Is club racing financialy possible with no special skills
Discussion
It's been my dream to be a racing driver for a very long time and I'm not talking about being the next lando norris or gt racer I would be happy enough doing ameture club racing just as a hobby.I would maybe plan on doing a bit of go karting and then maybe plan on buying myself a city car cup car then maybe upgrade eventually to an formula vee. I heard these are the most affordable circuit wheel to wheel racing.I have not special skills for special jobs that pay well. I did work self employed as a car valeter and detailer but that didn't go very well and running my own service probably isn't for me.I want most of my weekends off as I like going out on dates with my girlfriend.I was thinking of working maybe full time then either doing some side gig jobs in the evenings like Amazon flex or deliveroo even though the pay isn't the best or getting some form of flexible or part time job in the evenings to fund the motor sport.I have asked people how to afford motorsport but the only advice I get is to work hard. I don't really get what they mean by that how do I go about working hard to get extra money. I'm not sure if they mean become a manager or something like that.I also told my parents that my dream is to race cars and they laughed at the idea of that.I only work part time now but my plan for now is too do some rental kart races. Do some sim racing and maybe some other grass roots motor sports like auto solos and track days while saving up for motorsport I will see if I can get a fund to put the money in just for motorsport.
Can't help on the Motorsport element, but what about getting into trackdays, it's much cheaper and would give you an opportunity to assess costs and build your experience maintaining a car without working 24/7 to pay for it.? There are trackdays that are specific to certain lower powered (cheaper) cars which means you're not constantly being lapped by GT3 RS's. You could pick up an MX5 for £2,000 and got to - https://mottrackdays.com/
JQ said:
Can't help on the Motorsport element, but what about getting into trackdays, it's much cheaper and would give you an opportunity to assess costs and build your experience maintaining a car without working 24/7 to pay for it.? There are trackdays that are specific to certain lower powered (cheaper) cars which means you're not constantly being lapped by GT3 RS's. You could pick up an MX5 for £2,000 and got to - https://mottrackdays.com/
i have done track days and i enjoy doing track days. i own a mx5 mk1 which is also my daily and pride and joy. i just find that track days are missing that challenge. there isnt any racing to a track day as your not really meant to race or time yourself.I'm a club circuit racer, unlike many at this level i'm not in the motor trade as i'm an IT engineer with a fairly average salary. I do (did) however like tinkering with cars which has kept costs down as I can do the basic spannering myself. At this entry level club racing you would probably need to budget a minimum of £5000 per season for entry fees and simple running costs. That's excluding the cost of your car itself, trailer, tow car etc. How you go about funding that is up to you, but don't count on sponsorship unless your running a business or a very astute marketeer.
Trev450 said:
How about trying sprints to test the water. Although you are not racing against other competitors directly, you are still being timed so can gauge your efforts compared to the others.
It's also a lot cheaper than racing as there are classes for road going cars.
I was going to suggest this, its a nice friendly way to start with minimal prep needed to try it out. There is such a variety of cars and an enthusiastic bunch who will help out and give you plenty of advice.It's also a lot cheaper than racing as there are classes for road going cars.
JackAttack2002 said:
It's been my dream to be a racing driver for a very long time and I'm not talking about being the next lando norris or gt racer I would be happy enough doing ameture club racing just as a hobby.
I would maybe plan on doing a bit of go karting and then maybe plan on buying myself a city car cup car then maybe upgrade eventually to an formula vee. I heard these are the most affordable circuit wheel to wheel racing.
I have not special skills for special jobs that pay well. I did work self employed as a car valeter and detailer but that didn't go very well and running my own service probably isn't for me.
I want most of my weekends off as I like going out on dates with my girlfriend.
I was thinking of working maybe full time then either doing some side gig jobs in the evenings like Amazon flex or deliveroo even though the pay isn't the best or getting some form of flexible or part time job in the evenings to fund the motor sport.
I have asked people how to afford motorsport but the only advice I get is to work hard. I don't really get what they mean by that how do I go about working hard to get extra money. I'm not sure if they mean become a manager or something like that.
I also told my parents that my dream is to race cars and they laughed at the idea of that.
I only work part time now but my plan for now is too do some rental kart races. Do some sim racing and maybe some other grass roots motor sports like auto solos and track days while saving up for motorsport I will see if I can get a fund to put the money in just for motorsport.
