How do I to get into motorsports?
Discussion
Hi
I have always been interested in cars and wanted to get involved in motorsports, a chance encounter with an old neighbor sparked up the conversation whilst I saw them towing a stripped out Golf GTI from when on they told me they were involved in touring car racing.
The conversation was brief but got me thinking. So I searched around forums and google of which put me onto the MSA site. Not knowing much about the different disciplines and not having tried anything like this before I thought volunteering would give me an insight. So I applied for an MSA Officials licence and contacted the volunteersinmotorsport site who passed my details onto a local racing school for a training day.
I have also filled in a 'TRY A DAY AS A MARSHAL' form on the marshals.co.uk site. Now volunteering will give me an insight but will not get me into the driving seat. From what I can see is many people get an ARDS license as well as a few lessons then going on to become instructors which I can see from in it self will give you track time whilst being able to recoup the cost through training others.
It all seems a bit new to me and I do not really now where to start, I am not an a strict budget but at the same time do not want to have to fork out tons of cash on trying all these different forms of racing out.
Would anyone be kind enough to share how they got involved in motorsports and how they eventually go the to the stage they are today?
Thanks
I have always been interested in cars and wanted to get involved in motorsports, a chance encounter with an old neighbor sparked up the conversation whilst I saw them towing a stripped out Golf GTI from when on they told me they were involved in touring car racing.
The conversation was brief but got me thinking. So I searched around forums and google of which put me onto the MSA site. Not knowing much about the different disciplines and not having tried anything like this before I thought volunteering would give me an insight. So I applied for an MSA Officials licence and contacted the volunteersinmotorsport site who passed my details onto a local racing school for a training day.
I have also filled in a 'TRY A DAY AS A MARSHAL' form on the marshals.co.uk site. Now volunteering will give me an insight but will not get me into the driving seat. From what I can see is many people get an ARDS license as well as a few lessons then going on to become instructors which I can see from in it self will give you track time whilst being able to recoup the cost through training others.
It all seems a bit new to me and I do not really now where to start, I am not an a strict budget but at the same time do not want to have to fork out tons of cash on trying all these different forms of racing out.
Would anyone be kind enough to share how they got involved in motorsports and how they eventually go the to the stage they are today?
Thanks
I’ve been doing club motorsport for about twelve years, and have been an ARDS Instructor too - best advice I can give is that if you expect to make a small fortune out of motor racing, you’re best of starting with a big one!
On a serious note, motorsport doesn’t have to be too expensive. You can pick up something that needs work for probably £1-2000 and budget about another £1000 for the mandatory safety gear, plus ARDS. As an example, I’m currently racing a Fiesta XR2i which I bought (needing work) for <£1000. You’re probably best using your time to earn more money at your regular job, which you can then spend on racing, rather than thinking of motorsport as a career. A few get lucky, but...
Have a look at something like XR2s, MR2s, MX5s or anything from the 750MC for some of the cheaper options into circuit racing.
On a serious note, motorsport doesn’t have to be too expensive. You can pick up something that needs work for probably £1-2000 and budget about another £1000 for the mandatory safety gear, plus ARDS. As an example, I’m currently racing a Fiesta XR2i which I bought (needing work) for <£1000. You’re probably best using your time to earn more money at your regular job, which you can then spend on racing, rather than thinking of motorsport as a career. A few get lucky, but...
Have a look at something like XR2s, MR2s, MX5s or anything from the 750MC for some of the cheaper options into circuit racing.
Definitely work out what sort of Motorsport interests you most. Has it got to be circuit racing? Autotests/solos, night road rallies, or just track days would all be a nice cheap way into mucking about in cars until you find your niche. Ever considered off road? Stage rallying isn't cheap but is immensely fun, but Comp Safaris either open or with an ALRC club are great value for money, hill rallies somewhere in between the two.
Hi Raj! You are certainly going about it the right way with your research 
Like you I was also was interested, and the internet is a useful tool. Looking back the best bit of research I did was go down to a pre season test to meet some guys from a series (I eventually joined). I didn't learn as much as you'd think because it's a lot to take in, but physically being there absorbing it all, hearing conversations etc confirmed the fact this is definitely what I wanted to do. even though the cars struck me as being quite loud (only BMW E30s with standard engines! I'd never been to a circuit before...)
Plenty of threads here, get a coffee and have a scroll. i've also got a blog going back to the very start from the perspective of someone in your exact position, so it should have a bit of use Plus some videos I've put together in the getting started section - again from the perspective of a novice.
http://cookracing.co.uk/index.php/racing-blog/1-th...
Get stuck in and ignore the misery guys out there There's more to motorsport than just circuit racing it should be said (hill climb, auto solo, sprints etc), some people would say they offer better value. But for me one of the biggest draws was the circuits themselves.
