28: FSCBMWCCA Concourse d’Elegance at Fields BMW in Lakeland. (I-4 @ Exit 33) 4285 Lakeland Park Dr., Lakeland, FL 33809
[863-816-1234]. This is always a fun event with plenty of participants and plenty of food provided by Fields. Please mark your calendars. Event will begin at 9am. Judging will begin at 10:30am. The judging criteria can be found here. Awards to follow.

13: FSC Autocross 05 at Brooksville-Hernando Airport in Brooksville. PLEASE PRE REGISTER if possible. The Airport entrance is located on SR 41 about 2 miles north of the County Line Rd and SR 41 intersection. Make a left turn and head north, Cross over the railroad tracks and look for the BMW sign on the left side of SR 41 or for an autocross orange cone. Make the left turn and proceed to the gate. Please arrive no later than 8:00 am.   Umbrellas or raincoats highly reccommended.

Events TBA

07: FSC Autocross 06 at Brooksville-Hernando Airport in Brooksville. PLEASE PRE REGISTER if possible. The Airport entrance is located on SR 41 about 2 miles north of the County Line Rd and SR 41 intersection. Make a left turn and head north, Cross over the railroad tracks and look for the BMW sign on the left side of SR 41 or for an autocross orange cone. Make the left turn and proceed to the gate. Please arrive no later than 8:00 am.  

19: FSC BMW CCA Car Control Clinic 02. (Details to follow)
      Minor Release Waiver >>   To Volunteer >>

09: FSC Autocross 07 (BMW vs Local PCA Chapter) at Brooksville-Hernando Airport in Brooksville. PLEASE PRE REGISTER if possible. The Airport entrance is located on SR 41 about 2 miles north of the County Line Rd and SR 41 intersection. Make a left turn and head north, Cross over the railroad tracks and look for the BMW sign on the left side of SR 41 or for an autocross orange cone. Make the left turn and proceed to the gate. Please arrive no later than 8:00 am.   

07: FSC Autocross 08 (BMW vs Local PCA Chapter) at PCA (Porsche Club of America) location at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport in Zephyrhills 8:00 am. Directions from South (Using I-75 North): Exit (East) onto SR 54 (towards Saddlebrook), travel 11 miles to downtown Zephyrhills. Turn right (South) on US 301, left at traffic light (South Ave), right onto 20th Street, left onto Alston St (ball park on left). Alston St dead-ends at Water Plant. Follow PCA signs through Water Plant to airport site.

Directions from South (Using US 301 North): Head North on US 301 into Zephyrhills, then turn right at traffic light (South Ave), right onto 20th Street, left onto Alston St (ball park on left). Alston St dead-ends at Water Plant. Follow PCA signs through Water Plant to airport site.

What is an Autocross?                                    AutoX Gallery

An Autocross (or AutoX for short) is an event which takes place in a large open area were a driver negotiates around an obstacle course. The course is made up of small vinyl cones that do not cause any damage to your car if you hit one. Just remember though, the entire point is not to hit any cones. Generally an autocross takes place in a large parking lot or a section of airport runway. The cars are placed in classes based on performance levels, and the participant’s race against the clock to see how fast the course can be navigated. On occasion, participants will compare their times against others in their class, which can lead to chest-beating and ego trips.

What are the benefits?

An autocross is designed to be a safe and enjoyable event and speed rarely exceeds 65 mph. A well laid-out autocross can be beneficial in helping you learn to control your car in emergency situations like: spin control, emergency lane changing, emergency braking, and how your car will respond to your inputs in these situations. Also it will give you an opportunity to meet other people who share similar interests with you.

What do I need to bring with me?

You only need to bring three things to an autocross:

1. Money - The cost of an AutoX is $25. The price includes lunch (sandwhices/chips) and water.
   
2. Helmet - You should bring a helmet with you with a rating of Snell 2000 or higher*. You can find out what your helmet rating is by peeling back the cushion on the inside of your helmet. It will have a decal stating the type of helmet and its certification rating. Motorcycle and open-face helmets are acceptable for use in an autocross. If you do not have a helmet, please try to borrow one from a friend before you arrive.
   
3. Car - While your own car is not necessary to participate (you can share a vehicle), the car you bring must be in good mechanical condition. Things to check are:
   
   — No leaking fluids (oil, coolant, power steering)
   — Tires must have air and tread (no cords showing)
   — Gas cap and battery are secure (battery must not
       be able to move)
   
   
4. Misc Items - Plastic to cover your belongings since they are not allowed to be in the trunk and its Rainy season. Also an umbrella for shade/ due to rainy season. Sun tan lotion. Remember to bring a cooler with enough water / refreshments during the summer events.

Are there different skill levels, or driver/car ratings?

Yes, learn more about AutoX Car Classifications.

How do I register to compete in an FSCBMWCCA AutoX?

Look for our specific FSC AutoX listing, find out event details and register online at www.motorsportreg.com.

What do I do to prepare?

It is a very good idea to prepare your car the night before an autocross. That way you are almost ready to go when you arrive and time is not wasted in the cooler morning hours.
To prepare you should:

1. Remove all loose items from the cars interior and trunk. Things like garage door openers, spare change, floor mats, umbrellas, and any thing in your door pockets. The interior of your car should be barren and you should lock your glove box as well.
   
2. Increase your tire pressure. It is a good idea to raise your tire pressure to about 40 p.s.i. before an event. This will allow even tire wear and increase the responsiveness of your car. You should do this when your tires are cold.
   
3. Remove valve caps on your tires. We will check your tire pressures during the tech inspection.
   
4. Have the key ready for your locking lug nuts. We will check the torque on your lug bolts during the tech inspection (to 90 lb/ft unless you specify otherwise) — please have the key ready if you use locking lugs.
   