Honestly, I’d start with this and/or rental karts.I would maybe plan on doing a bit of go karting and then maybe plan on buying myself a city car cup car then maybe upgrade eventually to an formula vee. I heard these are the most affordable circuit wheel to wheel racing.
I have not special skills for special jobs that pay well. I did work self employed as a car valeter and detailer but that didn't go very well and running my own service probably isn't for me.
I want most of my weekends off as I like going out on dates with my girlfriend.
I was thinking of working maybe full time then either doing some side gig jobs in the evenings like Amazon flex or deliveroo even though the pay isn't the best or getting some form of flexible or part time job in the evenings to fund the motor sport.
I have asked people how to afford motorsport but the only advice I get is to work hard. I don't really get what they mean by that how do I go about working hard to get extra money. I'm not sure if they mean become a manager or something like that.
I also told my parents that my dream is to race cars and they laughed at the idea of that.
I only work part time now but my plan for now is too do some rental kart races. Do some sim racing and maybe some other grass roots motor sports like auto solos and track days while saving up for motorsport I will see if I can get a fund to put the money in just for motorsport.
https://getstarted.motorsportuk.org/grassroots/
Hi
You've already got the most important thing - enthusiasm.
Motorsport covers a very broad range of activities and a even wider range of cost, a lot of it is much cheaper than people think and a considerable amount is available to do in your daily driver, especially if you have a something like an MX5 you can do loads of different activities with that.
As has been mentioned above autosolos and speed events (Hillclimbs and Sprints) are a great place to start, they give you a solid foundation in how the cub scene works, once you're in and up and running then moving into other disciplines (such as onto the circuits) is reasonably easy as you'll have most of the kit and the events work in the same way so you know how to go about entering, preparing a car etc etc.
Where are you in the country? That can determine what route works best as the popular activities vary depending on location.
You've already got the most important thing - enthusiasm.
Motorsport covers a very broad range of activities and a even wider range of cost, a lot of it is much cheaper than people think and a considerable amount is available to do in your daily driver, especially if you have a something like an MX5 you can do loads of different activities with that.
As has been mentioned above autosolos and speed events (Hillclimbs and Sprints) are a great place to start, they give you a solid foundation in how the cub scene works, once you're in and up and running then moving into other disciplines (such as onto the circuits) is reasonably easy as you'll have most of the kit and the events work in the same way so you know how to go about entering, preparing a car etc etc.
Where are you in the country? That can determine what route works best as the popular activities vary depending on location.
I agree with Drmotorsport.
Circuit racing is awesome. Your first race weekend is an unforgettable experience, and, over three seasons I've only had one weekend that wasn't worth it.
But no-one sits you down at the start and says it's expensive. Especially, if you get hooked.
You can get a race license for less than £1,000, get your PPE for £2,000, get a car ready to race for under £7,000 (e.g. C1 or Mini) and spend somewhere between £5-£10k on a season racing. So, I guess that's about £10k investment and at least £5k a year.
Then, a couple of seasons in most racers want to get more competitive, and, then costs can really spiral (did I mention tires).
Personally, I have to make compromises, and, believe it's worth it. BUT, I do have to say circuit racing is expensive.
As others have said, there are other slightly less expensive routes (Auto-Solos, Sprints, Hillclimbs).
Circuit racing is awesome. Your first race weekend is an unforgettable experience, and, over three seasons I've only had one weekend that wasn't worth it.
But no-one sits you down at the start and says it's expensive. Especially, if you get hooked.
You can get a race license for less than £1,000, get your PPE for £2,000, get a car ready to race for under £7,000 (e.g. C1 or Mini) and spend somewhere between £5-£10k on a season racing. So, I guess that's about £10k investment and at least £5k a year.
Then, a couple of seasons in most racers want to get more competitive, and, then costs can really spiral (did I mention tires).
Personally, I have to make compromises, and, believe it's worth it. BUT, I do have to say circuit racing is expensive.
As others have said, there are other slightly less expensive routes (Auto-Solos, Sprints, Hillclimbs).
Just be prepared to have the morale sucked out of you watching the chequebook racers truly enjoying their weekend while youre layed under your car trying to not get your race suit mucky.
Best i saw was one racer whose gearbox went so went out that evening and bought a £20k car off autotrader and had the company looking after his car strip its gearbox off ready for quali the next morning.
And im there in a tent with my mrs and an 8 month old. Club racing my arse
Best i saw was one racer whose gearbox went so went out that evening and bought a £20k car off autotrader and had the company looking after his car strip its gearbox off ready for quali the next morning.
