Autocross Vehicle Setup pointers & Alignment Settings

As you already know from reading our What is AutoCross (Auto-X) article, you know that autocross is a form of Motorsport, and what makes autocross unique from other forms of racing is that typically, only one car is allowed on the (open or closed) track at a time.

In this article we will be discussing some setup pointers as well as alignment settings to help improve your autocross experience.

Outside of learning how to drive better, there are some easy (and free!) tips you can use to really improve your times. The first one is to ensure your driving position is proper. Yes, this sounds kind of silly right? It sure does, but you would be amazed at how many drivers (especially newcomers) ignore this basic but very important tip. You want to make sure you can reach the wheel with both hands and elbows slightly bent. You should be able to reach all pedals easily and also be able to push your foot up against the firewall. Lastly, the height of your seat should be high enough that you can see both front corners of your vehicle. Bump a cone, and your times will suffer due to penalties.

Next up is the alignment of your car. As you should already know, wheel alignment is very important as it relates to the position of your wheels relative to the car. You can read all about the importance of alignment in our article Why is it Important to Properly Align Your Suspension? For further detail about the technical specifications of alignments and the best setup for autocross you should refer to this detailed article: Autocross to Win Alignment Recommendations

When considering autocross, or any other motorsport for that matter, tire pressure is quite important and is often over looked. Many drivers have found adjusting their tire pressure levels reduced their best lap times by nearly .5 – 1 seconds. Your best bet is to check the recommended tire pressure directly on your tires and also ask the manufacturer of the car what they recommend for autocross.