Racing Classics?
Discussion
Hi everyone was hoping I could have some honest advice.
I have loved classic car racing since I went to my first Goodwood revival when I was 15. I have harboured ambitions to get involved myself.
I’m hoping in the next couple of years I will be in position to do it. Budget for the car would be up to 100k it’s the how much to run one I’m totally unsure about? Do you need to turn up with a team of engineers or is there less expensive ways of doing it?
Probably because of Goodwood I find myself drawn towards Stuff like Lotus 18 fj, Lotus cortinas, Mini’s etc how do you decide which direction to go in?
It’s really cringe but I would love to get on the Goodwood grid before I die (I’m 29 so plenty of time).
I have a couple of friends who race newer stuff that spend a fortune which makes me nervous, but I know they both tend to do everything to excess.
I know there is no such thing as cheap racing I guess in my head budget 50k Max to run the car. Is it sensible to sponsor your own car with your own company?
I guess ultimately am I just dreaming and it will be out of my league and I should lower my ambitions?
Hope I don’t seem to much of a Walter Mitty.
I have loved classic car racing since I went to my first Goodwood revival when I was 15. I have harboured ambitions to get involved myself.
I’m hoping in the next couple of years I will be in position to do it. Budget for the car would be up to 100k it’s the how much to run one I’m totally unsure about? Do you need to turn up with a team of engineers or is there less expensive ways of doing it?
Probably because of Goodwood I find myself drawn towards Stuff like Lotus 18 fj, Lotus cortinas, Mini’s etc how do you decide which direction to go in?
It’s really cringe but I would love to get on the Goodwood grid before I die (I’m 29 so plenty of time).
I have a couple of friends who race newer stuff that spend a fortune which makes me nervous, but I know they both tend to do everything to excess.
I know there is no such thing as cheap racing I guess in my head budget 50k Max to run the car. Is it sensible to sponsor your own car with your own company?
I guess ultimately am I just dreaming and it will be out of my league and I should lower my ambitions?
Hope I don’t seem to much of a Walter Mitty.
Slightly in the same boat, the idea of chucking money racing a modern car doesn’t appeal but a few races a year in good company really would be fun.
Bang for buck you want a Pre 65 MGB Roadster, eligible for everything from Classic Le Mans to Targo Florio revivals and as reliable as you could want. Gets you onto the GT grid at Goodwood and they aren’t as far off the pace as you’d expect. £40k gets you a very good car.
Alternatively Formula Junior always appeals, again lots of potential racing around Europe (albeit a bit less appealing now) and they look great fun. Bit more than the B but both capable of being run by an amateur with spanner skills.
Not sure what you mean by sponsor, cars run as in period so no sponsors names etc feature on the car. Remember you have to be invited to Goodwood so you’ll either need a special car with some historical significance or a few races under your belt and the right bonhomie.
It’s a bit left field but hillclimbs with the VSCC would be fun in an old 500cc F3 car, or maybe something a bit more modern. For me it’s about the event and the atmosphere, not winning, being competitive or going fast.
Bang for buck you want a Pre 65 MGB Roadster, eligible for everything from Classic Le Mans to Targo Florio revivals and as reliable as you could want. Gets you onto the GT grid at Goodwood and they aren’t as far off the pace as you’d expect. £40k gets you a very good car.
Alternatively Formula Junior always appeals, again lots of potential racing around Europe (albeit a bit less appealing now) and they look great fun. Bit more than the B but both capable of being run by an amateur with spanner skills.
Not sure what you mean by sponsor, cars run as in period so no sponsors names etc feature on the car. Remember you have to be invited to Goodwood so you’ll either need a special car with some historical significance or a few races under your belt and the right bonhomie.
It’s a bit left field but hillclimbs with the VSCC would be fun in an old 500cc F3 car, or maybe something a bit more modern. For me it’s about the event and the atmosphere, not winning, being competitive or going fast.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 28th January 21:44
i suppose it depends on how far you want to go....club racing, national historics like HSCC, FIA historics like masters?
the MGCC, CSCC offer some very cost effective racing, im sure if you contact them they can point you in the direction in terms of costs etc
the cost of cars tend to be lower because they arent App K or FIA HTP....just for instance a fully restored MG Midget can be bought for £12500 on race cars direct or historic formula ford for around 20k.
Obviously if you want to go App K or FIA spec, you can get mustangs for around 50k
My personal choice would be to race something that is easily repairable....ie something like a Mini, MG Midget, MGB or in the single seaters historic formula ford. There are plenty of specialists out there that can service/ maintain and provide parts for those cars....economies of scale keeps costs down.
http://www.historicff.co.uk/costs/
https://driver61.com/blog/how-much-does-racing-cos...
Just to add, ive known people (and raced myself) on tight budgets, and have just had to pay for race entry, consumables and travel for seasons...and then had the odd season where poo has hit the spinny thing and its cost a fortune.
Luckily with your £50k budget a year, if you go down the route of 'cost effective' racing like historic formula ford, when a car costs circa 20k.....you have another 2 cars worth of money 'in the bank' if you completely write the car off.....something that is unlikely to happen, twice in a season!
the MGCC, CSCC offer some very cost effective racing, im sure if you contact them they can point you in the direction in terms of costs etc
the cost of cars tend to be lower because they arent App K or FIA HTP....just for instance a fully restored MG Midget can be bought for £12500 on race cars direct or historic formula ford for around 20k.
Obviously if you want to go App K or FIA spec, you can get mustangs for around 50k
My personal choice would be to race something that is easily repairable....ie something like a Mini, MG Midget, MGB or in the single seaters historic formula ford. There are plenty of specialists out there that can service/ maintain and provide parts for those cars....economies of scale keeps costs down.
http://www.historicff.co.uk/costs/
https://driver61.com/blog/how-much-does-racing-cos...
Just to add, ive known people (and raced myself) on tight budgets, and have just had to pay for race entry, consumables and travel for seasons...and then had the odd season where poo has hit the spinny thing and its cost a fortune.
Luckily with your £50k budget a year, if you go down the route of 'cost effective' racing like historic formula ford, when a car costs circa 20k.....you have another 2 cars worth of money 'in the bank' if you completely write the car off.....something that is unlikely to happen, twice in a season!
Edited by WickerBill on Friday 29th January 11:08
Dad races FJ, I started racing HFF last season- we are generally running ourselves.
It must be said that most people in these series either have a professional team running them or they are something of an outfit in their own right, mechanic Dad running son for example or seasoned competitors who are skilled and equipped to handle most repairs in the paddock.
You have to balance your own level of mechanical skills and your inclination to look after the car yourself vs. what you are willing to spend on support.
As to what series you choose to run in, come along and see what you like. Talk to some teams and see if they can provide a car and support for a day so you can dip a toe.
With Covid you are not able to access paddocks on a spectator ticket, you are permitted into the paddock as a competitor or a helper only. Likewise paddock people aren’t allowed into spectator areas.
When choosing your series, don’t neglect to consider safety. Some types of car are safer than others.
It must be said that most people in these series either have a professional team running them or they are something of an outfit in their own right, mechanic Dad running son for example or seasoned competitors who are skilled and equipped to handle most repairs in the paddock.
You have to balance your own level of mechanical skills and your inclination to look after the car yourself vs. what you are willing to spend on support.
As to what series you choose to run in, come along and see what you like. Talk to some teams and see if they can provide a car and support for a day so you can dip a toe.
With Covid you are not able to access paddocks on a spectator ticket, you are permitted into the paddock as a competitor or a helper only. Likewise paddock people aren’t allowed into spectator areas.
When choosing your series, don’t neglect to consider safety. Some types of car are safer than others.
Hi
I'm running something slightly more modern but only just..
It's an 1988 Reynard F3 car, currently run it in Monoposto, but as of last year it was eligible to run with the HSCC in their new Geoff Lees trophy, so just moving into the 'Classic' area.
I run the car myself with either my brother or wife to assist at events and it's very straightforward indeed, my budget for the car was well under 1/5th of your suggestion and similar for the running costs too, hundreds of pounds a weekend yes but well south of 4 figures.
Pick the right car, run it yourself and motorsport is way less expensive than people think, it's Not cheap but it's much more affordable then people seem to think.
I'd suggest spending a season (when we can!) wandering around the paddocks of a few meetings - go to the regular club meeting rounds rather than the 'blue riband' ones - and find the bit of the paddock where massive trucks and huge motorhomes make way for a 7.5t wagon or Transit and trailer and the odd caravan knocking about and have a chat.. Pick the right class and you'll end up with something that's not complicated to run, can get into the odd blue riband event, but can also be raced at a dozen other good racing meetings a year without breaking the bank.
I'm running something slightly more modern but only just..
It's an 1988 Reynard F3 car, currently run it in Monoposto, but as of last year it was eligible to run with the HSCC in their new Geoff Lees trophy, so just moving into the 'Classic' area.
I run the car myself with either my brother or wife to assist at events and it's very straightforward indeed, my budget for the car was well under 1/5th of your suggestion and similar for the running costs too, hundreds of pounds a weekend yes but well south of 4 figures.
Pick the right car, run it yourself and motorsport is way less expensive than people think, it's Not cheap but it's much more affordable then people seem to think.
I'd suggest spending a season (when we can!) wandering around the paddocks of a few meetings - go to the regular club meeting rounds rather than the 'blue riband' ones - and find the bit of the paddock where massive trucks and huge motorhomes make way for a 7.5t wagon or Transit and trailer and the odd caravan knocking about and have a chat.. Pick the right class and you'll end up with something that's not complicated to run, can get into the odd blue riband event, but can also be raced at a dozen other good racing meetings a year without breaking the bank.
I am known to be biased but if you have never raced but want to race in “classic cars” I would strongly recommend a season or two with the CSCC in something like their “Swinging Sixties” series. Lots of track time, big grids of interesting cars, good value, good driving standards and a very well run and helpful club.
https://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/swinging-si...
You will soon find out how competitive you are but most importantly of all you will have fun.
Pick the right car, prepared to the correct regs, and you could also race it in several (allegedly) more prestigious events both in the U.K. and abroad with other clubs.
You also do not have to spend a £100k to buy or £50k a year to run a great car - some you do, sure, but you can really enjoy yourself, and maybe experience better, closer racing, and a better club/ paddock experience spending less. If you can afford it crack on, but the advice about buying a midget or MGB first is good, particularly as you will want to be racing not fettling or waiting for parts, and cars like that have lots of experienced people around with the knowledge to help you out and spares are easy to get hold of.
If you have not got a race licence yet, talk to Mel or Pete at “The Motorsport School” - they will help you through the whole process, offer you coaching and lots of good friendly advice.
https://www.themotorsportsschool.co.uk/
I race at the “gentlemanly” end of one of the other CSCC series’ grids and I love it. I will never win anything but it is awesome fun. It’s ok to have ambition and to dream of getting an invite to Goodwood or racing in the Oulton Park Gold Cup etc etc but it really is about getting on track, having a go and enjoying it without worrying about what anyone else thinks.
Feel free to PM me if you want to know any more about CSCC.
(Other clubs are available lol!)
https://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/swinging-si...
You will soon find out how competitive you are but most importantly of all you will have fun.
Pick the right car, prepared to the correct regs, and you could also race it in several (allegedly) more prestigious events both in the U.K. and abroad with other clubs.
You also do not have to spend a £100k to buy or £50k a year to run a great car - some you do, sure, but you can really enjoy yourself, and maybe experience better, closer racing, and a better club/ paddock experience spending less. If you can afford it crack on, but the advice about buying a midget or MGB first is good, particularly as you will want to be racing not fettling or waiting for parts, and cars like that have lots of experienced people around with the knowledge to help you out and spares are easy to get hold of.
If you have not got a race licence yet, talk to Mel or Pete at “The Motorsport School” - they will help you through the whole process, offer you coaching and lots of good friendly advice.
https://www.themotorsportsschool.co.uk/
I race at the “gentlemanly” end of one of the other CSCC series’ grids and I love it. I will never win anything but it is awesome fun. It’s ok to have ambition and to dream of getting an invite to Goodwood or racing in the Oulton Park Gold Cup etc etc but it really is about getting on track, having a go and enjoying it without worrying about what anyone else thinks.
Feel free to PM me if you want to know any more about CSCC.
(Other clubs are available lol!)
Edited by andy97 on Friday 29th January 15:58
Thanks everyone for all the advice!
I hadn’t even vaguely considered the safety aspect. Would I be right in assuming a tin top with a full roll cage is safer than a single seater? It’s not a deal breaker but I’m sure my wife will have an opinion
I didn’t realise that there is different levels. I will check out the suggested series.
Is it possible to run a car by yourself or is it not even possible to start one without 2 people? What is the going rate for an engineer for the weekend?
I would call myself a keen amateur with regard to my own mechanical skill. I have interest would be more than happy to get my hands dirty but wouldn’t have the confidence to be rebuilding my own engine.
How much testing do you need? I know the answer is sort of as much as possible. But I have a company to run, a disabled son and a wife that likes to see me every now and then so I’m not going to be able to do days and days of testing.
Travel wise was planning on saving bit of money by buying a trailer towing it my Range Rover which is my company car and getting very familiar with premier inns.
Erm I have loads more questions but will stop there.
I hadn’t even vaguely considered the safety aspect. Would I be right in assuming a tin top with a full roll cage is safer than a single seater? It’s not a deal breaker but I’m sure my wife will have an opinion
I didn’t realise that there is different levels. I will check out the suggested series.
Is it possible to run a car by yourself or is it not even possible to start one without 2 people? What is the going rate for an engineer for the weekend?
I would call myself a keen amateur with regard to my own mechanical skill. I have interest would be more than happy to get my hands dirty but wouldn’t have the confidence to be rebuilding my own engine.
How much testing do you need? I know the answer is sort of as much as possible. But I have a company to run, a disabled son and a wife that likes to see me every now and then
so I’m not going to be able to do days and days of testing. Travel wise was planning on saving bit of money by buying a trailer towing it my Range Rover which is my company car and getting very familiar with premier inns.
Erm I have loads more questions but will stop there.
pablo said:
It’s a bit left field but hillclimbs with the VSCC would be fun in an old 500cc F3 car, or maybe something a bit more modern. For me it’s about the event and the atmosphere, not winning, being competitive or going fast.
I have actually looked really hard at the Cooper 500s they have a really good series that I have wondered about starting with as the cars don’t seem mega expensive and from what I understand pretty much everyone is self spannering. My father in law also happens to be really into building classic bikes with JAP engines, which would be handy. Edited by pablo on Thursday 28th January 21:44
My Dad also has a Bentley 3 litre that I have tried to commandeer for VSCC but to convert to a race car spec would be around 100k because of the parts. Plus we kind of like it the way it is at the moment.
ntiz said:
Thanks everyone for all the advice!
I hadn’t even vaguely considered the safety aspect. Would I be right in assuming a tin top with a full roll cage is safer than a single seater? It’s not a deal breaker but I’m sure my wife will have an opinion
I didn’t realise that there is different levels. I will check out the suggested series.
Is it possible to run a car by yourself or is it not even possible to start one without 2 people? What is the going rate for an engineer for the weekend?
I would call myself a keen amateur with regard to my own mechanical skill. I have interest would be more than happy to get my hands dirty but wouldn’t have the confidence to be rebuilding my own engine.
How much testing do you need? I know the answer is sort of as much as possible. But I have a company to run, a disabled son and a wife that likes to see me every now and then so I’m not going to be able to do days and days of testing.
Travel wise was planning on saving bit of money by buying a trailer towing it my Range Rover which is my company car and getting very familiar with premier inns.
Erm I have loads more questions but will stop there.
It’s perfectly possible to run a car on your own, the more road going it is, the easier but even things like formula fords have onboard starters so you can do it yourself....it’s just easier with someone else helping you.....plus if your family can muck in, it’s a great way of spending time together.I hadn’t even vaguely considered the safety aspect. Would I be right in assuming a tin top with a full roll cage is safer than a single seater? It’s not a deal breaker but I’m sure my wife will have an opinion
I didn’t realise that there is different levels. I will check out the suggested series.
Is it possible to run a car by yourself or is it not even possible to start one without 2 people? What is the going rate for an engineer for the weekend?
I would call myself a keen amateur with regard to my own mechanical skill. I have interest would be more than happy to get my hands dirty but wouldn’t have the confidence to be rebuilding my own engine.
How much testing do you need? I know the answer is sort of as much as possible. But I have a company to run, a disabled son and a wife that likes to see me every now and then
so I’m not going to be able to do days and days of testing. Travel wise was planning on saving bit of money by buying a trailer towing it my Range Rover which is my company car and getting very familiar with premier inns.
Erm I have loads more questions but will stop there.
Depending on the series you race in, there will be professional teams that can maintain your car/ mechanic it at the circuit for you....it’s pretty common in Caterham racing, Elise cup etc just checking the Elise website for instance, there are teams charging between 300-500 per day for full trackside support, mechanics, transporting your car to and from the circuit etc.
In terms of rebuilding engines etc, I’m my experience most people send their engines off for a refresh rather than doing it themselves, certainly from the formula ford side of things anyway.
Testing wise, as much as you want. Obviously you’ll need your ARDS licence first, my advice is to get some lessons with a driver coach at your local circuit in the school cars and then when you get your own car you’ll have some idea of lines, braking points etc.
When I raced, I did a test day pre season to blow off the cobwebs then the odd one on a Friday before the race meeting...I’m down there anyway so might as well make a long weekend out of it!
Just depends on how competitive you want to be really!
Edited by WickerBill on Saturday 30th January 18:36
Edited by WickerBill on Saturday 30th January 18:39
WickerBill said:
Depending on the series you race in, there will be professional teams that can maintain your car/ mechanic it at the circuit for you....it’s pretty common in Caterham racing, Elise cup etc just checking the Elise website for instance, there are teams charging between 300-500 per day for full trackside support, mechanics, transporting your car to and from the circuit etc.
In terms of rebuilding engines etc, I’m my experience most people send their engines off for a refresh rather than doing it themselves, certainly from the formula ford side of things anyway.
Testing wise, as much as you want. Obviously you’ll need your ARDS licence first, my advice is to get some lessons with a driver coach at your local circuit in the school cars and then when you get your own car you’ll have some idea of lines, braking points etc.
When I raced, I did a test day pre season to blow off the cobwebs then the odd one on a Friday before the race meeting...I’m down there anyway so might as well make a long weekend out of it!
Just depends on how competitive you want to be really!
My general plan was once I have the house I’m building out of the way, was to get myself a Lotus Exige (always wanted one) and get down Snetterton with an instructor. My mate is fortunately an instructor who has offered to sit with me for a few beers here and there. Although I have a sneaky suspicion he has ulterior motives that start with “do you want to go halves on” In terms of rebuilding engines etc, I’m my experience most people send their engines off for a refresh rather than doing it themselves, certainly from the formula ford side of things anyway.
Testing wise, as much as you want. Obviously you’ll need your ARDS licence first, my advice is to get some lessons with a driver coach at your local circuit in the school cars and then when you get your own car you’ll have some idea of lines, braking points etc.
When I raced, I did a test day pre season to blow off the cobwebs then the odd one on a Friday before the race meeting...I’m down there anyway so might as well make a long weekend out of it!
Just depends on how competitive you want to be really!
Edited by WickerBill on Saturday 30th January 18:36
What is the difference between a test day and trackday? Can you do a trackday with a race car?
The how competitive I want to be bit is erm interesting. I keep telling myself I will be happy just to be there. But then I was at the sharp end of my chosen sport for 5 years fighting for national championships so I kind of kind of know when I get there I will want to be in with a chance. I will probably be bitterly disappointed with my skills and accept it’s not something you just jump into my expectation starting will be low.
ntiz said:
My general plan was once I have the house I’m building out of the way, was to get myself a Lotus Exige (always wanted one) and get down Snetterton with an instructor. My mate is fortunately an instructor who has offered to sit with me for a few beers here and there. Although I have a sneaky suspicion he has ulterior motives that start with “do you want to go halves on”
What is the difference between a test day and trackday? Can you do a trackday with a race car?
The how competitive I want to be bit is erm interesting. I keep telling myself I will be happy just to be there. But then I was at the sharp end of my chosen sport for 5 years fighting for national championships so I kind of kind of know when I get there I will want to be in with a chance. I will probably be bitterly disappointed with my skills and accept it’s not something you just jump into my expectation starting will be low.
Not a lot of difference between a track day and test day, but certain days are for race vehicles, some are for road vehicles and some have noise restrictions etc test days are usualy for race vehicles only and have less cars allowed on track so are more exclusive (and expensive) What is the difference between a test day and trackday? Can you do a trackday with a race car?
The how competitive I want to be bit is erm interesting. I keep telling myself I will be happy just to be there. But then I was at the sharp end of my chosen sport for 5 years fighting for national championships so I kind of kind of know when I get there I will want to be in with a chance. I will probably be bitterly disappointed with my skills and accept it’s not something you just jump into my expectation starting will be low.
In terms of competitiveness, just enjoy yourself. Remember people will have been racing for years, sometimes the more you push yourself the more mistakes you make....again tuition is a big help here, the more you prepare going into racing the better you will be when you get there (obviously!)
One of the things worth considering with say an FIA MGB is that you can do longer 2 driver races that either means someone else contributes to the running costs or else they prepare and run the car as their contribution (done both over the years)
I think there is lot to be said for a mini or MGB where parts are readily available and the cars seem fairly easy to run
If you are going to run yourself then you will need a trailer and a tow vehicle plus probably some form of easi up shelter
The nice thing about a classic racing car (especially an FIA one) is that there are multiple championships to race in so you can pick and choose which events to do plus it never goes out of date so you can stop for a season or two if life gets in the way
I would say if you fancy it just give it a go - don’t spend £100k off the bat, you might wreck it first time out or just not enjoy the delights of a rainy Snetterton in March
My impression is that MGBs especially are readily saleable (unlike some more expensive or exotic ones) so even if it’s not for you then it shouldn’t be the end of the world
I think there is lot to be said for a mini or MGB where parts are readily available and the cars seem fairly easy to run
If you are going to run yourself then you will need a trailer and a tow vehicle plus probably some form of easi up shelter
The nice thing about a classic racing car (especially an FIA one) is that there are multiple championships to race in so you can pick and choose which events to do plus it never goes out of date so you can stop for a season or two if life gets in the way
I would say if you fancy it just give it a go - don’t spend £100k off the bat, you might wreck it first time out or just not enjoy the delights of a rainy Snetterton in March
My impression is that MGBs especially are readily saleable (unlike some more expensive or exotic ones) so even if it’s not for you then it shouldn’t be the end of the world
ntiz said:
I have actually looked really hard at the Cooper 500s they have a really good series that I have wondered about starting with as the cars don’t seem mega expensive and from what I understand pretty much everyone is self spannering. My father in law also happens to be really into building classic bikes with JAP engines, which would be handy.
My Dad also has a Bentley 3 litre that I have tried to commandeer for VSCC but to convert to a race car spec would be around 100k because of the parts. Plus we kind of like it the way it is at the moment.
Sounds like you have the right idea and a few contacts, why not get the kit and a license now and start asking around for a double drive in something like the Equipe GTS series?My Dad also has a Bentley 3 litre that I have tried to commandeer for VSCC but to convert to a race car spec would be around 100k because of the parts. Plus we kind of like it the way it is at the moment.
Classic racing. Its generally fairly safe but Motorsport is dangerous, it says so on the ticket. Single seaters tend to race against other single seaters which are comparatively light, wheras sports cars and saloons race with cars that could be much heavier. A crash into the barriers will bend things. A crash against a heavier car will often see the lighter car come off worse.
Many cars can be run single handedly or with a friend, without needing an engineer on standby.
If your aim is to race at Goodwood, then thats another story - you need a car worthy of being considered for an invitation to race.
Many cars can be run single handedly or with a friend, without needing an engineer on standby.
If your aim is to race at Goodwood, then thats another story - you need a car worthy of being considered for an invitation to race.
Having worked in a few years ago & run winning cars in mainly the pre 66 touring class, FiA appendix K, Masters, Goodwood, etc. a few notes to add.
How competitive are you? would you be content with just competing, being constantly in the lower half of the grid?
Everybody wants to win, but driver skill aside, having a car capable of winning costs way more than just having a car on the grid, maybe 50% or even 100% more.
Non appendix K, non headline classes are a better bet just to have fun in.
As said before, just because your car is eligible to enter Goodwood, and it also applies to Classic Le Mans, doesn't mean you will be accepted as they are 'invitation only', your car would need something extra like having history at those races or an association with a racing driver from the past or a unique car nobody else races.
Also IIRC Classic Le Mans costs 9,000 Euro just to enter! That was 5 years ago, so maybe more now.
Tyres, only one make allowed Dunlop(race series dependant), and only available directly from them at about £1200 a set, a minimum of one set per weekend, thats 1/2 hr qualifying & 1/2 hr race!
How competitive are you? would you be content with just competing, being constantly in the lower half of the grid?
Everybody wants to win, but driver skill aside, having a car capable of winning costs way more than just having a car on the grid, maybe 50% or even 100% more.
Non appendix K, non headline classes are a better bet just to have fun in.
As said before, just because your car is eligible to enter Goodwood, and it also applies to Classic Le Mans, doesn't mean you will be accepted as they are 'invitation only', your car would need something extra like having history at those races or an association with a racing driver from the past or a unique car nobody else races.
Also IIRC Classic Le Mans costs 9,000 Euro just to enter! That was 5 years ago, so maybe more now.
Tyres, only one make allowed Dunlop(race series dependant), and only available directly from them at about £1200 a set, a minimum of one set per weekend, thats 1/2 hr qualifying & 1/2 hr race!
Historic 750 Formula
Why not try some grass routes Historic Racing in the Historic 750 Formula. The 750MC is renowned for low cost club level racing. Of course, it's not the same as Historic Formula 3 or perhaps even Historic Formula Ford, but you're guaranteed some superb racing, in historic machinery. The H750F is one of the friendliest race series around, whereby the competitors all support each other with technical knowledge and car builds - most entrants are owner mechanics. If you so wish you can build your own 'new old' car; in accordance with the period regulations at the time. The series race pre-74 open wheel racing cars or 'proper' racing cars as we like to think. Ok, so it doesn't have the speed of formula one or prestige of Goodwood, but it has some superb racing with full grids - across some of the UKs best tracks.
With your first venture into motor racing, do you really want to get into £20k for a season? One unfortunate incident or accident will blow your budget to pieces when you need a full professional strip down and rebuild - even if it wasn't your fault. Don't get me wrong, the HSCC has some amazing machinery, the VSCC has some true vintage gems and a superb paddock atmosphere - but if you want to go 'proper' historic racing on a budget then Historic 750 Formula is what you want.
Why not try some grass routes Historic Racing in the Historic 750 Formula. The 750MC is renowned for low cost club level racing. Of course, it's not the same as Historic Formula 3 or perhaps even Historic Formula Ford, but you're guaranteed some superb racing, in historic machinery. The H750F is one of the friendliest race series around, whereby the competitors all support each other with technical knowledge and car builds - most entrants are owner mechanics. If you so wish you can build your own 'new old' car; in accordance with the period regulations at the time. The series race pre-74 open wheel racing cars or 'proper' racing cars as we like to think. Ok, so it doesn't have the speed of formula one or prestige of Goodwood, but it has some superb racing with full grids - across some of the UKs best tracks.
With your first venture into motor racing, do you really want to get into £20k for a season? One unfortunate incident or accident will blow your budget to pieces when you need a full professional strip down and rebuild - even if it wasn't your fault. Don't get me wrong, the HSCC has some amazing machinery, the VSCC has some true vintage gems and a superb paddock atmosphere - but if you want to go 'proper' historic racing on a budget then Historic 750 Formula is what you want.
The thing about historic racing now is the fact that in some races, at least 25% of the grid didnt exist in period and are continuation chassis or new builds granted HTPs so whilst it’s true to say events like Goodwood are invite only, you don’t need a car with period history or driver association to get an invite. At the 77 MM I know of at least four Mini Coopers in the Richmond race which were fresh cars, the Datalink Fiesta was a new build and several others in that touring car race were too.
pablo said:
The thing about historic racing now is the fact that in some races, at least 25% of the grid didnt exist in period and are continuation chassis or new builds granted HTPs so whilst it’s true to say events like Goodwood are invite only, you don’t need a car with period history or driver association to get an invite. At the 77 MM I know of at least four Mini Coopers in the Richmond race which were fresh cars, the Datalink Fiesta was a new build and several others in that touring car race were too.
I think at least 50% of the grids are new build, could even be 75%. Even many of the famous/rare/very very expensive race cars you see at Goodwood are new build clones, the owners having the real historic car safely tucked away back home.New build cars are not a problem IF you already race at Goodwood or have contacts, the Data link Fiesta was entered by a well known team who have raced lots of cars there. Minis at the 77mm was a featured special one make race, so relatively to get an entry.
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