Hmm, it's February something, it's bloody cold outside (first time this winter, really), yet I am already thinking warmer weather is fast approaching, and with it thoughts of spring and summer activities dance merrily to my cerebrum.    You know, thatching, plugging, window cleaning, mowing, watering, sweating.and autocross.

Brief introduction is necessary.  I'll do my best to keep it brief and not discuss my favorite subject to much.  New to Peachstate Region last summer, came from the 2008 Region of the Year Road Runner region in New Mexico.  Lived in Albuquerque for a few years, you see, and started my Porsche ownership there.  There are 2.1 million people in the entire state and short of 1 million in the Albuquerque metro area versus 5.3 million in the Atlanta area alone.

When I bought my first car, the motivations were fuzzy, but I knew they included some kind of "spirited" driving with a like-minded group of enthusiasts in a controlled, safe environment.  Three kids and a wife who are depending on you (keep telling yourself that) tend to dampen any channeling of the inner Michael Schumacher, at least initially).  So, after a brief investigation, I attended my first autocross (AX).

For those who don't know:  Autocross is a driving event in which cones are set up on a course, usually a parking lot, and you drive your car like stink around the course for a timed score.  Cars are grouped into classes for competition sake.   Definition:  "Like Stink:" common English  "to drive one's car at the edge of one's own or the car's limit."  (MacKie's New Abused English Dictionary)  You can floor it, spin your tires, spin your car, and power slide with complete disdain for the authorities.

The Roadrunners had 10 "Die Series" AX events on the calendar.  This, in addition to social events, a couple Driver Education events and the almost annual Fiesta de Porsche, an event similar to Rennfest.  The parking lots were small (I didn't know that until I saw the Atlanta Motor Speedway and Turner Field lots), yet there were consistently 25-35 cars at every event, more when we combined with the BMW or Corvette clubs for joint events, which were always a hoot.  The biggest lot in the state was two hours from Albuquerque, and those events were usually completely prescribed.  OK, so that is my paradigm for the level of activity associated with a Porsche club chapter.

As the move to Atlanta approached, I started to explore the Peachstate website to get a feel for the activity level, and contacted via email Bob Axt to start establishing my bona fides.  Never too early to schmooze, you know. 

Came to my first AX event with the club last June or July, I think.  The event was held at either Turner Field north lot or the Atlanta Motor Speedway lot.  Was expecting a big field based on relative size (and let's face it, wealth) of the demographic. Was a bit surprised to find maybe 50-60 cars if memory serves, which proved to be fairly consistent number through the other events I made good in 2010 and 2011. 

I thinks to myself "self, why the relatively low turn out?"

Possibilities:  too much else to do in this fine metro area, SEC football intrusion in the fall, uncomfortable weather June-August, low awareness amongst the membership, fear of "hurting my car," the fear of the unknown and/or not being competitive, or the distance to drive to get to the events.  I can't do much about the first three and I'm hoping this missive might increase awareness.  So let's discuss (OK, I'll lecture) about the last three: Fear of damaging your car in some way, not knowing what to expect and the whole competitive nature of the thing, and the distance/time commitment.

I've never, ever, seen a car damaged by impact at an AX event.  The courses are scrutinized by a club safety official and are designed to avoid high speeds toward walls or light poles. It is rare to get out of second gear, (although some of us take every opportunity to do so), so speeds above 60 are uncommon, and then only for a brief moment, and only by the more experienced drivers.  Occasionally there is a spin, or an off-course excursion, which usually winds up in complete cone carnage.  Meaning, cones are scattered hither and thither upon impact with a tire or bumper.  `Course, I'VE never done that.  Yes, I did see a water pumper (it was a Corvette) blow a water line once, and you will scrub some miles off your tires.  The engine in your car has a race heritage and is built like a brick outhouse.  These engines and suspensions LOVE to be run freely and put through the gears.  You won't hurt it a bit as long as you do your part with the gear shifting.

Fear of the unknown is a great killer of action.    WARNING:  ARM CHAIR PHILOSPHY: None of us really KNOW what is going to happen to us on any given day.  We have a plan, we have expectations, but when ya get out of bed, you're stepping fearlessly on to the gangplank of uncertainty.   With that in mind, the only way to know about something is to do it. 

While the first event can be a bit unsettling, there are any number of people who will help you get your bearings and guide you if you just tell the registrar it's your first AX.  Instructors are available to drive with you in your car, and you can ride with an instructor in their car (until the last couple of runs, when every tenth and every pound in the car counts).  Everybody, even the super fast hot shoes, were total rookies at some point.  So, now it's your turn, and there's not a soul out there who will not bend over backward to help make you a better driver and help out in any way they can.   Until, of course, you start getting fast.  Then they'll try to get into your head. 

There is a fine book you can buy from Amazon:  "Secrets of Solo Racing" by Henry A. Watts.  It is a very good primer and advanced text all in one, and will give you insight as to what to expect at an autocross, what to bring, how to prepare your car, and some very good driving techniques.

Remember, cars are classed, so the 356 is NOT running against the GT-3.

Ok, now to the third objection "it'll take to much time, and it's such a long drive."  Well, it will be most of a day, arriving at the event 8:30-ish and finishing up usually by 3:30.  I live in Woodstock, and the drive to Atlanta Motor Speedway is about an hour each way, so my "day" is 7:30 to 4:30, depending on the social event following.  Not really too bad, considering all the time I could spend in front of the tube, or spoiling a good walk by playing golf, or doing household chores (yep, there's a GREAT reason to procrastinate by taking the Porsche out).  The new venue this year is out by Stone Mountain, so those that live closer to the center of town should have their drive time cut down.

There are a few things that are completely irreplaceable, with Time being one of them.  So, why not resolve to try something new this year?  The WORST that can happen is this:  You don't enjoy it, chalk it up to an experience, and move on.  The BEST thing that can happen is this:  You find something else to do with your car, maybe with your mate, and with your precious time that is just a hoot and gives you yet another reason to put the Porsche on the road.  And, it WILL make you a better driver.  Guaranteed.

Watch the website for schedules, registration details, and directions.  Looking forward to seeing you out there this season!  I'm in the silver 911 SC with the obnoxious red interior.  Fitting, wouldn't you say?

Scott MacKie
PCA 2005060762