And im there in a tent with my mrs and an 8 month old. Club racing my arse
drmotorsport said:
I'm a club circuit racer, unlike many at this level i'm not in the motor trade as i'm an IT engineer with a fairly average salary. I do (did) however like tinkering with cars which has kept costs down as I can do the basic spannering myself. At this entry level club racing you would probably need to budget a minimum of £5000 per season for entry fees and simple running costs. That's excluding the cost of your car itself, trailer, tow car etc. How you go about funding that is up to you, but don't count on sponsorship unless your running a business or a very astute marketeer.
I would most likely do all the basic repairs myself. I haven't got any experience fixing cars but I would love to learn. Only thing I know how to do is change the oil which is a good start.My parents don't let me do any work on my car as they don't trust me.Trev450 said:
How about trying sprints to test the water. Although you are not racing against other competitors directly, you are still being timed so can gauge your efforts compared to the others. It's also a lot cheaper than racing as there are classes for road going cars.
I have thought about giving this a go. I take it I can do it in my daily driver Mazda mx5 mk1. I have done auto soloing which I imagine is similar.RacingStripes said:
Just be prepared to have the morale sucked out of you watching the chequebook racers truly enjoying their weekend while youre layed under your car trying to not get your race suit mucky.
Best i saw was one racer whose gearbox went so went out that evening and bought a £20k car off autotrader and had the company looking after his car strip its gearbox off ready for quali the next morning.
And im there in a tent with my mrs and an 8 month old. Club racing my arse
Lol - and then take great delight in going out there and beating them anyway..Best i saw was one racer whose gearbox went so went out that evening and bought a £20k car off autotrader and had the company looking after his car strip its gearbox off ready for quali the next morning.
And im there in a tent with my mrs and an 8 month old. Club racing my arse
Pick the right activity/class and it makes next to sod all difference, avoid the series where it does.. that's down to just getting into the Scene, get involved, spend some time around the paddocks and see what series has got the right approach.. Spend some time in a paddock in the evenings, look for the big gaggle of people sat around having a barbeque and a beer - if there's Fortnum & Mason nibbles being passed around one way and Lidl going the other and everybody's having a laugh you'll not be far wrong..
Autosolo's for definite and probably, club level, Speed is cheaper than taking the missus shopping.. certainly if you start with the former and work up to the latter getting the bits as you go. Sure if you jump straight into National level Circuits that'll be a bite out of the bank account, but work your way up, learn how you go (One thing you Really learn is where and when to spend your money..) it's no more expensive than most other pastimes, a mate of mine spends roughly the same as I do following his premier league team.. and I'm doing a season of 50/50 HSCC Derek Bell and Mono..
Jim Spencer said:
HiYou've already got the most important thing - enthusiasm.Motorsport covers a very broad range of activities and a even wider range of cost, a lot of it is much cheaper than people think and a considerable amount is available to do in your daily driver, especially if you have a something like an MX5 you can do loads of different activities with that.As has been mentioned above autosolos and speed events (Hillclimbs and Sprints) are a great place to start, they give you a solid foundation in how the cub scene works, once you're in and up and running then moving into other disciplines (such as onto the circuits) is reasonably easy as you'll have most of the kit and the events work in the same way so you know how to go about entering, preparing a car etc etc.Where are you in the country? That can determine what route works best as the popular activities vary depending on location.
Thank you I live in Norwich, Norfolk in the east anglia region. I have joined sporting car club of Norfolk they do auto solos. Did think of giving a hill climb a go but I don't want to ruin my mx5 doing that but you can hire a mx5.Tbh I do enjoy auto solos I enjoy driving fast. I used to do it in my micra but haven't gotten around doing it in my mx5 yet.I haven't had much money and I focused more on track days and dating but now I have found a part time job I should think I can now afford it.I remember I had trouble trying to navigate the new motorsport uk site to renew my rs clubman license.Also sprints I've been interested in aswell not sure if you need a special license for that.Jim Spencer said:
Lol - and then take great delight in going out there and beating them anyway..Pick the right activity/class and it makes next to sod all difference, avoid the series where it does.. that's down to just getting into the Scene, get involved, spend some time around the paddocks and see what series has got the right approach.. Spend some time in a paddock in the evenings, look for the big gaggle of people sat around having a barbeque and a beer - if there's Fortnum & Mason nibbles being passed around one way and Lidl going the other and everybody's having a laugh you'll not be far wrong.. Autosolo's for definite and probably, club level, Speed is cheaper than taking the missus shopping.. certainly if you start with the former and work up to the latter getting the bits as you go. Sure if you jump straight into National level Circuits that'll be a bite out of the bank account, but work your way up, learn how you go (One thing you Really learn is where and when to spend your money..) it's no more expensive than most other pastimes, a mate of mine spends roughly the same as I do following his premier league team.. and I'm doing a season of 50/50 HSCC Derek Bell and Mono..
