Hill climbing? Or what other forms of cheap motorsport?

[rfjames]

Hello chaps,

I was just wondering if anyone would be able to give me a rough idea on costings for hill climbing/sprinting, say an average event? Or even better, a season? A friend and I have just purchased a Mk2 Escort and are planning to get into motorsport on a budget; are we going the right way about it? Any tips?

We don't have a fortune to spend, but we'd love to drive in a competitive environment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks in advance,

James

[rfjames]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the prompt response. What you say makes a lot of sense, especially as we're both still quite young (early twenties), so funding isn't huge. We'll get ourselves joined up the TWMC in the meantime and go from there, maybe attend a few events to get the gist of things?

We hope to enter the Mk2 into the Modified Production Class, as we've got a Safety Devices cage being fitted, a fuel cell, and a 2-litre Pinto on the way along with a few other bits. Any insider tips for a hill climb/sprint novice such as myself? I've done the odd track day, but no actual competition.

£80 for Lydden sounds quite reasonable. I take it the day is pretty friendly and relaxed (within reason)? What would you suggest starting with as an event? I've been to Goodwood before, but I'm wondering if that might be a bit quick for our first outing.

Another question is we're looking at running a pair of bucket seats and harnesses in the Mk2, do these need to be FIA/MSA approved?

Many thanks,

James

Ps. I'll try and get a picture of the Mk2 up soon.

[rfjames]

Thanks for the fantastic advice chaps, this is a huge help. I think I'll get my friend and I along to an event asap and we'll get chatting with people and try and lend a hand, if possible. The more we can learn the better really, as we're both keen to have fun and compete.

Okay, so I should see a scrutineer at the event for a MSA logbook, or is this something that has to be done beforehand? I've tried to make sure most of the aftermarket parts we've purchased meet the MSA/FIA approval. Fortunately, the Mk2 Escort RS2000 came with a 2-litre Pinto, so I believe we can run this engine in the ModProd class? This is providing we don't go above the 2,000cc bracket, as this will push us up a grouping, I believe?

I think sprinting is going to be our main focus, although we would like to have a play at places such as Prescott Hill and Shelsey Walsh... But we best not run before we can walk.

Regarding the medical, is this required for just sprinting and hill climbing, otherwise we might give it a miss for now? Before I forget, what are the noise limits in general as our Mk2 was producing 102db at Brands (static) - I fear this will be too much?

I hear what you say about timings, so we'll do our best to get there at the crack of dawn and be organised. There's nothing worse than a last minute panic, plus we don't want to forget to do anything.

I find that incredible over the driveshaft incident - brilliant. We're just getting to grips ourselves on the spanners but we'd happily do the same for anyone esle. At the end of the day we're in it to have fun and enjoy the sport. I'm really looking forward to it now, although I envisage a long winter ahead in the lockup fixing things and getting her ready for next season. Out of interest what vehicles do you guys pilot?

Thanks again for the invaluable advice, it's answered a lot of questions.

James.

Ps. Very interesting over the seats. That is a huge help, as I was under the impression we'd need FIA approved jobbies. We can use that money else where for the time being. Maybe purchase a set of Toyo R888's or Yoko A048's like you say. I take it the soft compound would be the preferred option for these?

[rfjames]

Okay, I'll pay the MSA site a visit to find out, hopefully we can send off for our licenses soon.

105db is a good rough indication. We'll look into the different noise regulations though, as I can see Goodwood and Lydden being regulars once we're up and running. We're hoping our new 2-litre Pinto will be a tad quieter than our current X-flow, as the new exhaust system will run more boxes. Late night testing is strictly off the agenda where its kept at the moment...

We will definitely give slicks a go at some point, but I think we'll spend a bit of time getting to grips with the car on road tyres first. Very exciting though…

We're trying to loose as much weight in the car as possible at the moment. Any tips, or areas that are worth investigation on a sprint car?

[rfjames]

That's good news over the non-race Nat B license, we'll send off for ours immediately.

Excellent. We'll try and get along to the next event, will you be attending Brands Hatch? If so I'll keep an eye out for a Yellow 172 if we can make it. They're cracking handling cars. Is there a forum available on the TWMC?

Pricing seems pretty reasonable, is there much of a difference for those double driving?

Stupid question time; is there anyone else out on track at the same time?

[rfjames]

Sorry for the slight delay. This all sounds very exciting and we're really eager to get going now. When does the 2010 season start out of interest? We've got to make a few more purchases for the car, and I guess a plumbed in fire extinguisher would be a good idea too?

Looks like we'll have a bash at a Sprint taster day soon, followed by the real deal. Just out of interest is it possible to get competition car insurance for events such as this?

Thank you for clarifying the medical, that's useful to know and should be fine. Does anyone else sprint a Mk1 or Mk2 Escort on here?

James

[rfjames]

Thanks for all the advice chaps. I've managed to source a MSA Blue book fortunately (but thank you for the kind offer) so I best get my head in to that and do my research. I'll find out the rules and regulations, and then get on to an event soon and chat to a few faces. Do make homework…

I will no doubt be back on to ask plenty more questions, so thank you in advance.