Clubsport, XTR2, ADR3... what else?

Considering the purchase of a car initially for trackdays and to learn the ropes. Will possibly compete later on in the 750MC or similar. I was originally set on the Radical Clubsport (or possibly SR4) but have heard a few horror stories about the cost of running them (especially if I compete and get a little battle damage here and there). Another car that was suggested was the Westfield XTR2 but I am not sure if Westfield even make these anymore (have emailed them but not heard back yet)? What other options for that type of car are there and could anyone who runs one give me an approx. idea of costs etc. over a year?

Thanks.

Radicals can be extremely expensive to run if you want to stay competitive, and in a radical series. I think running a clubsport with the bikesports on a 750MC meeting would be cheaper - you dont get the compulsary upgrades you have in a radical series. A friend gave up clubsport and now races in Club F3 instead - cheaper.

What about a Global GT Lite - they are very nippy. Also run with the 750MC/bikesports. Always fancied one of those myself. Various engine sizes to play with.

Shameless advert on - Or go with what I do - Locost. Check out the 10-10ths Wiki entry! I run mine on track days. Not the fastest things on 4 wheels but a good starting point Advert off.

James

Radicals can be extremely expensive to run if you want to stay competitive, and in a radical series. I think running a clubsport with the bikesports on a 750MC meeting would be cheaper - you dont get the compulsary upgrades you have in a radical series. A friend gave up clubsport and now races in Club F3 instead - cheaper.

What about a Global GT Lite - they are very nippy. Also run with the 750MC/bikesports. Always fancied one of those myself. Various engine sizes to play with.

Shameless advert on - Or go with what I do - Locost. Check out the 10-10ths Wiki entry! I run mine on track days. Not the fastest things on 4 wheels but a good starting point Advert off.

James


I was almost 99% set on the XTR2 but due to me not really having any track experience I have decied I will first get something like a Westfield 1.8 (or possibly Locost) and get some trackday (and possibly 750MC race) experience with that. Once I a comfortable with that I will look at the XTR2 as car number 2.

Another shamless ad - a Graduates Caterham - one up for sale at just over £6k at the moment (http://www.graduates.org.uk/forsale/default.asp) - do a few trackday, do a few races, sell it for what you paid and buy your prototype-type racer?

do a few trackday, do a few races, sell it for what you paid and buy your prototype-type racer?

Exactly what I was thinking. I've emailed the owner for pics.

Quick question, to enter the 750MC kit car championship, would I need the 1.8 Zetec powered Westfield or could I go for a 2.0 Pinto which seem more plentiful?

Only if a Pinto is 2 valves per cyclinder - regs at http://750mc.co.uk/Racing/regulations/2006%20Regs%20-%20Kit%20Cars.pdf

Having raced with the 750MC for the last few years I think that Locost would be a lot of fun, mega large grids, true low cost racing and they seem a decent bunch.
If you are starting out racing I would tend to race something that is not too quick so that you can learn the circuits and racecraft without freightening yourself or having to spend a small fortune.
Have fun

Dickie Brown has a good Locost for sale at the moment - £4850. Have pasted a precis below...

>>>
Due to the imminent arrival of my first child (due 1 Oct 06), my Locost racecar is up for sale. It currently carries ballast so would suit any size driver. Available for viewing at Donington next weekend (my last race for "a few" years). Contact me on 0775 360 8722. Brief spec outlined beneath.

Dickie

New Items Fitted in 2006:

Brian Randall engine (May 06)
GT Gearbox, rebuilt by Road & Race Transmission
3.9 Diff, rebuilt by Road & Race Transmission Mar 2006
Tony Law exhaust manifold and silencer
Half Shaft bearings replaced by Road & Race Transmission
6 point FIA Harness valid to 2011
Red Top 15 Battery
Lumenition Optronic Ignition
Fibre Glass seat
Electrical Loom
Front brake callipers
Front brake discs
Front brake pads
Quick ratio steering rack
Fuel Pump
Fuel pressure regulator (comes with pressure gauge)
Fire extinguisher (to MSA 2006 rules)
Temp gauge and sender
Samco coolant hoses
Lap timer & beacon

Spares:
Standard gearbox
Steering rack
Front cycle wings (pair)
Front upper wishbones (pair)
Set of 4 wheels/tyres
2 x carbs
Dizzy
2 x 20 litre jerrycans
Spare diff (needs new CWP)
Loads of smaller items
Radiator
Bonnet
Nosecone
Exhaust manifold x 2

£4850 ono for quick sale

Phone 0775 3608722 or email dickie-b@boltblue.com (dickie-b%40boltblue.com)

Car is in SW London
<<<

run away from the Westfield.......

After careful research and thought I have decied to go the Locost route. Although I would really relish the challenge of building a Locost (buying the MK chassis etc.) I am not sure if this is really practical with only a single size garage to work in? Otherwise I will look for a good used example of either the MK Indy (for track days and roads) or just bit the bullet and go straight for the race ready Locost and use it on a track day and later the 750mc Locost series (really like the look of this series).

PS. Went to the Dunlop Great & British event last weekend at Croft, those Radicals were lovely to watch!

Would be great to see you in Locost! It is a great series, with a lot of very helpful drivers, as most are in it purely for the fun, so are more than happy to share information (no hiding behind garage doors!)

You can build on in a single garage, but double is better! I build a Westfield in one without a problem. And it is fun building a Locost, but can be time consuming (I have a 90% built road one, I bought my race one, but will not need to rechassis it after a big accident at Silverstone - 3 months work). Budget a good 6 months to build if you havent done it before, and £6000. Cheaper to buy one ready made - Dickie's would be a pretty good entry point.

Note that the MK Indy is NOT eligible for the 750MC series as it doesnt use a live rear axle (See the Locost regs - Link on the WIki). I think MK still do race spec chassis, but alternatively, Luego, Stuart Taylor still do them.

James

Would be great to see you in Locost! It is a great series, with a lot of very helpful drivers, as most are in it purely for the fun, so are more than happy to share information (no hiding behind garage doors!)

You can build on in a single garage, but double is better! I build a Westfield in one without a problem. And it is fun building a Locost, but can be time consuming (I have a 90% built road one, I bought my race one, but will not need to rechassis it after a big accident at Silverstone - 3 months work). Budget a good 6 months to build if you havent done it before, and £6000. Cheaper to buy one ready made - Dickie's would be a pretty good entry point.

Note that the MK Indy is NOT eligible for the 750MC series as it doesnt use a live rear axle (See the Locost regs - Link on the WIki). I think MK still do race spec chassis, but alternatively, Luego, Stuart Taylor still do them.

James


Thanks for the reply James. Yes, decision is made, Locost it is for me. I will buy a used race spec chassis and probably use it at trackdays until I feel I am up to a reasonable speed and learnt a bit about the car, I will then give the 750mc series a go (after I have done the course and got my national b). Can't wait!

Thanks for the reply James. Yes, decision is made, Locost it is for me. I will buy a used race spec chassis and probably use it at trackdays until I feel I am up to a reasonable speed and learnt a bit about the car, I will then give the 750mc series a go (after I have done the course and got my national b). Can't wait!

I did one track day before I started racing.......probably should have practiced a bit more, but I am usually in the top half of the field (44 at Silverstone), so slowly getting better!

See you next year? If I get my car rebuilt in time!

James