You must have had this many times before...
Discussion
but can someone please give me a quick guide to getting started in motorsport. I'm into bikes and cars but have decided that cars is the way for now. I'm interested in track racing probably in road-legal cars. And it's got to be cheap!
Where do I start? There are probably plenty of web resources out there but I can't find them.
Sorry to trouble you all with something you always get pestered for, but can you please point me in the right direction and recommend what I should do next.
Where do I start? There are probably plenty of web resources out there but I can't find them.
Sorry to trouble you all with something you always get pestered for, but can you please point me in the right direction and recommend what I should do next.
Firstly - "got to be cheap"
Well, the first rule of motorsport is that it certainly isn't cheap!!!! Then again, that depends on what you call cheap I suppose, but a season in even the cheapest of series (if you're starting from scratch) will make a heavy dent in 10k.
For example:
1. You'll need to get a National 'B' licence so start by getting a 'Go Racing' pack from the MSA - 36 quid
2. Do you ARDS test - most racing circuits (if not all) minimum 150 quid
3. Buy approved helmet, flameproof suit/underwear/lid/gloves/boots etc. allow bare min. 500 quid but how much is your life worth? More like 700.
4. Buy a car - well, stock hatch/hot hatch/Locost. Budget min. 3k more like 5.
5. Join a club/register for a series/race entry fees. Depending on club/series allow 1700 min.
6. Spares, inevitable breakdowns, wear and tear items - who knows, but 2k might see you through.
7. Bare minimum testing/trackdays/shakedowns - 500
8. Travel expenses, trailer, fuel, food - 1500
So there you go, based on the above you're looking at 10k as a starting point (blimey - didn't realise it would be THAT much - gulp). That said, the second season is a bit cheaper (although, you'll end up spending more on the car to make it faster/handle better).
Still, once you start you'll be hooked and you'll realise just how pedestrian road driving is. In fact, you'll find that you drive a lot slower ON the road as you've got nothing to prove. So you'll be making a saving in speeding fines/increased insurance costs/written off cars etc.
Hope this helps.
Well, the first rule of motorsport is that it certainly isn't cheap!!!! Then again, that depends on what you call cheap I suppose, but a season in even the cheapest of series (if you're starting from scratch) will make a heavy dent in 10k.
For example:
1. You'll need to get a National 'B' licence so start by getting a 'Go Racing' pack from the MSA - 36 quid
2. Do you ARDS test - most racing circuits (if not all) minimum 150 quid
3. Buy approved helmet, flameproof suit/underwear/lid/gloves/boots etc. allow bare min. 500 quid but how much is your life worth? More like 700.
4. Buy a car - well, stock hatch/hot hatch/Locost. Budget min. 3k more like 5.
5. Join a club/register for a series/race entry fees. Depending on club/series allow 1700 min.
6. Spares, inevitable breakdowns, wear and tear items - who knows, but 2k might see you through.
7. Bare minimum testing/trackdays/shakedowns - 500
8. Travel expenses, trailer, fuel, food - 1500
So there you go, based on the above you're looking at 10k as a starting point (blimey - didn't realise it would be THAT much - gulp). That said, the second season is a bit cheaper (although, you'll end up spending more on the car to make it faster/handle better).
Still, once you start you'll be hooked and you'll realise just how pedestrian road driving is. In fact, you'll find that you drive a lot slower ON the road as you've got nothing to prove. So you'll be making a saving in speeding fines/increased insurance costs/written off cars etc.
Hope this helps.
>What about karting? Or is that really for youngsters
It's not entirely youngsters. I'm in the Kumho BMW Championship but started out at the tender age of 29 in Senior TKM karting. 2 stroke 100cc engines with a top speed (according to gearing) of about 90mph
Senior TM is for +16 year olds, so yes there are a fair number of spotty yoofs but there are a fair number of normal adults. They run a min weight so the real lightweights have to carry lead and it becomes a more level playing field.
Costs are significantly lower than circuit racing. A 2nd hand TKM kart is about £1500, ARKS test is £50, safety gear - £400, the engine requires rebuilding after 6 hours running - £150, but a years racing can be achieved for a reasonable sum.
