Autocross
Autocross is a timed motorsport where drivers navigate a cone-marked course on a paved surface, competing one at a time to achieve the fastest run without hitting cones or going off course.
Unlike traditional racing where multiple cars compete wheel-to-wheel on a track, autocross drivers run the course individually against the clock. This format eliminates the risk of contact with other vehicles, making it one of the safest forms of motorsport available. Each driver typically gets several timed runs throughout an event, with their best time counting toward final results.
Autocross courses are temporary setups created using traffic cones on large paved areas such as parking lots, airport tarmacs, or unused sections of racing facilities. The layout changes for every event, so drivers must learn a completely new course each time they compete. Before driving, participants walk the course to memorize the layout and plan their racing line, a practice that adds a mental challenge to the physical demands of driving.
Course design emphasizes technical driving skill over raw speed. Typical courses are designed to keep speeds similar to normal highway driving, with runs lasting between 40 and 70 seconds. The tight turns, slaloms, and quick transitions test a driver's ability to handle their car precisely rather than relying on horsepower alone.
Hitting a cone during your run results in a time penalty, usually two seconds added to your total time. Knocking over these markers can quickly turn a fast run into a losing one, so precision matters more than aggressive driving. Going completely off course results in a "did not finish" or DNF, which means that run doesn't count.
The accessibility of autocross sets it apart from other motorsports. Almost any street-legal car can participate, from basic economy sedans to high-performance sports cars. Popular choices include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda Civic Si, Subaru BRZ, and BMW M3, but you can compete in virtually any passenger vehicle. Events feature multiple classes that group similar cars together, ensuring fair competition regardless of whether you drive a budget hatchback or a purpose-built race car.
Getting started requires only a valid driver's license and membership in the organizing club, typically costing less than other motorsports by a significant margin. There's no need for special racing equipment, expensive modifications, or a trailer to transport your vehicle. You can drive your daily car to the event, compete, and drive it home.
Beyond competition, autocross serves as an excellent driver education tool. The skills developed in navigating a tight, technical course—including car control, threshold braking, and smooth steering inputs—translate directly to safer everyday driving. Many participants appreciate that they can explore their vehicle's limits in a controlled environment with no traffic, obstacles, or consequences beyond a few seconds added to their time.