Discussion
I've been thinking about applying to take part in the Caterham Academy 2011, but I'm not sure whether it is right way to go - hence seeking the advice from those who know.
Some background: I am fortunate to be in a position where I have a bit of cash to spend on a car/couple of cars. My thoughts are Caterham Academy 2011 and a 'sensible' sports car for road use, versus more 'exotic' sports car for road and track (have had a 997.1 GT3 and used it in this manner).
I am really attracted to the Academy and the whole 'being part of something' and the camaraderie (I presume exists), but worry that taking 20 -25K out of my 'exotic' budget, might leave me wishing I had the extra to put towards something 'special' that will do the track work as well.
I guess it comes down to Academy and the full race experience, versus trackdays.
Thoughts and comments from any Academy veterans would be particularly welcome.
Some background: I am fortunate to be in a position where I have a bit of cash to spend on a car/couple of cars. My thoughts are Caterham Academy 2011 and a 'sensible' sports car for road use, versus more 'exotic' sports car for road and track (have had a 997.1 GT3 and used it in this manner).
I am really attracted to the Academy and the whole 'being part of something' and the camaraderie (I presume exists), but worry that taking 20 -25K out of my 'exotic' budget, might leave me wishing I had the extra to put towards something 'special' that will do the track work as well.
I guess it comes down to Academy and the full race experience, versus trackdays.
Thoughts and comments from any Academy veterans would be particularly welcome.
Buget for closer to 25-30k for your first year, this will be more realistic with travel, tralier, clothing, testing and tuition. Some of this isn't a necessity but will deliver significant benefits as you progress.
The Academy is great, very competative and a gradual intorduction to caterham racing. The rest of the caterham motorport ladder is very well supported and probably the most cometative series' in the country.
Once you have started racing you will find trackdays very frustrating. They are only usefull for memorising circuits.
If you can't wait speak to Caterham midlands, they always get one or two people who pull out early on.
Best of luck
Thanks for the advice so far, it is interesting to hear that you can possibly compete for a whole season for about 8K (once you have sold the car and trailer post season etc).
How many people don't then progress on to the other classes after the Academy? Do most continue the 'racing journey'?
I think, on balance, I am leaning towards trying to get a place in the Academy in 2011. Can't compete this year due to work commitments unfortunately.
Still very interested in hearing about first hand Academy experiences both good and bad.
How many people don't then progress on to the other classes after the Academy? Do most continue the 'racing journey'?
I think, on balance, I am leaning towards trying to get a place in the Academy in 2011. Can't compete this year due to work commitments unfortunately.
Still very interested in hearing about first hand Academy experiences both good and bad.
Continue indeed. You can race for sub 10k per annum and the competition is major.
Drop me a line if you fancy spending some time with a pro outfit to see hoe the whole scene runs after academy....it really is awesome.
Many people race, in many different series but few have as many qaulity racers on a level playing field to compete agianst as the official caterham series'
Get yourself signed up....
Again, once you have raced a trackday will bore you sh*tless
Drop me a line if you fancy spending some time with a pro outfit to see hoe the whole scene runs after academy....it really is awesome.
Many people race, in many different series but few have as many qaulity racers on a level playing field to compete agianst as the official caterham series'
Get yourself signed up....
Again, once you have raced a trackday will bore you sh*tless
That £8k don't forget is 8 competitive events and probably 10-12 trackdays. You'll spend nearly that much on 10 track days in a Porsche
As mentioned, the Caterham official series are excellent. We race in the Graduates series which have (obviously biased opinion) a much better deal for racers who don't want to blow money on team support, a real club atmosphere. And (we can probably agree on this) the only other series that offer proper level field racing
As mentioned, the Caterham official series are excellent. We race in the Graduates series which have (obviously biased opinion) a much better deal for racers who don't want to blow money on team support, a real club atmosphere. And (we can probably agree on this) the only other series that offer proper level field racing
Thanks again for all of the advice, it all sounds really promising and very much like the kind of thing I would really enjoy being a part of.
I am out of the country at the moment (work), but would be very keen to come along to a race or two at some point and actually talk to people.
I managed to get access to the race dates and locations from the Motorsports Forum on the Caterham website and have also downloaded the Academy 2011 details.
I guess I just need to come along sometime and talk to people and that will answer some of the other questions I have about support, spares, repairs, equipment etc.
I am out of the country at the moment (work), but would be very keen to come along to a race or two at some point and actually talk to people.
I managed to get access to the race dates and locations from the Motorsports Forum on the Caterham website and have also downloaded the Academy 2011 details.
I guess I just need to come along sometime and talk to people and that will answer some of the other questions I have about support, spares, repairs, equipment etc.
So.... I flew back to the UK this weekend (from work) and spoke to Dom at Caterham South on Saturday morning - and signed up for the Academy 2011! 
The car will need to be built by the factory as I don't have the time or the room to be honest. Very excited about it all!
Thanks for the advice and the prompting. I guess I will now have to start to frequent the Motorsport Forum over on the Caterham website.
Mark.
The car will need to be built by the factory as I don't have the time or the room to be honest. Very excited about it all!
Thanks for the advice and the prompting. I guess I will now have to start to frequent the Motorsport Forum over on the Caterham website.
Mark.
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