Autocross Update
Steve Kidd, Autocross Chair
Saturday, May 22, was one of the most memorable Auto-x events in recent times. While the event started as just an ordinary autocross, GCR partnered with our friends at Suncoast Region and the event turned into the multi-regional “Spring Weekend at Sebring Racetrack.” While Zonefest typically occupies the time frame around Memorial Day weekend, there was a void this year as Zonefest was moved to Labor Day weekend, opening the door for a new weekend event this year. Here is what Spring Weekend at Sebring offered: Driver’s Ed—Host: Suncoast Region; Saturday & Sunday all day Auto-x School—Host: Gold Coast Region; Saturday morning Track Tour for Charity—Host: Suncoast Region; Saturday lunchtime Competition Autocross—Host: Gold Coast Region; Saturday afternoon Now for the details about the Autocross and Autocross school since that is the portion of the weekend Gold Coast was handling. GCR typically hosts an AX school once a year, primarily to introduce newcomers to this great sport. We try to make our AX schools fun, educational, and a good opportunity to really enjoy your Porsche. In addition, everyone is reminded that their car should be running well, have good tires and brakes, and no fluid leaks. Instructors have many years of Auto-x experience and the patience to share their experience with students. Here is basic outline of what was offered during the 5/22/2021 AX school: Chalk Talk - Basics and Safety / what to expect at an autocross event: • Terminology • Auto-x do’s and don’ts • Typical work assignment that is required with any autocross • Proper use of flags, radios, fire extinguishers • Off course and downed cones call-in, cone penalties • Staying safe & Covid-19 precautions • Helmets and loaner helmets • How to register, car numbers and class • Autocross Men’s and Ladies’ classes (Stock/novice, production, improved, modified, PCR’s) • How to prepare your car and yourself • What to expect at your first Auto-x, registration, cleaning out your car, tech inspection • Going through the finish and getting your time • Comparing your results with others in your class • Overview of the Gold Coast Autocross Program • Course designs • Performance driving theory • Don’t forget lots of cold drinking water, hat, sunscreen, snacks, and a good sportsman’s attitude After the chalk talk, students moved on to a course walk, parade laps with instructors, and finally spirited laps with instructors. We were lucky to have a great group of instructors from several regions, and three instructors (Steve from Gold Coast, Jerry from Suncoast, and Tom from Everglades) conducted small group course walks. Later, all instructors assisted in one-onone instruction during the parade and spirited runs. At the conclusion of the school, participants could enjoy the track tour, get a bite to eat or walk the course again. (insert 3 photos of instructors with students) The Auto-x started promptly at 1:30, and all competitors enjoyed six runs. This truly was a multi-regional event as seven regions were represented at this event, with the long-distance award going to David V. from the Carolina’s region. (insert photo) Fastest time of the day (FTD) went to Trent K. of Citrus Region. Steve’s course design was a variation of one that has been used before because it’s safe, two to three cars can be on course at the same time, and it provides challenges for both momentum and horsepower cars. For full results, check the track events/autocross tab on GCR’s website, www.goldcoastregion.org. It is important to mention that DE not only enjoyed record numbers, but also has a great turnout for the charity track tour. The track tour is not hot laps, but rather parade laps run around the track at highway speeds. Any vehicle can join in with a contribution to charity. Additionally, Everglades Region conducted a tour from the Naples area to Sebring that weekend and quite a few Everglades members went on the track tour and / or participated in the Auto-x. A huge thanks to our friends at Suncoast Region, particularly Jerry and Kirsten for their help in every aspect of this event, and to Dottie for handling much of the organizational and administrative details that keep these events running smoothly. Tentative AX schedule for the remainder of 2021 Summer break from June to August Event #4 9/11/2021 or 10/09/2021 at Sebring or??? Event #5 Tentatively mid-November. Location TBA Event #6 Tentatively early December, possibly at FAU or ??? Most of the above dates & sites are subject to change due to weather, availability and factors beyond our control.
