Autocross (also known as Solo II or Autoslaslom) is one of the most accessible and cost effective forms of motorsport going. The official rules and regulations covering the events, classes, and car preparation are available from the Motorsport Club of Ottawa at very little cost.

Autocross is a low-cost, "grassroots" motorsport that allows anyone to enjoy the thrill of automotive competition in a safe, controlled and legal environment. Autocross has been an ongoing part of Ontario's motorsport history for almost fifty years.

An Autocross event consists of competitors driving through a 'race course' that is laid out using pylons on a large parking lot or other paved surface. Vehicles race independently of each other, thus reducing risks and allowing drivers to concentrate on threshold braking and precision cornering. Each 'run' is electronically timed, and the fastest driver in each class is the winner. An Autocross event is held on a paved flat surface (except and Ice Dice which is on an icy surface). The course design emphasizes car handling skill and maneuverability. Hazards and vehicle speeds should not exceed normal legal highway driving and the Autocross regulations shall be complied with. These include autoslaloms, driving skill tests, ice dices and schools that teach the skills to compete in any of these. It is open to the general public to participate. Many competitors compete with their 'daily driver' or street cars. You don't have to be a professional racecar driver to participate! Test your skills against other drivers and their cars. Vehicles are categorized in to classes to promote fair competition.

Autocross events organized by the MCO are held in large parking lots in and around Ottawa (in the case of summer events) and at the Stittsville Autodrome (for the winter events.)

Understanding Autocross

There are nineteen different classes that group vehicles based on drivetrains (engine size, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, etc.) and the level of modifications - if any - made to the car. The intention is to ensure that each vehicle will be competitive within its class. Whether you have a fully tricked-out Mustang or a completely stock Honda Civic, there is an Autocross class for you.

No special vehicle preparation is required to compete. The only stipulation is that your vehicle must be roadworthy (although not necessarily licensed) and safe to drive. It must have working seatbelts, and the driver must wear an approved helmet at all times. Loaner helmets are often available at the event to encourage newcomers to compete.

Participating in Autocross

You begin with a standing start - from the 'start box' - and must complete the course by finishing up in the 'stop box'. As you launch, you break the beam of an electronic timer, and the clock start ticking. Each course cone is specifically placed on a painted spot, and if you dislodge a cone you incur a time penalty; getting a 'clean' (no cones moved) run is the first imperative. Next is completing the course correctly; many rookies get lost, and if you go 'off-course', your run is scrapped. As you approach the stop box you will break the beam, and the clock will stop, but there is one more challenge; the stop box has a final cone located at the back; if you take that one out, your run is again scrapped.

Fast, accurate driving is the most important element of Autocross competition, but learning and understanding your vehicle's dynamics is also important. To improve one's performance, as a novice, seat time is most important. It is important to learn to drive the car fast before trying to make the car faster, seat time is the fastest way to go faster! If you enjoy your first event, one should consider taking an Autocross driving school to hone your driving skills.

The Motorsport Club of Ottawa organizes a club championship every year.  The series usually consists of between 7 and 10 events in the summer, as well as 4 winter events.