Club 100 - 2011
Discussion
I've read through a lot of the Club 100 discussions here and elsewhere and I'm pretty keen to give it a go. I was very close to buying a track day car but it's just not competitive enough (at all) for what I'm hankering after.
So here is my plan:
- Go along for a mid-week test. £70 for 30mins, just to see if it agrees with me
- Commit to my first race (maybe somewhere local ish like Clay Pigeon?)
- Possibly do another couple of races to get into it.
I'm not expecting to be anywhere but the back at first, just get used to what's expected and learn, learn, learn.
In my second season then I may look to do more races 5-6 and possibly at this stage invest in more of my own kit, the expensive stuff like Racesuit and Helmet. I'm of the opinion that you buy cheap, you buy twice so I'd rather wait and get the right kit first time than buy a cheap suit and then get a better one later.
Finally, in the 3rd season (or 2nd if I'm really into it) then I'll do a full season.
So, does this sound reasonable? Regards kit, I'd probably buy gloves and boots straight away, they're not too expensive at £60-70 each and they're the main 'contact areas'. I'd also buy a neck brace and rib protector. If anyone has recommendations for particular models then I'm all ears.
At what point might driver tuition be a good thing?
- Straight away
- After a few races when I'm more used to the kart
Finally, are there any resources for getting fit for motorsport?
Thanks for the advice
So here is my plan:
- Go along for a mid-week test. £70 for 30mins, just to see if it agrees with me
- Commit to my first race (maybe somewhere local ish like Clay Pigeon?)
- Possibly do another couple of races to get into it.
I'm not expecting to be anywhere but the back at first, just get used to what's expected and learn, learn, learn.
In my second season then I may look to do more races 5-6 and possibly at this stage invest in more of my own kit, the expensive stuff like Racesuit and Helmet. I'm of the opinion that you buy cheap, you buy twice so I'd rather wait and get the right kit first time than buy a cheap suit and then get a better one later.
Finally, in the 3rd season (or 2nd if I'm really into it) then I'll do a full season.
So, does this sound reasonable? Regards kit, I'd probably buy gloves and boots straight away, they're not too expensive at £60-70 each and they're the main 'contact areas'. I'd also buy a neck brace and rib protector. If anyone has recommendations for particular models then I'm all ears.
At what point might driver tuition be a good thing?
- Straight away
- After a few races when I'm more used to the kart
Finally, are there any resources for getting fit for motorsport?
Thanks for the advice
club 100 has beocme very competitive in the last 2-3 years, a lot of dis-illusioned ex MSA licensed racers now get their kicks via club 100 as its high perfomance and relatively cheap compared to the front end of the rotax/S1 grid... getting faster is all about time in the seat so you will have to budget for a few test days, companies like pro-train do driver coaching days which might be worth a look. i havent used them but they are well known in the business..
personally i would buy a helmet straightaway, there is nothing like having your own helmet becuase its going to fit better than anything you can rent, you know the history (ie its not ben dropped, stored in a damp garage, had stuff piled on it....) and you can maintain it hygenically, washing the lining etc. for £500 you should get a suit, helmet, boots and gloves if you shop around. cant remember the urls but try dartford karting, kkc at whilton mill or spellfame
budget £30 for gloves, £40 for boots £300 for helmet and £150 for suit. you erally dont need to spend more as the market is competitive and lots of suppliers are fighting for a share. as for "contact areas" i have never seen anyone flip or get thrown out of a kart and you will not be in "contact" with anyone or anything in a race unless you are really, really unlucky. rib protector is a good idea but make sure you fit in the seat with it on and if you do go down that route, remember that without it, you may not fit as snug in the seat...
karting takes it out of your upper body and arms so look to build up that area, bench press, free weights etc if you have access to them, if not as your core muscles also take a pounding so push ups (try googling the 100 push up challenge), crunches and the "plank" are all good strengthening activities and need no specialist equipment.
stop driving four strokes completely, even for fun!, you need to learn how to drive a 2 stroke fast and smoothly and 4 strokes encourage bad habits. club 100 use direct drive karts and have "pusher karts" on the circuit during races so you need to develop a smooth driving style.