Thank you I will do more autosoloing. Maybe in the future I can do circuit racing JackAttack2002 said:
Trev450 said:
How about trying sprints to test the water. Although you are not racing against other competitors directly, you are still being timed so can gauge your efforts compared to the others.
It's also a lot cheaper than racing as there are classes for road going cars.
I have thought about giving this a go. I take it I can do it in my daily driver Mazda mx5 mk1. I have done auto soloing which I imagine is similar.It's also a lot cheaper than racing as there are classes for road going cars.
JackAttack2002 said:
I would most likely do all the basic repairs myself. I haven't got any experience fixing cars but I would love to learn. Only thing I know how to do is change the oil which is a good start.
My parents don't let me do any work on my car as they don't trust me.
At a guess you are 24 from your username? And your parents dictate what you can do still? Its time they let go.My parents don't let me do any work on my car as they don't trust me.
JackAttack2002 said:
Thank you
I live in Norwich, Norfolk in the east anglia region. I have joined sporting car club of Norfolk they do auto solos. Did think of giving a hill climb a go but I don't want to ruin my mx5 doing that but you can hire a mx5.
Tbh I do enjoy auto solos I enjoy driving fast. I used to do it in my micra but haven't gotten around doing it in my mx5 yet.
I haven't had much money and I focused more on track days and dating but now I have found a part time job I should think I can now afford it.
I remember I had trouble trying to navigate the new motorsport uk site to renew my rs clubman license.
Also sprints I've been interested in aswell not sure if you need a special license for that.
HiI live in Norwich, Norfolk in the east anglia region. I have joined sporting car club of Norfolk they do auto solos. Did think of giving a hill climb a go but I don't want to ruin my mx5 doing that but you can hire a mx5.
Tbh I do enjoy auto solos I enjoy driving fast. I used to do it in my micra but haven't gotten around doing it in my mx5 yet.
I haven't had much money and I focused more on track days and dating but now I have found a part time job I should think I can now afford it.
I remember I had trouble trying to navigate the new motorsport uk site to renew my rs clubman license.
Also sprints I've been interested in aswell not sure if you need a special license for that.
While there's little chance of seriously damaging a car on a Hillclimb you've not got many over your side of the country anyway so we can put that to one side..
Autosolos and Sprints will be the easiest, and you know your way round them anyhow
I've heard good things about the Sporting Car Club of Norfolk - had a look at their website, get along to one of their current meetings and have a chat?
Plus look at the Anglia Motor Sports Club - that's a collective of around a dozen local clubs who get together to organise the regions Autosolo championship - next round Debden 22nd November - go along for a day out, have another chat? You'd do that entire championship for a few hundred quid.. As you know you need no safety kit, don't know if you've a helmet, if you need a new one, buy one to Motorsport spec as it'll then do for other activities too.
For competing at Autosolo's you will need to sort your RS Clubman licence out, they're still free, if the website is giving you grief the licence dept of MSUK is good on the phone.
Next step up would the Association of Eastern Motor Clubs (so Regional level) they do a good Speed series, your Mx5 will be fine for that too, drive it to the events and have a days competition. A bit more expensive than Autosolos' but not OTT
You would need some, fairly basic safety kit, in 'standard road cars' it's a Helmet that meets the standard and your arms and legs covered (i.e. same as a trackday but a motorsport spec helmet)
So for around the cost of a holiday in the sun you could have a years worth of competition. It's a great way to start, and you can find the level you and your wallet are happy at. It's exactly what loads of people do (me included) you learn loads on the way, meet some ace people and it's up to you how far you take it.. I did the speed scene for 20 odd years, club > region > national before running an old F3 car on circuits (as a treat for my 50th!) and I'll do the same exercise in reverse, when getting in and out of a single seater gets too much, if life goes to plan!
Hope this helps
Edited by Jim Spencer on Monday 26th October 15:19
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