How does one describe the sport of autocross?

Some might call it drifting—only it's not. The sport gives no reward for showmanship, which is the backbone of drifting with its squealing, rubber-burning maneuvers around tight turns and cramped spaces.

Others may liken the sport to traditional track racing—that would be incorrect, too, on many levels. While speed comes in to play, there are no oval tracks, monotonous left turns or cautions.

After being asked to describe her sport and why it differs from other auto racing endeavors, autocross champion Diana Carris responded: “;It's like driving a roller coaster.”;

When the Kailua resident has time away from her day job as an accountant, she can be found behind the wheel of her Honda S2000 CR practicing for and competing in Sports Car Club of America events. She got into the sport by watching her husband race for a season, and then decided to take a “;fun”; run in his supercharged Subaru 2.5 RS. She was hooked instantly.

“;Even though your top speed is nowhere near track racing, it still feels fast,”; Carris said. “;In autocross, things come at you faster than other types of track racing. The required racing skills to be fast are similar. But the format, more elements (turns and slaloms), unique tracks at each event and a limited number of runs make it challenging.

“;There are a lot of things going on during every run. You are reacting to some things and anticipating others. To perform at a top level you really have to focus and hone your skills into instincts. It's a very mental sport.”;

In September, Carris was one of nearly 1,200 drivers competing in the SCCA Solo National Championships on the tarmac of the Lincoln (Neb.) Airpark. She claimed the championship in the ladies' Street Touring Ultra division behind the wheel of a borrowed 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX—a car in which she had just minutes of practice time prior to the race.

Competitors raced two different courses—one more technical that favored better-handling cars and the other favoring faster or higher-horsepower vehicles—three times apiece, and compiled a final score by taking the fastest time from each course and combining them. Competitors were placed in various classes based on the type of car driven and the extent to which it was modified. Carris completed her best run on both courses in just over 62 seconds each to claim the title.

“;Nationals was interesting this year because the venue switched from an asphalt surface to concrete,”; Carris said. “;There's quite a bit of grip difference between the two surfaces on race or street compound tires. All of our local events are on asphalt, so it's hard to anticipate how you'll need to change your driving style to maximize the available grip of a new surface.”;

Amy Lee also took home gold in the ladies' “;E”; Prepared class to give Hawaii more champions than some car clubs had entrants.

“;I think it's always helpful for women to see that there are other women out there that can drive just as fast or faster than many men,”; said Carris. “;There's no reason women can't be as fast; it's just helpful to see proof from time to time. When I was first starting out, and to this day, I still look up to fast women drivers. I'd encourage everyone to give autocrossing a try. And I am willing to help out or share advice with anyone: male, female, old, young ... it doesn't matter.”;

The Hawaii chapter of the SCCA holds events roughly once a month in the Aloha Stadium parking lot. Spectators are encouraged to attend, and while no admission is charged, those in attendance must sign a waiver of liability prior to entering. The race schedule can be found online at sccahawaii.org.

As Carris explains, autocross gives drivers more than a shot at championships and extreme rushes of adrenaline. It also provides drivers with skills behind the wheel that carry over to everyday driving.

“;Autocrossing is great for Hawaii,”; she said. “;It allows those that are into cars and driving to get the adrenaline rush they crave safely. It's a structured competition against your peers where the driver with the most skill prevails. You naturally build extremely good car control skills, which makes you a better driver on the streets. You learn patience and learn to drive within the limits of your car and the situation.

“;It gives those who want to participate a legal venue as a smart alternative to the illegal and dangerous activities (including street racing). I don't know if there have been any studies specific to autocross, but like the legal drag strip venues, I'm sure it cuts down on the illegal racing activities.”;