How to Autocross Faster - Ep 3 - Stay Tight on Key Cones. Shortest Line Wins.

There's a commonly repeated phrase in autocross, "shortest line wins." Generally this holds true with some exceptions. After all, distance takes time to cover. The less distance you cover, the less time your run will take - even if you're going slower. The primary exception to this rule is if taking a wider arc allows you to exit a turn with more speed and if you're able to carry that speed through the following element. Otherwise the distance/speed trade off is typically not worth it.
In this video, Jeremy Ault shows how to navigate the autocross course to achieve a faster time by staying as close as possible to key cones. Key topics demonstrated include staying tight to the inside of the turns and getting as close to the slalom cones as possible while back siding them.
If you found this video helpful be sure to blip that LIKE BUTTON and slam on the SUBSCRIBE if you haven't already. Then, COMMENT below. We love to read comments and try to reply to every single one.
You should not take anything from this video as being advice. That said, if you make the same mistakes we do or are new to autocross, maybe you may also find this video helpful.
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[@bryang9601]

4/2024: getting into autocross, nice to learn from you, one of the best of all time! ❤🎉😊

[@MojoKc2244]

Looks like you had a blast . Thank you for walikng through this run.. I did pick up some great info. Thank you.

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

I had a great time. Thank you for the positive words. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@sebilata75]

I'm wondering what are your car's alignment values? Great informational video's you do!

[@aroundomaha]

Phenomenally helpful! I'm getting back to autocross after a 32-year gap, though I only did a handful of events back in the 80s. So I'm back to trying to learn and videos like this are extremely insightful. I'd be curious for your thoughts about tire fitment. I was shopping 245/40/17s for my 2018 GTI when someone pointed out Billy Johnson's MotoIQ article about fitment. He recommends a tire at for up to .5 inches narrower in tread with than the wheel. Given my stock class and stock width restrictions (7.5") this would lead me to shop 7.0-7.5" inch tread width tires. Its November and I have 4 months to obsess about things before we can autocross again in Nebraska! Thanks again for sharing your videos and insights!

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Hello, David. Thank you for the positive feedback. It really makes my day when I hear that my videos have been helpful. I went and read the article. This year I ran a 255/40R-17 BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE-71R on 17X8.5 ENKEI RACING RPF1 wheel for my Evolution. If you went by the 255mm width that would make it a 10" wide tire on an 8.5" wide wheel. However, according to TireRack.com, who actually measures the width of the tread, the tread width on this specific tire is 8.9" which is only 0.4 inches wider than the 8.5" wheel. It seems to work pretty well for me and I've won first place at each of the three events I attended this year with the NTAXS (events #1, #4, and #7) with the results posted here: www.ntaxs.com/results.html. Bottom line: I would suggest that you use TireRack's tread width measurements to help guide your tire size purchasing decision. This information is under the "specs" tab for each tire. I personally would go with a tread between 7.5" - 8.0" and not go with the 7.0" tire. The wider tire will mean more grip and only a slight bit of wiggle. The sidewalls are pretty short anyway. Understand, however, this is just my personal preference and your preference may differ. Hope that helps.

[@aroundomaha]

@@EvolutionAutocrosser Thanks! Yep I'm staying within reason and not exceeding Tire Rack's recommendations. I made a spreadsheet to analyze all the size, weight, tread width and tire diameter options (hey I work in IT and am OCD what can I say?). The data for your size: Tire, size, weight, wheel width range, measured wheel width, and tread width. It is crazy how much the same stated size varies in tread width. The Yokahamas are wider and weight 2 lbs less than the RE71. YOKAHAMA ADVAN A052 255/40/17 23 8.5-10 9 9.4 NEXEN N FERA SUR4G 255/40Z /17 26 8.5-10 9 9.3 BRIDGESTONE RE-71R 255/40/17 25 8.5-10 9 8.9 FALKEN AZENIS RT615K+ 255/40/17 26 8.5-10 9 19.2 BFGOODRICH G-FORCE RIVAL S 1.5 255/40/17 26 8.5-10 9 9

[@o-whata-knife3119]

Racing in Ohio for first run in an 06 eclipse info is great. Really just trying to figure out cone placement and direction so I dont get lost on the course.

