Motor clubs?

[covmutley]

I would like to get involved in a little motorsport but with 3 young kids, money and time is limited. Can anyone recommend me a friendly car club where I could get involved with some fairly informal motorsport? (I live in west Cardiff).

Autotests would be good and also scatters, road rallies etc, perhaps sprints? Only thing with the rally orientated stuff is that none of my friends are interested in cars so I don't have a navigator.

I would need to buy a car to use. Lets say a £1k budget, could be more, but I want to keep it as cheap as possible. I assume the budget would determine what type of events i could do. Would my budget suit the events held by particular motor clubs?

Thanks in advance

[effkay]

I was in exactly the same position as you when I finished getting my Alfa on the road - after trying some Autosolo, I joined the Bristol Motor Club: http://www.bristolmc.org.uk

Going to do as much Autosolo in 2012 with them as I can - all info you need is on their website.

Couldn't find anything similar this side of the bridge though. Anyone know of anything?

[Mr MoJo]

How about Autograss ? There is a club that meets near Penhow, not sure of the contact details though.

Had a bash at Autograss when I was younger. Excellent fun.

eta Here you go, meet in Croesyceiliog and race between magor and penhow. http://www.penhowautograssclub.co.uk/about-us

Edited by Mr MoJo on Monday 12th December 10:51

[Gumstabber]

foresters motorsport club in (I think) cwmbran. Looked at joining them myself a little while ago, do everything you've listed.

http://www.forresterscarclub.co.uk/

[covmutley]

Thanks for the replies. Some useful leads. I thought I had seen that grass track from the M4.

Bridgend automobile club also seem to run a few events. I guess if I found a navigator and went down the road rally route I could also do a couple of Tarmac stage rallies a year and it shouldn't be too expensive.

Edited by covmutley on Monday 12th December 23:24

[paulstarrally]

I'm a member of Ystrad Mynach Motor Club, we meet every Monday night @ the Coopers Arms in Ystrad Mynach. We are more rally orintanted but we organise autotests ( The next one is the 2nd of Jan) and we do scatters road rallies etc.

http://www.ystradmynachmotorclub.co.uk/

As for navigators there are plenty in the club including myself, and we have a good mix of drivers and navigators and everyone is more than happy to help out. We also have a few guys who go out and marshall on a regular basis so you could even hook up with these guys and get out to see behind the scenes on a few events. If you'd like a chat or to know any more information, just get in touch.

Cheers
Paul

[covmutley]

Cheers Paul,that sounds good. I guess once I join a club I will meet people interested in motorsport - probably the point of clubs!

Marshalling or navigating sounds a good way to learn more first whilst saving more cash toward a car.

[paulstarrally]

I was in the same situation as you, and was looking for like minded people to get into motorsport. I seen the club mentioned in the Wales Rally GB programme 3 years ago now, and nearly 20 events later i'm still loving it.

I would certainly recommend navigating as a way of getting into the sport, and will almost certainly make you quicker when you jump into the fast seat.

Pop down one monday night, were all a friendly bunch and just have a bit of banter and a catch up on a monday night.

[TankRS]

there are many Motor Clubs in and around south wales, it will depend on how far your willing to travel as to which ultimatley gets the nod as one you would like to join.

the Welsh Association of Motor Clubs has a list of all clubs affiliated with them
http://www.wamcweb.com/home.htm

have a look through and see if any are close/take your eye.


as a motor club member for many years and one of a Club that has recently formed in the Rhymney area i cant express how good it is to get into a club, get your name in, and just start chatting with the members, i'm sure you will pick up a Nav quickly for any events you fancy.

if you want details on the Club i'm a member of just PM me and i'll pass the info along