Hello all!

I just bought my first car and would love to start doing some autoslalom racing! As of now, I do plan on going to the one Wednesday, August 14th at the Scotia Speed World.
Where I am new and have never done this before or even been to an event, is it best to just watch the first time, or to just dive right in? I've been reading around about it, but obviously still feel very nervous about my first attempt. Going against the whole point of the thing, I don't plan on being as fast as possible. I'm not here to overdrive my car the first time, but more so learn the limits of the vehicle before pushing it.

Now, I understand that nothing else is needed to the vehicle except for an approved helmet (Which I understand I am able to rent there).
I guess I don't really have an specific questions...just being new is there any tips, hints, help that someone should know? i.e. The essentials you need to know before running the course?

I know there have been posts like this in the past, but I figured it was worth it encase things differed from track to track, or if Scotia Speed World has different rules/layout.

Thanks and I look forward to coming out and seeing what it's all about!

Just dive right in! The best way to learn is to get seat time, and you have the right attitude regarding learning the course and not overdriving your car. If this is the first time doing this, you will likely NOT be fast as that takes time to get used to autoslalom. There will be helmets there to borrow (no cost). As far as car prep, make sure you have decent tires, good brakes and your car is otherwise safe. You may want to bump your tire pressure up some for the track time, so bring an air pig or pump if you have one.

There will be lots of experienced people there who will be more than willing to give advice where needed, and as a first timer you may take an experienced driver as a passenger to give you some tips on the course.

Welcome aboard, and have fun!

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Just jump right in. I always suggest to show up early and walk the course often and with some experienced. Make sure you can find you way around the course first, then you can work on getting fast

Like Ming said, make sure that do whatever you can to memorize the course well. If there's one thing that could make your first autocross not enjoyable, it would be going off-course every time
Walk the course as many times as you possibly can. Focus on the flow of the course and try to think of how it will look from the driver's seat (when you're moving more quickly)
Be friendly and introduce yourself to someone who appears to know what they're doing - I can't think of anyone that wouldn't be happy to show you the ropes

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MMSC #12/ASP

Well, doesn't look like I'll be going this time....

Went to Mazda to have a new MVI done on my car (as it has a New Brunswick one on it from when I bought it). Well, they told me it won't pass as it needs a new front right lower control arm. To be honest, I'm not sure how much I trust that (Had the N.B. MVI done only a month ago). Anyway, to be safe, I don't think I should be doing any racing until I get that figured out. I'm having another person look at it Friday to confirm that it does need a new lower control arm.

I hope to see you all at the one after that perhaps!
Thanks for the help and welcoming feel though!

Maybe too late, but if the NB inspection wasn't expired you didn't need to get an NS MVI. The NB stickers are valid in NS until their expiry date, even with NS plates put on.

edit: of course you probably already knew that.

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I think he's more worried about the possible bad control arm. But good info to know. And also good call on holding off. If you can make it over and watch, maybe meet a bunch of the crowd, they're all a pretty good bunch of people. I won't be there so I can say that.

This is what I thought, that the NB sticker was valid in Nova Scotia, but at Mazda they told me it wasn't...

NB and NS (and PEI?) governments have reciprocity agreements
I've had a NS inspection sticker on my RX7 for over a year now - I went to NS specifically for the inspection because I don't know anyone trustworthy in NB that could do it

Maybe on a title transfer the inspection needs to be from the province of residence, but otherwise it definitely doesn't

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MMSC #12/ASP

Perfect!
Thanks for confirming my ruling on the matter.
Still going to have that lower control arm looked at. Either way, I don't feel like paying the $280 for the arm PLUS the labor costs at Mazda. If it needs one, I'll order one online and get my local mechanic to install it!

I will be in the city on Wednesday, so I might venture out to the speedway to check things out. If you see a younger guy (22) in a magenta shirt wandering around, feel free to come say hi!

If i was coming I'd offer you the passenger seat in my car for a few runs, you should big a few people to let you go along with. (George would be a perfect candidate)

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They do and dont. NB will except the NS sticker but only for 1 year. Not the 2 years. Whenever we sell a car to NB or PEI we have to do a 1 year sticker up.

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