[@heathatkins2837]

Grats! Thanks for the info

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Thank you! More to come.

[@jjs4903]

Great tips and commentary. I am driving an Automatic 370Z Roadster. In my first autoX I kept it in the full automatic mode. In my next one I intend on using the Paddle shifters. In your experience, what is the top gear that you use and how much down shifting instead of breaking do you do?

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Hi, Jim. Autocross is typically a second gear event. Before my engine upgrade I would typically start out in first gear until I'm going fast enough to shift in to second then just leave it for the rest of the run. I slow the car using only the brakes with the car still in gear. I do not push the clutch to go to neutral while braking. The only exceptions to this rule are 1) if I get in to a super tight and slow turn where I need to go down to first to keep from bogging on exit or 2) the course is super large and fast and I need to go up to third gear so I don't bounce off the rev-limiter. However, since I've upgraded my engine second gear runs out too fast so I run in third gear now. But that's another story. With paddle shifters, you can shift any time you feel you need to just as long as they aren't a distraction to your driving.

[@joelpierce3940]

Just started ( senior citizen Autocross), trying to figure out tire pressure, etc, in my 2019, ZO6, M7. I decided to look at the directional cones mostly, so I DNF. Seems easier to drive on a track. Thanks for the tips. I was thinking that the Tesla guys will drive the course slowly, while programming into a self driving mode, then just let the car drive for them. Bad news for us!

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

You really have to keep your eyes up and out and look ahead. Most DNFs happen because you were taken by surprise from not looking further ahead. I've certainly done it. Perhaps some day cars will have a self-driving race mode. Then we'd all be in trouble.

[@thelaotionalfalfa]

Awesome video. Question, I have a 1988 Toyota Alltrac. It's been hard to find people that have similar traits to try to compare and make me quicker. You are saying your awd pushes and have to stop sooner and take corners slower. What kind of tire pressures are your running as well as how stiff or soft is your front end? I have some videos on my page if you want to give a look and give a tip. Thanks

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Ideally you want a tire with lots of grip and a hard sidewall to reduce flexing. I have a set of autocross wheels and tires with a low sidewall profile. With that you should need able to get away with 35 to 40 psi. You just have to experiment with finding the right pressure that allows for grip without rolling over on to the sidewall. If you have higher profile tires you’ll need more air pressure but will sacrifice some grip.

[@jrcu19]

Great video! Anyway you can include a speed overlay so I can get an idea how fast you going? It would really help me comparing how you are taking turns compared to myself

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Great question. I don't have any data for this autocross session but I am planning on purchasing a system that will allow me to do a map and speed overlay. It would be great to do speed and brake zone comparisons!

[@jrcu19]

@@EvolutionAutocrosser I got a question for ya, do you stay on the gas thru the corner or not get on the gas until corner exit?

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

@@jrcu19 I'm typically just barely on the gas through the turn because acceleration causes understeer and hopping. Once I'm mostly straight, put the throttle down.

[@jrcu19]

@@EvolutionAutocrosser well I guess that's what I am doing wrong then. I coast before entering the corner and stay off the gas until corner exit when the nose of the car is pointed already towards the exit. For the record, I am noob. This is my first season ever doing autocross so I got much to learn and much I am doing wrong probably.

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

@@jrcu19 Ideally you never want to coast. Keep the car going as fast as you can until you must brake for the turn. Then brake hard before the turn. Let off the brake and then turn. It's generally a bad idea to turn while braking. If you're understeering on turn-in then you didn't brake soon enough or long enough. If you're neutral in the turn then gently feed in the accelerator while turning. Stay to the inside of the turn. As you straighten out slowly put in more accelerator but not too much. Once you're mostly straight put the pedal down and track out - if possible.

[@benignrabbit1882]

Sunday 29 will be my very first autocross lets see how I do what I do not have is cameras or someone to record me which blows, would love to record my driving

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Good luck on your first autocross! My number one tip for first drivers is LOOK AHEAD in the course so you don't get lost. So many first timers look at the cone as they drive by it and miss the next one and DNF. Look ahead 2 or 3 cones. By the way, you can order a GoPro 7 Black with SD card included for $343.67 on Amazon. I realize it's kind of a lot of money but considering it shoots 4K with built-in stabilization it's a great value and super helpful for learning.

