I'm a huge motor sports fan, so I decided to enter my Hyundai Elantra N in an Autocross race. It was harder than I'd thought.

Sam WeidtOct 2, 2022, 19:42 IST

I went to my local autocross event to try racing for the first time.Maddie McGarvey/Sam Weidt

I dipped my toe into motor sports by racing at a local autocross event.
I expected to be competitive right away, but was humbled by the learning curve.

As a longtime auto racing fan, I have always wanted to go racing. I have been aware of autocross for years, but never had a car that would be suitable going to the track. This summer I bought a 2022 Hyundai Elantra N, which is Hyundai's performance model aimed at events just like autocross.

I'll be honest - I thought I would be competitive right away as I do a ton of realistic simulator racing and have a great understanding on how to keep cars on a quick line. I couldn't have been more wrong.

The event was held at Fortress Obetz, a multipurpose sports venue just outside of Columbus, Ohio.

The vast parking lot of Fortress Obetz, where a temporary race track was laid out for autocross.Sam Weidt/Insider

I arrived to the event and found a spot in the paddock to get my car ready.

My 2022 Elantra N with my helmet before starting the event.Sam Weidt/Insider

After passing tech, I joined a group of fellow novice racers for a guided walk of the course, where an experienced driver gave us tips and tricks to take on the course.

Novices went on a guided track walk for tips on how to drive the course.Sam Weidt/Insider

Finally, it was time to race. I pulled my car up to the grid and waited to be waved onto the track.

My car on the grid with other competitors while we wait to race.Sam Weidt/Insider

My first run was a disaster. I got lost on the track and needed some help from the corner workers to get pointed in the right direction.

My first run I got lost on the course and had to get some help from the corner workers.Maddie McGarvey

For my second run, I brought an instructor with to talk me through the course.

My car waiting at the starting line for my second run.Paul Pressler

My other runs went smoothly, except for accidentally turning on my wipers.

In one run, I accidentally turned on my wipers from cranking the steering wheel back and forth.Sam Weidt

My last run was my fastest, but I came in last place overall. Still, it didn't ruin my experience one bit.

I completed five runs throughout the day, with my last one being the fastest.Maddie McGarvey

To end the night, I took my turn at a work position, as a photographer and corner worker.

I hung out with three other corner workers keeping an eye out for knocked over cones and photographing the cars.Sam Weidt/Insider

All in all, I had an awesome time and I'm already signed up to do it again.

I'm super excited to continue with AutocrossSam Weidt/Insider

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