Autocross events are low to medium speed car control events. Most events are held in large parking lots or airports but some events are held on racetracks and go-kart tracks. Courses are created using traffic cones and sometimes outlined in chalk to help with visuals. Drivers take to the course one at a time with results determined by comparing each drivers time to complete the course. Penalties are given for significant contact with a cone or if a competitor misses part of the course.
Many types of people autocross. Men, women, young and old are all found at events. Some may not own a racecar so they bring out their daily driver and some hard-core members will bring out vehicles set up specifically for autocross. There will be novices wanting that first experience and veteran road racers keeping their skills sharp. Family and friends compete together. Whoever it is that comes to events they all share a love for motorsports and most of all, the desire to have FUN!
First and foremost, autocrossing is fun. It is also an inexpensive way to get involved in motorsports and can be an activity for the whole family. It can also make you a better and safer driver. By discovering the limits of your car in a safe, controlled environment, autocrossing will help improve your driving skills on the road as well as on a track.
Check out the Getting Started page for an overview of everything you need to do to start Autocrossing.
See Event Fees
For non-members, you will be required to purchase a “Weekend Membership” for $15 dollars the day of the event.
Membership is required for all SCCA events. With this membership, you gain access to a wide variety of member benefits, including a subscription to Sportscar magazine and discounts with club partners. For those interested in a membership, head on over to SCCA.org to learn more.
For those just wanting to test the waters, there are weekend memberships available when you register for an event.
Absolutely. All that we ask is that you sign our waiver upon entry into the event. If you are curious about autocross, find an event nearby and check it out. Feel free to ask questions, and don’t be surprised if someone offers you a ride-along.
You need to bring your car in good working mechanical order, a valid driver’s license and a helmet (loner helmets are available in most regions). You may also want to bring a tire pressure gauge, multiple layers (coat, sweat shirt, sweat pants) gloves, a cooler (water, pop/soda, sports drink, lunch), comfortable shoes, towels, rain gear, sun block, a hat and anything else that you would want for a day spent outdoors.
First, if this is your first event, let someone know. Many regions have programs for novice drivers, and already have everything you need waiting for you. You should also do a quick once-over on your car. Be sure to check the fluids, check the battery tie down, shake the wheels and remove any lose items. You will need to check in, and have your car inspected at “tech,” both of these should be well marked and easy to find. Finally, make sure you leave enough time to get a few course walks in. There are no practice sessions on autocross, so walking a course is crucial in being ready to do your best lap.
Nope. Run whatever you have! We’re here to have fun! You can run anything from a Yugo to a Ferrari as long as it’s in good shape mechanically and doesn’t have a roll-over risk. Generally SUVs and trucks don’t meet these requisites.
Autocrossing can have an effect on how your car wears standard consumable items such as tires and brake pads, however it is extremely unlikely that it will threaten the structural integrity of your car. Tires are the most notable consumable, and many competitors choose to have a separate set of wheels for autocross tires for this reason.
Drivers from 5-18 can compete in the Formula Jr classes and competitors with a license or permit may compete in the same configuration as they are legal to drive on the street. For example, many states require permitted drivers to have a parent or guardian in the car, a permitted autocrosser would then be allowed to compete provided their parent or guardian was riding along.
Ride alongs are allowed for any guests 12 or older.
Check out our Rules, Regulations, & Documents Page page to learn more about the various SCCA classes or head on over to our Contact Us page and shoot us an email and someone will help you figure it out.
Check out our Venue page to learn more about the locations where we host our events.
Absolutely! You are always welcome to bring family and friends with you to watch and ride alone as long as they are willing to respect the rules of our events.
We care a lot about making sure that everyone has a good time and that everyone feels that an event is run smoothly. If you have any questions, concerns, or complains please feel free to head over to our Contact Us Page and let us know.
Head on over to our Rules, Regulations, & Documents Page to learn more about the SCCA rules and the St. Louis Region supplemental rules.
Any and all of our relevant documents can be found on the Rules, Regulations, & Documents Page. If you have trouble finding anything, feel free to reach out to us on our Contact Us Page and we can help you find anything you’ll be looking for.
Absolutely! A car can have as many as two people running it in a class and it can run in other classes that are running in separate heats. This is a great way to save money, get to drive well prepared cars and compare yourself directly with other drivers.
Autocross courses are designed not to exceed normal highway speeds. For most cars, that means staying in 2nd gear, and topping out around 55-60mph. That doesn’t mean they are slow. Well designed courses will feel plenty fast as you attempt to maintain that speed through a series of elements. Imagine slaloming every barrel in a 55mph construction zone, and you will start to get the idea.