personally i would buy a helmet straightaway, there is nothing like having your own helmet becuase its going to fit better than anything you can rent, you know the history (ie its not ben dropped, stored in a damp garage, had stuff piled on it....) and you can maintain it hygenically, washing the lining etc. for £500 you should get a suit, helmet, boots and gloves if you shop around. cant remember the urls but try dartford karting, kkc at whilton mill or spellfame
budget £30 for gloves, £40 for boots £300 for helmet and £150 for suit. you erally dont need to spend more as the market is competitive and lots of suppliers are fighting for a share. as for "contact areas" i have never seen anyone flip or get thrown out of a kart and you will not be in "contact" with anyone or anything in a race unless you are really, really unlucky. rib protector is a good idea but make sure you fit in the seat with it on and if you do go down that route, remember that without it, you may not fit as snug in the seat...
karting takes it out of your upper body and arms so look to build up that area, bench press, free weights etc if you have access to them, if not as your core muscles also take a pounding so push ups (try googling the 100 push up challenge), crunches and the "plank" are all good strengthening activities and need no specialist equipment.
stop driving four strokes completely, even for fun!, you need to learn how to drive a 2 stroke fast and smoothly and 4 strokes encourage bad habits. club 100 use direct drive karts and have "pusher karts" on the circuit during races so you need to develop a smooth driving style.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 20th September 11:22
Thanks Pablo,
So do you think I ought to be doing more races initially then or am I fine with the 3 races in the first season?
You advice sounds good to me, I don't object to buying the stuff immediately but didn't want to be seen as a 'bought shiny stuff but has no idea'. Your figures seems perfectly acceptable.
Am I ok with a helmet from V2 or should I be buying an Arai/Bell?
By 'contact areas' I was meaning where I contact the kart, i.e. the gloves/boots
So do you think I ought to be doing more races initially then or am I fine with the 3 races in the first season?
You advice sounds good to me, I don't object to buying the stuff immediately but didn't want to be seen as a 'bought shiny stuff but has no idea'. Your figures seems perfectly acceptable.
Am I ok with a helmet from V2 or should I be buying an Arai/Bell?
By 'contact areas' I was meaning where I contact the kart, i.e. the gloves/boots
Trevor, sounds like a good plan of attack, I'm in my first full season of Club100 and love it. You will probably find that once you have done one round you will want to sign up for the rest of the season. It's very competative but great fun.
I'm doing both the enduro's and sprints and have that fitness really helps in both, would recommend working on core strength, google should help you find so usefull links about which area's to focus on. Let's us know when your first round is and if your a heavy like me come and say hello, you will find most people very freindly till you punt someone off
I'm doing both the enduro's and sprints and have that fitness really helps in both, would recommend working on core strength, google should help you find so usefull links about which area's to focus on. Let's us know when your first round is and if your a heavy like me come and say hello, you will find most people very freindly till you punt someone off
Thirsty Camel said:
Trevor, sounds like a good plan of attack, I'm in my first full season of Club100 and love it. You will probably find that once you have done one round you will want to sign up for the rest of the season. It's very competative but great fun.
I'm doing both the enduro's and sprints and have that fitness really helps in both, would recommend working on core strength, google should help you find so usefull links about which area's to focus on. Let's us know when your first round is and if your a heavy like me come and say hello, you will find most people very freindly till you punt someone off
Nice one, I'm 14 stone so will be in the 'fatty' class... I have scope for weight loss which will come with fitness.I'm doing both the enduro's and sprints and have that fitness really helps in both, would recommend working on core strength, google should help you find so usefull links about which area's to focus on. Let's us know when your first round is and if your a heavy like me come and say hello, you will find most people very freindly till you punt someone off
Here's one of the links I used to help setup my training routine.
http://www.karting1.co.uk/fit2race-1.htm
Good luck
http://www.karting1.co.uk/fit2race-1.htm
Good luck
I always say, Club 100 offers the best deal overall to people who want (fairly) high performance 2 stroke karting.
I would recommend an endurance championship (rookie) as a way to start, as you get lots and lots of lapping as opposed to a 20/30 min sprint. You can learn the lines, push your braking limits and check the old lap time sheets to really see what you have done..
I ran one of the first Rotax Max karts and loved it very much, but the costs of running your own set up is very much more that a Club 100 type of event.
Go for it!
I would recommend an endurance championship (rookie) as a way to start, as you get lots and lots of lapping as opposed to a 20/30 min sprint. You can learn the lines, push your braking limits and check the old lap time sheets to really see what you have done..
I ran one of the first Rotax Max karts and loved it very much, but the costs of running your own set up is very much more that a Club 100 type of event.
