| AutoX is a way of getting 6 minutes of seat time and a sunburn out of a weekend. If you really really need a racing fix, it's ok. It can also teach you about your car in a safe environment. It will also introduce you to people serious about competition (as opposed to LED windshield washers and "ice"), which is definitely good. But I always laugh at the things people say at the autox like: "People who autox make great road racers, but road racers don't necessarily make good autocrossers!" (Yeah, funny how I never hear any road racers say that. Plenty of F1 types got their start racing karts, but that isn't the same as autox even if they use the same courses.) Or how about, "Autox is the ultimate test of an automobile!" (Yeah, taking turns at 130 mph is cake compared to this slalom, buddy.) As for classing, many fairly common upgrades (i.e. any chassis bracing) are not even allowed in "street mod" classes. Yet the "stock" classes allow competition tires, competition shocks, aftermarket brake pads, and aftermarket swaybar (but only at one end of the car!). But an aftermarket clutch will put you in Street Prepared...as if a clutch would help you AT ALL in autox. The classes need a serious revamp that they will never get. As you can tell, autox is a sore point with me. Nonetheless, I still go once in a while because it is relatively cheap and thus low-pressure. If you go, just try to learn as much as you can from the people who are good at it. Some of the posts above have extremely good advice; you might send those guys a private email to see if they can help you out. It is very hard for a Z to stretch its legs on an autox course. You might have talent, but don't be bummed if you don't see it right away. The environment does not necessarily play to the strengths of your car.
- John
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