I'm a huge motor sports fan, so I decided to enter my Hyundai Elantra N in an Autocross race. It was harder than I'd thought.

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Sam WeidtOct 2, 2022, 19:42 IST
I'm a huge motor sports fan, so I decided to enter my Hyundai Elantra N in an Autocross race. It was harder than I'd thought.

I went to my local autocross event to try racing for the first time.Maddie McGarvey/Sam Weidt

  • I dipped my toe into motor sports by racing at a local autocross event.
  • I expected to be competitive right away, but was humbled by the learning curve.

As a longtime auto racing fan, I have always wanted to go racing. I have been aware of autocross for years, but never had a car that would be suitable going to the track. This summer I bought a 2022 Hyundai Elantra N, which is Hyundai's performance model aimed at events just like autocross.

I'll be honest - I thought I would be competitive right away as I do a ton of realistic simulator racing and have a great understanding on how to keep cars on a quick line. I couldn't have been more wrong.

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The event was held at Fortress Obetz, a multipurpose sports venue just outside of Columbus, Ohio.

The event was held at Fortress Obetz, a multipurpose sports venue just outside of Columbus, Ohio.
The vast parking lot of Fortress Obetz, where a temporary race track was laid out for autocross.Sam Weidt/Insider

The event was held in Obetz, Ohio, a city just outside of Columbus. Fortress Obetz has a very large asphalt parking lot that doesn't have any obstructions or utility poles, making it a perfect venue for an autocross event. Autocross events are held at various venues just like this all over the country — all organizers need is a space big enough to lay out a course with cones to direct turns and temporary paint lines to show the limits of the course.

I arrived to the event and found a spot in the paddock to get my car ready.

I arrived to the event and found a spot in the paddock to get my car ready.
My 2022 Elantra N with my helmet before starting the event.Sam Weidt/Insider

Upon arriving to the venue of the event, I found a small area to back in my car and apply my number and class using black electrical tape. I also emptied out my car into a plastic bin I could leave at my spot while racing. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), which sanctioned the event, mandates that vehicles are completely empty while competing.

I also got my helmet out and ready to show the officials, as they inspect equipment to make sure it is undamaged and meets safety regulations.

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After passing tech, I joined a group of fellow novice racers for a guided walk of the course, where an experienced driver gave us tips and tricks to take on the course.

After passing tech, I joined a group of fellow novice racers for a guided walk of the course, where an experienced driver gave us tips and tricks to take on the course.
Novices went on a guided track walk for tips on how to drive the course.Sam Weidt/Insider

Ohio Valley Region, the SCCA chapter behind the event, had a mandatory track walk for novice racers. An experienced driver in the group took beginners through a turn-by-turn walking tour of the track. I found it extremely helpful for learning the track, but I found myself getting a little overwhelmed by the level of multitasking I was going to have to do.

Autocross tracks like this are relatively small and low speed, but they require high precision and tight timing, which was explained in detail during the track walk. Every corner had a specific entry point to set up for the turn after it, the one after, and so on. It made me realize how quickly putting a tire wrong in one corner can soil an entire run.

Finally, it was time to race. I pulled my car up to the grid and waited to be waved onto the track.

Finally, it was time to race. I pulled my car up to the grid and waited to be waved onto the track.
My car on the grid with other competitors while we wait to race.Sam Weidt/Insider

In autocross, events are split into two groups: One group races while the other group works and runs the event, and then they switch. For this event, I was in the first group to go, so I parked on the grid after the track walk to prepare to race. I was pretty anxious at this point, as I was still digesting all the information from the track walk and trying to focus on just getting through a run.

On the other hand, hanging out on the grid was one of the most fun parts of participating. Since you're waiting for your turn most of the time, it was a good time to sit and chat with other racers and check out their cars.

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My first run was a disaster. I got lost on the track and needed some help from the corner workers to get pointed in the right direction.

My first run was a disaster. I got lost on the track and needed some help from the corner workers to get pointed in the right direction.
My first run I got lost on the course and had to get some help from the corner workers.Maddie McGarvey

When it was time for my first run, I pulled up to the starting line and set my car's launch control. When the starter pointed at me, I let go of the brake and was launched into the back of my seat and began the first part of the course, which was a slalom section. It was incredible to be driving like this — and legally.

My joy was short-lived, however. After the first few turns, I was confused by a section of the course and wasn't totally sure if I was in the right spot. I followed the training given to us earlier in the day and got out of the throttle and looked to the corner workers to point me in the right direction so I could finish the run safely.

For my second run, I brought an instructor with to talk me through the course.

For my second run, I brought an instructor with to talk me through the course.
My car waiting at the starting line for my second run.Paul Pressler

After the disaster in my first run, I asked a more experienced driver on the grid to ride along with me so he could talk me through the course while I raced. It was a huge help, and I was able to see where I tripped up during the run before and get a clean run in.

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My other runs went smoothly, except for accidentally turning on my wipers.

My other runs went smoothly, except for accidentally turning on my wipers.
In one run, I accidentally turned on my wipers from cranking the steering wheel back and forth.Sam Weidt

Each driver had the opportunity to do five runs, and after my first two I started getting the hang of it. I gained more speed each time, getting more comfortable pushing my car and learning how to take each corner.

At one point though, I accidentally turned on my wipers while cranking the steering wheel back and forth through the tight turns, which slowed me down while I was trying to turn them off.

My last run was my fastest, but I came in last place overall. Still, it didn't ruin my experience one bit.

My last run was my fastest, but I came in last place overall. Still, it didn't ruin my experience one bit.
I completed five runs throughout the day, with my last one being the fastest.Maddie McGarvey

After finishing my final run I let out a loud "Woo!" inside my helmet. I had gotten through the event, driving my car to the limit and gaining respect for this type of racing. After finishing I looked up the scoring charts and I narrowly came in last place, but it didn't sour my experience at all. I had a blast driving my car hard and learning how to race.

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To end the night, I took my turn at a work position, as a photographer and corner worker.

To end the night, I took my turn at a work position, as a photographer and corner worker.
I hung out with three other corner workers keeping an eye out for knocked over cones and photographing the cars.Sam Weidt/Insider

After finishing driving, it was time for the other half of the participants to take to the course, which meant it was my time to work. I was assigned a photographer position, shooting the other cars on track. I also helped the other corner workers by keeping an eye out for knocked over cones, which serves that driver a penalty time.

It was a great way to see more cars, talk with other drivers, and experience the event outside of the driver's seat.

All in all, I had an awesome time and I'm already signed up to do it again.

All in all, I had an awesome time and I'm already signed up to do it again.
I'm super excited to continue with AutocrossSam Weidt/Insider

Initially I was a little gutted to do so poorly, but I had an adrenaline rush the entire night once I got home. I immediately checked the schedule and signed up for the next event. I'll try to keep my wipers off for that one.

Who knows, maybe I'll invest in some racing slicks for next summer.

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