The 7th of October would be my Fiance's bday so I doubt she'd be entertained with me hitting MIR. I haven't been back since laying down the 13.1 last year. This time of year at MIR you see a lot of really low ET's. I have a bunch going on this fall with getting back to school. The 24th of Sept. is my housewarming party for the new place. Yay life.

Guys,

Just promise me, that regardless of what day or who shows up, that someone will take photos, and post them on the site. As this is the only way of getting the word out about our gatherings, besides word of mouth.

Yuille36

If your looking for something to do this weekend, I suggest the following:

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Start Your Engines!

The Autocross Season this Sunday

Sunday, September 11, 2011

8:00 AM
James Wood High School
161 Apple Pie Ridge Road
Winchester, VA

This is a low-to-moderate-speed driving event. It consists of a course laid out on a parking lot or similar area. The course consists of a start garage, a stop garage, gates, turns, and straightaways marked by traffic cones serving as pylons. The object is to traverse the course as quickly as possible without knocking down or displacing any pylons or going off course. Drivers are permitted to walk the course beforehand to become familiar with the layout, track surface, turns, and any unusual local conditions.
For more information go to our website or the web page


http://www.gws-mbca.org/ax/axEvent.html


Registration is on-site. The cost to register is $25 for GWS and CDC members. All others pay $30 and can only register for two events during the year. We start registration at 8:00 AM. As part of registration, everyone, including spectators, must sign an event participation agreememt. Participants who do not hold a season pass should plan on arriving early to get a slot. Arriving early will also give participants plenty of time to get vehicles checked by our tech team, and help us set up for the event.
While registration is going on, volunteers under the direction of the GWS driving committee begin setting out pylons to mark the day's course. Another GWS team sets up the timing gear. When the course and timing gear are set up and tested, and the safety steward has approved the course, usually by about 9:00 AM, we have a drivers meeting to cover safety rules, procedures, and answer any questions from participants. After the drivers meeting ends, participants may walk the course.
Practice runs start as soon as the course walk is complete and the first run group is set. We normally have all instuctors in the first run group to ensure they are available for participants who need or want an instructor. When a run group is finishing their final runs, we will call the next run group. Pay close attention to announcements on the PA system – doing so will ensure you have plenty of time to get lined up for your session – and help us keep things on schedule.
Participants who need (or want) an instructor should signal by raising their arm out the drivers window when they line up to start their runs.
Working the course: During the event those whose run groups are not on the course are expected to help by working. We have found that replacing downed or displaced cones goes much faster when there are two people at each corner station. For those who have never done this before, we ask that you work with an experienced person the first time or two. Participants are also expected to help clean up and pack up at the end of the day.
Over the course of the day, each driver can expect a minimum of six runs - three for practice during the morning sessions and three scored runs during the afternoon sessions. Practice runs are timed, but do not count for final results. Two exceptions: The event chair can elect to use morning times for any participant who has a valid reason for missing the afternoon session, and we may use morning times for everyone should weather conditions force us to stop the event before all run groups are able to complete their timed afternoon sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is autocross?

Autocross is a timed low-to-medium speed driving event held on a parking lot or large paved area. The course is defined by traffic cones called pylons. Only one car is on the course at a time. The objective is to drive through the course as quickly as you can without knocking down the cones. The course changes at every event.

What Defensive Driving?

Especially helpful for new drivers, defensive driving has something to offer drivers of all ages and experience levels. The event consists of four to seven exercises designed to help students learn more about vehicle dynamics – some of the exercises simulate emergency situations a driver might encounter in daily driving. All exercises are done at low to moderate speeds on courses laid out using traffic cones that serve as pylons.

Why would I want to autocross?

Autocross improves your street driving! Everything you learn about handling and braking carries over to your daily drive. And, its FUN!

Will autocrossing hurt my car?

Except for a little wear and tear on your tires, autocrossing should not hurt your car.
What must I do to prepare for an autocross?
Keep your car in good mechanical condition. Since things rattling around in your car are at least distracting, and sometimes dangerous, we require you to clean out your trunk and remove all loose items from the passenger compartment. We recommend you leave all unnecessary items at home. Be sure to bring a large plastic bag or two to cover up the loose items you'll have to remove to pass the pre-event tech inspection. Before your first run, you should increase tire pressure by about 10 pounds over the manufacturer's recommended tire pressures.

Do I need a helmet?

Yes - we have loaner helmets for those who don't have one.

Will the event go on as scheduled if it rains?

Unless conditions are really bad, we run rain or shine.

Do I need special tires?

No. In fact we recommend that novices run on regular street tires until they get the feel for autocrossing. Performance tires do tend to show up on the cars of those who participate regularly.

Do I need to be a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club to participate?

No - we allow non-members to participate in up to two events during the year. If you want to participate in more than two events, you will have to join the club. Dues are $45 per year. If you decide to join MBCA, the the autocross registrar or any club member can help you with a form. Or you can check the MBCA web site for registration.

What is the penalty for knocking down a cone?

Each cone knocked down or moved out of its box adds two (2) seconds to the (raw) time for that run. Knocking the end cone in the stop garage down (or out of its box) results in an automatic DNF.
What is a DNF?