5. Bring suntan lotion, drinks, snacks, and an umbrella. On some occasions food and drinks are available at the event, but don't count on it. Bring enough to last until the early afternoon.
   
6. Bring a friend to compete against. It is just more fun that way.

What happens once I'm there?

The first thing you should do when you arrive, at about 8:00 am, is to unload any remaining items from your car. The next thing you should do above all else is ask if you can help out. The autocrosses are run by volunteers who have already been there setting-up long before you arrived and they will be there long after you leave. Give them a hand.

1. Register and Tech
   If no help is needed, go to registration (which is usually located under a small tent). While there, you will pay, sign a liability waiver, (everybody needs to sign this) and sign up for your workstation. Once registered, you can then pull your car up to the tech inspection line. Be ready to move your car frequently as the line moves continuously, and be ready to open your hood and trunk once you reach the end of the line.
   
2. Course Walk
   Take the time to walk through the course so you can familiarize yourself with the layout. This will help a lot when it comes time to drive the course at speed. Try to find an experienced autocrosser to walk with so you can get tips on the best way through. Little things can make a big difference, and we have some very good autocrossers who are happy to help out new drivers.
   
3. Drivers Meeting
   After every one is tech-inspected a mandatory drivers meeting will be called near registration. It will give the specific details of the event such as: the number of timed laps, number of groups, and when those groups run.
   
4. Showtime
   Generally you are doing one of two things at an autocross, you are either driving or working. While your group is driving, the other group(s) are working, either by picking up knocked over cones or assisting in timing and scoring. Most of the time you will get to complete one slow parade lap to see the course once again before it counts. Use this time to try and memorize the course layout. After your parade lap, you will be lined up in a staging area and then called when it is your turn to make a timed run. After your run return to the staging area in the same order you originally lined up in, until you are done with all of your timed runs. Once you have finished your timed runs you can return back to your parking spot and get ready to change places with those who were working while you drove. The good thing, however, is that "working" is not really work. Actually it is quite fun as you get to watch other cars make their runs at close range, and you can critique and/or learn from them as they go.
   
5. Stack Cones
   If you are the last group to work the corners, it is a courtesy to stack up the cones into piles while you walk back to registration. I makes it a lot easier to clean up the course this way.
   
6. Go to Hooters
   or similar establishment to celebrate, relax and reminisce. This is a very important step; do not forget!

When is the next FSC BMW CCA AutoX, and how can I
find out more?

Check the Driving Events Calendar for upcoming dates.

Find more details in the AutoX 2008 Series section.

Check out the photos in our AutoX Gallery.

 

The Florida Suncoast Chapter BMW CCA invites you to the

"Ultimate Driver Search "                AutoX Gallery
Autocross Series 2008

Brooksville/Hernando County Airport
- Drivers' meeting @ 9:30 am
- Lunch break around 12:30 pm
- Lunch provided by FSC
- Fee: $25.00

Registration

Participants: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at www.motorsportreg.com. The number of attendees is limited; if you don't pre-register, you'll be turned away at the entrance.

Spectators: If you would like to attend as a spectator, then e-mail autox@24hr.us no later than TWO WEEKS PRIOR to the event.

Directions

The Brooksville/Hernando County Airport is located on US 41 between SR 50 and SR 52. From SR 52 (south of the site), travel north on US 41. Once entering Hernando County, you will cross County Line Rd. Continue north on US 41 for about 3 miles. Look carefully for Runway Dr. on the left. Runway Dr. is past the Air Commerce Park on the left and Suncoast Plastics is on the right (look for BMW sign and orange cones). Continue to the end of Runway Dr. at the gate.

Event Procedures

1. Enter and pay
   Someone will greet you just inside the gate. You will receive your pre-registration form, sign the insurance waiver, and pay the Autocross fee before proceeding. The gate will be manned from 7:00 am to 8:15 am only, due to a limited-access gate mandated by the airport authority. If you are arriving late, you must call 813-205-2565 and leave a message.
   
   
2. Park
   Continue straight ahead to the Stop sign. Come to a complete stop and look both ways. You are crossing an active runway, and airport personnel are watching. Once the way is clear, proceed across the runway quickly and then slow down -- you will proceed through some recreational vehicle living areas. Turn to the right at the end, and then proceed to the far end to find a parking space. NOTE: All driving speeds beyond the stop sign at the entry runway are 25 mph or less. Violators will not run in the event and will be escorted off the property.
   
   
3. Empty your car
   Unload EVERYTHING out of your vehicle that is not BOLTED DOWN. This includes floor mats and anything in the trunk, glove box, and map pockets. EVERYTHING NOT BOLTED DOWN MUST COME OUT BEFORE GOING TO TECH INSPECTION.
   
   
4. Get your car inspected (TECH)
   Drive down to the tech inspection area and stay with your car. Your car will be checked to ensure that:
   · Everything loose has been removed.
   · There are no loose parts that may fall off or move around while out on the course.
   · There are no fluid leaks.
   · Your battery is solidly mounted - no bungee cords or rope.
   · There is no broken glass, including broken lights.
   · Tires and air pressure are adequate. We recommend pressures of 38 - 42 lbs. Please add air before arriving at the site and leave valve stem covers OFF.
   · You have car numbers on your car (shoe polish will be available).
   · You have a Snell-approved helmet: 2000 or newer.
   The Tech person will take your registration form OR, take it to the START TENT personnel.
   
   
5. Check out the course
   After completing the inspection, drive back to your parking spot and then proceed to walk the course as often as possible. A novice course walkthrough will be conducted.
   
   
6. Listen for any announcements
   Come out to enjoy this competition and learning event with your fellow club members. You'll be impressed with the performance of your BMW!