Gymkhana (motorsport)
Encyclopedia
Gymkhana is a type of motorsport
practiced in an increasing number of countries. Similar to autocross
, gymkhana courses are often very complex and memorizing
the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time.
Gymkhana events are time and/or speed events in an automobile. These can feature obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. The driver must maneuver through a predetermined "track" performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from traditional autocross events is that the gymkhana requires drivers to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s and other advanced skills. Drifting is also encouraged where helpful or necessary. Essentially, a gymkhana is any event featuring a starting point, a finish line and some sort of "obstacle" to get through, around, or by, all within a certain time limit.
in the UK and Ireland add the use of reverse gear. A gymkhana course will typically be from 0:45 to 1:30 in length. Like autocross and autotesting, gymkhana courses are laid out with cones representing "obstacles" to navigate through. Unlike autocross, which can be considered to be a small version of a road course, obstacles in gymkhana will often consist of slaloms, 180 degree turns, 360 degree turns, figure eight turns and sometime parking boxes. Gymkhana requires strong mental concentration and memorization of the track, as sections of the course frequently must be repeated or navigated backwards and or differently. The driver will use many techniques to effectively navigate a course. Handbrake technique, drifting and sliding and Left-foot braking
are all necessary skills for gymkhana.
Rules:
Acceptable modifications:
Acceptable modifications:
"Modded" cars have 2 or more of the following:
Rules:
Acceptable modifications:
"Sport" cars have 2 or more of the following:
Motorsport
Motorsport or motorsports is the group of sports which primarily involve the use of motorized vehicles, whether for racing or non-racing competition...
practiced in an increasing number of countries. Similar to autocross
Autocross
Autocross is a form of motorsports that emphasizes safe competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on either sealed or unsealed surfaces...
, gymkhana courses are often very complex and memorizing
Memory
In psychology, memory is an organism's ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences. Traditional studies of memory began in the fields of philosophy, including techniques of artificially enhancing memory....
the course is a significant part of achieving a fast time.
Gymkhana events are time and/or speed events in an automobile. These can feature obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. The driver must maneuver through a predetermined "track" performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from traditional autocross events is that the gymkhana requires drivers to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s and other advanced skills. Drifting is also encouraged where helpful or necessary. Essentially, a gymkhana is any event featuring a starting point, a finish line and some sort of "obstacle" to get through, around, or by, all within a certain time limit.
Drivers
The driver's goal is to get through the course as quickly as possible with the fewest number of mistakes. Acceleration, braking, drifting & grip driving are all necessary. Not only does the driver have to hold control over the car, but gymkhana requires strong mental concentration and memorization.Courses
Gymkhana courses typically involve only the use of first and second gear, where autotestingAutotesting
Autotesting involves a series of tests, generally around traffic cones, to measure precision driving skill. The tests often include stopping with the front and rear wheels straddling a line, and always end stopping in a garage . Sections of each test are usually completed in reverse...
in the UK and Ireland add the use of reverse gear. A gymkhana course will typically be from 0:45 to 1:30 in length. Like autocross and autotesting, gymkhana courses are laid out with cones representing "obstacles" to navigate through. Unlike autocross, which can be considered to be a small version of a road course, obstacles in gymkhana will often consist of slaloms, 180 degree turns, 360 degree turns, figure eight turns and sometime parking boxes. Gymkhana requires strong mental concentration and memorization of the track, as sections of the course frequently must be repeated or navigated backwards and or differently. The driver will use many techniques to effectively navigate a course. Handbrake technique, drifting and sliding and Left-foot braking
Left-foot braking
Left-foot braking is the technique of using the left foot to operate the brake pedal in an automobile, leaving the right foot dedicated to the throttle pedal...
are all necessary skills for gymkhana.
Classes
(Class description may vary depending on the host organization. The following are classes published on GymkhanaForums.com)Stock
Class breakdown:- A1 – FF up to 1.8
- A2 – FF 1.8+
- B1 – FR, RR, up to 2.5
- B2 – FR, RR, 2.5+
- C1 – AWD up to 2.5
- C2 – AWD 2.5+
Rules:
- engine must be stock
- no chassis stiffening enhancements
- stock suspension
Acceptable modifications:
- aftermarket wheels
- limited slip differential
- drop in air filter
- brake pads
- shocks (but not coils)
- clutch disc
- cat-back exhaust (exiting near OEM location)
- Note: Cars that come from the factory with a turbocharger will have +1800cc to classification
Modded
Class breakdown:- M1 – FF
- M2 – FR
- M3 – RR
- M4 – AWD
Acceptable modifications:
"Modded" cars have 2 or more of the following:
- seam-welded body, frame braces
- aftermarket ignition systems
- lexan windows
- lightened body panels
- removed interior panels
- aftermarket suspension
- roll bars or aftermarket strut tower bars
- aftermarket exhaust (including header)
- nitrous oxide, pulleys
- upgraded brakes
- Note: A modded class car requires a front windshield, dashboard as well as functioning headlights and taillights.
Sport
Class breakdown:- Z – N/A
Rules:
- engine capacity: "open"
- exhaust system: "open"
- suspension options: "open"
Acceptable modifications:
"Sport" cars have 2 or more of the following:
- uni-body or tube framed body
- open wheel chassis
- not registered for highway use, or trailered