What is "autocross"

n. A form of motorsport that tests the skill and speed of a driver over a course marked out with traffic cones

Autocross (also called "Solo", "Auto-x" or "Autoslalom") is a timed competition in which drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on either a sealed or an unsealed surface. It is a form of motorsports that emphasizes safe competition and active participation. Autocross differs from road racing and oval racing in that generally there is only one car on the track, racing against the clock rather than other cars. As an entry-level motorsport it provides a stepping stone for drivers looking to move into other more competitive and possibly expensive forms of racing (such as rallying, rallycross and circuit racing).

Autocross courses are typically one to two kilometres long and tend to place demands on car handling and driver skill rather than on engine power and outright speed. Courses may be temporary and marked by traffic cones or be permanent tracks with approval by a motorsport body.

Events typically have many classes that allow almost any vehicle, from economy sedans to purpose-built racing cars, to compete. Due to the nature of a typical track, speeds can be slower when compared to other forms of motorsports, usually not exceeding highway speeds, but the activity level (measured in discrete turns per minute) can be higher than even Formula One due to the large number of elements packed into each course.

• Autocross, as the term is used in the United States, is a timed race through a course of traffic cones on a flat, paved surface

Autocross may also refer to:

• British autocross is similar to American autocross, but races are held on dirt or grass surfaces that may not be flat
• Autotesting, another British motoring amateur competition, typically requiring driving the vehicle in reverse gear at some point
• Autosolo, the closest British equivalent of American Autocross
• FIA Autocross is similar to British autocross, but the cars start at the same time
• Gymkhana (motorsport), a similar event held in Japan
• Motorkhana a somewhat similar form of amateur motorsport practiced in Australia and New Zealand
• Rallycross