Looking at motorsport for weekends.
Discussion
Now, I am sure this has probably been asked a million times on here.. However..
Always had an interest in motorsport and was involved in it before I turned 18.
Now in a position, at 20, where I would be able to go back into doing it but only on a weekend due to work.
Would be open to anything, either where I use my daily Z4 (preferred) or perhaps purchasing another car. What would be the recommended way to go about it? I have done a bit of research but am after opinions from people who were in the same position.
Always had an interest in motorsport and was involved in it before I turned 18.
Now in a position, at 20, where I would be able to go back into doing it but only on a weekend due to work.
Would be open to anything, either where I use my daily Z4 (preferred) or perhaps purchasing another car. What would be the recommended way to go about it? I have done a bit of research but am after opinions from people who were in the same position.
In addition to the above, consider Speed Hillclimb, or Sprint events.
You could use your Z4, I doubt it'd be that competitive, but it'd get you started. Or look for one of the many suitable cars available in the classifieds on here or other well known sites.
Oh, and don't discount Karting - if it's the cut and thrust of pure racing you're after, you wont get any more bang for your buck than something like TKM Extreme - lots of second hand outfits about and cheap & easy maintenance.
Most of all - have fun!!
Kim
eta beaten to it by truckosaurus - blast!!!
You could use your Z4, I doubt it'd be that competitive, but it'd get you started. Or look for one of the many suitable cars available in the classifieds on here or other well known sites.
Oh, and don't discount Karting - if it's the cut and thrust of pure racing you're after, you wont get any more bang for your buck than something like TKM Extreme - lots of second hand outfits about and cheap & easy maintenance.
Most of all - have fun!!
Kim
eta beaten to it by truckosaurus - blast!!!
sprinting or autosolo would be a good place to look.
Not sure where your based but In the south east you'd get put in a different class to the 4wd cars but would have GT3's in your class in the local sprints.
where are you based? might be worth looking at what events your local clubs runs
Not sure where your based but In the south east you'd get put in a different class to the 4wd cars but would have GT3's in your class in the local sprints.
where are you based? might be worth looking at what events your local clubs runs
If you want to be competitive and want to use your Z4, then AutoSolo is the way forwards. A standard car will be competitive and you will have a lot of fun. £30 or so to enter an event and some fuel is all you need. No safety gear required because the risk of an accident is so low with low speeds, few things to hit and no other cars on track. If you want to give it a try, there's a demo event on at Autosport International where you can have a go and get a ride with an experienced competitor.
Here's what it looks like from onboard.
Sprinting and hillclimbing is a faster version with more things to hit. As such, you need a helmet, suit and gloves. The classes are split differently too, so you'll probably find yourself outclassed, depending on what engine's in your Z4 and which part of the country you're in as capacity splits vary over the regions.
Here's what it looks like from onboard.
Sprinting and hillclimbing is a faster version with more things to hit. As such, you need a helmet, suit and gloves. The classes are split differently too, so you'll probably find yourself outclassed, depending on what engine's in your Z4 and which part of the country you're in as capacity splits vary over the regions.
majordad said:
Autotests to start or night rallies. GO along to an event an ask other competitors. And marshal.
I'd agree with the above, not sure I'd use a Z4 though, better getting a second Car for motorsport use then you aren't going to be too worried about bending it rallying or wrecking the clutch on Autotests or Solo's. What area are you based in?, I'm biased towards the Night Road Rallies as a great way of enjoying motor sport on a reasonable budget. But it tends to be easier if you live in the North of England or Wales, the SE is not well served with events.
Either way do it, its easier than you might think to get involved and the sport needs people at grass roots level more than it ever did.
Sorry about the lack of response, just had the time to sit down at the computer for a bit.
Based in south west, local track being Castle Coombe. The idea of sprint/hill climbing seems appealing. Currently a 2.5i Z4 but changing to 3.0si or M in the new year. Second car as stated is a realistic option, however no option to tow and would be stored roadside at home as the drive is full.
Wanted to get involved in the sport again ever since me and my dad stopped with it, always wanted a career around Motorsport as well (not as a driver mind, but in the back room in some capacity) and doing this can't hurt there
Based in south west, local track being Castle Coombe. The idea of sprint/hill climbing seems appealing. Currently a 2.5i Z4 but changing to 3.0si or M in the new year. Second car as stated is a realistic option, however no option to tow and would be stored roadside at home as the drive is full.
Wanted to get involved in the sport again ever since me and my dad stopped with it, always wanted a career around Motorsport as well (not as a driver mind, but in the back room in some capacity) and doing this can't hurt there
Have a look at Endurance Road Rallying, mentioned on an earlier thread here. You are reasonably well placed for the championship events.
