Starting racing in the TVR Challenge

[AceOfHearts]

Hi everyone, wondering if I could pick a few of your brains on here about what I might need to start racing

I am fairly young (25) and have only ever done track days, so am lacking on the experience front, but getting into racing really appeals and something I would love to do for a season or two, and since I currently own two TVR's the TVR Challenge really appeals.

Would this be a suitable (realistic) place to start? I have read the website and know I would need to get the car modified and up to standard, but if I built a car to the regs would I be guaranteed a place of is there a limited number of spaces?

The plan I guess would be to build the car, get as much practice and tuition as I could through 2014 and possibly join in 2015. I feel like I could be jumping in a bit at the deep end though.

Also what are the weekend costs like? I see the series is split up over 5 race weekends, would it be realistic to assume a year could be done on a few thousand pounds + car? I don't even know what the race entry costs are

If you guys have any more information or tips as well that would be great, hopefully i can find a way to make it work

Edited by AceOfHearts on Saturday 29th March 05:11

[Guillotine]

Just about all of us started in the challenge several builing there own cars.
Dave Stewart, mike Saunders...me!
costs are about £1500 per weekend all in with weekend entry at £350 (included)
have a look at www.tvrmonster.com there's loads of info on there going back to the very start
Do it! You'll be welcomed and helped all the way
Andy

[Geoff38]

Hi Lewis,
My brother and I are in the process of building a group C chim to hopefully race next year. We are based at Gt Staughton so not far from you in Bedfordshire . Our car is away having the rollcage built at present but you are welcome to come over for a chat to pool ideas etc .
Cheers
Geoff

[spitfire4v8]

Mike Saunders started in his early 20s in a car he and his dad built in their back garden. A well used road car engine, suspensions all over the place .. turns up at Cadwell for his first race and promptly puts it on pole and makes everyone else look stupid!
DO it!!

[AceOfHearts]

Cheers for the replies everyone, and Geoff that would be great, I am only in Biggleswade

[Geoff38]

Have emailed you my mobile number.

[wadsapple]

The Challenge is a great place to start. Loads of good friendly advise to be had here on this forum or at track side. My first race was at Rockingham with a Tuscan and have not looked back.I now race in a few series. Racing is much better in my opinion than track days nowadays as it cost just a little bit more to race as you would expect.£1500 a weekend is easy doable and savings to be had if you are clever and resourceful.

[MH Dneg]

Hi Lewis,

I'm an old git that has always wanted to go racing. Finally plucked up the courage after chatting to some of the amazingly friendly folk that race in DTEC. I'm starting this year. First race ever will be in DTEC in May. I would rather be starting to race with a truly great bunch of people.

Don't leave it as long as I did!

Do you go to the Herts/Beds TVR meets? If so, I'll be there next month if you fancy a chat.

Matt

[ctsdave]

As Andy said, dad and me built our race griff from an accident write off car! After the initial build cost it doesnt have to cost mega bucks! I dont spend 1500 a weekend (may be one of the few??), around two thirds of that everything included is nearer my budget. Deffo do it though, well worth it!!

Im sending this frpm Dony, helping a couple of old MG mates out today! Once you get the bug you cant keep away lol...

[NTEL]

Why not just buy one of the many race ready Tasmins for sale? A much cheaper option and it will get you racing straight away. They are a great car to learn in and they will not break the bank. They are reliable and cheap to fix I can recommend Jims red Tasmin (I won the 2010 championship in that car) Ivor Watson also has his car up for sale Both are ready to race now. To build a semi competitive class C car will cost you 10K plus the car. Ask anybody who has built one.......

Excluding the car budget for the following:

Go racing pack £50.00
ARDS Test £280.00
Helmet, overalls, boots, gloves, asbestos underpants etc £1000.00
Registration £270.00
BRSCC Membership £50.00
Race Licence £50.00

Total setup £1700

Average entry fee £390.00
Race fuel per meeting £100.00
Average travel fuel £100.00
Camping at the circuit ...Nothing
Food and beer £60
Maintenance (inc tyres) per meeting £350.00

Total per meeting £1000

and then there is a tow vehicle, trailer, car storage, repair bills etc

I've probably missed loads out but that should give you food for thought.....

Edited by NTEL on Saturday 29th March 20:09

[bill tvr]

Hi yes agree with chanti
I bought my tas off perry on eBay for £1500 then spent another 12.5k getting it race ready
You can now buy one of three for 6k it certainly is a good time to buy a race ready one
Buy a race ready car rather than spend a year building one

[AceOfHearts]

Thanks for the great replies everyone

The reason I was looking at building was to spread the cost over the year (I have only in the past 2 months bought 2 cars so don't have the upfront money to buy a built car) but I think the plan will have to be start saving to get a car at the end of the year.

Also thanks to Geoff for showing me round his cars, was an interesting chat.

[Graham]

Another shout out for buying a running car, it will be a much cheaper and less frustrating way to get on track.

[Geoff38]

Hi Graham,
Told him about your Tasmin hire car plan .

[TVRSH]

Don't buy to build, buy race-ready every time as a newcomer. Instead of thinking you can spread your finances and build, forget it: save the money and buy when you are ready. That's how I bought the ex-Marc Hockin Griff and still have it racing 5 years later!

[ads]

Just found this on ebay which may help. Don't know what the car is like in the flesh though.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Griffith-5000-Race-T...

[ctsdave]

If good, thats a very cheap car!! 5ltr will be class b though...