Looking to get into AX

[chilihead]

I have wanted for years to get into autocross (locally). I want to have some fun and put reasoning behind modding my car as I do.

Now on to the goods:

2004 Mini Cooper S JCW MC40


In my reading, it would seem that since in 2004 the JCW package was a dealer installed option, I would be excluded from the stock class and be slotted into STX. Any advise for a newbie 'dropping' in would be much appreciated. I would like to do a few events next season, so would there be anything that could/would ease my entry? Necessities?

[z3elda]

Welcome to the addiction! You might want to do more than a few events after you get your feet wet though.

I do believe STX is the next class progression for the Mini S from DStock - but I am sure someone can correct me if I am wrong. All you need to get started is your wallet and maybe a roll of blue or green painters tape for numbers. We have loaner helmets at every event.

Event schedule should be posted in the next few weeks. Hope to see you there!

[srduck]

YAY! Another MINI person!

A JCW Cooper S will already be pretty competitive in STX without really requiring any mods, but there's a LOT you can do and stay in STX class. I doubt I'll AutoX my MINI much more since I feel a lot more comfortable thrashing on the Miata and keeping the Cooper for a "sensible" daily driver

There's really not a lot that can or need be done to ease your entry. Come out to an event, try to get there early.... tell someone around the timing trailer that you're a newbie and they'll guide you through all the necessary bureaucracy (classing, registration, tech, etc). They'll make a few announcements about novice course walks.... make sure you get in on one of those. After the regular drivers meeting they'll have a novice workers meeting to tell you about work assignments, cone calls, etc. And when you're not working or driving, get as many ridealongs with people as humanly possible. Other than that, Eric nailed it. Bring some money to pay for registration.... some fancy numbers if you have them (if not, use painters tape. I always have extra in my AutoX "tub" in the trunk if anyone needs)..... a helmet if you have it (if not, there are loaners you can use).... and maybe some drinks and snack food.

If you're in the Charlotte area, come out to Cars & Coffee up at Northlake next weekend. I know Eric and I should be there, and hopefully we can coax several other club members into coming out. Feel free to pick our brains ask all the questions you can think of.

Also there SHOULD be a "novice school" event coming up early on the schedule. Go to that. WONDERFUL way to get your feet wet in the sport, and absolutely the best mod you can do to the car. Seat time is cheap, effective, and the only mod that will carry over to every single car you ever get in

Now, here's a picture of my Cooper pretending to be a tripod:

[chilihead]

Thanks for the info. I will definatly try to make C&C.

[leetaylor92]

Welcome to the craziness!!! look forward to seeing another Mini on course, Ignore the floundering Silver Grand-Prix She's mine lol If you need any help with anything I'm just as open to help as everyone else, the comradery here is awesome! Seat Time is definitely the best thing you can do starting out! Hope to see you soon!

[chilihead]

Thanks for the warm welcome.