how do I get started????????????

[dome30]

Hello to all
I've just got my hands on a bmw e30 325i. It has been fully stripped out and has had the following done to it:

OMP rolecage.
OMP FIA Bucket seat with 4 point FIA Harnes.
Uprated Disks & green pads all round.
Track speck springs.
Spax ajustable skocks on the rear.
Yokohoma 1b Tyers all round.
The engine was re-built last March but, it's still only stock!
My questions is this, I'm new to this game but want to start some form of sprint racing this year. Can anyone tell me were I go next & is this car ok to use for sprint/club racing? I willhave to drive the car to events, will this be a problem?

Any advise will be warmly excepted!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yours Dom

[D_G]

Hi Dom,

I've been sprinting in production class for around six years. Your car should give you loads of sideways action this year!
You need to find a local motor club and get involved with them, the club will be MSA registered which is vital for your racing. As important you will meet some great like-minded people and also get access to the year's events. Initially I went to a monthly club meet with a mate and now have got some great friends through my club.
You need to get an MSA licence (www.msauk.org), you can apply for a National 'B' non race which is fine for local events and means you don't need to take a test. You also need to produce your club card at events, these are the only docs you need for yourself.
You will also need an approved race suit and helmet. The MSA print a 'Blue Book' which you get with your licence which has all the details of this. I'm sure someone will post up the regs on this.
As your car will be placed in modified class there is specific regulations regarding the spec of the rollcage etc, you need to check this with the blue book as the scruitineer will check on race day.
I've driven my car to every event, there's no worries there. It'll be an idea to have a backup plan just in case it breaks though. Nearly all of the production classes and westfield/caterham guys drive up and back on the day. It's much cheaper and easier than towing too.
Just have fun and enjoy the events, once you start you'll be hooked!!

Cheers

Dave

[Mr Smith996]

Dom, your not far from Production BMW spec, if you fancy a crack at circuit racing. All the information you need can be found at www.pbmwc.co.uk

One other word of advice, if your reference to 'green' pads means EBC Greenstuff, you certainly will be having some sideways action - because you will be entering the corner rather faster than you intended!

[onomatopoeia]

If you want to go sprinting you will either need to put some of the interior back in to run in roadgoing or you will have to run in modified (where slicks are allowed, cage and 4-point belts are mandatory amongst other things). TBH with a standard engine you are better off going in roadgoing, but if your tyres are list 1b then you might also need to change them for 1a depending on whereabouts in the country you are. The MSA blue book is the definitive guide to safety requirements but for modifications allowed in each category these are down to the event or championship at present. e.g. in sprinting in the southwest 1b tyres are allowed in roadgoing, in many other regions they aren't.

I'd suggest your first step is to join a local motor club that does the sort of events you are interested in, get along to a social meeting (many clubs have an informal meeting in a pub or similar each month) and talk to a few people. People doing or organising events local to you will be best placed to advise someone just starting out.