Autocross Offered at Many Events on Carlisle’s 2012 Schedule

April 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Sit down, draw your helmet strap tight, buckle up and go for a ride!  The Carlisle Events season will feature on-site autocross as part of six of its ten events in 2012.  Autocross will take place on the North Field of the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds for the following events:  Carlisle Performance & Style (May 12-13), the Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals (May 18-20), Carlisle Ford Nationals (June 1-3, Sunday only), Corvettes at Carlisle (August 24-26) and NEW for 2012, autocross will take place as part of the Carlisle GM Nationals (June 22-24) and Carlisle Chrysler Nationals (July 6-8).  

Autocross allows experienced drivers to put their driving skills to the test and push the limits of their ride in a controlled environment.  It also allows for beginners to learn more about the sport under the watchful eye of autocross experts.  As part of Carlisle Performance & Style, many drivers utilize the autocross course to better their drifting skills.  The Carlisle autocross course has the feel of a road course and features six turns as well as elevation changes.

To participate in autocross, your vehicle must past a pre-race inspection. This includes checking tires, seat belts and the integrity of the car itself.  Drivers must also wear a helmet and be safely strapped in via factory or aftermarket safety harnesses.  Once on the track, drivers can compete against the clock for bragging rights against fellow competitors or to simply test their abilities behind the wheel.

Further, as part of the autocross feature during the GM and Chrysler Nationals, participants will take part in a ride- along experience with representatives from Hotchkis Sports Suspensions in show specific GM or Chrysler automobiles.  This unique attraction will allow riders to not only feel the thrill of autocross, but also the smooth ride of a vehicle that has been overhauled with a Hotchkis Sports Suspension.

“The new cars have such a superior suspension to those classics we all enjoy,” noted GM and Ford event manager Rick Markko.  “Bolting in parts from Hotchkis makes them even better! Our theme in 2012 will be autocrossing with ‘Serious Attitude’ by Hotchkis.”

Ed Buczeskie, event manager for both the Import & Kit Nationals and Chrysler Nationals notes that for import, “the autocross really adds life to the show and it’s something that almost anyone can try.  Since this is run by the SCCA Susquehanna Region and its chapter club, Appalachian Sports Car Club, it’s a safe way to have a little fun with your car.”  Buczeskie added for Chrysler that “having ridden in several cars equipped with Hotchkis suspensions I know the attendees are going to have a blast going for rides in these cars.  People are going to be amazed at how well our old muscle cars can handle.”

Autocross excitement is also shared by Lance Miller, co-owner of Carlisle Events and event manager for Corvettes at Carlisle.  “We at Carlisle Events really enjoy the car event aspect of our shows.  We also feel it's important for a car and its driver to flex their respective muscles.  With this said, autocross is a perfect way for the owner of the car to enjoy what his/her car does best - brake, handle and accelerate!”  Miller added, “We're excited to offer autocross during six of our events this season, including for the first time at the GM and Chrysler Nationals.  We hope our attendees share our excitement about this great component to our shows."