I'm getting into a new motorsport right now and it's reminding me just how hard the first steps are. The driving around part is much easier than figuring out where to go, how to sign up, what class you are in, what does "paddock" even mean?
That got me wondering if it's a good time to put ourselves out there as mentors for our cities/regions. Someone to contact, to say Hi to, to show you what you need to be shown for your first day at an autocross or track day or whatever it is that you do.
I'll start. I'm Seth. I live on the north side of Houston and autocross with the SCCA, Porsche Club of America and BMW Club of America. I do 1-2 HPDE events with NASA Texas every year and have done track events with PCA and Chin Motorsports. I also run rallycross with Lone Star RallyCross in Maxwell Texas and with the SCCA Rallycross program when we run events at Rally Ready Driving school outside Austin.
If you're interested in ANY of this, and you want a smiling face to be there on your first day, send me a message. If I'm not going to be at an event, I can almost certainly hook you up with someone who will be.
I think this is a very important thing that clubs and race promoters don't promote enough.
This is a great idea 
. I don't like not knowing what I'm doing, which like you say often applies to things other than the actual driving. This has kept me from doing many things because I didn't want to be "that new guy". Having a GRMer there would certainly calm my nerves.
Limitedtimeonly has been mine, qnd i unfortunately haven't done enough of anything to be a good mentor for anyone else (unless being an example of "that guy" counts. Im that guy)
This is something we need more of. I can mentor wiring and general mechanicing near Charlotte nc.
In reply to Dusterbd13-michael :
This is important as well. Who will help me learn a new skill? Maybe it deserves it's own thread?
I've helped many friends with "impressive credentials" do simple repairs (brakes, wheel bearings, bushings, all the way down to oil changes and air filters) because they were too afraid of screwing up on their DD. Having someone verify you're not a total moron helps alot.
One guy I showed how to change his brakes a year or so ago recently told me he helped his brother change his brakes. That felt great.
My name is Pete.
I'm based in Dallas/Ft Worth Texas.
You will find me at any SCCA national autocross event in Texas.
I autocross in DFW, Houston and occasionally Austin.
If there's any questions or help your Want related to autocross, especially here in Texas... I can probably help you! And if I can't I probably know someone who can.
I also get around a LOT for autocross.
Also I basically do nothing during the week, so I'm usually available as a set of hands to work on something.
In reply to spacecadet :
Where do you auto cross in Austin? Last I looked there was couple events at COTA, but nothing on a monthly season schedule . Other then that closest place I’ve found is Spokes by San Atone
In reply to Subscriber-unavailabile :
Spokes runs in San antionio and Austin. They're THE best club in TX. They're all buddies and they're awesome.
In reply to spacecadet :
Could you help point in direction on where in Austin? I want to race auto x but I don’t won’t to have to drive 1-2 hours to get there. I know that sounds lazy but I’m a delivery driver and really don’t want to have to travel long distances.
In reply to Subscriber-unavailabile :
They race at the COTA parking lot a few times a year.
Also, you are severely limiting yourself from grassroots motorsports if you won't drive an hour or 2...... Rally Ready driving school, Lone Star RallyX... so many opportunities lie within a hour or so of where you live in Austin.
I've driven 9-10 hours round trip inside a 27 hour period to go to events between DFW and Houston. Be willing to drive a bit. You don't have to be as crazy as me, but be willing to drive a little bit and there are lots of opportunities out there to get behind the wheel.
It's a great idea, I admit that there is some nerves about me deciding the thing to do was build a challenge car and drive 5k miles in it without ever having done any form of racing whatsoever and probably won't get the time to do it before the challenge anyway.
There's a story behind why I did it but the end result is I'm probably a little nuts lol
There's at least a few similar offers in this older thread: adopt a newb thread
I'm still available (Southwest Michigan) and will be out at Muskegon Community College tomorrow (5/25) with the Furrin Group. If you're interested in watching, show up any time. If you're interested in running, try to be there by 8am or so. As far as I know, they will be taking walk up entries. Find this car and I'll be around somewhere nearby: 
There is also the Mentor option for the Challenge. I recall that was topic of discussion at the Town Hall post event. I think you need to "register" as a mentor with someone at the magazine and they would put you in contact with new challengers that want help.
Blair in South Central PA (York county) autox and rallyx with just about anybody around, I own a let's say very GRM minded repair/fab shop happy to help with just about anything. Calling the shop is probably the best way to get in touch 717-428-1197
Hi, I'm Curtis. I'm a Libra and I like long walks on the beach.
I live in Harrisburg, PA and I'm an amateur engineer. What I mean is, I don't have an engineering degree, but I have spent my life learning how to do things myself (because I'm a cheapskate). I'm good at electrical stuff, driveline engineering, engine building and tuning (old school stuff... carbs and dizzys), design, heavy fabrication, suspension stuff, etc.
The only things you don't want my help with are body work and transmission building.... unless you want an ugly car that doesn't move.
If you want a race car, don't call me. If you want a 55 Ford with a Nailhead and a torqueflite to drive across the country, I'm your guy.
