Too old to start racing???
Discussion
Kevez,
Get yourself to a track and talk to as many people as possible.
My first season of racing involved purchasing a car for £1600, borrowing a trailer, sleeping in the tow car and living in my overdraft. £250 entry fee and £150 a weekend for fuel and food. Very tight but great fun.
It can cost a lot more though and is damn addictive!
Get yourself to a track and talk to as many people as possible.
My first season of racing involved purchasing a car for £1600, borrowing a trailer, sleeping in the tow car and living in my overdraft. £250 entry fee and £150 a weekend for fuel and food. Very tight but great fun.
It can cost a lot more though and is damn addictive!
My advise, I started racing at 30 after years of hill climbing, I did alot of research into potential championships and figured out what I wanted.
I would get along to a race meet and have a look, there is a BRSCC race weekend on at Brands the weekend after next.
Then do the following
Get a go racing pack
Do your ARDS with instruction
Decide what you want to race
Buy a car, buy the best car you can of that type, don't build one unless you are a master mechanic.
Go testing, seat time is key try and do proper test days and not track days as these will get you up to speed quicker.
I would advise getting a team to help you on your first weekend, this is worth the money (usually £6-800) as you will be able to relax and enjoy.
Cost wise
Something like the BRSCC Mazda's will cost you £6-£700 per race weekend.
A MK1 MX5 is a good choice now as there are 3 champs you can race in with loads of competition.
I would get along to a race meet and have a look, there is a BRSCC race weekend on at Brands the weekend after next.
Then do the following
Get a go racing pack
Do your ARDS with instruction
Decide what you want to race
Buy a car, buy the best car you can of that type, don't build one unless you are a master mechanic.
Go testing, seat time is key try and do proper test days and not track days as these will get you up to speed quicker.
I would advise getting a team to help you on your first weekend, this is worth the money (usually £6-800) as you will be able to relax and enjoy.
Cost wise
Something like the BRSCC Mazda's will cost you £6-£700 per race weekend.
A MK1 MX5 is a good choice now as there are 3 champs you can race in with loads of competition.
I didn't get started racing until I was 35. There's plenty of time for you yet. One thing to look at as an alternative to buying a car is renting a seat with a team for endurance races. I don't know whether the UK has any grassroots endurance series like we do here in the US now but if so you might find you get a lot more seat time for your cash.
Like a lot of these chaps, I didn't start racing until 30.
Was doing a few trackdays - but it took a chat with an instructor along the lines of the question you're asking to convince myself that racing wasn't a stupid idea.
A week later I booked myself onto an intensive ARDS all-dayer at Silverstone - and it all went from there.
Forward wind 10 years to 40, and I now work at Silverstone as an Instructor myself. Have a high profile UK Championship win (Lotus Cup UK) - and a UK Series overall win (CSCC Modern Classics) under my belt and a very full trophy cabinet.
Last year I was also Motorsport Days UK Driver of the Year.
Again like a lot of these chaps I race with CSCC and I'm very much down the 'young and foolish' end of the scale in that paddock. Also I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them as the friendliest club to consider starting to race with.
It should also be pointed out that I was a mechanical novice myself when I started out, and I achieved all the above doing all my own spannering (and later on with the help of fellow enthusiast mates). I've never paid for support at a race ever. So again, don't let that put you off. Once you immerse yourself you'll be amazed at how simple stuff can be, and how willing people are to help out and impart knowledge.
So don't let anyone tell you you're too old! Age also brings experience and discretion. And if you're doing 40 minute races, those qualities can pay dividends where the more eager and energetic may not keep their powder so dry.
Was doing a few trackdays - but it took a chat with an instructor along the lines of the question you're asking to convince myself that racing wasn't a stupid idea.
A week later I booked myself onto an intensive ARDS all-dayer at Silverstone - and it all went from there.
Forward wind 10 years to 40, and I now work at Silverstone as an Instructor myself. Have a high profile UK Championship win (Lotus Cup UK) - and a UK Series overall win (CSCC Modern Classics) under my belt and a very full trophy cabinet.
Last year I was also Motorsport Days UK Driver of the Year.
Again like a lot of these chaps I race with CSCC and I'm very much down the 'young and foolish' end of the scale in that paddock. Also I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them as the friendliest club to consider starting to race with.
It should also be pointed out that I was a mechanical novice myself when I started out, and I achieved all the above doing all my own spannering (and later on with the help of fellow enthusiast mates). I've never paid for support at a race ever. So again, don't let that put you off. Once you immerse yourself you'll be amazed at how simple stuff can be, and how willing people are to help out and impart knowledge.
So don't let anyone tell you you're too old! Age also brings experience and discretion. And if you're doing 40 minute races, those qualities can pay dividends where the more eager and energetic may not keep their powder so dry.
Edited by Tanuki on Wednesday 29th June 13:23
Kevez, if your near Mallory park this Sunday MG car club are on.
Have a wander round the paddock, lots of different cars & friendly atmosphere.
I started in MG trophy in 2012 aged 32, since then tried to stay on the black stuff at a lot of uk circuits in a close competitive championship. Mgzr's.
If you want tickets let me know on here.
Have a wander round the paddock, lots of different cars & friendly atmosphere.
I started in MG trophy in 2012 aged 32, since then tried to stay on the black stuff at a lot of uk circuits in a close competitive championship. Mgzr's.
If you want tickets let me know on here.
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