Any questions just shout!
Like you I was also was interested, and the internet is a useful tool. Looking back the best bit of research I did was go down to a pre season test to meet some guys from a series (I eventually joined). I didn't learn as much as you'd think because it's a lot to take in, but physically being there absorbing it all, hearing conversations etc confirmed the fact this is definitely what I wanted to do. even though the cars struck me as being quite loud (only BMW E30s with standard engines! I'd never been to a circuit before...)Plenty of threads here, get a coffee and have a scroll. i've also got a blog going back to the very start from the perspective of someone in your exact position, so it should have a bit of use
Plus some videos I've put together in the getting started section - again from the perspective of a novice.http://cookracing.co.uk/index.php/racing-blog/1-th...
Get stuck in and ignore the misery guys out there
There's more to motorsport than just circuit racing it should be said (hill climb, auto solo, sprints etc), some people would say they offer better value. But for me one of the biggest draws was the circuits themselves.Any questions just shout!
Where about are you based Raj?.
There are lots of easy ways to get into motorsport at club level, this will depend to a certain extent on whereabouts you live.
First step would be to find a club, from there you can look at the type of events you might want to be involved with and choose a club which seems active in those.
I’d suggest circuit racing would one of,the hardest most expensive to get started in. Have a look at stuff like Autosolos, Car Trials, Targa or Road Rallying, all those are easy to start with and can give you a base to build experience of how the Sport works.
There are lots of easy ways to get into motorsport at club level, this will depend to a certain extent on whereabouts you live.
First step would be to find a club, from there you can look at the type of events you might want to be involved with and choose a club which seems active in those.
I’d suggest circuit racing would one of,the hardest most expensive to get started in. Have a look at stuff like Autosolos, Car Trials, Targa or Road Rallying, all those are easy to start with and can give you a base to build experience of how the Sport works.
Don't always look at just MSA based stuff either.
There are plenty of ways of getting into motorsport without going the stuffy, overly priced MSA route. no stupid, ointles ARDS tests, medicals, unnecessary stuff like that. No massive entry fees for very little track time.
I agree that the basic level stuff pointed out here is a good shout, great way in. but even that is quite limited in what it offers you.
You will have more fun, possibly race more locally and also maybe even expand your horizons a little.
I did it a long time ago and pretty gave up on most MSA based motorsport as a result.
There are plenty of ways of getting into motorsport without going the stuffy, overly priced MSA route. no stupid, ointles ARDS tests, medicals, unnecessary stuff like that. No massive entry fees for very little track time.
I agree that the basic level stuff pointed out here is a good shout, great way in. but even that is quite limited in what it offers you.
You will have more fun, possibly race more locally and also maybe even expand your horizons a little.
I did it a long time ago and pretty gave up on most MSA based motorsport as a result.
chunder27 said:
Don't always look at just MSA based stuff either.
There are plenty of ways of getting into motorsport without going the stuffy, overly priced MSA route. no stupid, ointles ARDS tests, medicals, unnecessary stuff like that. No massive entry fees for very little track time.
I agree that the basic level stuff pointed out here is a good shout, great way in. but even that is quite limited in what it offers you.
You will have more fun, possibly race more locally and also maybe even expand your horizons a little.
I did it a long time ago and pretty gave up on most MSA based motorsport as a result.
And up pops Rob with his anti-MSA agenda.... AGAIN! There are plenty of ways of getting into motorsport without going the stuffy, overly priced MSA route. no stupid, ointles ARDS tests, medicals, unnecessary stuff like that. No massive entry fees for very little track time.
I agree that the basic level stuff pointed out here is a good shout, great way in. but even that is quite limited in what it offers you.
You will have more fun, possibly race more locally and also maybe even expand your horizons a little.
I did it a long time ago and pretty gave up on most MSA based motorsport as a result.
Yep it all gets a bit predictable with all of us repeating the same things.
There’s lots bad about the MSA, but for certain branches of the sport they are the only organisation with a legal mandate to organise, this is cast in stone by act of parliament.
Like it or not they are the governing body for probably 90% of UK motorsport.
There’s lots bad about the MSA, but for certain branches of the sport they are the only organisation with a legal mandate to organise, this is cast in stone by act of parliament.
Like it or not they are the governing body for probably 90% of UK motorsport.
MSA doesn't seem a problem to me at all.
To the OP's question, I presume by getting in to motorsport, you mean driving. Or are you interested in spannering, marshalling, organising or what?
If you are not budget constrained, the world is your oyster. As a novice if you want to go racing, then there is the Caterham Academy or the Radical SR1 Cup both set up for complete novices.
