants race one at a time through a navigated course, the course is typically mapped out with pylons or cones and is intended to focus on proper driving technique, which most notably includes the driver’s ability to react quickly.

Planned by PCA’s own Dottie and Steve Kidd, who have organized Autocross events for over 20 years, these events might seem as if they are aimed towards men. In actuality, PCA events like these target everyone – from men to women to teens. Anyone with a driver’s license and desire to learn can enjoy the closed-track fun. A total of 64 people registered for the two events, including 32 at the morning session and 32 in the afternoon.

Autocross comes with its own set of obstacles, though. Steve explained, “One of our biggest challenges is finding new Autocross sites. We have three available to us, but if any readers can find us a new site, you would be our hero.”

The event is more than just racing. It’s a collaborative effort where when you aren’t racing, you are working. Each session of 32 got divided into four groups of eight. Each group was color-coded: red, yellow, green, and blue. Then each group got assigned to race, work, rest, or work again. When attendees arrive at the event, first, they check-in at the front gate, letting the track know they are on the premises. Next, they check in with PCA and are assigned their color group. After that, participants walk the course. They can either walk around the track independently or go as a group with Steve or Dottie. The track walk shows the participants the peculiarities of the course, also noting where each workstation is. New drivers get assigned an instructor who will run the track with them at least once, including on their first of six laps around the track. The instructor can continue riding along as necessary to ensure the driver feels secure.

But remember that participating in the event requires a commitment from the drivers to work. Work assignments include Grid, Timing Tent, Course Moderators, and Finish Line. Each work assignment provides its own enjoyment, as each assigned task has merit and is integral to the fluidity of the event.

A car can’t start without knowing it’s their turn to go, so the Grid position keeps the drivers in check, letting everyone know when it’s time to get to the start line. Next is timing, which is responsible for more than just the overall time that it takes a driver to run the course. Timing also subtracts for cones hit, off-course, and other situations that can incur penalties.

What about driver safety? Safety is where Course Moderators come in. These workers are placed throughout the course. They reset cones that have toppled over, and radio in any discrepancies, such as when a driver goes off course. But safety doesn’t end there. It’s comforting to know that an EMS and tow truck are on property throughout the event providing peace of mind for everyone’s safety. Fortunately, to date, the EMS has not yet been needed.

Everyone has their favorite workstation to partake in. James Stammer enjoys working the grid. “Everybody waits their turn,” he explains, “You tell the racer ‘Okay, you’re next,’ and you keep them in line. The idea is to keep them flowing, so there’s not a lot of downtimes.” What’s the best part of PCA Autocross? The camaraderie and everyone doing their part. James tells us,

“I’ve been to events where members show up, run first, then leave and don’t work. That never happens with PCA. It’s a great group of people.”

To prepare for the race, you’ll want to make sure your car is set up for success both before and after the event. Pat Mitchell instructs, “Tires, brakes, and brake pads are the biggest wear items that you’re going to have. Make sure you’re looking at those both before and after you are done to make sure you don’t have too much wear and tear on them.”

Once they’ve participated in their first Autocross, some people can’t wait to get back for more. Cone crusher Nestor Sanchez, who, along with his wife Noemi, were named PCA Enthusiasts of the Year in 2021, has partaken in four PCA Autocross events. At each event, he gets to experience something new. “Today, for the first time, I did Start,” he described with enthusiasm. “I love it. I got to see all the cars launch, I got to meet all the drivers, and it’s like I got to do a little interview with them and say, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ and, for me, I really enjoyed that spot and would love to do that again.”

For other people, it’s a time for bonding. Juliana Samper and her dad, Joaquin Samper, have been doing Autocross together for six years. Joaquin wanted Juliana to start Autocross because he knew the value of learning to drive a car properly, especially in tight situations. As Juliana details, the learning never stops. “Every time I learn something new. Even basic skills for when you drive. In fact, a deal I made with my dad when he got me my first car was that I had to learn how to change a tire.” For Dad, Joaquin, he couldn’t be prouder.

Some make it a real family affair. Dan Schmidt, his wife Christy, and their 16-year-old son Tyler Davis all participated this year. Though Dan did one Autocross previously, it was the first Autocross event for Christy and Tyler, but Dean Mazzola in a 1987 911

probably not their last. Tyler got more than he expected and described, “It’s just so much different than driving on a normal road. It’s almost the exact opposite of what you normally try to do when driving. And you’re pushing the car as fast as you could possibly go.” Mom, Christy, agrees, “It was really helpful going along with somebody that knew what they were doing. We would do something, and I would be like, ‘Oh, THIS is what you supposed to do,’ versus what I was doing previously.” Autocross seems to have a little bit for everyone, women and teens included. “It’s almost like people don’t know enough about it, but if they come, they will enjoy it,” says Joaquin Samper. If you are interested in participating in a PCA Autocross event, more events like these are planned in the near future. In April, PCA will be going to Sebring and holding an Autocross there on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Registration is still open, and space is still available.

Can’t make it to the PCA event but want to give Autocross a try? Though not affiliated with the PCA, the Palm Beach International Speedway runs Autocross events every other Friday night for a $75 fee. Still not sure if you are ready to race in an Autocross? Volunteers are both welcome and needed, so contact a PCA Officer, Board Member, or Committee Chair and get involved!