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My motorsports involvement is largely grass roots, or shall we say mud!! As in off roading.
Mostly writhing the Land Rover circuit, which is huge. We have events on most weekend across the country.
My father and uncle are founding members of our local MSUK (previously MSA) affiliated club. I have been a member for a couple of decades, committee member and club scrutineer.
Events vary in nature from entry level Tyro for showroom class vehicles, to more challenging Road Taxed Vehicle (RTV) trials and then onto Cross Country Vehicle Trials (CCV) in purpose built vehicles.
Speed events take the form of Time Trials, Team Recovery and Comp Safari.
Off road motorsports is arguably the most accessible and affordable form of motorsport. But is often over looked
For myself I enter multiple events, help run them and set them up. I have also competed at All Wheel Drive Club events in the past as well as some auto testing and auto-solo’s. The latter not so much in off road vehicles though.
My photo, not my vehicle.
Mostly writhing the Land Rover circuit, which is huge. We have events on most weekend across the country.
My father and uncle are founding members of our local MSUK (previously MSA) affiliated club. I have been a member for a couple of decades, committee member and club scrutineer.
Events vary in nature from entry level Tyro for showroom class vehicles, to more challenging Road Taxed Vehicle (RTV) trials and then onto Cross Country Vehicle Trials (CCV) in purpose built vehicles.
Speed events take the form of Time Trials, Team Recovery and Comp Safari.
Off road motorsports is arguably the most accessible and affordable form of motorsport. But is often over looked
For myself I enter multiple events, help run them and set them up. I have also competed at All Wheel Drive Club events in the past as well as some auto testing and auto-solo’s. The latter not so much in off road vehicles though.
My photo, not my vehicle.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Sunday 20th October 00:05
Happy to contribute, I’m a newbie having just been through the process so the fears and anxiety of starting out are still fresh in my head. I’m also glad to have swerved the traditional route of tintops and the like which I think is actually a bit more intimidating than the somewhat more unconventional route I took of buying an old Jag XJ.
Racing in the JEC Saloons & GTs (for the CSCC director who commented earlier, I’m very sorry we don’t crash into each other that often honest guv. And we are doing what we can about the numbers).
Racing in the JEC Saloons & GTs (for the CSCC director who commented earlier, I’m very sorry we don’t crash into each other that often honest guv. And we are doing what we can about the numbers).
Happy to contribute.
I started out sprint and hill climbing a westfield the moved to hill climbing a Jedi at national level.
The moved on to MX5 supercup initially racing with a team and now doing it all on my own, currently building a new MX5 Supercup car that will be a bit more versatile this time so I can do some more racing.
Also did a 1 off race in bmw compact cup as a comparison.
Would love to help get more people into racing.
Always thought it would be good to make a video of a race weekend showing the formalities like signing on/scrutineering to take the fear out of it.
I started out sprint and hill climbing a westfield the moved to hill climbing a Jedi at national level.
The moved on to MX5 supercup initially racing with a team and now doing it all on my own, currently building a new MX5 Supercup car that will be a bit more versatile this time so I can do some more racing.
Also did a 1 off race in bmw compact cup as a comparison.
Would love to help get more people into racing.
Always thought it would be good to make a video of a race weekend showing the formalities like signing on/scrutineering to take the fear out of it.
Happy to help on Sprinting.
My wife and I Sprint and double drive a car, which often leads to numerous questions. Happy to answer those.
The MSA Blue Book is like reading Greek, as someone who has been Sprinting for 3 years I can offer a bit of advice I collated from others.
This is a great idea as when I started looking into this I found there to be a huge lack of information.
My wife and I Sprint and double drive a car, which often leads to numerous questions. Happy to answer those.
The MSA Blue Book is like reading Greek, as someone who has been Sprinting for 3 years I can offer a bit of advice I collated from others.
This is a great idea as when I started looking into this I found there to be a huge lack of information.
carl_w said:
Will this guide be free (as in beer)?
It certainly will! Although if you want to send me beer for the effort that'll be involved, then I'm happy with that too 
Met up with thelostboy on the weekend for a chat and I'm feeling really encouraged by all of your responses so far, so thank you. Keep em coming!
Cheapest way into motorsport? As a marshal. Either BMMC https://www.marshals.co.uk/about-marshalling/taste... with an organising club or your local circuit.
Experience of competing in autotests (also organising), targa rallies, sprints, stage rallying from clubbie single venues to internationals, road rallies, rallycross, karting and one make circuit racing.
I have a particular interest in low cost MSUK sanctioned motorsport in Autotests and targas with entry fees between £8 and £150 where you can use your everyday road car with either zero preparation or very limited preparation.