Bert
To the OP's question, I presume by getting in to motorsport, you mean driving. Or are you interested in spannering, marshalling, organising or what?
If you are not budget constrained, the world is your oyster. As a novice if you want to go racing, then there is the Caterham Academy or the Radical SR1 Cup both set up for complete novices.
Bert
velocemitch said:
Yep it all gets a bit predictable with all of us repeating the same things.
There’s lots bad about the MSA, but for certain branches of the sport they are the only organisation with a legal mandate to organise, this is cast in stone by act of parliament.
Like it or not they are the governing body for probably 90% of UK motorsport.
There’s lots bad about the MSA, but for certain branches of the sport they are the only organisation with a legal mandate to organise, this is cast in stone by act of parliament.
Like it or not they are the governing body for probably 90% of UK motorsport.
BertBert said:
MSA doesn't seem a problem to me at all.
To the OP's question, I presume by getting in to motorsport, you mean driving. Or are you interested in spannering, marshalling, organising or what?
If you are not budget constrained, the world is your oyster. As a novice if you want to go racing, then there is the Caterham Academy or the Radical SR1 Cup both set up for complete novices.
Bert
It’s not me that has the MSA hang up.To the OP's question, I presume by getting in to motorsport, you mean driving. Or are you interested in spannering, marshalling, organising or what?
If you are not budget constrained, the world is your oyster. As a novice if you want to go racing, then there is the Caterham Academy or the Radical SR1 Cup both set up for complete novices.
Bert
velocemitch said:
Yep it all gets a bit predictable with all of us repeating the same things.
There’s lots bad about the MSA, but for certain branches of the sport they are the only organisation with a legal mandate to organise, this is cast in stone by act of parliament.
Like it or not they are the governing body for probably 90% of UK motorsport.
There’s lots bad about the MSA, but for certain branches of the sport they are the only organisation with a legal mandate to organise, this is cast in stone by act of parliament.
Like it or not they are the governing body for probably 90% of UK motorsport.
If you want to get in the driving seat then go and do it! There's trackdays on every week at most circuits and virtually every day somewhere. For sure it costs money, everything does, but it's a good way to get out on track and start to learn how to drive.
If you want to know how most club racers got into it then go along to a few club races. The season is about to start and the paddocks have totally unrestricted access so you can get completely amongst it, talk to the drivers and find out how they got into it.
Don't believe the hype. Most instructors don't come near to recouping their racing costs, it doesn't pay that well and the hours/mileage can be massive!
If you want to know how most club racers got into it then go along to a few club races. The season is about to start and the paddocks have totally unrestricted access so you can get completely amongst it, talk to the drivers and find out how they got into it.
rajsingh7 said:
Hi
From what I can see is many people get an ARDS license as well as a few lessons then going on to become instructors which I can see from in it self will give you track time whilst being able to recoup the cost through training others.
It's the best job in the world; apparently From what I can see is many people get an ARDS license as well as a few lessons then going on to become instructors which I can see from in it self will give you track time whilst being able to recoup the cost through training others.
Don't believe the hype. Most instructors don't come near to recouping their racing costs, it doesn't pay that well and the hours/mileage can be massive!
Hi OP,
I started out as a teenager emailing race teams to get work experience back in the early 2000's. its hard graft as you may get one return email for every hundred sent. But as a result I ended up working for teams in Formula Ford, Formula 3 and British GT. After that I did a local college course at Castle Combe and did a motorsport engineering degree.
From there I worked at Prodrive in MK on Carbon Fibre, then Nurburgring for a season looking after track rental cars, back to Cambridge to work with Lotus and Aston Martin Race cars. You have to be willing to move around if you want to earn in the industry.
Anyway I now own a company that provides on track events and track car hire for petrolheads like us and having a job as your hobby is fantastic most of the time. Some of our events require marshals and if you search MSA online rally marshal training you can do an online course which is free that allows you to Marshal at certain motorsport events. Check out Slip&Grip Automotive and I'm sure we can help you get your foot in the door somewhere.
My key tips would be get a short document together outlining your passion for cars and where you want to get to and fire that out to race teams and events organisers in the hope of getting some unpaid work. Don't be did-heartened by lack of replies they will come eventually as a lot of people now in the industry did exactly the same as you are trying to do. Work hard and you will be rewarded, the industry works hard but it plays hard too. Often in the industry its not what you know but who you know. Also worth noting a lot of people change their job roles over the years in the industry. I went from mechanic to carbon fibre, back to mechanic then into sales and marketing.
