can someone tell me what is the difference between autox and road racing? thanks.

-Phil

 

Autocrossing/Gymkhana: Usually by definition a slower speed contest against the clock. Relatively safe compared to road racing. Typically, a course will be set up in an empty, large parking lot with cones marking the way. Sometimes a sanctioning body will allow a high speed hybrid kind of autocross on a course like the Jefferson Circuit at Summit Point; however, these kinds of higher speed events are not the usual autocrosses.

Autocrosses are still called gymkhana in many places, being named after the equestrian contests where you'd put the horse through its paces, making sharp turns and negotiating a difficult course, the point being that the automotive equivalent is an emulation of the older equestrian sport.

Road Racing: Higher speed contests against other drivers, not against the clock, and on closed, protected circuits like Summit Point Main and VIR. This weekend's Honda Challenge race at Beaverun in Pennsylvania would be an example of this.

 

thanks alot. much appreciated

-Phil

 

And then there are High Performance Driver Education events. AKA Track Events/Track Days/et cetera. IMO HPDE's are the best way to really experience what the car can do in a fairly safe and controlled environment. :thumbup:

 

And then there are High Performance Driver Education events. AKA Track Events/Track Days/et cetera. IMO HPDE's are the best way to really experience what the car can do in a fairly safe and controlled environment. :thumbup:[/quote:61e16fa876]

Agreed. =)