Classis single seaters?
Discussion
I've always loved classic single seaters and wondered where best to find out more about the scene. Obviously most command massive money as do the race series that accompany them but wondered what options there are for enthusiasts with less budget. I love the 60's F1, F2, F3 stuff and also intrigued by formula junior etc..( and yes I'm aware what sort of many they can command aswell! ), but wondered what options there are re purchasing and enjoying less exotic single seaters. What would you do with an old F3 car? I pressume sprinting/hillclimbing etc is the most affordable option however I don't know whether you could find yourself in a class being raped by modern megapins etc!Could you just enjoy one at a track day once every view months? Does any body run track days specifically for such machinery? 750 motor club etc? Any advice welcome.
Track days usually exclude single seaters.
The way to do it is to get yourself a race licence, then use test days at the race circuits (which are usually cheaper than track days, anyway).
I wouldn't worry too much about being uncompetitive at hillclimbing - it's as much about beating your own times as it is about winning your class or setting FTD and no-one will look down on you for driving old or uncompetitive machinery. It's a funny old sport though - you can spend all day hanging round the paddock for the sake of 3 or 4 <2-minute runs up the hill, so it's as much about the social and technical aspects as the driving.
The way to do it is to get yourself a race licence, then use test days at the race circuits (which are usually cheaper than track days, anyway).
I wouldn't worry too much about being uncompetitive at hillclimbing - it's as much about beating your own times as it is about winning your class or setting FTD and no-one will look down on you for driving old or uncompetitive machinery. It's a funny old sport though - you can spend all day hanging round the paddock for the sake of 3 or 4 <2-minute runs up the hill, so it's as much about the social and technical aspects as the driving.
When I first bought my 1969 formula ford Nike I considered hillclimbing it (being a novice) but was dissuaded because for the amount of time you spent in the car, it just wasn't worth it.
How many runs in a day at a hillclimb & how much time doing it? Not much.
Therefore I joined the Historic Sports Car Club and race it with them. Have so far raced at Donington, Silverstone, Brands, Castle Combe and Oulton Park - good stuff!
How many runs in a day at a hillclimb & how much time doing it? Not much.
Therefore I joined the Historic Sports Car Club and race it with them. Have so far raced at Donington, Silverstone, Brands, Castle Combe and Oulton Park - good stuff!
If you stick with '60s, then it's Juniors for you. Yes you can spend 6 figures if you want to, but there are some much cheaper cars out there. The last time I saw them, they were gradually splitting between "serious" and "gentlemen (and ladies)". So don't reject the idea completely.
Lower down, you have the 500 Owners Association and 750 Trophy (now including Formula Vee). Both cheap and fun - you'll struggle to find a more friendly paddock than the 500s (which I'm part of). 500s and FJunior are the only options that will give you even a slight chance of doing the Revival.
Others worth considering are classic FFord and classic Clubmans - a little later, but both combine practical, safe cars with reasonable costs.
The way I'd go about it is:
In all cases, remember that you don't need to enter entire championships, just the races and climbs you want. In the 500s we have a healthy calendar on both - some racers appear at almost every event, some just once or twice a year (NB we also include F2 1,000s in our climbs and one race each year). A well-presented 500 or FJ will be welcome anywhere, but you've enough choice that you should stick to events sanctioned by the Association so you'll see at least a couple of others.
Whatever you choose, it is addictive. In the 500s we have several competitors with several cars, and a couple of guys driving the same chassis they raced in the 1950s.
Lower down, you have the 500 Owners Association and 750 Trophy (now including Formula Vee). Both cheap and fun - you'll struggle to find a more friendly paddock than the 500s (which I'm part of). 500s and FJunior are the only options that will give you even a slight chance of doing the Revival.
Others worth considering are classic FFord and classic Clubmans - a little later, but both combine practical, safe cars with reasonable costs.
The way I'd go about it is:
- Simply, from the websites, decide which one(s) you really want to drive. If you really want to do it, there's no point buying a 500 if you really want a Junior.
- Scan the main web dealers for guide prices - http://www.race-cars.com/ for example
- If 1 & 2 add up, blag your way into an event or two. Make yourself known to the organisers, and volunteer to spanner at a race. Someone will offer up a free ticket, and you can get a feel for whether the cars and Paddock are right for you. You'll also pick up tips, find out where else cars are sold (e.g. the Club magazine, general contacts), and get yourself known by the people who matter (the ones who will offer spares and help rebuild your car when you need ot later).
In all cases, remember that you don't need to enter entire championships, just the races and climbs you want. In the 500s we have a healthy calendar on both - some racers appear at almost every event, some just once or twice a year (NB we also include F2 1,000s in our climbs and one race each year). A well-presented 500 or FJ will be welcome anywhere, but you've enough choice that you should stick to events sanctioned by the Association so you'll see at least a couple of others.
Whatever you choose, it is addictive. In the 500s we have several competitors with several cars, and a couple of guys driving the same chassis they raced in the 1950s.
Not for the 500OA regulations (indeed any historic series). Cars must have a heritage back to period. However, there are an awful lot of restoration projects available - from ground up wrecks to almost ready to race. A restoration may mean a new chassis, but it will need to be OK'ed by the committee (we don't allow replicas, unlike some series). Best bet anyway for most beginners is to buy a known quantity with a recent racing history (so you can be pretty confident it's going to run cleanly).
Some turn up at auction/on race car sites, but the best info is in the club newsletter and from "those in the know". Some listed by Duncan here including I see the superb Parker Kieft (sold already, if my Euromillions numbers have come up...). A bit of insider knowledge goes a very long way - what looks good on screen or paper may need a lot of work and not be suitable for a beginner.
I think it is the same for all these series. We are a bit of a closed community. The best restorers and engine builders are often one man bands working from word of mouth. We've tried to improve this, but there are limits to what we can do (especially as the 500s are more closely linked to the historic bikes than the cars, what with bike engines, gearboxes and magnetos).
I would strongly recommend joining the club (only £30), and making yourself known to the Prez or Comp Sec. They'll invite you to a race meeting and guide you to a suitable car. Good research ahead of the game, and actually taking the advice offered will pay back as you avoid the usual pitfalls of your first season. £30 up front is a bargain if it means you don't waste £200 entry fee because you can't get the car to the race start for any reason.
The same applies for any of the single-seater historic series that takes your fancy. Get known around the Paddock, and the advice will flow freely.
Some turn up at auction/on race car sites, but the best info is in the club newsletter and from "those in the know". Some listed by Duncan here including I see the superb Parker Kieft (sold already, if my Euromillions numbers have come up...). A bit of insider knowledge goes a very long way - what looks good on screen or paper may need a lot of work and not be suitable for a beginner.
I think it is the same for all these series. We are a bit of a closed community. The best restorers and engine builders are often one man bands working from word of mouth. We've tried to improve this, but there are limits to what we can do (especially as the 500s are more closely linked to the historic bikes than the cars, what with bike engines, gearboxes and magnetos).
I would strongly recommend joining the club (only £30), and making yourself known to the Prez or Comp Sec. They'll invite you to a race meeting and guide you to a suitable car. Good research ahead of the game, and actually taking the advice offered will pay back as you avoid the usual pitfalls of your first season. £30 up front is a bargain if it means you don't waste £200 entry fee because you can't get the car to the race start for any reason.
The same applies for any of the single-seater historic series that takes your fancy. Get known around the Paddock, and the advice will flow freely.
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff