New guy, need a few pointers.

[Lucario Runner]

Hi everyone my name is Robert,
I'm new to autocrossing, never been to one or participated in one. I've read and re-read the novice thread but I'd like to ask a few more questions. I own a suv but I made some modifications to it to improve power and handling and whatnot but are there any special rules or precautions regarding trucks on a course? As far as safety equipment goes I would need a helmet, closed toed shoes, long pants. Anything else? I'm just going by what I learned at the dragstrips I've been to although I don't need a helmet since my truck does low 14's and they require helmets anything below a 13.9. As far as participating in a event with ya'll would I need a scca license/membership? Any help would be greatly appreciated, and hopefully I can participate in a event with ya'll.

[Pants!]

Welcome to our boards, Robert.

Helmets are required, anything DOT or better is approved.  We do supply loaners.
There are no licensing requirements for solo autocross.

Generally trucks nor SUV's compete.  What model of vehicle do you drive?

[Lucario Runner]

It's a 2006 4runner 4th gen, its not lifted or anything like that. Several of my friends with xrunners compete in other autocrosses, my friend competed in a nst drift event in houston a while back. I have made changes to the bushings and sway bars. http://www.youtube.com/user/Lucariorunner?feature=mhee

[Ricky Crow]

The difference being that X-Runners have a much lower CG to them than a 4Runner does, as well as a much longer wheelbase.  If a 4Runner gets sideways, there is a very easy/likely chance it will roll over (this is why you cannot disable the traction control over 17mph on the 4th gens).  I have an '03 V8 Sport 2WD 4Runner, and while it does handle well as far as SUVs go, I would never want to AutoCross it.  Unfortunately, this vehicle would fall into the 'unstable vehicles' section (section 3) of the SCCA Solo Rules and would therefore be unable to participate in the events (see page 33 of the 2011 rulebook for more information)...  You can download a copy of the rulebook from the SCCA site, here: http://www.scca.com/documents/2011%20Tech/2011%20SCCA%20Solo%20Rules.pdf

Sorry about that.  Please don't be discouraged from coming out to the events... You may still get hooked and buy an inexpensive Miata or something as your AutoCross car... They're cheap, plentiful, reliable, and a ton of fun.  You can always use the 4Runner to help tow our equipment trailer out to the events ;-)

[Lucario Runner]

Aww, thats a shame. You can disable the traction control if you unplug the connector on the master cylinder, but it turns off the abs as well but its still good fun. I noticed that in the handbook it says high center of gravity and narrow track, but how narrow? I don't know if you have seen a 3rd gen vs 4th gen (since you have one) but the 4th gen has a much wider track. Don't get me wrong I will show up, help out, watch, maybe learn a thing or two, but I'm bummed I can't race. Are there any other locations where I can race my truck besides the dragstrip?     

[Ricky Crow]

Yeah, mine's the first year of the 4th generation ('03), and I've seen the 3rd gens.  Those certainly were much narrower, but it still doesn't change the fact that they're all still truck-based SUVs with a relatively high center of gravity and short wheelbase...  And yeah, the most expensive master cylinder on the planet ($1200!)... No wonder it has its own hook to lift it out of the vehicle, since there are so many sensors/connectors on it.

I don't know if there are any other places where you could race it, to be honest.  I am not sure if Harris Hill Road would let you run it out there (although I have heard rumor that they've had a Dually run out there, before).  As much as I'd like to say yes to let you run, it would be a huge negligence thing if somewhere *were* to happen if we let you run it.

As I mentioned before, older Miatas are good cheap fun, if you have the means to have a second vehicle kicking around.  They can be had for under $3k in runnable condition.

[Pants!]

Come on out to the next event.

Grab a helmet off the table and hop in my Bimmer for a spin around the track.
Ricky is all talk when it comes to B Stock, so riding with me will be a more pure experience. 

Just about everyone with 2 seats is willing to give ride alongs.

Do know you can autocross any car that you may have.  Given it passes our Tech Inspection.
(Tires are not bald, not leaking fluids, wheels on tight, not a truck) 

Hope to see you there.  I believe our next event is @ retama on the 11th.

[Lucario Runner]

I will show up, I love racing and want to improve my skills, plus meeting to new people is fun as well. I have seen other trucks enter in events so maybe, plus have you seen those lexus 4runner suv based videos? crazy slides! Duallys, I have seen a few videos but the ones that come to mind are these. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9sCMdGV7io&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFqSh_Gqm4A&feature=related
If not, I do understand the rules placed and I do appreciate the help you two have given me so far, knowledge is power after all. My truck is in good condition, in fact I ordered ss brake lines, dot4 fluid, fresh pads/rotors.   

[John Patterson]

There were a bunch of miatas listed on sanantonio.craigslist.com a few months ago with several under $2000.

[eschantra]

Just a heads up, I conferred with Ricky and we can't allow the SUV to compete.  Sorry, there is just too much risk of a tipover with the quick transitions required on an autocross course.  Ricky is the president and he gets the final call.  We do however encourage you to come by and take rides with people, I'll he happy to oblige.  PM Ricky or me if you have any questions or concerns.