It's not entirely youngsters. I'm in the Kumho BMW Championship but started out at the tender age of 29 in Senior TKM karting. 2 stroke 100cc engines with a top speed (according to gearing) of about 90mph
Senior TM is for +16 year olds, so yes there are a fair number of spotty yoofs but there are a fair number of normal adults. They run a min weight so the real lightweights have to carry lead and it becomes a more level playing field.
Costs are significantly lower than circuit racing. A 2nd hand TKM kart is about £1500, ARKS test is £50, safety gear - £400, the engine requires rebuilding after 6 hours running - £150, but a years racing can be achieved for a reasonable sum.
karting... there's always the arrive 'n drive Club 100 series. Excellent vfm and an exciting intro to motorsport.
If it's cars you after, there are a number of people who will rent you drives from about £500 per meeting - maybe a cheaper way to test the water before buying your own car. NB the current economic climate means there are a lot of cars out there but the owners can't afford to run them / teams can't find drivers with the budget. So deals can be done!
If you just want to get out on track and see if it's for you why not go on a track day. Polaris Drive (my comany!) will even supply a Porsche 944 for you - e.mail me (sales@polarisdrive.co.uk) if interested.
Whatever you decide... Be warned, motorsport is highly addictive AND v. expensive (not just £££s, also relationships etc.!!)... Good Luck!!
If it's cars you after, there are a number of people who will rent you drives from about £500 per meeting - maybe a cheaper way to test the water before buying your own car. NB the current economic climate means there are a lot of cars out there but the owners can't afford to run them / teams can't find drivers with the budget. So deals can be done!
If you just want to get out on track and see if it's for you why not go on a track day. Polaris Drive (my comany!) will even supply a Porsche 944 for you - e.mail me (sales@polarisdrive.co.uk) if interested.
Whatever you decide... Be warned, motorsport is highly addictive AND v. expensive (not just £££s, also relationships etc.!!)... Good Luck!!
Has anyone tried the club100 arrive and drive series thingy?
Myself and a couple of mates go karting quite regular and have thought about the idea of racing but thought it would be expensive (buying a kart, getting licence etc). Just looked at this and recon with a team of 4 you could do the rookie enduro season for £620 each - not bad.
Anyway what I was really after is has anyone got any experience of these - as we're in our late 20's wouldn't want to turn up and feel old... doesn't mean we're slow!
Myself and a couple of mates go karting quite regular and have thought about the idea of racing but thought it would be expensive (buying a kart, getting licence etc). Just looked at this and recon with a team of 4 you could do the rookie enduro season for £620 each - not bad.
Anyway what I was really after is has anyone got any experience of these - as we're in our late 20's wouldn't want to turn up and feel old... doesn't mean we're slow!
I haven't done Club 100 but before I moved into cars I did race in TKMs. They are fantastic fun and I would definitely recomend them. I've heard that the Club 100 karts are restricted a bit compared but they are still a great deal faster than the pro-karts you will find at your average karting place like Buckmore Park or Daytona.
Definitely give it a go, you'll love it. Even better are the endurance events because you can race with your mates and you are all happy when you win instead of one being upset that another thrashed him.
Definitely give it a go, you'll love it. Even better are the endurance events because you can race with your mates and you are all happy when you win instead of one being upset that another thrashed him.
Club 100 karting gets my thumbs up. I only do occasional enduro races and test days but the karts are excellent* (100cc direct drive 2-strokes), track manners are reasonable and if you bear in mind all kit is supplied incl. support and breakage repairs its good value for money in racing terms.
www.club100.co.uk
AdrianR
* OK, not quite as fast as a TKM or Rotax but only real racers like Simon will be able to tell!
>> Edited by adrianr on Thursday 28th February 15:01
www.club100.co.uk
AdrianR
* OK, not quite as fast as a TKM or Rotax but only real racers like Simon will be able to tell!
>> Edited by adrianr on Thursday 28th February 15:01
I'm doing the C100 Intermediate endurance series this year (as is PHer "Cotty" - in fact he started a thread a while aback).
If you want any info, drop me a line.
(IIRC, they are as-near-as-damnit TKMs - they just stick hard tyres and big gear ratios on so that they'll run for a whole weekend without trauma.
If you want any info, drop me a line.
(IIRC, they are as-near-as-damnit TKMs - they just stick hard tyres and big gear ratios on so that they'll run for a whole weekend without trauma.
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