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.

The event was held in Obetz, Ohio, a city just outside of Columbus. Fortress Obetz has a very large asphalt parking lot that doesn't have any obstructions or utility poles, making it a perfect venue for an autocross event. Autocross events are held at various venues just like this all over the country — all organizers need is a space big enough to lay out a course with cones to direct turns and temporary paint lines to show the limits of the course.

Upon arriving to the venue of the event, I found a small area to back in my car and apply my number and class using black electrical tape. I also emptied out my car into a plastic bin I could leave at my spot while racing. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), which sanctioned the event, mandates that vehicles are completely empty while competing.

I also got my helmet out and ready to show the officials, as they inspect equipment to make sure it is undamaged and meets safety regulations.

Ohio Valley Region, the SCCA chapter behind the event, had a mandatory track walk for novice racers. An experienced driver in the group took beginners through a turn-by-turn walking tour of the track. I found it extremely helpful for learning the track, but I found myself getting a little overwhelmed by the level of multitasking I was going to have to do.

Autocross tracks like this are relatively small and low speed, but they require high precision and tight timing, which was explained in detail during the track walk. Every corner had a specific entry point to set up for the turn after it, the one after, and so on. It made me realize how quickly putting a tire wrong in one corner can soil an entire run.

In autocross, events are split into two groups: One group races while the other group works and runs the event, and then they switch. For this event, I was in the first group to go, so I parked on the grid after the track walk to prepare to race. I was pretty anxious at this point, as I was still digesting all the information from the track walk and trying to focus on just getting through a run.

On the other hand, hanging out on the grid was one of the most fun parts of participating. Since you're waiting for your turn most of the time, it was a good time to sit and chat with other racers and check out their cars.

When it was time for my first run, I pulled up to the starting line and set my car's launch control. When the starter pointed at me, I let go of the brake and was launched into the back of my seat and began the first part of the course, which was a slalom section. It was incredible to be driving like this — and legally.

My joy was short-lived, however. After the first few turns, I was confused by a section of the course and wasn't totally sure if I was in the right spot. I followed the training given to us earlier in the day and got out of the throttle and looked to the corner workers to point me in the right direction so I could finish the run safely.

After the disaster in my first run, I asked a more experienced driver on the grid to ride along with me so he could talk me through the course while I raced. It was a huge help, and I was able to see where I tripped up during the run before and get a clean run in.

Each driver had the opportunity to do five runs, and after my first two I started getting the hang of it. I gained more speed each time, getting more comfortable pushing my car and learning how to take each corner.

At one point though, I accidentally turned on my wipers while cranking the steering wheel back and forth through the tight turns, which slowed me down while I was trying to turn them off.

After finishing my final run I let out a loud "Woo!" inside my helmet. I had gotten through the event, driving my car to the limit and gaining respect for this type of racing. After finishing I looked up the scoring charts and I narrowly came in last place, but it didn't sour my experience at all. I had a blast driving my car hard and learning how to race.

After finishing driving, it was time for the other half of the participants to take to the course, which meant it was my time to work. I was assigned a photographer position, shooting the other cars on track. I also helped the other corner workers by keeping an eye out for knocked over cones, which serves that driver a penalty time.

It was a great way to see more cars, talk with other drivers, and experience the event outside of the driver's seat.

Initially I was a little gutted to do so poorly, but I had an adrenaline rush the entire night once I got home. I immediately checked the schedule and signed up for the next event. I'll try to keep my wipers off for that one.

Who knows, maybe I'll invest in some racing slicks for next summer.