Starting club racing - car and series advice please
Discussion
SmartVenom said:
Hi Andy,
You don't need to trailer and store your own car. My car (MR2 Mk1) .......
Racing is very close and there will be contact, but often panels can be pulled back into shape and tape added. You can then refresh the car in the off season.
If that's the case, and considered to be acceptable, then best look somewhere else with better driving standards.You don't need to trailer and store your own car. My car (MR2 Mk1) .......
Racing is very close and there will be contact, but often panels can be pulled back into shape and tape added. You can then refresh the car in the off season.
andy97 said:
SmartVenom said:
Hi Andy,
You don't need to trailer and store your own car. My car (MR2 Mk1) .......
Racing is very close and there will be contact, but often panels can be pulled back into shape and tape added. You can then refresh the car in the off season.
If that's the case, and considered to be acceptable, then best look somewhere else with better driving standards.You don't need to trailer and store your own car. My car (MR2 Mk1) .......
Racing is very close and there will be contact, but often panels can be pulled back into shape and tape added. You can then refresh the car in the off season.
Edited by SmartVenom on Saturday 5th July 08:57
I'm thinking of doing a similar thing, and quite fancy doing it in an RX-8 Mazda...
I had one as a road car for a few years, and loved it. It's a bit different for sure, has good power to weight (although torque is a bit down) so should hopefully provide a bit of entertainment between engine rebuilds.
My ultimate aim is to race in the N24, but might have a few years of practice to do first!
I had one as a road car for a few years, and loved it. It's a bit different for sure, has good power to weight (although torque is a bit down) so should hopefully provide a bit of entertainment between engine rebuilds.
My ultimate aim is to race in the N24, but might have a few years of practice to do first!
Just thought I would add my 2 penneth worth... I started out racing in 1999, with a mallock sports car. Big slicks and wings on a budget. The cars are a little weird looking being its front engined, rear wheel drive, basically take a Caterham and take it to the limit of its ability with suspension wings and bodywork brakes and slick tyres. You can get hold of a competitive car for less than eight grand and it will be quick, very quick, not amazing 0-60 times but the cornering speed is mind bending. With hot hatches circulating Silverstone in about 1 min 15 ish The little mallock sports cars are doing it in 58 seconds. a seasons racing will cost you about five grand. Your controlled tyres will last a quarter to half a season if treated right, and wealth of knowledge you can pick up is amazing. The "Cup" cars have a 1600cc rover K series engine 130hp and is sealed so all the racers have a level playing field.The Proto cars have a 240 HP limit with any engine you like. Mine being a 240 HP Busa engine. Its a great formula with some great guys in it. It's said to be the best kept secret in british club racing, have I just let the cat out of the bag? Go to www.clubmans.org.uk for some pics and info. You will not get a bigger bang for you buck thats for sure. 
If it's your first year of motorsport go down the arrive and drive route unless you really are only doing it to play with cars. You might not care about coming last now but after a race or two you will and you'll struggle to know if it's you or the car if you're running it yourself.
Secondly, you might think you're just lining someone's pockets by paying for arrive and drive but prepping a car yourself and getting fully kitted out is not cheap. You'll do your budget buying the kit in your first year and you'll have an uncompetitive car. You might think I'll have the car to sell at the end of it but it will need a rebuild (just like anything you'll buy - people don't rebuild cars for the new owner!).
At a race meeting, especially in your first year, you'll want to just concentrate on driving if you're going to get the maximum out of it. You'll also get advice from whoever runs you. Most paddocks are friendly and helpful but they have their own cars to run so you'll be on your own.
Secondly, you might think you're just lining someone's pockets by paying for arrive and drive but prepping a car yourself and getting fully kitted out is not cheap. You'll do your budget buying the kit in your first year and you'll have an uncompetitive car. You might think I'll have the car to sell at the end of it but it will need a rebuild (just like anything you'll buy - people don't rebuild cars for the new owner!).
At a race meeting, especially in your first year, you'll want to just concentrate on driving if you're going to get the maximum out of it. You'll also get advice from whoever runs you. Most paddocks are friendly and helpful but they have their own cars to run so you'll be on your own.
And go testing...
And do some karting. It's the cheapest way to learn. There seems to be snobbery amongst motorists that they don't need to drive a kart because they can drive proper cars already. But then you get to your first race and some spotty kid laps you because he's spent 10 years driving karts whilst you've been driving your 'proper' cars. (or maybe that's just my mate's, some PH regulars, who had that stupid idea)
And do some karting. It's the cheapest way to learn. There seems to be snobbery amongst motorists that they don't need to drive a kart because they can drive proper cars already. But then you get to your first race and some spotty kid laps you because he's spent 10 years driving karts whilst you've been driving your 'proper' cars. (or maybe that's just my mate's, some PH regulars, who had that stupid idea)
SmartVenom said:
Hi Andy,
You don't need to trailer and store your own car. My car (MR2 Mk1) is looked after my www.prizemotorsport.co.uk and while I can't remember the exact figures storage is about £40pm and towing to an event £150. They do all the work on the car and deliver it to the track and support as required.
Racing is very close and there will be contact, but often panels can be pulled back into shape and tape added. You can then refresh the car in the off season.
I believe a new build car is about £4.5K but secondhand cars are available for considerably less. One sold for £1.5K this week.
Running things this way is far, far cheaper than the arrive and drive prices quoted. Prize also do arrive and drive but I've no idea what this costs. I suspect less than you've been quoted though.
Also check out www.trackattackraceclub.com
Thanks, really helpful. The fact they can store and transport is exactly what I'm looking for. Just need to find a car now, ideally second hand. Any ideas on best places to look? Classifieds here don't throw too much stuff up and rest of web also doesn't have much choice. You don't need to trailer and store your own car. My car (MR2 Mk1) is looked after my www.prizemotorsport.co.uk and while I can't remember the exact figures storage is about £40pm and towing to an event £150. They do all the work on the car and deliver it to the track and support as required.
