How to get involved? Young driver

[Mooseface2r]

Hi everyone,
I want to get into the world of caterham for the racing /trackdays/build and if it was possible for some road.

Firstly I'm struggling to find insurance that will cover me on the road due to my age 20yo which is apparently what I need to take part in the academy .

I'm coming to the conclusion that I can't get road insurance but I have been told can get track insurance buy some insurance providers for 1% o the vehicle value.

What is available for me to take part in off road. Apart from track days....

Also has anyone got advice on insurance.. Is it worth asking about the possiblily of a realy limited milage like 500miles.

Any help appreciated 
Thanks

[elan_fan]

bit of an expensive way to go, how about a locost and do a bit of hillclimbing and sprinting or what about hiring?

[Mooseface2r]

Good point. My main reason for the caterham is I understand thy hold their value well. So I could have the fun of building a quality car for the track that I won't nesseserly loose alot of money on if I sell in a few years

[chris_speed]

Surprised MSM aren't interested in insuring you. I was 22 when I got my Superlight R if I remember rightly. Give them a call.

[Mooseface2r]

chris_speed said:

Surprised MSM aren't interested in insuring you. I was 22 when I got my Superlight R if I remember rightly. Give them a call.

Any idea what sort of price, details etc?

[V7SLR]

Have you had quotes from the usual Caterham insurers:

Competition Car Insurance (Towergate)?
Richard Egger (REIS)?
MSM?
Adrian Flux?

Joining the L7C may also help by enabling you to get discount with some of the above.

Stu.

[Chris71]

Definitely worth persevering with the road insurance first, but IIRC you don't need that for track days and certainly not for racing or sprinting.

There's also the option of auto testing (including precision parking etc) or auto solos (more like a conventional sprint). I'm not sure these require a race license even. Sprinting is on a National B non-race, which just involves filling in a form and paying. Club racing requires a National B race license, which needs an ARDS test and a medical (both very routine and straightforward).

[Mooseface2r]

Thanks for the comments guys. Iv spoke to msm today and they won't take me on as my conviction is seen as the worst, having no insuance. Even though I'm now ringing them for insuance... Completely my fault not theirs..no bad comments in their behalf.

So I could still take part in roadsport b...maby tracks are my only option

[Mooseface2r]

Where can get more info on national b and sprints and hilclimbs and how do I get involved

[Chris71]

Mooseface2r said:

Where can get more info on national b and sprints and hilclimbs and how do I get involved

Google 'sprint and hillclimb' and you'll get loads of sites. The HSA (Hillclimb and Sprint Association) is a good start. Also check out the MSA website for National B non-race license info.

You'll need to join a local motor club. This will usually allow you to compete as a guest at other clubs' events as well as anything organised by your own club. IIRC You'll need to get certified fire-resistant overalls, boots and helmet. When you get a car it'll need an MSA ignition cut off, you'll need to be running approved tyres (although realistically anything likely to be fitted to a Seven will probably be approved in the MSA 'blue book') and you may need an MSA-approved roll bar (can't remember if that's a requirement for all or just certain championships).

It's not as complicated as it sounds, particularly if you get a car that's already been prepared for track work. An ex-racer is by far the most cost-effective way of getting track-orientated Caterham ownership. You should be able to pick a decent spec car up for £10,000 or less.

Speaking of cars, it is worth checking what the big fields are at your local club. If everyone's sprinting Zetec crossflow Sylvas or Westfields you're not going to be directly competitive in a K-Series Caterham. That won't stop you entering, but it'll take some of the competition out of it.

[Gingerbread Man]

chris_speed said:

Surprised MSM aren't interested in insuring you. I was 22 when I got my Superlight R if I remember rightly. Give them a call.

MSM and Adrian Flux were the only two who would insure me. I rung around about twenty others last year to be told that they won't insure people under 25 years old.

[Mooseface2r]

im struggling to find a local club, i live in buckinghamshire

[BertBert]

What about doing the L7 Club sprints? If you can't get a caterham insured for the road, you can trailer it there.
Bert

[CaterBram Jnr]

Unfortunately in the L7C Speed Championship Cars in classes 1 to 5 must run in a fully road
legal condition (i.e .with correct lighting and all other technical requirements, taxed, insured and
MOT’d where applicable). Competitors are advised that they may be asked to provide documentary proof at an event.

Have you spoke to richard Eggar or alternativly go half's in a seven with an older driver and do a dual entry in the L7C next year.

I've just completed my first year as both a 7 owner and in the L7C Speed Championship and have enjoyed every minute of it. would recommend it to any 7 owner.

Edited by CaterBram Jnr on Wednesday 20th October 22:55

[Yellow 7]

Add Frank Pickles to the list - very competitive generally.
don't know about conditions though.

Edited by Yellow 7 on Thursday 21st October 11:42