Go for it!
Mr Gaga said:
I always say, Club 100 offers the best deal overall to people who want (fairly) high performance 2 stroke karting.
I would recommend an endurance championship (rookie) as a way to start, as you get lots and lots of lapping as opposed to a 20/30 min sprint. You can learn the lines, push your braking limits and check the old lap time sheets to really see what you have done..
I ran one of the first Rotax Max karts and loved it very much, but the costs of running your own set up is very much more that a Club 100 type of event.
Go for it!
So do Club100 put you in a team with another driver or would I need to find some mates to enter as a team? I might be able to find 1 mate to do it but not 2/3.I would recommend an endurance championship (rookie) as a way to start, as you get lots and lots of lapping as opposed to a 20/30 min sprint. You can learn the lines, push your braking limits and check the old lap time sheets to really see what you have done..
I ran one of the first Rotax Max karts and loved it very much, but the costs of running your own set up is very much more that a Club 100 type of event.
Go for it!
I don't have an issue with doing the Endurance.
Maybe there should be a PH team for endurance?
MagicalTrevor said:
Thanks Pablo,
So do you think I ought to be doing more races initially then or am I fine with the 3 races in the first season?
You advice sounds good to me, I don't object to buying the stuff immediately but didn't want to be seen as a 'bought shiny stuff but has no idea'. Your figures seems perfectly acceptable.
Am I ok with a helmet from V2 or should I be buying an Arai/Bell?
By 'contact areas' I was meaning where I contact the kart, i.e. the gloves/boots
its not so much a case of "ought to" but "want to".... its like a drug but more addictive!.....more races = more track time = more experience though...So do you think I ought to be doing more races initially then or am I fine with the 3 races in the first season?
You advice sounds good to me, I don't object to buying the stuff immediately but didn't want to be seen as a 'bought shiny stuff but has no idea'. Your figures seems perfectly acceptable.
Am I ok with a helmet from V2 or should I be buying an Arai/Bell?
By 'contact areas' I was meaning where I contact the kart, i.e. the gloves/boots
V2 helmets are fine, i see a fair few of thema round, also that new brand like "ducchini" or something similar look good value for money.
I can echo the endurance championship comments, a sprint series will be frantic and a wrong line or a trip tpo the grass is effectively game over as you will lose so much momentum and ground. enduros are good value and prolonged time in hte seat is a big advantage.
dont worry about being the guy with "new gear but no idea", there will always be someone with shinier kit than you, the airbrushed helmet and the embrodied name on the waist belt....
If your interested in the Eduro's I would suggest paying your C100 membership and get on the forum and post up that your looking for a rookie drive nexy year, sure someone will be looking for a team mate. I might know someone who is looking for a rookie team mate for next year, but wil check to see what his plans are. Also there are teams who need standin's every so often so even if you dont get a full season you might well be able to get some Enduro's in that way.
Thirsty Camel said:
If your interested in the Eduro's I would suggest paying your C100 membership and get on the forum and post up that your looking for a rookie drive nexy year, sure someone will be looking for a team mate. I might know someone who is looking for a rookie team mate for next year, but wil check to see what his plans are. Also there are teams who need standin's every so often so even if you dont get a full season you might well be able to get some Enduro's in that way.
Ah ok, I didn't think of it that way. There will be plenty of people then Sounds like a good plan to me, I may even give both a go to see what I prefer.
Nice one thanks
No worries, I decided to do both this year, figuered the Enduro's would help me learn the tracks then the sprints to learn my race craft, todate me and my team mate have had one 2nd in the inters in the Endro's and I have been in the B finals in the sprints so for me I'm happy, would like to crack the A finals by the end of the year but it's tough going.
Also there is plenty of footage on you tube as well which will give you some idea's what the racing is like.
Also there is plenty of footage on you tube as well which will give you some idea's what the racing is like.
Just did my first club100 race at the ellough park event.
I did half hour testing at rye midweek a few weeks prior, then shared an hour testing pre event (though it was raining) before entering the LW sprint race.....the level is very high, i did a few brdc single seater races in the early noughties and the level of the c100 karting was higher! There were 5 or 6 'gentleman drivers' right at the back but everyone else is at least reasonably quick.....i finished 18th in the b final, i now know how much i need to improve by!
So, no harm in just getting out there and seeing how you do.