[@tmccann1876]

New subscriber and new to autocross, I have 3 track days under my belt. I run an Evo 8, did an instruction day and both instructors told me I'm braking too soft and too early. Any tips on learning braking timing?

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Awesome! Thank you for subscribing and welcome to my channel. Braking too early, too soft, and coasting are very common rookie mistakes. We all did it. You just have to get comfortable with the car and used to standing on the gas untill the last moment then standing on that brake pedal and letting the ABS do its work. Try working up to it a little bit at a time. It's not easy because we're not used to doing it on the street and it can be a little bit scary. But keep trying and you will eventually get used to it.

[@tmccann1876]

@@EvolutionAutocrosser practice practice practice! Lol I will keep that in mind, thanks for your reply!

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

@@tmccann1876 Pretty much. I wish there was an easier way but you just have to psyche yourself up and do what you know you need to do despite your instincts.

[@tmccann1876]

@@EvolutionAutocrosser i will certainly work on that. I watched a lot of your other videos, it certainly helps seeing as our cars are similar and watching where you are braking and your momentum shifts. Thanks again, keep up with the good footage!

[@jerryyost1930]

What race group is this with Jeremy? I run with ER and am looking for more opportunities. Thanks for the great videos.

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

I think this was the Porsche club. For all autocross events in the Dallas area (I assume this is where you are), check out www.dfwautocross.com

[@TommyBlazeHD]

Hi Jeremy. I'm hoping to get into autocross with my FA5 Civic Si. When you turn right out of the course, are you driving around to cool down your brakes? Also, Would you recommend Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 for a set of tires for auto-x? Thanks brother...

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Hi! I typically don't worry about letting the brakes cool after autocrossing before parking. But once I do park I keep the car in gear with the e-brake off so no pads are resting on the rotors while they cool. In all the years it's never been a problem. I also open the hood to let the engine cool. As for the Firehawk Indy 500, I've never tried them but the 2018 tests from Tire Rack seem very positive. I don't think they would win at a national level because newer models are faster but they should be a good bargain for having fun at local events.

[@marloon88]

An in car view would be good too to show your early inputs.

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

I think that's a great idea and I completely agree. I need to get a second gopro so I can mount it in the car.

[@kurtracer22]

So do you think you won because you carried so much speed through that corner or in spite of carrying so much speed?

[@schizobipolarjoe]

Jeremy won because he paid Jerrett and Leilanie off. ha ha :P Jeremy just kidding.

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

Great question. Honestly, i don't know. If I had been using a data logger, I could overlay the runs and see which lines and times were faster through each individual section and turn of the course. I really need to get one. Then I'd be able to tell you for 100% sure. It would really help make the videos better too. Coming soon...

[@schizobipolarjoe]

@@EvolutionAutocrosser I think Sam's got a data collector , unless he's just using solo storm on his phone. you mostly go to the ntax events right, and not the ER, or SCCA ones ?

[@EvolutionAutocrosser]

@@schizobipolarjoe I'm looking at purchasing a SoloStorm package and a Samsung Galaxy Tablet right this very moment. I've heard great things about that system. The reason I'm not going to any ER or SCCA events right now because I don't have Hoosier tires at the moment. I could go and run SM class on street tires but I would get murdered in both class and the PAX. I guess I could always just go for fun.

[@schizobipolarjoe]

@@EvolutionAutocrosser Jeremy I understand. slicks are $$$$ I think the only normal ones are only Keith(silver evo) drew (red evo) , my friends brent (vinyl wrapped sti) and then then a dude jack with a sti in novice pax. me I do good just to be able to go out there and have fun and try to hang with the miatas and civics. not turbo impreza. Thanks I do like your tips and video.

[@johnvargo8050]

0:46 You definitely want a momentum car, not a lessmentum car.

[@johnloflin8881]

👍👍👍👊👊👊