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    How to be a Race Car Driver with Autocross Columbus

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    Columbus Underground is celebrating all things automobile-related this week, brought to you by our friends at KEMBA Financial Credit Union. All this week we’re featuring articles on auto trends, with featured writer David Dean as your guide!

    There are many types of “car guys”, from the kids with supercar posters on their walls, to the self-taught mechanic putting in the wrench time, to the ones who saved up to buy their dream car.

    There is, however, one common thread among these men and women. That common tie is that at some point they have all entertained the fantasy of being a race car driver. The allure of living on the edge and being able to harnessing the power of a machine built for speed, with all of the fame and fortune that comes with, is undeniable.

    This fantasy usually ends at just that, a fantasy. That is until Autocross came to Columbus Ohio.

    Autocross is an affordable and accessible racing competition that pits drivers against each other in timed matches on a condensed road course. These courses typically fit into a large parking lot and have a lap time of around 60 seconds. Drivers of any experience levels are allowed to compete in any car that meets the very minimal tech requirements. Each driver typically gets five or six timed runs on a single lap of the track during the one-day event. At the end of the day, scores are given based on a points system per class, and awards are presented. A series champion is crowned at the end of each season by averaging your best seven finishes.

    The Ohio Valley Region of the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) hosts a series of 12 events from April through October right here in Central Ohio. These events take place in two locations around the Columbus area, at the Ohio State football parking lot on the corner of Akerman and 315, and in the parking lot of National Trails raceway in Hebron. Each event is open to any and all spectators and drivers.

    Sounds easy, right? Well, it is! A valid driver’s license, helmet and car are all you have to bring if you want to race. Don’t own a 95 or better Snell rated helmet? Not to worry, they have loaner helmets on site. But surely your daily driver wouldn’t pass race tech, right? Wrong again. According to Ohio Valley SCCA Chief, Andrew Apostolec, the tech requirements for any car are very basic. Each vehicle entered must have road-worthy tires (no baldies), everything must be cleaned out of the car, it cannot leaking fluids, and the battery must be strapped down.

    Here comes the big question — what is the monetary commitment? Well, that’s the best part. Entry for nonmembers is only $45.

    But before you trade your kid-hauler for a Corvette, there are a few more things you need to know. To ensure that every participant has a chance to be competitive, there are several classes that break drivers up based on their vehicles characteristics. These classes range from A to F with the subcategories of Stock, Street-Prepared and Prepared. These classes are determined based on basic attributes of each vehicle such as size, horsepower, drivetrain and what modifications have been done. Yes, that means even with your girlfriend’s ’86 factory Corolla, you still have a shot at victory. Furthermore, an algorithm scoring system called PAX is used to rate each car’s performance. This means that your Corolla essentially could outscore performance race cars. This ensures that the driver’s ability is what is scored and not the car.

    The last Central Ohio event of the Ohio Valley SCCA Autocross Series will be held at National Trails on October 19th, starting at 8am. For more information visit the Ohio Valley SCCA website at ovr-scca.org or to register go to motorsportreg.com.

    Photo by Andrew Apostolec.

    From October 14th to October 20th, Columbus Underground is Celebrating Auto Week, brought to you by KEMBA Financial Credit Union. As Central Ohio’s Largest Credit Union, KEMBA is committed to providing their members with exceptional service and financial products that range from personal banking to automobile financing. Find out more at www.kemba.org.

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    David Dean
    David Dean
    David Dean is a Columbus native, born and raised in the city. He attended The Ohio State University and is currently working as a marketing manager in the Columbus area while competing professionally as an extreme sports athlete racing Street Luge.
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