What is Autocross?
Autocross is a branch of motorsport that involves driving a motor car on a loose surface circuit against the clock. The fastest time in each class will win an award and the fastest time of the day will take a special award. The competition takes place on a temporary circuit usually set up in a grass or stubble field. A competitor will get a three lap practice session and three or four timed runs of three or four laps. The circuits are normally between a half and three quarters of a mile per lap and will contain a variety of bends in this. Circuits are not oval. Two cars normally start at a time but are both competing against the clock rather than each other.

Where and when does it take place?
The autocross season usually starts in May and continues until the beginning of October. For the South East of England, the locations vary from the Colchester area to Southsea on the South Coast. In the time period there are normally between eight and ten events. There is a local championship, registration to which means event regulations and regular updates of the sport in the area are sent automatically. This costs £7.50 per year.

What do I need to do to take part?
You need to be a member of a Motor Sports Association affiliated motor club. You need a National B grade Motor Sports Association competition licence. You will need a crash helmet and fireproof overalls that comply with MSA regulations, and of course a car.

How much does it cost?
Once you have your basic equipment, entry fees are in the range of £35 to £45 per event.

How old do you have to be?
You can compete in autocross from the age of 16. There are qualifications if you do not hold a road traffic act driving licence as it is necessary to prove capability of controlling a motor car. (This also applies to any person without a road traffic act driving licence). This can be done by completing a suitable driving course such as that held by some of the motor racing circuits or rally schools, or by competing on a minimum of three MSA permitted events where juniors may drive. These include certain types of autotest or clubcross events that may be entered from 14. Clubcross events normally take place at the same venue as autocross on the circuit but with strict limitations on the type of car and must use normal road pattern tyres.

What about the car?
There are classes for virtually standard cars with very limited modifications allowed, right through to purpose built specials.
The classes for 2001 are

Economy Standard Production saloons - these are basically standard cars which it is permitted to upgrade the suspension to cope with the loose and bumpier surfaces. 4 wheel drive cars are not permitted.

Cars up to 1400cc - These are cars which are freely modified from a standard specification.

Cars 1401cc to 1650cc - as above

Cars over 1650cc - as above

Specials and 4 wheel drive cars - Specials are vehicles which have been purpose built for the sport. Any vehicle with 4 wheel drive has to run in this class and receives a 5% time penalty.

Safety equipment - Roll over bars and full harness seat belts are not compulsory unless the vehicle has been substantially lightened. They are however a very good idea to fit. If fitted however, they must be of construction which complies with MSA safety regulations. Home built roll cages would not be permitted.

There is no requirement for vehicles to be taxed or insured.

Cost - The car can cost as much or as little as you want. Many competitors have a tremendous amount of fun with a car that is structurally sound but of little value. An example of this is the last time the national championship was held in the South East. The car used to win second overall in the national championship and the production class was a 10 year old Cavalier with no special equipment fitted which was driven back to South Wales after 2 days of competition. Off road pattern tyres are desirable but most competitors use remoulds which are no more expensive that normal road tyres. Special racing tyres are not permitted. A car can be double driven which means that two people can share one car, which is a regular occurrence.

Summary
Autocross is a relatively cheap, friendly branch of motorsport which all the family can be attend. It is a excellent way to learn about control of a car on the limit, on a loose surface for a reasonable price with little risk of damaging the car as there is (or should be) nothing to hit on the circuit.