Do you crave speed? Do you catch yourself nervously glancing at the soccer mom in the next lane, hoping she might want to race between the lights? Do you have Vin Diesel bed sheets? If so, then you would be a prime candidate for AutoX (pronounced auto cross). AutoX is a solo, time-trial automotive event. That means you race against the clock through a course that is set up using traffic cones.
The Madison Sports Car Club holds these races on Sundays all over southern Wisconsin. The club is a group of casual car enthusiasts that are very welcoming to beginners. They recently put on an AutoX school to introduce first timers to the track.
The emphasis on the races are, “Run what ya brung,” meaning that you are encouraged to race the car you might drive to work everyday. At the autoX school there were cars of every shape and size from heavily modified Mazdaspeed 3s to a Volvo four-door sedan.
The atmosphere is relaxed and helpful, new drivers are encouraged to ride with regular competitors to learn how to increase your times.
The courses are short, only about 45 seconds. They are also full of turns, which means that even if your car isn’t very fast in a straight line, you can still do well by using good driving technique.
You don’t need an expensive car either. The yellow Mazda Rx7 that the camera is attached to only cost $700.
Going through the club, one day of AutoX costs only $35, which is pretty cheap when compared to other extreme sports such as paintball, downhill skiing, or rock climbing. For those worried about injury, the club has never made a claim on their insurance because of an injury.
What do you need? Any street legal automobile will do. Competitors are discouraged from racing SUVs or trucks due to the rollover risk. You will also need a Snell-rated helmet (such as one for motorcycle or ATV use, not a bicycle helmet) to be on course. If you’re not ready to invest in one, you can always borrow a helmet from the club at no charge.
It is recommended you bring a hat, sunscreen and a lunch, otherwise, there is no other special equipment or expensive modifications that need to be made to your vehicle.
For more information check out madisonsportscarclub.com and visit theonlineclarion.com for AutoX footage.