I will be back for last two rounds this yr, then hoping to do full yr next yr.....its TOTALLY addictive, and i think cost effective motor sport
I did half hour testing at rye midweek a few weeks prior, then shared an hour testing pre event (though it was raining) before entering the LW sprint race.....the level is very high, i did a few brdc single seater races in the early noughties and the level of the c100 karting was higher! There were 5 or 6 'gentleman drivers' right at the back but everyone else is at least reasonably quick.....i finished 18th in the b final, i now know how much i need to improve by!
So, no harm in just getting out there and seeing how you do.
I will be back for last two rounds this yr, then hoping to do full yr next yr.....its TOTALLY addictive, and i think cost effective motor sport
Ok, I have a green light from the Mrs to do Club 100.
My plan, as I've already said, is to do a practice session to see if I like it and to get used to the kart/track. This will be in October with a mate of mine. I'll then join up and I intend to enter the last Endurance race of the season at Rye House on the 20th.
I've had contact from one PH member interested in Club100 so I might actually start a thread to get a rookie 'Team Pistonheads' entered. Judging by the setup there are 6 legs to the race (5 enforced pitstops) so I might offer out each leg to people to give it a go, if somebody wants 2 legs then they can do.
Nothing serious, we'll be back runners but it's all experience. If there is enough interest then we'll enter two teams.
My plan, as I've already said, is to do a practice session to see if I like it and to get used to the kart/track. This will be in October with a mate of mine. I'll then join up and I intend to enter the last Endurance race of the season at Rye House on the 20th.
I've had contact from one PH member interested in Club100 so I might actually start a thread to get a rookie 'Team Pistonheads' entered. Judging by the setup there are 6 legs to the race (5 enforced pitstops) so I might offer out each leg to people to give it a go, if somebody wants 2 legs then they can do.
Nothing serious, we'll be back runners but it's all experience. If there is enough interest then we'll enter two teams.
I've been with Club100 for 12 years. I started with Sprints and have been doing endurance ever since. Even in the last few years, the endurance has become much more competitive. There are 35 kart grids and regular ex S1 drivers. The endurance races are good value. You can even do them as a two man team but you'll need to grab an extra pair of hands at each pit stop for pushing out. There are two enduros at each race meeting on the Saturday. The mornings are Prem/Clubman and the afternoons are Inters/Rookies. They were originally Prem and Inters races but now have sub-classes to help those that never stood a chance of getting a top three position in their race. There seems to be a select few drivers who can make the karts do incredible laptimes but don't let that put you off as you'll always find someone at your ability to race with. Just be sensible and you'll earn everyone's respect whatever your ability.
If you just want a test session, you can book at kart for an hour on the Friday afternoon before every race meeting. You can hire some overalls and helmet for £10 a session/race. If you buy your own, they don't have to be MSA legal but it is obviously advisable.
The kart prep is incredible. All karts have major items renewed at the same time (i.e. engine rebuilds, tyre changes) so you'll find they are all fairly even. There is a system for kart testing at each race and the kart testers have to get a time within .3s of their target time for the kart to pass.
I don't think you need to join up to get on the forum. Just try and register and see what happens. If that doesn't work, ask the office at racing@club100.co.uk
If you just want a test session, you can book at kart for an hour on the Friday afternoon before every race meeting. You can hire some overalls and helmet for £10 a session/race. If you buy your own, they don't have to be MSA legal but it is obviously advisable.
The kart prep is incredible. All karts have major items renewed at the same time (i.e. engine rebuilds, tyre changes) so you'll find they are all fairly even. There is a system for kart testing at each race and the kart testers have to get a time within .3s of their target time for the kart to pass.
I don't think you need to join up to get on the forum. Just try and register and see what happens. If that doesn't work, ask the office at racing@club100.co.uk
I see there is definitely a small c100 commando hiding out on ph. I raced from 99-08, and the standard, and level of competition, has got higher and higher, while retaining championships & classes for all abilities and ladder of its own, so you'll always find someone to race. It is unique, very friendly, very well run, and very good value for money... And highly addictive.
I'd recommend the enduro for seat time, you'll learn race craft, and how to overtake, a typical 2hr enduro with a 2 or 3 team, will get you with the practice session and the qualifying about an hour's track time as a newbie you need bum in seat time, but don't be put off sprints, that is intense, but don't thnk of it as only arrive n drive, it may not be as fast as owner driver, but arguably in each class the level of competition is so high, an argument could be made that in it's own way, it the most competitive karting in the uk, and certainly for the money.
