Recommendation for child
Discussion
Hi everyone.
So my son has long expressed interest in my car and the rules of the road etc... He was always narrating what cars are doing what, what speed I should be doing etc... So last year I got him a playstation with a steering wheel and pedals so he could have a go, he had Collin McCrae and Grand Tourismo but he was always on Collin McCrae. He just fell in love with rally style racing.
He's also seen me on a go-kart track and loved it and tells us about racing and engine noises a lot.
With all that in mind I thought I'd try and get him more into motorsports, but that's where I need a little help, I know he can't actually race as (as far as I can tell) outside of Legoland you have to be 7 to get in a go-kart, so I thought I'd take him to see an actual race. This is where I need some guidance if you can.
What would be a good introduction to racing? I know he loves rally but that seems pretty dangerous for him and he might also get bored of just watching 1 corner and seeing cars every now and then. I thought about seeing a track event but wasn't sure if there was something people could recommend as a good entry point? Something that can hold his attention?
Some other info: he's 5, he has the attention span of a 5 year old and I live in Grantham but don't consider Caldwell park too far to travel.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
So my son has long expressed interest in my car and the rules of the road etc... He was always narrating what cars are doing what, what speed I should be doing etc... So last year I got him a playstation with a steering wheel and pedals so he could have a go, he had Collin McCrae and Grand Tourismo but he was always on Collin McCrae. He just fell in love with rally style racing.
He's also seen me on a go-kart track and loved it and tells us about racing and engine noises a lot.
With all that in mind I thought I'd try and get him more into motorsports, but that's where I need a little help, I know he can't actually race as (as far as I can tell) outside of Legoland you have to be 7 to get in a go-kart, so I thought I'd take him to see an actual race. This is where I need some guidance if you can.
What would be a good introduction to racing? I know he loves rally but that seems pretty dangerous for him and he might also get bored of just watching 1 corner and seeing cars every now and then. I thought about seeing a track event but wasn't sure if there was something people could recommend as a good entry point? Something that can hold his attention?
Some other info: he's 5, he has the attention span of a 5 year old and I live in Grantham but don't consider Caldwell park too far to travel.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
The obvious event to take him to is the Alan Healy Memorial Rally at Cadwell on the 7th April.
You have the canteen open, toilets, you can wander round the circuit and Service area to (but do check this). There is a kids play area. Stay in the car and watch.
For a young one I can't thing of a better event, his dad may well enjoy it too.
You have the canteen open, toilets, you can wander round the circuit and Service area to (but do check this). There is a kids play area. Stay in the car and watch.
For a young one I can't thing of a better event, his dad may well enjoy it too.
Edited by Drumroll on Sunday 3rd February 19:05
Alan Healy Memorial Cadwell Park Stages is 7th April. You will be able to see more than one corner as its a circuit rally. If you Google the rally it will come up with some more info also most likely so you tube videos you could show your son. My 4 year old is keen on rallying as that's what I do. His party trick is watching YouTube and telling me what the car is with his back to the TV from the engine sound. He loves mk2 Escorts.
There are a few events nearby, Snetterton in March, and also there is an event at Doningotn in March.
Sadly the experience of watching these events is not what it was due to recent spectator rule changes and Mr Palmer not wanting to do any maintenance to his venues, yet charging 20 quid to get in.
but you get the idea. Cadwell is great, and it would be warmer. but it is strictly asphalt, when it used to be a bit mroe mixed.
Sadly the experience of watching these events is not what it was due to recent spectator rule changes and Mr Palmer not wanting to do any maintenance to his venues, yet charging 20 quid to get in.
but you get the idea. Cadwell is great, and it would be warmer. but it is strictly asphalt, when it used to be a bit mroe mixed.
Donington Stages on 3rd March is only £12 in advance and for that you will get a full day's motorsport with access to all areas including the paddock which isn't bad.
https://www.doningtonrally.co.uk/spectators
https://www.doningtonrally.co.uk/spectators
chunder27 said:
There are a few events nearby, Snetterton in March, and also there is an event at Doningotn in March.
Sadly the experience of watching these events is not what it was due to recent spectator rule changes and Mr Palmer not wanting to do any maintenance to his venues, yet charging 20 quid to get in.
but you get the idea. Cadwell is great, and it would be warmer. but it is strictly asphalt, when it used to be a bit mroe mixed.
Chunder you are talking rubbish again. Spectator rule changes have not had any effect at Cadwell or any other race circuit venue. Palmer is spending £100 thousand+ on maintenance (you could go on their website to see this, but hey why let facts get in the way of your view)Sadly the experience of watching these events is not what it was due to recent spectator rule changes and Mr Palmer not wanting to do any maintenance to his venues, yet charging 20 quid to get in.
but you get the idea. Cadwell is great, and it would be warmer. but it is strictly asphalt, when it used to be a bit mroe mixed.
I have started taking my daughter to a couple of things (she was 4 in June last year).
