Introduction to Autocross
- Admin
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Autocross is one of the most popular and accessible motorsports in the world — and many consider it the most fun you can have in a sports car. Speeds are moderate. Courses are defined by traffic cones. There are no walls, no curbs, and no wheel-to-wheel racing — just you against the clock. At the beginner and intermediate levels, autocross is gentle on cars and requires no specialized modifications. It’s safe. It’s social. It sharpens your driving skills. And at roughly $60 per day, it’s one of the most affordable forms of motorsport available.
Best of all, you’ll spend the day with fellow car enthusiasts who love driving as much as you do.
What Do I Need to Autocross?
The Car
You’ll want a car that handles well — light, nimble, and agile is ideal. For beginners, a completely stock car with good tires is perfect. Roll bars and performance modifications are not required. Great autocross cars include:
Mazda Miata
Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
Mini Cooper S
VW Golf GTI
Ford Fiesta ST / Focus ST
Subaru WRX
Porsche Boxster
High-horsepower cars are best left to experienced drivers. Pickups, vans, and SUVs are generally not permitted.
The Helmet
Most clubs provide free helmet rentals.
For the 2026 season, helmets must be Snell 2010 or newer (SA, M, or K certification — motorcycle helmets are allowed). Beginning in 2027, Snell 2015 or newer will be required.
If purchasing a helmet, buy the newest, best fitting, most comfortable one you can afford. Face shields aren’t necessary, but sunglasses are recommended.
The Car Condition
Your car must be in excellent working order:
Good tires (all-season or summer with solid tread)
No leaks
Battery securely fastened
Fluids topped off
Everything tightened and functioning properly
It’s a Great Family Event
Autocross is extremely family friendly. Many families compete together.
Bringing your son or daughter is highly encouraged — the experience builds real-world driving skills and reinforces responsible driving habits. It’s also a healthy way to enjoy performance driving in a controlled environment.
Small children and pets are welcome but require close supervision.
What to Expect on Event Day
Before You Arrive
Fill your gas tank
Set tire pressures
Pack lunch and plenty of water
Bring sunscreen, hat, and weather-appropriate clothing
Bring a small tool kit and tire pump if available
Convenience stores are rarely nearby. Plan ahead.
Registration
Most events use MotorSportReg.com — create a free profile as soon as possible.
Work with your club to determine your car’s class (similar cars compete together) and get a number assignment.
Day of the Event
Check-In
Sign a waiver
Receive a timing sticker
Pick up a course map
Get directions for paddock parking
Coffee and donuts are common bonuses.
Meet your neighbors — autocrossers are friendly and generous with advice.
Work Assignments
Everyone works at an autocross event.
The most common job is “shagging cones” — resetting cones that drivers knock over. You’ll be assigned a corner station and work under a Corner Captain.
Other roles include:
Tech inspection
Timing
Grid
Starter
Coaching
Photography
Working the course builds awareness and makes you a better driver.
Tech Inspection
Before driving, your car must pass safety inspection.
Remove everything loose (floor mats, cups, trunk items, etc.)
Leave hood and trunk unlatched
Leave helmet on the driver’s seat
Apply numbers (minimum 8 inches tall, contrasting color). Painter’s tape works great.
Walk the Course
There are no practice runs.
Walk the course multiple times — ideally with experienced drivers. Bring your course map and study the layout carefully. At speed, everything happens quickly.
If a Novice Walk is offered — attend it.
Understanding the Cones
At first, it looks like chaos. It isn’t.
Two upright cones form a gate
A cone laid on its side indicates direction of turn
A slalom is a series of alternating cones
Lines of cones create barriers
Chalk lines often define edges
It will make sense quickly.
Driver’s Meeting
Mandatory. Pay attention — rules, safety expectations, and course details are covered.
Coaching
Most clubs provide free coaches — use them.
Even experienced drivers benefit from a second set of eyes. If you're new, a coach is invaluable.
Starting Procedure
Seatbelt tight
Helmet secured
Windows down
Cars run in grid order throughout the day.
When staged at the start, you’ll be positioned between cones on a chalk line. When given the “GO” signal (often a green flag), take a breath — you do not have to launch instantly.
The timing beam is usually 10–15 feet ahead, allowing a rolling start.
Each run is a learning opportunity.
Rules & Driving Tips
Fastest single run determines your class result (3-9 runs/day)
Cone down = 2-second penalty
Miss a gate = DNF
Unsafe behavior = removal
Cars are released roughly every 20 seconds — keep moving. Do not stop unless you see a red flag waved vigorously.
If lost, slow down and reorient yourself. If you encounter a hazard, slow and drive around it — you’ll usually receive a rerun.
If You Spin: “Two Feet In”
Spins happen — they’re valuable learning experiences. When you spin:
Manual: Brake and clutch fully depressed
Automatic: Brake fully depressed
Hold firmly until completely stopped. Releasing early can cause the car to shoot off unpredictably.
The Finish
Accelerate through the finish gate (timing beam is just before it), then brake hard in a straight line and come to a complete stop before returning to grid.
You must cross the beam for your time to count.
Leave Your Ego at Home
You probably won’t be competitive immediately — and that’s okay. Focus on:
Learning the racing line
Smooth inputs
Consistency
Staying on course
Skill builds over time. Enjoy the process.
Autocross Schools & Beginner Events
Autocross Universities and novice schools are extremely valuable. They focus on skill-building exercises and dramatically accelerate improvement. Attend one if possible.
Safety is #1
No alcohol or drugs
Stay aware of surroundings
No phones or cameras on course
Follow worker instructions immediately
Professional photographers are often present — let them handle the action shots.
Local Organizations & Events
Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
A national organization offering autocross and many other motorsport disciplines. Weekend memberships available. https://www.scca.com/pages/autocross
Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR)
Hosts Track Attack and other performance driving events. https://www.ppir.com
Rocky Mountain Car Club
Planning to begin hosting autocross events soon. Free to join. https://rockymountaincarclub.com
Porsche Club of America – Rocky Mountain Region
Organizes well-run autocross events at local airports with professional timing and free coaches. Weekend memberships available.
BMW Car Club of America – Rocky Mountain Chapter
Historically hosted excellent autocross events. While they are not planning events for 2026 due to volunteer shortages, they are expected to return.
Volunteers Make It Happen
Autocross runs entirely on volunteers. Every participant contributes — from cone duty to tech inspection to timing and coaching.
Working the course isn’t just required — it makes you a better driver.
Introduction Videos:
DISCLAIMER: This article was prepared by a club member and considered editorial and a matter of opinion. Neither the Peak-to-Peak Miata club or any of its members accepts any responsibility for the choices, modifications or how you choose to maintain your car.
- Peak to Peak Miata Club, March 2026
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