Story/ Shots: Phillip Pratt
The world of car racing has evolved in several directions since its inception. Interested in getting from point A to point B in a straight line? There’s a whole world of Drag Racing. Want to throw in some twists and turns? Try Road Racing. Maybe you’ve grown a glorious mullet and have a talent for left turns?
NASCAR is ready and waiting. How about racing that’s not so much concerned with time, but with style and clouds of thick choking smoke? Check out Drifting.
If you’re up to combining all aspects of these – with a bit less of a commitment at entry level – I recommend Autocross. Typically held on an unprepped, paved, flat-top surface – Autocross is a timed auto-racing event upon a set course. At least, here in the States, that is. Unlike most of the above examples – it’s exclusively run one participant at a time.
Depending on the area, season, and climate – finding an event isn’t as difficult as other events as it can be hosted in a parking lot utilizing cones. The best events, though, utilize predefined courses in a controlled, dedicated location such as AMR Motorplex in Homestead, Florida – nestled next to the legendary Homestead Raceway. Calling it “dedicated” may be a stretch. The course is normally used for go-kart racing.
That is until Mario Ojito, the President of Street Racing Made Safe (SRMS), got hold of it. Since 2018, SRMS has been hosting events there in their continued quest to safely satiate the public’s desire to race. Unlike Drag Racing, where having oodles of power is rarely a disadvantage, just about any car at any level can compete. Yes – dedicated and purpose-built machines will always perform better, but even a grocery-fetching Toyota Camry can find a home in Autocross. You’ll see both at an SRMS event.
