Autocross and Rallycross, what's the difference?

[School boy]

Can someone explain to me what the difference is please. Is autocross just a lower versoin of rallycross?

[steviebee]

Autocross is run exclusively off road (usually grass) and is against the clock rather than againts other cars - although two cars normally run at the same time. Circuits are normally temporary affairs. It's also one of the cheapest forms of motorsport (£35 race entry fee!!!).

Rallycross features a mix of tarmac and off-road and drivers compete with others - normally in grids of up to 12

Edited by steviebee on Saturday 9th December 17:50

[rallycross]

thats about right;

Autocross tends to be heats of 4 at a time but you are competing against the clock rather than racing. Events held in farmers fields hence not permanent, its quite good fun and as cheap as chips - shame its dying out a good way to learn about car control and enjoy competing without spending a fortune. Was big in the 60's/70's.

Rallycross proper motor racing, heats of 9 together then finals where you are racing for position, the circuits tend to be variations of known circuits but only using 70% tarmac with some loose surface corners added, eg Lydden, Croft, Anglesy etc.

look here for info'

www.rallycrossuk.com/

www.aswmc.org.uk/autox.htm#AXFACT

[RTH]

Farmers are missing out on a nice little earner here. I remember Autocross when it was very popular and high profile in the late 1960s, its great motor sport for both competitors and spectators and indeed for broadcasters.