Learn to Walk the Walk

by Dale Willis, Arizona Region PCA

You, like most participants, probably walk the course prior to an autocross. But are you getting the most out of it? Since every autocross site is different the obvious reason to walk the layout is to understand how the cones are set up, learn when and where to turn, recognize gates and slaloms and get a general feel for the course. Different course designers use the cones in different ways: Some set “pointer” cones to indicate which side of the cone or gate to drive. Some use a lot of cones to delineate the route while others are minimalists and set a few “gates,” i.e., pairs of cones that you must drive between. Study the course map if available to get an overall picture and pay close attention to each speaker at the drivers meeting.

As you walk, one of the most important things to note are transition points where you may become easily confused, like coming out of a turn and having to find a relatively distant gate. When one is new to autocross it is disconcerting to roll out of a turn and see a “sea” of cones ahead with no clue where to go. One of the things I like to do at transition points during the walk around is to squat down and get my eye level about where it is when I’m actually driving (okay it’s not much of a squat for me, wiseguys). It is sometimes surprising to see the different perspective you get at a driver’s-eye level.

A second and very important point is to not decide whether you “like” or “dislike” the course during the walk around. Each course is different and makes you hone different skills. Look at it as a challenge to overcome and don’t start with a negative mindset. Sure your 400hp turbo may not perform well on a tight course, but you’ll get a chance to eat those 914’s at higher speed events.

See how much you can lower your lap times during the day by adapting to the layout. And make the best of it – we’re all in this for the fun!

Okay, back to the track. Note the radius of the turns and whether any are “decreasing radius” turns which can be particularly challenging on a tight course. Note your turn-in point and where the apex of the turn might be. Walk with an experienced driver and listen to their comments and ask questions – we’re all willing to help you. Note points where the elevation changes and the car might become unsettled. Look for rough pavement or loose gravel that might make a segment slippery. Even though we sweep, it will build up under use. In fact, sometimes the best line isn’t the best line due to a buildup of rubber “marbles” or accumulated gravel during the day.

If there is a “slalom” (a single row of widely spaced cones around which you must alternately turn), determine which side of the first cone you want to pass for a quick exit from the preceding segment. Generally, you want to base that decision on the very last slalom cone. You want to be on the side of the last cone that sets you up for the best entry into the next turn. Pace the distance between the cones or at least note whether they are equal, increasing or decreasing in spacing. Because our sites are sometimes small, a designer may use ever more closely spaced slalom cones to slow you down prior to a change of direction. Occasionally a designer will designate on which side of a cone you must pass with a pointer cone. When driving a slalom segment you want to be smooth and develop a rhythm while staying close to the cones. Going too fast and swinging wider arcs just eats up time!

Now, once the session begins, keep in mind that “smooth” equals “fast” in an autocross. Even if you are smooth, a tight course with lots of turns doesn’t always feel smooth. And a driving style that feels fast to the seat of the pants, slipping and sliding, is not normally the fastest. A driver with the proper setup for the course, who follows the best, most efficient line while driving as smoothly as possible will log a top time. Watch a “hot shoe” for an example of smoothness combined with a good line. Ross Bentley in his book Speed Secrets says, “The slower you move, the faster the car moves.”  Sounds a little like “make haste slowly!”

One of the most difficult things to do facing a sea of cones is to look ahead at where you want to go rather than where you are. It is particularly difficult when you are just looking for the next directional cone. Do what you can before the start and during the day to learn the course so you can look ahead to where you want to be. It is not as easy as on a road course and I don’t do it as well as I would like. While on the course watch the starter and keep driving laps until you see the checkered flag. Sometimes, due to a glitch in the timing system, we’ll give you an extra lap or two. Remember, too, to carry the throttle to the timing lights. Once the nose of the car breaks the beam you can brake smoothly to make the turnoff safely.

Now, once you’ve successfully learned to “walk the walk” you will then be able to “talk the talk” over a cold one at our traditional post-race session at a local pub. See you there!