Wanting to start racing at club level....

[ph3]

First, am I too late for 2013..? I see that the newbie series already kicked off.

I've done track days (both bike & car) and they are okay but I need a bit more ie. the buzz of racing.

I've just watched the rallycross episode on TopGear and that looks ideal in terms of cost & fun factor ... but it seems from the BTRDA website that there isn't a 2013 season .. amazed as I thought it would be one of the most popular

So...liking the idea of buying a cheap car and not giving a toss what happens to it, rather than chucking a Ducati 916 down the road again (oops!).

I've been reading up and there are plenty of "1600cc series" and I found a Saxo VTR already kitted out with roll cage etc for less than £1k, amazing.

Not really got a budget so would prefer a Honda VTEC engine for the higher rev limit but depends on regulations etc of course...

Sorry for such basic questions but I couldn't find direct answers on this, so......

Cheers!

[Graham]

first thing you need to do is get a licence.

to do that you need


1) buy the ards licence pack
2) book in for an ards test ( written and a couple of laps on a circuit)
3) medical
4) send off for licence.


whilst your doing all that you can decide what sort of car you want to race, then look up the different club that race those cars. get a copy of the regs and find a car that you can use.


i wouldnt worry about starting late or missing a round, many series dont start till march, april

have fun

[supraboy]

try the Civic Cup if you are wanting VTEC in your race machine.
good grid sizes and tight regulations mean very close racing! think you can buy a completely prepped race ready turn key car for £6kish.

http://www.civic-cup.co.uk/

[rallycross]

What are you nearest circuits?

Find out what car clubs run events out of there and join in a local series that will be the cheapest way to have a bit of fun.

Ideally buy something thats been entered into events rather than someones project that is not really a race legal car (and will end up costing far more than you expected to get ready).


Spec series like 750 motor club stock hatch, MR2, BMW Compact, or Mx5 etc will give you close racing all the way down the grid, which makes it a lot more fun than being in a class of just a few cars with the quick cars lapping the slow cars after half a dozen laps (like some series).

[Forbes82]

I wouldn't worry about missing the start of a season, in club racing many people will pick and choose rounds, and you are unlikely to be winning races and aiming for championships in the first season, so it doesnt really matter when you start.

To be honest i'd suggest making a list of the series that interest you, then going as a spectator to thier first race of the season. Ask questions on car running costs/what to look out for/if anyone knows of good 'known' cars to buy and also just seeing if you like the 'feel' of the series (and the standard of racecraft, some series are alot more 'argy bargy' than others..). This could save you alot of time and money by tapping in to the knowledge of those already competing, and i can guarantee the vast majority will love to have a chat about thier passion.

There is alot of BS spoken in every race paddock, but also alot of knowledge. Weve moved about in a few different series and have never regretted researching and getting advice from the horses mouth prior to putting money down for a car and commiting to a series.

[ph3]

Some great advice, thanks guys

Local(ish) to me all of North Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Manchester. Guess the nearest big track is Oulton.

Glad of the suggestions but I'm sure that I want to try Rallycross. As I said above though the 2013 season is cancelled, so thinking surely there must be smaller versions of this somewhere near me? (I'm wanting a club type sport for now not national)

I've searched the 'net but not really come up with anything hence the question :S

[cookracing]

Don't worry about missing the start of any year, as the above advice says just get stuck in. I'd also add, follow up internet research by going to a club event and get chatting to the guys, that should give you a reasonable idea if that's the club for you.


2 years ago I was also at this stage, take a look http://racing.cookieonline.net some of it may be useful / amusing drivel!

[cookracing]

...also, I've made a very basic start attempt to catealogue some clubs / series in an easy to digest format, so there's a few in there to kick off! I found it a bit hit and miss trying to find clubs and series to join, so one day would like to have a good up to date catalogue to help others.

http://www.trackbook.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=7

Any assistance welcome

[WhiteBaron]

ph3 said:

Some great advice, thanks guys

Local(ish) to me all of North Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Manchester. Guess the nearest big track is Oulton.

Glad of the suggestions but I'm sure that I want to try Rallycross. As I said above though the 2013 season is cancelled, so thinking surely there must be smaller versions of this somewhere near me? (I'm wanting a club type sport for now not national)

I've searched the 'net but not really come up with anything hence the question :S

Have a look at 'Autograss' and see if you can find a local ish club. classes seem to run from standard 1 to completely mental 10