We went to the TCR series at Castle Combe as had a wide variety of cars racing with good sized grids and not crazy noisy, also took her to the service park at Deeside for the WRC cars which again she seemed to enjoy. Going to the different sponsor stands collecting flags etc, watching the mechanics working on the cars.
She has asked me if we can see some "racing cars" again so will be looking out a for different things at Oulton Park (local track) to go and see. Would like to do something which has good access to the paddock as gives a break from the action and a chance to see the cars a bit closer.
Probably wouldn't go and see anything crazy loud as you the noise can be a bit much for some kids, and try and see something with a bit of variety on track to keep interest!
We went to the TCR series at Castle Combe as had a wide variety of cars racing with good sized grids and not crazy noisy, also took her to the service park at Deeside for the WRC cars which again she seemed to enjoy. Going to the different sponsor stands collecting flags etc, watching the mechanics working on the cars.
She has asked me if we can see some "racing cars" again so will be looking out a for different things at Oulton Park (local track) to go and see. Would like to do something which has good access to the paddock as gives a break from the action and a chance to see the cars a bit closer.
Probably wouldn't go and see anything crazy loud as you the noise can be a bit much for some kids, and try and see something with a bit of variety on track to keep interest!
Arron7 said:
Amazing, thanks for the replies. I saw the Alan Healy memorial on Caldwell's page but wasn't really sure what it was, now I know it's got the thumbs up as a child's first race event I'll make sure we're there.
Thanks again
Make sure you both wrap up nice and warm as it's always colder than you think, flask of something warm and some snacks can be a godsend. Let us know how you get on. Thanks again
Jonathan Palmer has invested heavily in all his circuits and in terms of facilities and presentation are better than all the other UK circuits. This winter has seen resurfacing of parts of Brands Hatch, redevelopment of the entrance and paddock at Donington and safety fencing on the Snetterton pit wall.
poosemon said:
I have started taking my daughter to a couple of things (she was 4 in June last year).
We went to the TCR series at Castle Combe as had a wide variety of cars racing with good sized grids and not crazy noisy, also took her to the service park at Deeside for the WRC cars which again she seemed to enjoy. Going to the different sponsor stands collecting flags etc, watching the mechanics working on the cars.
She has asked me if we can see some "racing cars" again so will be looking out a for different things at Oulton Park (local track) to go and see. Would like to do something which has good access to the paddock as gives a break from the action and a chance to see the cars a bit closer.
Probably wouldn't go and see anything crazy loud as you the noise can be a bit much for some kids, and try and see something with a bit of variety on track to keep interest!
I think a good meeting for you to attend would be at Oulton Park on Saturday 23rd March. It is a meeting run by the BARC (British Automobile Racing Club) which will have a good variety of races, but more importantly, the first round of the season for the JSCC (Junior Saloon Car Championship), where all the drivers are between the ages of 14 and 17. They compete in Citroen Saxo VTR's which formerly ran with the 750 Motor Club under the title SaxMax. They will have two races on the day, and will provide some very close, spectacular racing at a pace that will surprise you! The fact that the drivers are so young may lend a little more appeal to your Daughter, especially as there are several girls on the grid! The paddock and pit garages are free to wander around, and speak with the drivers, the teams, and also pop her in the driver's seat just to add that little more interest, it is a friendly and accommodating place to be!! If you require any further information, feel free to ask, either here, or PM me.We went to the TCR series at Castle Combe as had a wide variety of cars racing with good sized grids and not crazy noisy, also took her to the service park at Deeside for the WRC cars which again she seemed to enjoy. Going to the different sponsor stands collecting flags etc, watching the mechanics working on the cars.
She has asked me if we can see some "racing cars" again so will be looking out a for different things at Oulton Park (local track) to go and see. Would like to do something which has good access to the paddock as gives a break from the action and a chance to see the cars a bit closer.
Probably wouldn't go and see anything crazy loud as you the noise can be a bit much for some kids, and try and see something with a bit of variety on track to keep interest!
Hi
Get yourself along to the A1 Racing Club (Facebook Search is the best) just outside Grantham IIRC.
Radio Controlled model car racing is brilliant for youngsters with an interest in motorsport, 5 is a touch on the early side (normally it's around 6 ish where children have the had to eye co-ordination - but it varies considerably obviously)
For not a lot of money you can be out there actually doing something, for double the nominal investment a two car team can be taking to the track..
You would be amazed how high a % of the people competing and especially working in motorsport are current or ex RC car racers..
They'll not only have a great time, but you learn a tremendous amount about how vehicles work and indeed how racing itself works too, it's a great foundation to build a lifetimes interest in the sport upon.
Get yourself along to the A1 Racing Club (Facebook Search is the best) just outside Grantham IIRC.
Radio Controlled model car racing is brilliant for youngsters with an interest in motorsport, 5 is a touch on the early side (normally it's around 6 ish where children have the had to eye co-ordination - but it varies considerably obviously)
For not a lot of money you can be out there actually doing something, for double the nominal investment a two car team can be taking to the track..
You would be amazed how high a % of the people competing and especially working in motorsport are current or ex RC car racers..
