Get Started: Autocross

PLEASE NOTE:
POC Autocrosses are POC member only events.

Autocross is the competitive sport of trying to navigate your car through a defined course of pylons usually on a large parking lot. Autocross courses are set up using soft orange traffic pylon cones (which should not damage your car) and events are run at speeds usually between 40-65 MPH, usually just using 2nd and 3rd gear. As autocross is a “performance driving event” helmets are required as a part of safely learning how to drive your car at or near its limits. You not only learn how to handle your car at speeds that you drive daily, but you will also:

• Focus on improving your driving skills
• Become a safer driver
• Gain confidence in your driving ability
• Learn the limits of your car
• Learn correct seating, hand, and feet positions

As POC autocrosses are members only events, you will be required to bring along your current POC membership card and to show it to the team at Tech Inspection.

All levels of experience are welcome – however, Instructors are required for your first four autocrosses.

Most importantly, autocross is a social gathering of friends with a common interest and is simply a ton of fun.

POC Autocrosses are held in the large parking lot at El Toro and other tracks designed with safety as our number one priority. Unlike driving on the street, if you make an error at an autocross there is always a large run-off area in which you can safely drive off course and regain complete control of your Porsche.

How do you get ready?

Don’t worry about any advanced driving skills being needed! We’ll have an instructor help you get comfortable with your car and how you’ll be using it. You’ll be amazed how much you’ll learn and how much more comfortable you’ll become with your Porsche in just one or two autocrosses!

Make sure your car is prepared – ensure your Porsche is well maintained and ready to be driven a little harder than it normally would be. If you are not sure if your car is prepared to autocross, visit your favorite Porsche repair facility and have a “safety check” performed. Make sure your gas tank is full, your tires are properly inflated, and you have enough brake pad material and tire tread for a long “road trip”.

If you wouldn’t drive cross country on those tires, they’re not appropriate for an autocross! Remove all loose objects from inside your car that may go flying around while cornering hard – no coolers, luggage, camera cases, deck chairs or valuables – in fact most of these are best left at home before you even come down to the autocross. Bring a helmet if you have one – for requirements see POC GCRs.

If you don’t have a helmet that qualifies, or you are unsure, be prepared to rent one at the event. When you arrive in the morning (get there early!) find an area to park (this will be your pit area for the day) and remove loose items from inside your car. You will then be required to take your car for a safety check at Tech inspection. If your Porsche fails Tech, you will not be allowed to run that day – unless the issue can be fixed immediately, so don’t be surprised.

Bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks. Autocrosses do not stop for lunch, but we do typically have a lunch wagon come through. Very importantly, don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat to wear when you are not driving!