Racing Licence
Discussion
Appologies if this is a basic question but,
I have been on a number of driving day experiences over the years and have driven a lot of nice cars.
I would now like to perhaps get more involved in some form of motor sport. As a novice I understand I need to get a race licence (and also gain some more track experience although preferably not in my own car!) and wondered if anyone could advise on the best route.
Ideally it would be based somewhere like donnington, and would start as a few track day type experiences moving into the more technical aspects and then gaining the race licence if possible.
All ideas would be gratefully received.
I have been on a number of driving day experiences over the years and have driven a lot of nice cars.
I would now like to perhaps get more involved in some form of motor sport. As a novice I understand I need to get a race licence (and also gain some more track experience although preferably not in my own car!) and wondered if anyone could advise on the best route.
Ideally it would be based somewhere like donnington, and would start as a few track day type experiences moving into the more technical aspects and then gaining the race licence if possible.
All ideas would be gratefully received.
Hi, First of all it's very straightforward to get a race licence and for some of them you don't even need to pay for an ARDS course to prove your proficiency and safety. Simply go to the Motor Sports Association website for more details.
Not sure what to suggest for motorsport but I'd look at RallyCross -the stock hatch rules mean you can do a full season for 1000 (plus another 1000 for the purchase of the car and consummables). You get to race on tarmac and gravel in the same race - and you get at least 2 races (if not more if you're half decent). Take a look at the British rallycross drivers association site for more details.
Also try the 750 motorclub too.
Not sure what to suggest for motorsport but I'd look at RallyCross -the stock hatch rules mean you can do a full season for 1000 (plus another 1000 for the purchase of the car and consummables). You get to race on tarmac and gravel in the same race - and you get at least 2 races (if not more if you're half decent). Take a look at the British rallycross drivers association site for more details.
Also try the 750 motorclub too.
Hiya
I've just gone down the same route and had my first 750mc Stockhatch race a coupleof weeks back.
As Savaloy says you can get the starter pack from the MSA on their website www.ukmotorsport.com
The ARDS course is fairly easy as long as you learn the flags! Medical is a cost also, as is Clothing.
If you want costings on the Stockhatch series then I will post them.
HTH, go ahead and book up!
Nick
I've just gone down the same route and had my first 750mc Stockhatch race a coupleof weeks back.
As Savaloy says you can get the starter pack from the MSA on their website www.ukmotorsport.com
The ARDS course is fairly easy as long as you learn the flags! Medical is a cost also, as is Clothing.
If you want costings on the Stockhatch series then I will post them.
HTH, go ahead and book up!
Nick
Not sure if this link will work:
www.veloce.co.uk/cgi-bin/veloceco/V270.html?mv_pc=304
otherwise, go to the home page, search "motorsport" for the title
Getting Started in Motorsport by SS Collins
Sam has written it for virgins, by a virgin. So it fills in a lot of the gaps left by others (particularly the MSA and Go Racing pack).
Clearly one of the big issues is deciding what car (and therefore which events) you want. I'm workiing on something in this area, but probably not in your timeframe. One tip, though: once you have some idea, go along to a few events. You can see the quality of the cars and racing, and also do chat to some competitors. Most clubbers (once they realise you are serious) will make time to have a chat and give you tips on:
- What it's really like to run that type of car
- Where to find a car
- Who is best to speak to
www.veloce.co.uk/cgi-bin/veloceco/V270.html?mv_pc=304
otherwise, go to the home page, search "motorsport" for the title
Getting Started in Motorsport by SS Collins
Sam has written it for virgins, by a virgin. So it fills in a lot of the gaps left by others (particularly the MSA and Go Racing pack).
Clearly one of the big issues is deciding what car (and therefore which events) you want. I'm workiing on something in this area, but probably not in your timeframe. One tip, though: once you have some idea, go along to a few events. You can see the quality of the cars and racing, and also do chat to some competitors. Most clubbers (once they realise you are serious) will make time to have a chat and give you tips on:
- What it's really like to run that type of car
- Where to find a car
- Who is best to speak to
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
Aprisa
How did it go? Was it as good as you thought it was going to be?
And perhaps you could give a summary of your car and what you've bought in order to go racing (consummables, camping equipment, trailer?, etc etc?
It was certainly a good way to lose weight!! fairly straightforward with no unexpected technical problems and as expected I came pretty near the back
Everyone I spoke to in the 750 club was very helpful and friendly and the meeting was a great place to be. In order to be really competetive I (you) will need to spend a lot more time on setting up the car and pairing down the weight (doesn't help being a fat Sloth).
Basic car (205GTI) was £500, cage-seat-harness and sundry other bits to pass scrutineering was about £1000, clothing was £400 (already had helmet), ARDS was £350, medical £80. Already had trailer but budget around £500. 4 tyres will be £140 (need 2 sets)
750 club is I think £45 and each race is around £150.
There are a few ready done cars on the 750 club site
www.750mc.co.uk and they are about £3k usually.
If I have forgotten anything then I not suprised
HTH Nick
To get my car really setup I think I will have to spend another £1500ish, fuel cell, suspension and some engine work, this is to follow.
One option which is THE cheapest way to get the much needed experience, MSA licence and all the kit is the 5-day Race Intensive Course run by Silverstone Racing School.
The course includes your ARDS Go Racing Pack, National B Competition Licence, Sparco Racesuit, Sparco Gloves, Sparco Boots, plus a single seater race at the end of it.
The course costs start from £2350 Inc VAT. Sounds a lot of money, but if you work out how much it costs to do five full days of testing, even without tuition, the course soon appears relatively inexpensive.
You are going to have to spend £1000 at least to get your test, racewear, etc. So spending the extra £1350 to get five full days of driving and expert tuition from the likes of Rob Barff, Robin Liddell, Danny Watts, Tim Mullen, is well worth it!
www.brandshatchcircuits.co.uk, look under racing school.
race@brandshatchcircuits.co.uk
BBR73
The course includes your ARDS Go Racing Pack, National B Competition Licence, Sparco Racesuit, Sparco Gloves, Sparco Boots, plus a single seater race at the end of it.
The course costs start from £2350 Inc VAT. Sounds a lot of money, but if you work out how much it costs to do five full days of testing, even without tuition, the course soon appears relatively inexpensive.
You are going to have to spend £1000 at least to get your test, racewear, etc. So spending the extra £1350 to get five full days of driving and expert tuition from the likes of Rob Barff, Robin Liddell, Danny Watts, Tim Mullen, is well worth it!
www.brandshatchcircuits.co.uk, look under racing school.
race@brandshatchcircuits.co.uk
BBR73
I'll second that the 5 day ards is really the way to go..
its hard work, great fun and you get 2 signatures at the end of it ( provided you finish the race)
you learn so much that would take at least a season on your own.
THe biggest advantage i think is that it will make you safer as well as faster...
if you do do it id just go for the formula firsts, i carnt see much advantage in the formula fords and its quite a bit more for the same course.
contact
Rob Barff
for more info
cheers
G
its hard work, great fun and you get 2 signatures at the end of it ( provided you finish the race)
you learn so much that would take at least a season on your own.
THe biggest advantage i think is that it will make you safer as well as faster...
if you do do it id just go for the formula firsts, i carnt see much advantage in the formula fords and its quite a bit more for the same course.
contact
Rob Barff
for more info
cheers
G
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