EDITED (Brad and I must ahve been typing at the same time)

Gary and Mitch have covered it pretty well. Best thing to do is go to at least one autocross and get a feel for the club(s) the rules and how far you may get hooked. edit: Looking at the Canadian rules they adopting the SCCA rules. The next biggest sanctioning body here that runs different rule set is NASA.

You can show up with just about anything and run. The limitations on that end are mostly the judgement of the tech inspector and safety steward. (Their word wil be final.) Basicly stuff you'ld expect like no bulges and no cord showing. Studded tires are generally not welcome. Drag tires will probably depend on the specifics and the discretion of the officials. (Like I can't imagine anyone allowing wrinklewall slicks, but drag radials maybe OK).


You will also have to keep your local weather conditions in mind. The a and r comps generally dislike anything below 50 degrees F. Some are worse than others. These compounds often on have a limited number of temperature cycles they can go through before going 'off'. R comps have a hard time getting hot enough to reach their ideal operatiing temperatures. 'A' compounds are sticky almost right off the start. The tires that heat quick often need cooling help between runs. You'll see many of the guys spraying them down with a mist of water.

If you're club runs rain or shine, then either a compromise tire or a seperate rain tire is needed.

There is some sponsorship for tires. Sometimes a tire company sponsors the series, but that does not effect what you can run. Additionally, cash or tires are sometimes offered to drivers if they win, use their tires, and have the car so marked. Most commonly seen in National and ProSolo events. (Pro solo is christmas tree/drag race start)