So after feeling a bit of pressure from a certain fellow MC owner (whose name begins with a "D" and ends with an "ave") to go out and participate in an autox event, I decided to go the easy route first and participate in the ladies autocross school held by CSCC (California Sports Car Club).
The event was held at California Speedway in Fontana. It took about an hour to get there from my parents' place in Carson so I got there with a bit of time to spare before the event was scheduled to begin at 9am. Sir Geoffrey (my MINI) and I met up with Karen and her MINI, who was proudly sporting a new set of sticky tires + wheels. After a brief check at tech, we were paired up with female instructors and we went off to walk the course. Karen and I were paired up with Andi (another MINI owner!) so we were very excited to learn from someone that was familiar with MINIs.
After the coursewalk, Andi took us out individually in her Corvette and we were able to get a feel for the course before we went out there in our cars. Seeing how this was technically my first autocross, I was VERY nervous . For my first few runs, I had Andi ride with me in order to get some tips and pointers as to when to hit the brakes, how to take the turns, etc. On my first run I ended up with a 104.542. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't get below 100, but Andi and everyone else assured me that I would get there by the end of the day. I pulled off a 89.452 on my next run so I felt a lot better after that. I did a few more runs afterwards and saw my times quickly decrease.
Then Andi gave Karen a task. Karen was to show me what the MINI could do out on the course. Oh lord. So off we went..
Karen managed to get a 66.xxx on that run (with me as the passenger!) and I now know what our cars are capable of out there. I let Karen drive my car afterwards and she managed to get a 75.360 (Hey Karen, there's only TWO pedals and stop trying to shift! ) so that gave me something to strive for. All in all, I got 19 runs. I wasn't able to get anywhere close to Karen's time in my car, but my best time was 80.257. I think Karen's best time was a 64.xxx and I think she's gonna be wanting some sticky tires in the near future.
Since I'm just a beginner, I was being a bit too careful so I didn't spin out or have any other *fun* moments out on the course. But there was one run wherein I was starting to feel fatigued and hungry (this was right before lunch!) and I managed to plow through about four or five cones cuz I wasn't looking ahead. (I think I was projecting my hunger onto my car and Geoffrey decided to eat some cones for me)
All in all, the event was a lot of fun. Everyone was EXTREMELY helpful - the instructors, event coordinators, fellow students, as well as the men that were forced to work the course and pick up cones for us ladies.
Unfortunately I don't have any pics to share (too busy driving!) but there were a few folks taking pictures so if any of them get posted online, I'll be sure to include a link to the photos.
Oh yeah.. I should mention that at the end of the day, they had a challenge wherein the guys were given the chance to beat their ladies' best times. I'm kinda glad I didn't bring a guy out there with me.. I'm a bit of a sore loser.
Great report. Thanks for putting that all together.
A lot of people get intimidated by autocross without giving it a real chance. Autocross schools like these are few and far between, and 19 runs in one day is unprecidented in my autocross experience. I'm really glad you got a chance to take advantage of an event like this, and that you were able to experience the satisfaction that comes from seeing improvements in your driving. You may need some new tires yourself here soon if you keep this up.
Wow Leslie that was a great read! Now if you can only help me get Joanne to hopefully get "bit by the bug". Afterall in hopefully one more week we should be getting our GP and she won't have any excuse not to participate...heck I already got her a BMW SCCA membership. It would be great to see her out there with you and Karen....so help me and reach out to her...I know she would love it!
It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot and yes....I WANT Sticky Tires now!!! I started with a 74.xxx and ended with a 64.462 on my last run. Each run got better and better. I'm sure I would have gotten a 63.xxx if I had two more runs. the tires were warming up enough. I did get best time of the day because Lisa's 64.2xx didn't count because she hit two cones!!!
MJO: I forgot to call Joanne to see if she would come out. Sorry.
CSCC Ladies Autocross School - Nov. 25, 2006
Posted - 11/26/2006 : 10:18:21 AM
After a brief check at tech, we were paired up with female instructors and we went off to walk the course. Karen and I were paired up with Andi (another MINI owner!) so we were very excited to learn from someone that was familiar with MINIs. 
. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't get below 100, but Andi and everyone else assured me that I would get there by the end of the day. I pulled off a 89.452 on my next run so I felt a lot better after that. I did a few more runs afterwards and saw my times quickly decrease. 
So off we went.. 
I let Karen drive my car afterwards and she managed to get a 75.360 (Hey Karen, there's only TWO pedals and stop trying to shift!
)
