Columbus holds final Autocross of 2014

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The Sports Car Club of America held a two-day Autocross event Oct. 18 and 19 on Columbus Air Force Base's SAC ramp.

The event occurs several times a year on base and allows drivers to race their personal vehicles around a track, competing against others for the best time.

"Autocross is an entry form of motorsports that allows everyday street cars to come out and compete against everyone else for time," said Chuck Bigelow, Event Coordinator. "We use a handicap system so if we don't have enough different classes of competition you can still compete against everyone. It is a really good area to learn how to drive and push your car to its limits without having any blue lights behind you, and in a very safe environment."

The Autocross shows people their cars and their own personal capabilities while driving. 2nd Lt. Bill Adams, 14th Student Squadron Event Point of Contact, says he has being doing Autocross since college and it's a lot of fun.

"For young drivers who are just now getting their license, you can learn all the rules in a classroom, but when you get out here you really learn your hand-eye coordination and how to drive safely," said Adams.

Although Autocross events have been a safe racing outlet for Airmen on Columbus AFB for over 15 years, Bigelow's experience spans about 40.

"I have been involved with Autocross events since 1974 and for me it's just a heck of a lot of fun to come out and play with cars," Bigelow said.

This was the last Autocross scheduled on Columbus AFB this year; however more are scheduled for the upcoming spring season.