So I'm about ready to place an order for the basics to get me out auto crossing- a helmet and some magnetic numbers and class letters. I flipped through the most recent GRM magazine and didn't see an ad for such a place to order from.
Any recommendations for a one stop mail order place?
(Rally cross will have to wait until I can afford a proper set of tires)
Good old SPS has everything: http://www.soloperformance.com/
But then again, Amazon probably does these days, too.
I was a little surprised when I first started autocrossing because most people used different sources to get their autocross numbers and classes. By far the cheapest way to get them is to go to a hobby store and buy a big magnet sheet, and print out large letters and numbers in the font you want, and cut them out. I used the solo performance site because I wanted large, pretty numbers.
Edit: The organizations will have loaner helmets, especially if you end up not wanting to autocross regularly. The best way to shop for helmets is to do it at a motorcycle store to try on different helmets with the newest Snell rating.
Thank you both for the advice!
I thought for sure one of the solo supply racer places would have had an ad in GRM.
I'll continue looking around at SPS, and I'll keep looking for magnetic sheets locally.
paranoid_android74 wrote: So I'm about ready to place an order for the basics to get me out auto crossing- a helmet and some magnetic numbers and class letters. I flipped through the most recent GRM magazine and didn't see an ad for such a place to order from. Any recommendations for a one stop mail order place? (Rally cross will have to wait until I can afford a proper set of tires)
Since you are in SE MI, I would suggesting going to an AROC, MSCC, or CCM event. That way the only money out is the cost of entry.
Once you KNOW you like it, then spend the money on a helmet and numbers. And maybe even a club fee.
edit- when we were racing, SPS was our go-to place.
An alternative to the magnetic sheets at the craft store are magnetic register covers at you favorite home improvement store. A pack is enough for numbers and letters and is right around $5. I use the letters and numbers from my Club's website as templates then cut them out. I second the idea of going to a motorcycle shop to try on helmets. I bought my helmet on closeout at one for under $50. I bought my son's kart helmet on Amazon (after getting his melon sized at the motorcycle shop) and it was the same price as just about everywhere else.
If you go to the rallycross events at i-96 speedway the proper tires are the same as autocross tires.
Unless it is raining...then nothing works.
Second place in Stock AWD on Direzza DZ102 tires:
Knurled also placed 1st in MR in my Miata at the same event on old worn 13" Sumitomo summer tires that were corded by the end of the weekend.
Do they offer loaner helmets?
alfadriver wrote:paranoid_android74 wrote: So I'm about ready to place an order for the basics to get me out auto crossing- a helmet and some magnetic numbers and class letters. I flipped through the most recent GRM magazine and didn't see an ad for such a place to order from. Any recommendations for a one stop mail order place? (Rally cross will have to wait until I can afford a proper set of tires)Since you are in SE MI, I would suggesting going to an AROC, MSCC, or CCM event. That way the only money out is the cost of entry. Once you KNOW you like it, then spend the money on a helmet and numbers. And maybe even a club fee. edit- when we were racing, SPS was our go-to place.
Thanks for the heads up EvanB!
I will definitely look into that location. Do you have any plans to make it up here this season?
EvanB wrote: If you go to the rallycross events at i-96 speedway the proper tires are the same as autocross tires. Unless it is raining...then nothing works. Second place in Stock AWD on Direzza DZ102 tires:
In reply to paranoid_android74:
AROC, MSCC, and CCM all offer loaner helmets. I think MSCC is free, CCM and AROC charge $1 fee for loaners.
paranoid_android74 wrote: Do they offer loaner helmets?
Yep.
paranoid_android74 wrote: Thanks for the heads up EvanB! I will definitely look into that location. Do you have any plans to make it up here this season?
Possibly, I still need to get the Miata ready for the season.
scardeal wrote: In reply to paranoid_android74: AROC, MSCC, and CCM all offer loaner helmets. I think MSCC is free, CCM and AROC charge $1 fee for loaners.
How times change. When I was running autocrosses, AROC's helmets were free. And since MSCC does not have a specific helmet rule, they used one of mine after I got a new one.
The cheapest way to get class and numbers is to buy a roll of blue or green painters tape. That and a loaner helmet and you're in business.
I'd say I'm officially enabled!
I'll do some reading up on those groups to see what's up with them. Thank you all for the advice!
paranoid_android74 wrote: I'd say I'm officially enabled! I'll do some reading up on those groups to see what's up with them. Thank you all for the advice!
Start here: http://dcscc.blogspot.com/
I used painters tape for the longest time(like... 3 years) and finally broke down and got class numbers from www.IZoomGraphics.com .
They're very nice, and will order from there again.
I also got Carbotech pads through SPS and they are also great to deal with.
My helmet I lived an hour from www.usracegear.com when I lived in Ohio so went there to get fitted in person. I'm glad I did, I do not have a Bell head... Ended up with a Simpson Bandit in the end.
I highly recommend trying on prospective helmets or at least various brands to better estimate head shape/sizes.
I'd love to try a helmet on before I buy it. I did this once ages ago for a motorcycle course I took- I bought the best fitting helmet I could afford (HJC) and it was painful to wear.
The only retailer I can find in these parts sells Bell helmets 
. Not much to choose from.
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