Rob Gibbons

Car #: 18 HS
Car: 2010 Honda Civic Si
Class: H-Street
SCCA Member Since: 2016

 

What class do you compete in, and why?

I compete in H-Street for three main reasons. The low entry cost, the fact that my daily drive is still competitive in this class (don't need to get a new daily or dedicated race car), and it's still fun! I love seeing the variety of "grocery getters" that you see in HS and the other drivers in HS are all great!
 

What got you into motorsports? Any experience before autocross?

I've always been interested in mechanical things, which ultimately led to an interest in cars. I'll attribute my interest in autocross to Formula SAE. I enjoyed spending time working on the FSAE car and hanging out with all of the other members in the club, and I continued the natural progression by autocrossing with a friend after graduating. I also think skiing helps me be a better autocrosser!
 

Tell us about your car.

I started with the car before I started autocrossing. I picked up the Civic Si in 2013 as a fun daily driver that had 4 doors. Since then, the car has slowly evolved into the HS competitor that it is today. My current setup is a mix between suggestions from other autocrossers and what I've found online, but the setup is still evolving, even after 9 years. Tires are by far my favorite mod!
 

Best moment on track?

For me, it was finally attending my first national event and actually winning it (NJ ProSolo 2023)! Going into that event, I thought I would be lucky to place in the top half of my class, let alone actually winning S5. After that event, I realized that I probably should have tried national events earlier.

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Why Philly SCCA?

Philly SCCA members are all great to talk to and are willing to help you out! In a world where autocross sites are becoming harder to come by, I also appreciate the variety of sites that Philly has access to!

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Advice for newcomers?

Just go to an event, even if you don't want to drive! Anyone can go to an event and be a spectator. It's a great way to learn how the event works and what to expect.