Basically it's toned down stage rallying in relatively standard cars, so costs are much lower.
http://www.endurance-rallying.co.uk/
Basically it's toned down stage rallying in relatively standard cars, so costs are much lower.
http://www.endurance-rallying.co.uk/
Given your location you may want to look into doing something with the SW championships - http://www.aswmc.org.uk/sprint.htm
I compete in the sprint championship in the unrestricted production car class which is the same one that you would be in if you entered the Z4.
I compete in the sprint championship in the unrestricted production car class which is the same one that you would be in if you entered the Z4.
Join your local motor club first and see what your new friends are doing. Something you will require is help and encouragement and this is where you'll find it.
Secondly, go out and marshal or spectate or even get involved with someone else's team so that you know the ropes and are not turning up at your first event completely blind to what happens.
There's a distinct lack of navigators who are willing to contribute towards costs so if you aren't bothered which side of the car you're at, then this could be an option for you, and ticks all the boxes with your desire for an un-necessary road car and no where to put a comp car.
If you're going racing or rallying, one of the first things to consider is a van and a trailer. Not essential, many people drive to events, but there's sometimes an occasion when they don't drive home.
Secondly, go out and marshal or spectate or even get involved with someone else's team so that you know the ropes and are not turning up at your first event completely blind to what happens.
There's a distinct lack of navigators who are willing to contribute towards costs so if you aren't bothered which side of the car you're at, then this could be an option for you, and ticks all the boxes with your desire for an un-necessary road car and no where to put a comp car.
If you're going racing or rallying, one of the first things to consider is a van and a trailer. Not essential, many people drive to events, but there's sometimes an occasion when they don't drive home.
ShineyT said:
Sorry about the lack of response, just had the time to sit down at the computer for a bit.
Based in south west, local track being Castle Coombe. The idea of sprint/hill climbing seems appealing. Currently a 2.5i Z4 but changing to 3.0si or M in the new year. Second car as stated is a realistic option, however no option to tow and would be stored roadside at home as the drive is full.
Wanted to get involved in the sport again ever since me and my dad stopped with it, always wanted a career around Motorsport as well (not as a driver mind, but in the back room in some capacity) and doing this can't hurt there
check out bristol motor club, and the BTRDA autosolos they run at castle coombe (google is your friend) i haven't done one there..... yet but the first event is february and I'm planning to attend. Classes are for standard cars with the full interior on non trackday (list 1B) tyres, no trailering to events is allowed either. You will be competitive Based in south west, local track being Castle Coombe. The idea of sprint/hill climbing seems appealing. Currently a 2.5i Z4 but changing to 3.0si or M in the new year. Second car as stated is a realistic option, however no option to tow and would be stored roadside at home as the drive is full.
Wanted to get involved in the sport again ever since me and my dad stopped with it, always wanted a career around Motorsport as well (not as a driver mind, but in the back room in some capacity) and doing this can't hurt there
(expect mx5's, s2000, and elises in class)Steve
i'm kent based and for a
I started racing last year. Best thing I ever did. Like you I had no means to tow so got a road legal race prepped Proton GTI. Ready to race, did some small upgrades as year progressed. Drove to every race, and home gain after! Had brilliant fun, mostly in the welsh sports and saloon championship so not far from you. All qualifying and races in one day and very good value. The car got me loads of prizes and newcomer of the year. It's up for sale if your interested.
ShineyT said:
Based in south west, local track being Castle Coombe. The idea of sprint/hill climbing seems appealing. Currently a 2.5i Z4 but changing to 3.0si or M in the new year. Second car as stated is a realistic option, however no option to tow and would be stored roadside at home as the drive is full.
There are a few sprints at Castle Combe, starting with the British sprint championship round towards the end of March which features some big single seaters as well as a complete mix of cars right through to ordinary road cars, and some autosolos as well using part of the paddock. There will be one in February, but last I heard we hadn't received a confirmed date from the circuit.To refute the earlier comment about doing a clutch on AutoSolos, it's unlikely. I'm not sure I've ever seen a clutch go on an AutoSolo as you only use it once. There's about 4 AutoSolos at Castle Combe during the year, two of which are run by Bristol Motor Club. The club also runs two NavScatters, two sprints at Combe, one at Llandow and a hillclimb at Wiscombe Park that are all do-able in a standard Z4. Best bet would be to head down to club night on 8th January at Colston's school (details on the website, you don't need to be a member to come along). It's a friendly bunch and you'll find a selection of competitors from a variety of disciplines to talk to. And beer.
YorkshirePudding said:
Greensleeves said:
There's a distinct lack of navigators who are willing to contribute towards costs
I was talking to a RR nav last week and he won't even chip in for the post rally breakfast, 
I've always thought it fair for the Nav to pay the entry fee (usually includes breakfast
). Mind you I am aware some 'top' Navs expect a free ride in return for their services and some of the richer Historic Drivers are perfectly happy to cover the full costs on events like the RoT, just to get the services of good Navigator.Gassing Station | UK Club Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff