Getting started in motorsports

[Munky_Man]

I've been thinking about starting to get into races for a while (well ever since I passed my driving test), just I have no idea where to start.

I'm more looking for something thats fun and cheap just to get into racing.

I was just wondering if anyone can give me some advice on where to start,what i'd need license/equipment etc, and what sort of racing would be best to get a feel for it all.

[Sammo123]

I asked the same question a few months ago and the majority of the answers I got were "there is no such thing as cheap racing".

Well some mates and I have started getting ready to enter a car in the CSCC Tin Tops series next year and even between 3 of us its going to be bloody expensive.

You will need a National B License which invloves a medical and taking your ARDS test. Then you will need a car that is up to date with all its safety features(rollcage, fire extinguishers etc etc), you will need fireproof clothing, helmet etc. Then there is the cost of entering your chosen series, race costs, fuel costs, you need to transport the car to and from each race. Any repairs that need to be done.

I have missed loads of other stuff off this but thats just a basic idea of whats needed. I'm sure other people will come along and fill in the gaps.

So all in all as I have already said. Its bloody expensive and there really is no such thing as cheap motorsport

Edited by Sammo123 on Thursday 5th November 22:46

[Shaun_E]

A cheapish way into competitive motorsport is speed hillclimbing/sprinting. You can do this in your standard road car. All you need for the car is a timing strut, some yellow tape on the earth lead and a sticker to show how to turn the ignition off. For yourself you will need a helmet to the relevant standards, a fire resistant overall and fire resistant gloves. You need a Non-race National B licence that will cost about £40 (can't remember exactly) and no test or medical required (there are exceptions where a medical might be required).
The "Blue Book" provides all the relevant details but going along to your local motorsports club would be a good start or searching for a local speed championship. The 2009 blue book is here: http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.a...
Entry to an event is typically less than £100 and the risks of damage to your car are much lower than circuit racing as there are no other cars on track at the same time as you. If you take it carefully at your first few events then it is unlikely you will crash.
Some people think that because you only get a few minutes on the track in a day (you typically get 2 practice and 2 timed runs) it isn't good value but it is exciting, it is competition and you will enjoy it. If I could afford to go circuit racing I probably would but I have been doing speed events for 4 years now and show no signs of getting bored.
Here's a couple of in car video to whet your appetite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTpmIRoc1Fg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_l466TEH28

[onomatopoeia]

Sammo123 said:

Its bloody expensive and there really is no such thing as cheap motorsport

Bangers can be (relatively) cheap. Possibly not what the OP was looking for though

If you do something other than racing it can be done relatively cheaply. Sprints in your daily driver for example, or autosolo, or night rallying for example.

[snailpace85]

Some good advice in the replies above. Assuming it's definitely circuit racing that you want to do, it is possible to run a lot cheaper than series that you might see on the telly but never really cheap. You're probably looking at the thick end of £1000 by the time you've shelled out for helmet, overalls, medical, ARDS test, licence etc. Many people wanting to start racing see young ex karters being interviewed after a Ginetta Junior or Renault Clio race and think that's where people can start. I'd say that's very expensive and effectively semi-professional racing - these guys are spending many tens of thousands per year. The cheapest ways to go motor racing in my opinion are

- share a car with someone else, do the every day mechanical work yourselves
- buy a car already racing in a series - often much cheaper than building from scratch
- accept that you won't be at the front straight away and others will be spending more even in a cheapo series
- go and spectate at some grass roots clubbie meetings, walk around the paddock and talk to people
- look on BRSCC, BARC, 750MC, CSCC, MGCC web sites
- I can only really speak for costs in the Fiat Racing Challenge but series that might fit the bill include 2CVs, Mazda MX5, Toyota MR2, Tin Tops, Golf GTI, Peter Best MGs, even Porsche 924 and of course my beloved Fiats among others - just Google those to find web sites
- You can get cars for less than £5000.
- You can aim to run as cheaply as possible by only replacing things that actually need replacing (while keeping it safe of course)
- Then your biggest costs become the unavoidable race entry fees and costs of getting to and from the circuits - you might just be able to do a full race season for £5000 - people claim to do it for less but they tend to forget little things like fuel to get and from far flung circuits
- On that last point, doing a series that's based at your nearest circuit can be a significant saving so check that out.
- Don't forget you'll need a tow hitch on your road car, a trailer (that's another £1000) and somewhere to keep and work on the car

All in my opinion of course!!!! Good luck.

Snailpace

[SClarke]

You haven't mentioned what experience you already have. If you have no previous experience of track driving then first of all you may want to try track days. The most valuable thing you could do to begin with would be to pay for the extra instruction and learn about how to drive on track.

I have chosen to do speed hillclimbs as they are one of the cheapest forms of motorsport and also the travelling and time commitment was more suited to my families needs. Even so a complete season in the local southwest championship sets me back around £1500 - £2000 in entry fees plus fuel, accommodation (though you can sleep in a tent if you want!) and of course you need a car! Though with hillclimbs and sprints you can literally take a standard road car and compete. Don't forget your overalls and helmet which will set you back at least £500 and the MSA licence and club membership which will also be necessary.

Hope that helps.

[stacy]

Nick,

Look at PBMW's www.pbmwc.co.uk - along with the MR2's thats probably the cheapest credible racing in the UK today, both are sporting healthy grids.

I've seen plenty drive to and from PBMW races in their race car, which cuts down all the extra costs associated with towing.

I never have worked out the attraction of 2CV racing. But then maybe I'm just odd.

S.

Edited by stacy on Friday 6th November 14:54

[Munky_Man]

Thanks for all the advice, looks like I may have to put some more money into this then I first thought.

I think I might look a bit more into the hill climb events, at least I can get a taste for it that way.

I do have a bit of track experience, down at Thruxton, and i absolutely loved it.

luckily I should be able to reduce some of the costs, Im a jaguar apprentice and have access to a workshop and should be able to do most of the work myself.

[jimmybusiness27]

Hey Munky Man,

You should have been to a meeting or two to check out if the racing is competetive and also very important, what are the epeople like in that race series. Some championships have people willing to help you no matter what and some where no-one will help you no matter what.

(((I never have worked out the attraction of 2CV racing. But then maybe I'm just odd.))))
Did the 24 Hr 2cv race this year at Snetterton, what a hoot!!!
Highly recomended...

All good advice above on costs etc