The origins of the sport of autocross trace back to the United Kingdom during the early 1950s. It started out at an amateur level within local motor clubs.
Car enthusiasts would gather in parking lots or grassy fields and would set up makeshift courses, like those you would see in Formula 1 or endurance races, using traffic cones or other objects in order to create challenging driving experiences.
The primary goal in autocross? To test one's precision driving skills without causing damage to the cars.
Autocross would then make its way over to continental Europe in 1968, with the first event taking place in Austria.
The sport quickly grew in popularity, and in 1976, the Federation Internationale de I'Automobile (FIA), the worldwide governing body for motorsports, began standardizing rules for autocross events. The FIA would also establish the European Autocross Cup for specialized cross cars.
So how exactly does autocross work?
Autocross involves timed competition on a short course using automobiles. The courses the cars drive around on are normally set on dirt or grass surfaces, although most events in the United States take place on concrete or sealed surfaces.
The overall rules vary based on the governing body, as well as other settings such as course length, permitted attempts, and timing methods.
As opposed to traditional racing, autocross mainly focuses on individual performance rather than direct competition for position. It's like if qualifying for a race event was the actual race itself.
Autocross is primarily an entry-level motorsport, and is a great stepping stone for young drivers that are looking to explore other forms of racing such as rallying, rallycross, and circuit racing.
Courses used in autocross events can range from as short as 800 meters to several kilometers.
The events feature races using various classes of cars, which allow almost every vehicle to compete in events. From production touring cars to machines built solely for burning rubber, the possibilities are endless.
Autocross has evolved from grassroots gathering to a recognized motorsport discipline and has attracted both enthusiasts and drivers alike worldwide. The emphasis on precision driving and accessible entry points makes it a thrilling and engaging experience for everyone involved.
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