Autocross
What's autocross? It's a safe, performance-handling experience in which participants learn how to quickly maneuver one's car around a course marked by pylons in an open parking lot. Instructors are available to teach the finer points of this low-speed event. Drivers compete against the clock, with one to three drivers on the course at any one time. Cars are kept a safe distance from each other. No modifications are necessary to one's car to compete.
Thanks to region member Xavier Meilhon for stepping up to chair our AX events.
Questions? Email: autocross@porschepark.org
The region's autocross event is held at the Motorplex at Road America. Help is needed to make these events happen. If you're not inclined to participate in autocross but would like to help out at these events, please know your assistance would be most welcomed. We need people to help with course set up in the early part of the day as well as course workers to monitor the runs and restore safety cones to their original spot. We also need help with starting and timing. There's plenty to do and it's a fun way to volunteer for the club.
Requirements
Helmets: Read our fact sheet about helmets here.
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For SA2015 helmets, the expiration date has been extended to June 30, 2026, to allow the manufacturers time to get their SA2025 product into the supply chain.
Effective July 1, 2026, Snell SA2015 helmets will no longer be permitted.
- The SA2020 helmets will only be valid for five years, through 2030.
It is best to try them on as opposed to buying online to ensure the proper fit. Road America does sell helmets, but inventory may be limited. Road America also rents helmets, and should be contacted well in advance of the event to ensure one can be reserved for the day.
Also, any helmet approved for PCA Club Racing is permitted. Drivers under 18 must see the Junior Participation Program information for additional rules and liability waivers and must complete the Minor liability Waiver form.
Read how to properly fit a helmet.
These area retailers sell helmets. There may be others.
Pegasus Auto racing--New Berlin, Wis.
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=HELMETSALL
2475 S. 179th Street, New Berlin WI 53146 USA
Competition Products--Oshkosh, Wis.
https://www.competitionproducts.com/Helmets/departments/1562/
280 W 35th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902
NorthStar Motorsports-North Barrington Ill.
https://northstarmotorsports.com/collections/auto-racing-helmets
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4F1drSy6uLxVAdbL6
Other things you should know for autocross:
Clothing: long pants such as jeans or cotton-based pants are best suited to protect against fire, albeit pretty rare in autocross settings. 100% synthetic clothing should be avoided.
Footwear: no open-toed sandals, flip flops or otherwise lose fit footwear.
Road America usually has either food and drinks available for purchase near the Motorplex or at least one of the locations by the paddock.
Bring your own beverages and hydrate often. If you don’t drink enough to go to the bathrooms during the day, you’re not drinking enough!
Valid driver's license (16 years or older) is required.
Checklist
In addition to your helmet and driver's license, make sure your brake lights are working, battery is securely mounted, seat belts are in good condition, lug nuts and bolts are properly torqued and vehicle is empty of all loose items, such as floor mats, etc.
Forms
- AX Tech Inspection form
- Emergency Contact Form
- Expense reimbursement
- Minor and Parent Waiver Form
- Release and Waiver of Liability form
Related Journal Articles
- Helmet standard revised [Oct 1]
- Special interest license plate features Road America [Oct 2, 2021]
- Helmet measurement [Mar 4, 2017]
- 50th Anniversary Autocross [Aug 28, 2010]
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