Community

A race of their own

By KELLIE DIXON, Times Staff Writer
Published January 22, 2008

Consider it a support group for the car nut, an education for the novice driver, an outlet for the adventurous - or all of the above.

But simply put, it's autocross.

It's racing your car against the clock on a temporary course. It's tackling figure eights and slaloms with speed and control. It's perfectly legal and relatively safe.

What is Autocross?

The Fun Autocross Society of Tampa started out as the SunRiders Miata Club of Tampa. FAST broke away in 2006 to establish a non-profit, for-fun group that just enjoys racing.

The group doesn't have a large budget or a ton of nitpicky rules - its basic rules are centered on safety. Every driver and spectator must sign the insurance waiver. Helmets are mandatory, and every car goes through pre-race tech inspection. Motorcycles and top-heavy SUV-types aren't allowed to race for safety reasons. The field includes everything from sleek Mazda Miatas to sensible Dodge Neons.

The bottom line is have a good time. In mid January, about 50 drivers gathered to race around the police training lot at St. Petersburg College. They walked the sea of cones to figure out the course and mentally prepare themselves for highway speeds on the tight course.

"It's great to be able to push your car in a safe environment and get it out of your system," said Matt Bennett, who lives in Ridge Manor. "If I was driving a muscle car on the street, I'd be tempted to use the power it has."

But this is a safer outlet. And it's an option for anyone with a driver's license.

Who drives?

Every member is different, and many aren't in the automotive industry by trade. It's more of a passion.

That is the case now for Bennett, who worked with cars for 11 years during and after attending Western Michigan University. Eventually, he switched careers and went to nursing school. That led him to Florida, where he works now at Pasco Regional Medical Center.

Jamie Sculerati, a Dade City resident, started autocrossing when he served in the Air Force. He has been racing for 25 years and is one of the instructors for the group's autocross school. He said he is teaching his oldest son how to drive stick so that he can go through autocross school and race.

Pam Corbin, who lives in Largo, plans for her daughter to do the same thing. "It teaches you to be more defensive," Corbin said.

How much is it?

It's up to you. There are entry fees to be paid, but that is the only required cost. The only other expectation is that you volunteer to help when the organization holds races. Cars of all types are welcome. You can race the bucket of bolts you drive to work or you can go all out - buy the race tires and haul in the machine on a trailer. Cars are classed by their type and modifications. "The nice thing about autocross is you really don't have to put much time into it," Bennett said.

Bennett, 47, has been racing for about a year and a half. He bought his 1985 Toyota MR-2 for about $2,000 and put another $1,500 in it to get it ready. He notched a second-place finish last year.

FAST FACTS

Want to race?

What: FAST autocross event

When: 7 a.m. on Feb. 17

Where: Hernando County Airport

Entry fee: $30, includes lunch

Note: Registration and prepayment are mandatory. Due to airport policies, this event will be restricted to 50 drivers and 25 guests. Entrants can sponsor only one guest. Registration closes at 10 p.m. on Feb. 7. You must register by then to gain access to the site.

To register: Visit www.myautoevents.com.

For registration: Visit www.wedrivefast.com/rules.cfm to determine the correct class for your car when filling out your entry.

- Drivers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the insurance waiver to compete.

- For more information: E-mail wedrivefaster@yahoo.com.

[Last modified January 21, 2008, 20:59:52]