looking to get into all this stuff

[CSLmarson]

Hi all

im a trackday hero at the moment and am looking to take the next step and possibly move into a low down race series

i drive a BMW e36 328i coupe and am slowly turning it into a hopfully race spec machine

can any one advise me on what would be the best / cheap race series i could enter and also any links to what criteria my

car has to to pass a scrutineering

cheers

[cookracing]

Hello. You could do far worse than Project 8 racing:

http://www.msvracing.co.uk/cars/toyo-tires-racing-...
and
http://ttrs.pbmwc.co.uk/about/

The club runs PBMW (the E30s) and TTRS which is pre 94 (ish) tin tops.

I uploaded a demo video today as it happens for my E30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7R7J6Yk-0Q

Project 8 are a good club ideal for first time racers with a very friendly paddock.

[Thurbs]

Hi OP.

I would take a look at some lap times for the circuits you are a hero on and compare them to where you are at. You may be surprised at the gap and it will help you understand how much time you need to find. Don't let this put you off though, it is just a reality check.

Secondly, concider what would happen if you or someone else causes you to roll your car in to a tiny ball. Assuming all is well with yourself and any competitors, can you afford to carry on with a new car?

Finally, find a series which has a simular ethos to your self, matches your budget and give it a go... it is the best thing I have ever done.

[mattmk391]

Choose a championship and check their technical regulations BEFORE you start converting your car. You don't want to spend a lot of time and money only to find the changes you've made mean it isn't eligible to race anywhere.

[Richair]

Check out the CSCC Modern Classics series, they run a class up to 3.0l EXCLUDING M3's, so you should slot in nicely with 944 S2's and 968's etc...

The rules are very straight forwards and the club is very well run in my experience from last year.

http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/

[Thurbs]

Richair said:

Check out the CSCC Modern Classics series, they run a class up to 3.0l EXCLUDING M3's, so you should slot in nicely with 944 S2's and 968's etc...

The rules are very straight forwards and the club is very well run in my experience from last year.

http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/

Agree with all of this.

I have said this before, CSCC cars have nearly always had lots of money spent on them given the relatively relaxed rules. This in turn means you will not be at the front of your class. This doesn't bother me a bit so when considering CSCC and other more open series, make sure it doesn't bother you either.

I know others have said that closed rules series means more money gets spent than open series but this is my experience:

Closed Rules

======

- 750mc Clio 182
- Donnington Park GP
- Fastest Lap: 1:52.71
- My Fastest: 1:54.57 - 101.65% of fastest lap
- 20th out of 25 so not last!

http://www.theresultslive.co.uk/sites/default/file...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbVxwyDI4DA


Open Rules

====

- CSCC Tin Tops - Class B Clio's
- Brands Hatch Indy
- Fastest lap in class: 56.276
- My Fastest: 58.408 - 103.79%

Annoyingly I was last in class for that race, but I got a stop go for speeding (tt). However, there were only 2 cars finishing in class B and I am clearly in no race with them. I finished overall 15th out of 20 and without the penalty would have probably been 14th (yeah yeah!!).

http://tsl-timing.com/file/?f=CSCC/2015/154464ctt....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW7tZrL6QAg

If you think I am just slow (which I accept I still am) feel free to check out the videos.

Anyway, my point is, the 2.1% difference in my lap time deficiency between the closed and open series is all (or mostly) money, not talent.

For example, I know my competitors in the open series run:
- Throttle bodies
- Higher rev limit
- More aggressive wheel geometry
- Lighter car
- Loads I probably don’t know!

Please don’t think I have anything against more open series or the CSCC. The CSCC is great and I definitely recommend them. I just race Fiestas rather than other Clios which are more evenly matched to my car and skill.

[Soul Reaver]

You could try

Track day Trophy

http://www.trackdaytrophy.co.uk/

OR

Track day Championship

http://www.trackdaychampionship.com/

If it's your first time in Motor Sport I would go for Track day Trophy as TDC is likely to be quite competitive this year!

[Tommo Two]

Same route i went with my E36 328 and same logic and if you are any thing like me (also a trackday hero it'll be an eye opener!)

I've raced in the Kumho BMW Championship for 3 years right from novice to now, just about to start the 4th year. You'll fit into class C. For comparison you'll be up against 6 E36 328s and 7 E46 325 compacts (currently registered for 2014 season so far) in class D there are 7 registered 318's so far. So you'll ALWAYS have some one to race with! Really friendly welcoming bunch. Best thing to do is get along to a few meets of the club you decide to go with and speak to a few drivers. Do you have a healthy budget for the 1st year? I found it was the most expensive year! Roughly: 3500 race fees for a year, 500 race license, 500 memberships, 500 safety gear, trailer / hire, hotel / tent, petrol 60 a meeting for the race car plus whatever to get you there.

Regs are on the Kumho BMW website: www.BMWRDC.com

And if you want to have a look at the spec of my car, videos and compare times at circuits for the last 3 years have a look and my website: www.AlanThompsonRacing.co.uk

And obligatory pic of my car:

[andye30m3]

cookracing said:

Hello. You could do far worse than Project 8 racing:

http://www.msvracing.co.uk/cars/toyo-tires-racing-...
and
http://ttrs.pbmwc.co.uk/about/

The club runs PBMW (the E30s) and TTRS which is pre 94 (ish) tin tops.

I uploaded a demo video today as it happens for my E30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7R7J6Yk-0Q

Project 8 are a good club ideal for first time racers with a very friendly paddock.

I'd also recommend Project 8, I've been racing in PBMW and TTRS for the last 4 years and couldN'T ask for a friendlier club, great circuits and good value entry fees, Circa £330 a meeting this year.

One of the big plus sides for me is the tracks we visit which include Brands GP again this year.

I believe the age limit for cars in TTRS has been raised this year (2000 and something from memory) to open the series up to more people.

Edited by andye30m3 on Thursday 21st January 10:31

[steeviegeebies]

I started out in trackday trophy. It is the only race series specifically designed for novice drivers. In fact, if you're a single driver, when you lose you novice cross you move up to team trophy, now a championship, the following season. Proper progression ladder and because at first you're racing other novices and it is a controlled series (power/weight) you've a better chance of really close racing, building your ability and getting podiums. Once you've done your novice season you'll be in a better position to decide which series or champs is right for you. I loved trackday trophy and can't think of a more suitable entry point to car racing for a driver who has not progressed through karting and junior racing.

[Altrezia]

Another thumbs up for Project 8. It's not about big budgets, but simple friendly racing.