Few of my favourite images from my last ten years in the industry that i have taken at work
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/FccwGbGH.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/H6eXQSfT" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/H6eXQSfT.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/K5BbxU9s" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/K5BbxU9s.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/8ehJIeQS" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/8ehJIeQS.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/ZqqZZCkk" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/ZqqZZCkk.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/ifhHRT6l" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/ifhHRT6l.jpg)
I started out as a teenager emailing race teams to get work experience back in the early 2000's. its hard graft as you may get one return email for every hundred sent. But as a result I ended up working for teams in Formula Ford, Formula 3 and British GT. After that I did a local college course at Castle Combe and did a motorsport engineering degree.
From there I worked at Prodrive in MK on Carbon Fibre, then Nurburgring for a season looking after track rental cars, back to Cambridge to work with Lotus and Aston Martin Race cars. You have to be willing to move around if you want to earn in the industry.
Anyway I now own a company that provides on track events and track car hire for petrolheads like us and having a job as your hobby is fantastic most of the time. Some of our events require marshals and if you search MSA online rally marshal training you can do an online course which is free that allows you to Marshal at certain motorsport events. Check out Slip&Grip Automotive and I'm sure we can help you get your foot in the door somewhere.
My key tips would be get a short document together outlining your passion for cars and where you want to get to and fire that out to race teams and events organisers in the hope of getting some unpaid work. Don't be did-heartened by lack of replies they will come eventually as a lot of people now in the industry did exactly the same as you are trying to do. Work hard and you will be rewarded, the industry works hard but it plays hard too. Often in the industry its not what you know but who you know. Also worth noting a lot of people change their job roles over the years in the industry. I went from mechanic to carbon fibre, back to mechanic then into sales and marketing.
Few of my favourite images from my last ten years in the industry that i have taken at work
I'm sorry, but the reason for my agenda is plainly obvious
If you don't really get it, then you are part of the same problem
I would suggest there is far more than 50% of motorsport in this country run away from the MSA.. I am not saying it is better and in my post I also said some of what the MSA does is great for getting people involved locally.
But I do think that depending on your wallet, most if not all non MSA racing offers you far more bang for your buck. I doubt even the most ardent tweed wearer would disagree.
It falls on deaf ears, it always does as most people are very set in their ways.
As can be seen on threads about it on here
If you don't really get it, then you are part of the same problem
I would suggest there is far more than 50% of motorsport in this country run away from the MSA.. I am not saying it is better and in my post I also said some of what the MSA does is great for getting people involved locally.
But I do think that depending on your wallet, most if not all non MSA racing offers you far more bang for your buck. I doubt even the most ardent tweed wearer would disagree.
It falls on deaf ears, it always does as most people are very set in their ways.
As can be seen on threads about it on here
This thread has gone the way of most of these.
OP comes on with what appears to be genuine question. A few people give them some genuine options.
Chunder comes on saying MSA is crap.
OP disappears.
I’ve not yet worked out exactly what Chunder thinks the MSA does wrong ( I can think of a few things, mostly ones I reckon Chunder wouldn’t have a clue about) or what the other 50 % of British motorsport is that doesn’t involve them.
OP comes on with what appears to be genuine question. A few people give them some genuine options.
Chunder comes on saying MSA is crap.
OP disappears.
I’ve not yet worked out exactly what Chunder thinks the MSA does wrong ( I can think of a few things, mostly ones I reckon Chunder wouldn’t have a clue about) or what the other 50 % of British motorsport is that doesn’t involve them.
I would imagine from the replies the OP probably got what he or she wanted.
It has nothing to do with me, I am entitled to my opinion, as you are yours= and am merely pointing out other options.
The MSA are a money pit for people vaguely interested in racing, they charge extortionate amounts to even allow you to do anything, putting needless obstacles in the way. I would like to see them do far more to encourage youth and all sorts take part, invent series that doesn't need a stupid half a grand test before you can even get out there, making track days replace club racing, (DUR). And doing far more to protect the tracks, venues and events that are currently there, instead of runing scared and banning everyone and everything anytime lawyers get involved.
If you think they do a great job, fair enough. Sadly I think they are utterly hopeless.
Just like others do.
Sadly the snob value usually wins out.
It has nothing to do with me, I am entitled to my opinion, as you are yours= and am merely pointing out other options.
The MSA are a money pit for people vaguely interested in racing, they charge extortionate amounts to even allow you to do anything, putting needless obstacles in the way. I would like to see them do far more to encourage youth and all sorts take part, invent series that doesn't need a stupid half a grand test before you can even get out there, making track days replace club racing, (DUR). And doing far more to protect the tracks, venues and events that are currently there, instead of runing scared and banning everyone and everything anytime lawyers get involved.
If you think they do a great job, fair enough. Sadly I think they are utterly hopeless.
Just like others do.
Sadly the snob value usually wins out.
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