They'll not only have a great time, but you learn a tremendous amount about how vehicles work and indeed how racing itself works too, it's a great foundation to build a lifetimes interest in the sport upon.
Arron7 said:
Hi everyone.
So my son has long expressed interest in my car and the rules of the road etc... He was always narrating what cars are doing what, what speed I should be doing etc... So last year I got him a playstation with a steering wheel and pedals so he could have a go, he had Collin McCrae and Grand Tourismo but he was always on Collin McCrae. He just fell in love with rally style racing.
He's also seen me on a go-kart track and loved it and tells us about racing and engine noises a lot.
With all that in mind I thought I'd try and get him more into motorsports, but that's where I need a little help, I know he can't actually race as (as far as I can tell) outside of Legoland you have to be 7 to get in a go-kart, so I thought I'd take him to see an actual race. This is where I need some guidance if you can.
What would be a good introduction to racing? I know he loves rally but that seems pretty dangerous for him and he might also get bored of just watching 1 corner and seeing cars every now and then. I thought about seeing a track event but wasn't sure if there was something people could recommend as a good entry point? Something that can hold his attention?
Some other info: he's 5, he has the attention span of a 5 year old and I live in Grantham but don't consider Caldwell park too far to travel.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
My wife an I go to BTCC every year. Donnington is our local track. The pits are fairly accessible. You can walk around all the circuit. It has good grandstands and the BTCC weekend has lots of varieties of cars in the pits to look at and walk round. Ginetta, formula 4, Porsche, clio (although they are being replaced with mini this year I think. They have always been a great day out. So my son has long expressed interest in my car and the rules of the road etc... He was always narrating what cars are doing what, what speed I should be doing etc... So last year I got him a playstation with a steering wheel and pedals so he could have a go, he had Collin McCrae and Grand Tourismo but he was always on Collin McCrae. He just fell in love with rally style racing.
He's also seen me on a go-kart track and loved it and tells us about racing and engine noises a lot.
With all that in mind I thought I'd try and get him more into motorsports, but that's where I need a little help, I know he can't actually race as (as far as I can tell) outside of Legoland you have to be 7 to get in a go-kart, so I thought I'd take him to see an actual race. This is where I need some guidance if you can.
What would be a good introduction to racing? I know he loves rally but that seems pretty dangerous for him and he might also get bored of just watching 1 corner and seeing cars every now and then. I thought about seeing a track event but wasn't sure if there was something people could recommend as a good entry point? Something that can hold his attention?
Some other info: he's 5, he has the attention span of a 5 year old and I live in Grantham but don't consider Caldwell park too far to travel.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
poosemon said:
We went to the TCR series at Castle Combe as had a wide variety of cars racing with good sized grids and not crazy noisy, also took her to the service park at Deeside for the WRC cars which again she seemed to enjoy.
You might have seen me stuff it into the tyres at Folly then!Club level racing is very accessible, a wander around the paddock or pits will no doubt have your daughter sitting in as many cars as she likes.
bltamil1 said:
You might have seen me stuff it into the tyres at Folly then!
Club level racing is very accessible, a wander around the paddock or pits will no doubt have your daughter sitting in as many cars as she likes.
There were a fair few incidents that day so there is a strong possibility that we did....! We were just before camp corner for most of the day.Club level racing is very accessible, a wander around the paddock or pits will no doubt have your daughter sitting in as many cars as she likes.
If you live in Grantham, then the closest to you (bearing in mind you mentioned karting) would be PF International kart circuit, which is only about 10 miles away.
If you look them up, I'm pretty certain they have a winter series, so there will be something on this month (I can't remember which weekend they have their meetings).
Kim
If you look them up, I'm pretty certain they have a winter series, so there will be something on this month (I can't remember which weekend they have their meetings).
Kim
You can do bambino karting at Daytona from 5. Their closest tracks would be Milton Keynes or Tamworth.
https://www.daytona.co.uk/events/junior-bambino-ka...
Otherwise you might have to wait until he's 6 to try karting.
http://www.arks.co.uk/bambino-age-6-8/
https://www.daytona.co.uk/events/junior-bambino-ka...
Otherwise you might have to wait until he's 6 to try karting.
http://www.arks.co.uk/bambino-age-6-8/
chunder27 said:
Sadly the experience of watching these events is not what it was due to recent spectator rule changes and Mr Palmer not wanting to do any maintenance to his venues, yet charging 20 quid to get in.
but you get the idea. Cadwell is great, and it would be warmer. but it is strictly asphalt, when it used to be a bit mroe mixed.
If I may add a couple of inconvenient truths to your prejudice - Cadwell viewing is substantially unchanged , and in some respects better than it was on my first visit in 1975. The circuit is now maintained to a standard which far exceeds the run down state it was in back then. It is a wonderful place to watch any type of motorsport . but you get the idea. Cadwell is great, and it would be warmer. but it is strictly asphalt, when it used to be a bit mroe mixed.
Edited by coppice on Tuesday 19th February 18:40
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