I hate barriers to entry, but accept that some are there for a good reason.
( I'm not averse to the odd dabble in non MSUK santioned stuff either if it suits what want to do and the ££ I have to spend)
Wingo.
I have a particular interest in low cost MSUK sanctioned motorsport in Autotests and targas with entry fees between £8 and £150 where you can use your everyday road car with either zero preparation or very limited preparation.
I hate barriers to entry, but accept that some are there for a good reason.
( I'm not averse to the odd dabble in non MSUK santioned stuff either if it suits what want to do and the ££ I have to spend)
Wingo.
Sounds like a great idea, happy to help and contribute however possible for circuit racing in general and any of 750 Motor Club's 23 series and championships.
We will also be at MSD Live in Garages 31/32/33 with cars representing nine formulae from 750mc.co.uk so I'll pop over and see you at some point - James @ 750MC
We will also be at MSD Live in Garages 31/32/33 with cars representing nine formulae from 750mc.co.uk so I'll pop over and see you at some point - James @ 750MC
For me:
Starting out:
Track days in various cars
Bought an MX5 as a cheap track car
Entered the first Targa Rally without really knowing what one was.
Onwards (Cheap and Cheerful):
Did several seasons of Targas and Autosolos in East Anglia. Second o/a seems to be my natural home.
Narrowly missed out in the first EAMC Targa championship by 1pt a number of years ago and came second in the Autosolo championship two seasons in a row as well.
Went through a couple of cheap MX5s in this phase and at one point was competing nearly every month..
Then I spent more money to do less:
Bought a Road rally spec but Stage Rally eligible car, did BARS and competed in the first MSN circuit rally championship. Did 10 or so Stage Rallies and kept my hand in with the Targa events. Haven't done an Autosolo for a number of years now.
Now:
Compete on the odd event, navigate a bit as well while I work out what the next adventure looks like. Should I upgrade my car (stage only) or settle for a Targa specced stage car which is not quite suited to either discipline....or go back to cheap and cheerful - I fancy an S2000 as a Targa car....
Starting out:
Track days in various cars
Bought an MX5 as a cheap track car
Entered the first Targa Rally without really knowing what one was.
Onwards (Cheap and Cheerful):
Did several seasons of Targas and Autosolos in East Anglia. Second o/a seems to be my natural home.
Narrowly missed out in the first EAMC Targa championship by 1pt a number of years ago and came second in the Autosolo championship two seasons in a row as well.
Went through a couple of cheap MX5s in this phase and at one point was competing nearly every month..
Then I spent more money to do less:
Bought a Road rally spec but Stage Rally eligible car, did BARS and competed in the first MSN circuit rally championship. Did 10 or so Stage Rallies and kept my hand in with the Targa events. Haven't done an Autosolo for a number of years now.
Now:
Compete on the odd event, navigate a bit as well while I work out what the next adventure looks like. Should I upgrade my car (stage only) or settle for a Targa specced stage car which is not quite suited to either discipline....or go back to cheap and cheerful - I fancy an S2000 as a Targa car....
MotorsportDays is extremely proud to be working with PistonHeads on this initiative. MotorsportDays provides you with the perfect portal to find your next track or test day event. We work with over 70 organisers across Europe and list more than 2000 events annually, search by your favourite track, a chosen date or the type of event. Finding your next on-track event has never been easier, visit: https://www.motorsportdays.com/
We are also very excited to be welcoming PistonHeads and the community to this years MotorsportDays LIVE event 01-02 November 2019, held at the Silverstone Wing. This is Europe's only on-track trade event, giving you the perfect opportunity to get on track and find out more about taking that next step into competitive motorsport. Join race teams, clubs, championships, manufacturers and suppliers, whilst actually sampling cars and products LIVE on the International circuit.
To find out more about the event and the potential to take your own car on the track visit: https://www.motorsportdays.live/pistonheads/
We look forward to welcoming you all to Silverstone 01-02 November 2019
We are also very excited to be welcoming PistonHeads and the community to this years MotorsportDays LIVE event 01-02 November 2019, held at the Silverstone Wing. This is Europe's only on-track trade event, giving you the perfect opportunity to get on track and find out more about taking that next step into competitive motorsport. Join race teams, clubs, championships, manufacturers and suppliers, whilst actually sampling cars and products LIVE on the International circuit.
To find out more about the event and the potential to take your own car on the track visit: https://www.motorsportdays.live/pistonheads/
We look forward to welcoming you all to Silverstone 01-02 November 2019
Nampahc Niloc said:
RatLad said:
I would be very keen to read this guide. I’ve just passed my ARDS and I’m not sure what series would be best for me and where to go next. As budget is limited, I’m planning on getting a race prepped (but road legal, as I can’t be doing with trailers ) Caterham, but I’ve no idea if there is a championship that would suit the approach of driving to the track, racing and driving home.