I can't give it up, even though I don't race, so I'm turning it into automotive pornography.
I hope what's being referred to as on YouTube is my stuff, but if not, and only to get you in the mood, you can check out my YouTube channel which you can to it thru my website
http://coolthinking.co.uk/COOLTHINKINGMEDIA/COOLTH...
That's the best of 2009, when I'm not shooting Britcar & TV, I'll be adding 2010 coverage shortly, which will blow your mind.
Get on the c100 forum not sure you have to be a member post a request for a team mate or a one off drive, with little background on your experience, you'll find someone looking for similar, we were all rookies once...
So just do it!
I'd recommend the enduro for seat time, you'll learn race craft, and how to overtake, a typical 2hr enduro with a 2 or 3 team, will get you with the practice session and the qualifying about an hour's track time as a newbie you need bum in seat time, but don't be put off sprints, that is intense, but don't thnk of it as only arrive n drive, it may not be as fast as owner driver, but arguably in each class the level of competition is so high, an argument could be made that in it's own way, it the most competitive karting in the uk, and certainly for the money.
I can't give it up, even though I don't race, so I'm turning it into automotive pornography.
I hope what's being referred to as on YouTube is my stuff, but if not, and only to get you in the mood, you can check out my YouTube channel which you can to it thru my website
http://coolthinking.co.uk/COOLTHINKINGMEDIA/COOLTH...
That's the best of 2009, when I'm not shooting Britcar & TV, I'll be adding 2010 coverage shortly, which will blow your mind.
Get on the c100 forum not sure you have to be a member post a request for a team mate or a one off drive, with little background on your experience, you'll find someone looking for similar, we were all rookies once...
So just do it!
Northern Munkee said:
I hope what's being referred to as on YouTube is my stuff, but if not, and only to get you in the mood, you can check out my YouTube channel which you can to it thru my website
http://coolthinking.co.uk/COOLTHINKINGMEDIA/COOLTH...
That's the best of 2009, when I'm not shooting Britcar & TV, I'll be adding 2010 coverage shortly, which will blow your mind.
Great job!http://coolthinking.co.uk/COOLTHINKINGMEDIA/COOLTH...
That's the best of 2009, when I'm not shooting Britcar & TV, I'll be adding 2010 coverage shortly, which will blow your mind.
I was in the same position as you this time last year and here is what I did.
Turn up at Whilton Mill and have a go in 2009. Come second last but really enjoy it. Sign up to the whole of the next season and buy all my own gear. Its been a lot of fun but I have generally been a mid field B final runner which is quite frustrating.
Doing testing, working out, doing some enduros and getting a good nights sleep will help a lot. I say just get yourself signed up! My thoughts were that if I got to the end of another year having not done it I would kick myself, and so I signed up and have not looked back. Great atmosphere, get to go to some new places and make some new mates - I know some people that work in F1 now - fancy!
It has also been good for my general health and fitness, I dont think I have ever been fitter and its spurred me on to lose over a stone but I want more!
Having done almost the whole season I am totally lost with my weekend car now, its made me find driving on the road a bit boring really, it certainly opens your eyes!
Good luck.
Ps, hello Chris didnt know you were on here or indeed raced for so long!
Pps, make sure you get on the mailing list as the 2011 calendar is going public soon and you will get second refusal, and maybe (?) a free DVD from Chris like last year.
Turn up at Whilton Mill and have a go in 2009. Come second last but really enjoy it. Sign up to the whole of the next season and buy all my own gear. Its been a lot of fun but I have generally been a mid field B final runner which is quite frustrating.
Doing testing, working out, doing some enduros and getting a good nights sleep will help a lot. I say just get yourself signed up! My thoughts were that if I got to the end of another year having not done it I would kick myself, and so I signed up and have not looked back. Great atmosphere, get to go to some new places and make some new mates - I know some people that work in F1 now - fancy!
It has also been good for my general health and fitness, I dont think I have ever been fitter and its spurred me on to lose over a stone but I want more!
Having done almost the whole season I am totally lost with my weekend car now, its made me find driving on the road a bit boring really, it certainly opens your eyes!
Good luck.
Ps, hello Chris didnt know you were on here or indeed raced for so long!
Pps, make sure you get on the mailing list as the 2011 calendar is going public soon and you will get second refusal, and maybe (?) a free DVD from Chris like last year.
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