Racing is very close and there will be contact, but often panels can be pulled back into shape and tape added. You can then refresh the car in the off season.
I believe a new build car is about £4.5K but secondhand cars are available for considerably less. One sold for £1.5K this week.
Running things this way is far, far cheaper than the arrive and drive prices quoted. Prize also do arrive and drive but I've no idea what this costs. I suspect less than you've been quoted though.
Also check out www.trackattackraceclub.com
itdontgo said:
And do some karting. It's the cheapest way to learn. There seems to be snobbery amongst motorists that they don't need to drive a kart because they can drive proper cars already. But then you get to your first race and some spotty kid laps you because he's spent 10 years driving karts whilst you've been driving your 'proper' cars. (or maybe that's just my mate's, some PH regulars, who had that stupid idea)
Absolutely the best thing you can do. I'm really surprised no-one else has mentioned this; Learn to drive.Go and do some outdoor karting in arrive and drive 4 stroke karts and get tuition. Don't be too proud to ask some spotty kids for their advice! These karts will teach you how to pick lines and carry speed.
Then take that onto the track in your car. Get tuition. It's way more valuable than anything else you can spend your budget on, and it will get the most out of everything else you choose to do with your car.
The old saying: Anyone can drive a fast car, few can drive a car fast.
If I was you I would jump in at the deep end, you will come last or near last on your first few outings, but that's racing, I went from racing nothing, not even a performance car! 1.5 Datsun Sunny Automatic to down force, wings and slicks. After The instructor who did my ARDS course at Mallory asked me what I was intending to race, I said Clubmans, he said...ohh steep learning curve, and he was right. What a fun curve tho! In my 3rd race I qualified 3rd on the grid at Cadwell with a grid of 25+ There will be a wealth of knowledge from fellow competitors who are always willing to give hints and tips and encouragement. Good luck in whatever you do. Just get stuck in...
Sponsorship is difficult to get even in your 10th season, with 9 previously successful seasons.
Realistically don't pin any hopes of getting any and don't waste so much time chasing potential sponsors that could be used for better results - ie earning money yourself or preparing the car.
Realistically don't pin any hopes of getting any and don't waste so much time chasing potential sponsors that could be used for better results - ie earning money yourself or preparing the car.
Clubmans do look quite cool - admittedly I'd never seen them before having looked around at some similar options such as Formula Vee and Locosts. Might have to try get along to a meeting with a view to finding out more.
How often do cars come up for sale? Anywhere to keep an eye on things or is the Clubmans website/classifieds/forum the best place?
Just need to sort myself a suitable tow vehicle though - have to start and shop around!
How often do cars come up for sale? Anywhere to keep an eye on things or is the Clubmans website/classifieds/forum the best place?
Just need to sort myself a suitable tow vehicle though - have to start and shop around!
I'm off to Brands next month for my first race in PBMW. I'm driving the car there (a few guys do) and hopefully back, with the oh and kids in the family car for a mini family holiday.
My experience so far - started this Journey in Jan 2010 with the ARDS pack. Bought an E30 BMW 320 off the road in August 2011, it's taken me till now to get the car ready and most of the kit. Would have been much quicker if I had a large pot of funds right at the start, rather than drip feed over time (and be disheartened a few times in the process). Had I known it would take me this long I might not have bothered!
Advice earlier was spot on - motorsport is not cheap but club motorsport isn't as expensive as you may think. You can get race entries (1 qually and 2 races 15-20 mins) for less than £300 at decent circuits.
See my blog for possibly top tips, but identifying a series is personal - budget, kind of people, kid of car, go to a few events and see what feels right.
www.cookracing.co.uk
My experience so far - started this Journey in Jan 2010 with the ARDS pack. Bought an E30 BMW 320 off the road in August 2011, it's taken me till now to get the car ready and most of the kit. Would have been much quicker if I had a large pot of funds right at the start, rather than drip feed over time (and be disheartened a few times in the process). Had I known it would take me this long I might not have bothered!
Advice earlier was spot on - motorsport is not cheap but club motorsport isn't as expensive as you may think. You can get race entries (1 qually and 2 races 15-20 mins) for less than £300 at decent circuits.
See my blog for possibly top tips, but identifying a series is personal - budget, kind of people, kid of car, go to a few events and see what feels right.
www.cookracing.co.uk
Anatonic,
There's a car on the Clubmans website at the moment that's an absolute steal. That's generally the best place to look, but some cars seem to swap hands by word of mouth so post your details in the forum and you might turn up some others.
We're at Oulton in mid-Aug and Snett at the end, come along and have a chat, there's generally tea and sandwiches kicking about and if you're still around after the racing, there might even be the odd beer.
There's a car on the Clubmans website at the moment that's an absolute steal. That's generally the best place to look, but some cars seem to swap hands by word of mouth so post your details in the forum and you might turn up some others.
We're at Oulton in mid-Aug and Snett at the end, come along and have a chat, there's generally tea and sandwiches kicking about and if you're still around after the racing, there might even be the odd beer.
www.graduates.org.uk
Caterham racing on the cheap. Buy a car for sub £10k, which won't depreciate. Budget is approx £5k-£10k for a reasonably cheap season. You can spend much more if you wish (or if you prang it!) but you won't necessarily go faster.
Caterham racing on the cheap. Buy a car for sub £10k, which won't depreciate. Budget is approx £5k-£10k for a reasonably cheap season. You can spend much more if you wish (or if you prang it!) but you won't necessarily go faster.
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