Maybe check out the Caterham Graduates.I'm a late starter to motorsport, my first season being two years ago when I was 49.
I'm the championship rep for the Scottish Motor Racing Club Fiesta ST Championship and also an Ards instructor.
I'm the championship rep for the Scottish Motor Racing Club Fiesta ST Championship and also an Ards instructor.
Edited by Rockatansky on Tuesday 22 October 08:30
(organiser here)
We would love to be at MSD Live however the 7 Race Series will have a grid of around 65 cars at Portimao on the same weekend..! Two weeks later we shall be at Estoril for the season finale before returning back to the UK. (we have been in touch with Ben to discuss options but it just isn't going to be feasible for us...)
About the 7 Race Series;
We have operated as a series for the past three years and try to offer drivers the opportunity to race at some of the UK and Europe's premier circuits, over this time we have raced at, amongst others;
Imola
Spa Francorchamps
Catalunya
Jerex
Brands GP
Jarama
This year we also had a special event at Ascari, a fantastic privately owned circuit which not everyone has the opportunity to go to. For the past 6 years we have partnered with a Portuguese Championship and have been invited to events in Spain and Portugal.
We have two classes (and usually two grids) that cover the Caterham 420R specification race cars and a 'catch all' of Caterham 1600cc cars, the latter is then split into sub-classes.
As an ex-racer there is a genuine effort to make a friendly competitive atmosphere in locations that drivers can easily get to and to make the weekend more than just about the race. Flying to Bologna for a weekend away with a partner and finding that your car is at Imola has a distinct appeal, good food, good location and a good social side does appeal to a number of drivers.
The luxury of transport... I could go into financial details (and I think that is what the thread is about, so I will...) there are a number of approved race teams that support drivers in the 7 Race Series and I coordinate between them all to help smooth the process of cars getting to the circuits far afield, so for example a trip this year of UK/Imola/Jarama/Ascari/UK was £2400(+vat), a round trip UK/Portimao/Estoril/UK is £1450(+vat) and whilst no motorsport is cheap there are economies of scale in transportation (and coordination) that mean more drivers can get on track. This also simplifies effort for the teams as they can simply fly staff in/out and still continue to support their drivers, rather than lose money taking down a truck that is only half full.
We also try to organise hotels so that drivers can be together; it is also helps drivers get to know who they are racing with and 'might' make a driver less inclined to take that 'overtaking risk' if they know they will be socialising with the same drivers in the evening... it has happened before where a driver has made a genuine error on track and... they didn't forget about it in the evening when 10 drivers (jokingly) raised the subject over dinner (peer pressure at its finest)
The friendly atmosphere ethos also extends to support, this year one team had drivers at Croft and a sole driver at Brands Hatch, so through an open approach another approved team supported the sole driver. Equally, you can never staff an event perfectly if all hell breaks loose, so it is not uncommon for other teams to 'muck in', if the need arises (you know those days when all your cars come back on the truck...!). Obviously there is a moral obligation to get the round in at the bar that evening to pay for the benefit :-)
Nothing underhand and no 'enticing' drivers from one team to another, we don't support/allow that and do/have taken action, but it hopefully shows that all the teams are happy to work together... ultimately to get, and keep, drivers on track.
For 2020 we will be operating a Championship for 5 of the meetings and the provisional calendar is;
Brands Hatch GP
Mondello Park
Snetterton
Silverstone GP
Donington
For the 2020 invitation events we are (provisionally) at;
Le Mans Bugatti
Portimao
Estoril
The average driver is someone that has raced in the UK for a number of years and perhaps become a little 'bored' of the same circuits. Strict regulations, sealed engines and an open discussion club policy for eligibility means that anyone with a concern over a competitors car can raise the matter, in addition to any MSUK procedures. All drivers are aware that the 7 Race Series 'works' because no one is taking the ^%&* and if there is a bad apple then they won't be invited back to race, so it does 'self police' very well.
The response to the 2020 calendar has been amazing, but then looking at the circuits it is easy to see why. As a result we will be taking registrations from existing members/drivers as a priority, discussing track time with circuit owners/organisers and then taking registrations from new members. So, whilst this is an opportunity to highlight the 7 Race Series it might also be that we are now full (apologies on that side).
We sometimes support events with a little profile; Blancpain GT, Creventic 24h Series, European Le Mans, Historic Endurance, etc. We have live streamed at some events (we can do all events but it costs money...) and so the exposure of the Series across Europe is unrivalled at this Club level of motorsport.