Did Not Finish - no time is recorded.

Will I be allowed to run the course again if the timing equipment fails to record a time?

Yes, but only during the afternoon sessions. We do not allow re-runs during the morning practice sessions.

I can probably do sept 24th tysons II is my preference since I'm driving from Germantown. But I'll make the trek if National Harbor gets more votes.

The 24th? Are you guys not aware of, or going to H2O International in OCMD? It's the biggest euro car show in the world. I'm talking like 10,000 cars in the show itself, not to mention the spectator lot of similar size. I've got a few w201s going and there should be the same handful of AMGs from last year making appearances. I honestly think we should plan the next meet to be in OCMD on that weekend.

At least that's where I'll be on the 23rd-25th. My 2 cents.

I would not consider this show to be a "euro" car show. They clearly made this event for VW and Audi owners. It sounds like a good event and I would attend if it was advertised differently.

Have fun out there and be safe. OC police are very aware that you guys are coming

Did you go last year? I did. Definitely a larger BMW and growing Benz showing. Yes, it is (was) a VW/Audi event, but it's definitely becoming for all euros. Saw some Jaguars and Porsches as well last year.

And I'm not one of the stupid ones, but I'll be safe. lol

How about sharing this information with the rest of us, as we don't know what the H2O International in OCMD. Who, What, Where, When, Why and How much?

Most festivities last from September 23rd-25th, with the official dates as 24th-25th.

Site is here: http://www.h2ointernational.com/

Saturday is the BBQ/Music Festival. However, this is the day all the forums usually have their own meets in OC as well (meet locations vary). But there is a giant non-make-specific meet at Ocean Downs every year (~noon to 4pm). I'd say it's the largest of the meets. Usually people go to the meets first, then hit up the BBQ (I just stayed at the large meet myself). The BBQ/Musicfest also has a small entrance fee (not sure how much).

Saturday night is when people cruise the strip and kick back with some beers at their condos/hotel rooms.

Sunday is the actual show and that's where everybody goes. Get there early (like 9-10am) to not be stuck in miles of traffic. Entrance fee was $10/person I believe.


The whole weekend was a blast last year. I went with some Audi friends and ran into some Benzworld guys (one of them being a friend of mine I hadn't seen in YEARS). Definitely an event to go to at least once. Oh, and did I mention cruising/carvaning down there is half the fun?

Cool

I've been to two events at OC this year, and got stopped both times. First offense: no front tag, second offense: 5 miles over speed limit. Did not receive a ticket but it was clear that they were fishing for something else

I am really hoping that this event can be an all euro event one day. Just hate feeling like I'm attending a wedding without an invitation. And believe me, I'm sure some of those VW/Audi guys are saying : "why are those Benz guys here, this is our event"
I mean, I could be wrong but this is how I honestly feel about the waterfest events.

Well if you know some VW/Audi guys who are going, you tend to be automatically accepted. And they tend to like me regardless because my car had monoblocks (which they LOVE). Also, honestly, when the Subie guys or whoever show up to crash it, the Euros always bond together against our common foe. lol

Well anyone going down from this area, keep us in the loop.

Regarding a local DMV event, how about national harbor or tysons II on either Sept 17 or Oct 1st?

The 17th is a no go for me, as I will be out of town. But hey....don't let that stop everyone. As majority rules....Oct 1st is a go for me. But whatever date is chosen, someone please take and post the photos.

DMV AMG - How do I get in on the fun? Just picked up an 02 C32 AMG and the mods are already piling up. Live in the Quantico area and would love to see what everyone has done to their cars.

You definitely need to hook up with us, at our next event. I work in Stafford, at the Quantico Corporate Center. We have quite a few guy that have custom modes to their cars, that I think yo would enjoy seeing. And welcome to the club, please PM either myself or AMG Sleeper with your full name, email, and phone number. So that you can be kept in the loop of what's going on.

Yeah, I did have a great time on that run. Would've loved to see what we really could've pulled with less traffic out there.

Not sure if I will be in town that weekend, but PM me the info. I wouldn't mind running with yah on this one

I think that you and khelawanb, did enough running for all of us that day

I'm all for the National Harbor, very nice scenery

Just keeping things lively...

We just need to work out a date for the event, as I can't do anything this weekend, but next weekend I'm good.

Stan,

I thought you were going to lose it there on 301 going around the long right hander, as your car's rear end was moving around alot on the fast corner. Looks like it was trying to step out on you.

Nah, she holds like a vise grip. Me and her have had many good conversations on how to keep her between the lines

Your C55 is a potent beast, especially with that Kleeman SC. Got dam... that thing can move. I was blown away, on how fast it accelerates. And of course I was at the back of the pack, but could still see the puff of black carbon coming out th exhaust I can honestly say, that I have never pushed my car as hard before this run. I was doing *** mph, (don't want to incriminate myself), and still you were pulling away. You have a monster on your hands my friend.

My E63 holds the corners 100% better now, after getting my rear sub frame bushings replaced, along with a 4 wheel alignment.