[rpoz-29]

As what has been the most difficult year of my life comes to a close, I want to get back into autocrossing, (something I've done since 1975), next year. My car will need some love, but the first thing that needs help is me. Some of my friends go to a local indoor kart track once a week. I've been a couple of times, and have improved my times, but will that translate into usable autocross skills? My friends compete in open wheel cars, so I can see how this helps them, but a Camaro takes a different line than an A/M car. Your thoughts, please.

[rpoz-29]

It's a pretty fast indoor track. They have 6hp engines, and some with 12 hp engines that you have to "qualify" for. You have to turn 5 laps in the slower karts of 27.4 seconds within an 8 minute race, in order to qualify. At 235 pounds, this is no easy task. I've watched people at half my weight with the worse lines imaginable, run within tenths of me because the kart pulls them off the corners much quicker. All of the guys I know have qualified in the faster karts. I've gotten into the high 27's, but a lot depends on the kart. While getting into the "supers" would be nice, I'm going to concentrate more on looking ahead, choosing my line, and having fun.