If anyone needs any more information then please get in touch;
Facebook - Toyo Tires 7 Race Series
Email - info@7raceseries.co.uk
The last bit might not follow etiquette so mods please edit/remove as you see fit :-)
Happy to answer questions but the response time might be slower than normal due to Portimao, Estoril and finalising the 2020 calendar...
We would love to be at MSD Live however the 7 Race Series will have a grid of around 65 cars at Portimao on the same weekend..! Two weeks later we shall be at Estoril for the season finale before returning back to the UK. (we have been in touch with Ben to discuss options but it just isn't going to be feasible for us...)
About the 7 Race Series;
We have operated as a series for the past three years and try to offer drivers the opportunity to race at some of the UK and Europe's premier circuits, over this time we have raced at, amongst others;
Imola
Spa Francorchamps
Catalunya
Jerex
Brands GP
Jarama
This year we also had a special event at Ascari, a fantastic privately owned circuit which not everyone has the opportunity to go to. For the past 6 years we have partnered with a Portuguese Championship and have been invited to events in Spain and Portugal.
We have two classes (and usually two grids) that cover the Caterham 420R specification race cars and a 'catch all' of Caterham 1600cc cars, the latter is then split into sub-classes.
As an ex-racer there is a genuine effort to make a friendly competitive atmosphere in locations that drivers can easily get to and to make the weekend more than just about the race. Flying to Bologna for a weekend away with a partner and finding that your car is at Imola has a distinct appeal, good food, good location and a good social side does appeal to a number of drivers.
The luxury of transport... I could go into financial details (and I think that is what the thread is about, so I will...) there are a number of approved race teams that support drivers in the 7 Race Series and I coordinate between them all to help smooth the process of cars getting to the circuits far afield, so for example a trip this year of UK/Imola/Jarama/Ascari/UK was £2400(+vat), a round trip UK/Portimao/Estoril/UK is £1450(+vat) and whilst no motorsport is cheap there are economies of scale in transportation (and coordination) that mean more drivers can get on track. This also simplifies effort for the teams as they can simply fly staff in/out and still continue to support their drivers, rather than lose money taking down a truck that is only half full.
We also try to organise hotels so that drivers can be together; it is also helps drivers get to know who they are racing with and 'might' make a driver less inclined to take that 'overtaking risk' if they know they will be socialising with the same drivers in the evening... it has happened before where a driver has made a genuine error on track and... they didn't forget about it in the evening when 10 drivers (jokingly) raised the subject over dinner (peer pressure at its finest)
The friendly atmosphere ethos also extends to support, this year one team had drivers at Croft and a sole driver at Brands Hatch, so through an open approach another approved team supported the sole driver. Equally, you can never staff an event perfectly if all hell breaks loose, so it is not uncommon for other teams to 'muck in', if the need arises (you know those days when all your cars come back on the truck...!). Obviously there is a moral obligation to get the round in at the bar that evening to pay for the benefit :-)
Nothing underhand and no 'enticing' drivers from one team to another, we don't support/allow that and do/have taken action, but it hopefully shows that all the teams are happy to work together... ultimately to get, and keep, drivers on track.
For 2020 we will be operating a Championship for 5 of the meetings and the provisional calendar is;
Brands Hatch GP
Mondello Park
Snetterton
Silverstone GP
Donington
For the 2020 invitation events we are (provisionally) at;
Le Mans Bugatti
Portimao
Estoril
The average driver is someone that has raced in the UK for a number of years and perhaps become a little 'bored' of the same circuits. Strict regulations, sealed engines and an open discussion club policy for eligibility means that anyone with a concern over a competitors car can raise the matter, in addition to any MSUK procedures. All drivers are aware that the 7 Race Series 'works' because no one is taking the ^%&* and if there is a bad apple then they won't be invited back to race, so it does 'self police' very well.
The response to the 2020 calendar has been amazing, but then looking at the circuits it is easy to see why. As a result we will be taking registrations from existing members/drivers as a priority, discussing track time with circuit owners/organisers and then taking registrations from new members. So, whilst this is an opportunity to highlight the 7 Race Series it might also be that we are now full (apologies on that side).
We sometimes support events with a little profile; Blancpain GT, Creventic 24h Series, European Le Mans, Historic Endurance, etc. We have live streamed at some events (we can do all events but it costs money...) and so the exposure of the Series across Europe is unrivalled at this Club level of motorsport.
If anyone needs any more information then please get in touch;
Facebook - Toyo Tires 7 Race Series
Email - info@7raceseries.co.uk
The last bit might not follow etiquette so mods please edit/remove as you see fit :-)
Happy to answer questions but the response time might be slower than normal due to Portimao, Estoril and finalising the 2020 calendar...
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