Twelve days. That’s how long I have until GRA Autocross Round 3 on Saturday, 7 November, and I’ve started counting.
I’ve spent a lot of time talking about cars on this blog and in my head. This is the bit where I actually go and drive one between cones, against a clock, in front of people who are very, very good at it. Here’s how I’m getting ready.
What GRA autocross is
GRA (Grass Racing Autosports) has been running autocross in Malaysia since 2005. The story goes that it started over teh tarik, with a group of enthusiasts complaining there was nothing at grassroots level, and Ian Khong got volunteered to organise the first one. Twenty-odd years later it’s still the longest-running grassroots series in the country.
The format is simple. A course laid out in cones on a big car park, one car at a time, fastest clean time wins. Rounds have run at places like the Sepang circuit car park and MAEPS Serdang. The whole point is that power matters less than precision, so a roadworthy car with good tyres and brakes is enough to get started (wapcar).
Round 3 is on 7 November at MAEPS in Serdang. I’m entered in the usual OD class (Beyond 2000cc engine capacity) with my Toyota GR Yaris.
Now you might be wondering, why does the 1.6L GR Yaris gets classified under OD class which states that it is beyond 2000cc? In the GRA Autocross regulations, under section 2.3.1, turbocharged and supercharged engines are calculated to a specific capacity by multiplying actual capacity by 1.7, as per FIA equivalence. The resulting figure determines the capacity
class. So in my case, 1600cc multiply by 1.7 nets me 2720cc which then fits me under the OD class.
What did I prepare?
Right now, I managed to prep the tyres already. I have been running them in with a couple of drives around. Hopefully I wouldn’t make the same mistake as I did in Round 2. Don’t forget to also check out my other posts about what to prepare and bring for an autocross competition.
In addition to that, I purchased a new foldable chair on Shopee which comes with a small little awning in case it rains. I saw someone use this at Hillstand B in Sepang during the recent Bahrain GP Formula 1 race.
Also seeing that usually a couple of friends of mine do join in on the competition, I decided to also get a small canopy tent from Shopee as the weather might turn for the worse. I haven’t had the space to test it out yet so on the day of the competition itself will be the first time I am trying it out.
My Personal goals for 7 November
I’m not going to pretend I’m turning up to win. My goals are simpler:
- Get as many clean runs without hitting any cones
- See improvements not only in my runs but in my handling of the car
- Try to get a medal/trophy for round 3
I’ll post a full write-up after the event: times, onboard video, and an honest account of what I got wrong. If you’re going to be there, come say hi. I’ll be the one in the red GR Yaris with gold rims, nervously walking the course for the third time.
