National B licence

Tiptop · 31 Dec 2003, 13:06 (Ref:824529)

Hi All,

My National B licence has just expired and i've received a new application form, it says that I can apply for a new licence without a medical (which I have done each year for the past 3 years).

This will be the 4th year I have owned a National B licence and I race a formula ford but my medical was way back in 2000, do they just issue licences without checking ? (surely not?) I keep hearing that you have to renew your medical every 2 years???

**Tim Falce** · 31 Dec 2003, 13:09 (Ref:824534)

Tiptop, you must be a youngster. You need a medical for you first licence and then when you are 45 years old and every year after that. Why have you never upgraded to Nat A or have you not done enough races?

Tiptop · 31 Dec 2003, 13:15 (Ref:824541)

Hi falcemob,

Yes I'm only a youngster (29) I took my ARDS test in 2000 hoping to race in 2001 but due to some unsettling times at work it wasn't until 2003 I could actually race.

I raced last year and I will have enough signatures next year to upgrade to Nat A. Phew at least I now know that I don't need a medical it was a nightmare to get a doctor the first time!!!!

Thanks
Tiptop

**Tim Falce** · 31 Dec 2003, 13:39 (Ref:824554)

You only need 5 or 6 signitures now to upgrade, although unless you want to race abroad this year it isnt realy important.

Instructor · 31 Dec 2003, 14:29 (Ref:824605)

Yup TIPTOP
You don't need an annual medical until you reach the rather odd number of 45.

You need 6 sigs on a Nat B before you upgrade.
Although one can be a Marshalling sig.
(I feel all racers should have to do this as it is a real 'eye opener').

There is really is very little difference Nat B /Nat A, other than 'cred' unless you want to race Tuscans, National Supersports or something similar.
Most clubby races are Nat 'B' sanctioned and are non the worse for it!

Have fun.
Get out there and enjoy!

Best regs
Steve L

Tiptop · 31 Dec 2003, 14:33 (Ref:824609)

Hi Instructor,

didn't they change the rules this year that lets you upgrade to National A if you have 6 signatures from one track ? or do you have to race at other circuits before upgrading ?

Cheers
tiptop

Instructor · 31 Dec 2003, 15:15 (Ref:824626)

Yup sigs can be from one circuit if necessary.
6 races
or
5 races and one Marshalls day.

Why the hurry?
Enjoy your time with the cross.
It means you are 'paying your dues'...
It is always really good cred for a novice to beat some of the
old stagers.

zefarelly · 5 Jan 2004, 16:32 (Ref:828486)

I think you can also do an advanced ARDS to gain a signature as well ? I may do this to try and get my lisence upgraded intime for an international event in September

Instructor · 7 Jan 2004, 11:59 (Ref:830366)

We had someone try to do an advanced ARDS at Sillystone last year.
It was mooted as a good idea but is not sanctioned by the MSa so it could not be done.
Just 'pay yer dues' on-track guys..
It pays off in the end.

Regs
Steve L

Robin Webster · 7 Jan 2004, 21:49 (Ref:830948)

'ERE, Lewis!

You got nothing better to do than trawl around web sites?
You should be finding sponsorship, you should, and going racing!!

Webbo!

zefarelly · 8 Jan 2004, 09:58 (Ref:831333)

I didnt know that Instructor, thanks, It was an idea to save time rather than money . . .I want to try and get upgraded before Sept so I can go to Spa

Instructor · 8 Jan 2004, 11:17 (Ref:831396)

Hahah pot calling kettle methinks Robin!
and you at the 'SHOW' today as well!

Me..
I prefer actually 'doing' rather than just dribbling over what I'd love to race that's on display at the SHOW. :-)
Thanks for the tickets offer though!

Good bunch in here.
Keep up the good work.

best regs
Steve L

LisaD · 8 Jan 2004, 15:36 (Ref:831670)

Hi there, I have a national B, and I now have 6 signatures so I can upgrade if I want to a national A...I have got these sigs from sprint racing, what is the situation for me if I want to do circuit racing? ie, can I with my national A/B race licence, and as I have only done sprints will I need to display the cross???

MikeM · 8 Jan 2004, 15:57 (Ref:831698)

Sorry, I think you need race signatures to upgrade a race licence. You can upgrade your sprint licence though. I don't think sprint licence details have any affect or influennce on a race licence.
I enjoy sprints but racing is a much better experience, do have a go!

Instructor · 8 Jan 2004, 16:17 (Ref:831712)

Mike is right about the signatures on your 'sprint' licence.
There is a difference with a 'race National B'
You have to pass the MSA ARDS test to gain a National B Race licence, then finish 6 races (or 5 plus a Marshall day).

Sprinting is a great discipline and makes good racers.
You can often tell a sprinter as they are very good at race starts, plus they are able to take the first lap at 101% and be very clean and tidy in their lines and approach to the circuit. These are all good disciplines to learn and are crucial in sprinting where you often do not get another lap to rectify a messed up line or gearchange etc.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to know more.
Alternatively there are plenty here with axcellent advice.

Best regs
Steve L

MikeM · 8 Jan 2004, 16:22 (Ref:831714)

LisaD, just another thought - you can sprint on a race licence so you don't need both, less cost. But --- keep your old sprint licences and signatures as you can go back to your old licence and level if you stop racing and can prove what you held before. It might be an idea to upgrade your sprint licence before you get a race one as that will prove the level you were at. Hope this helps.

**Peter Mallett** · 8 Jan 2004, 19:29 (Ref:831900)

Zef,

Get those six races and do Spa. I'll hold the board for you! (Might even cook the sausages afterwards!).

Of course that's a quid pro quo.

zefarelly · 9 Jan 2004, 10:19 (Ref:832460)

Pete . . . .I'm going to do my best to get there . . .with the car, not just waving your board! built my front struts last night . .. .another bit done !

a quid? dont you mean a Euro?

midgetman · 11 Jan 2004, 19:09 (Ref:834540)

>>>>>are able to take the first lap at 101% and be very clean and tidy in their lines

Yes but then we get bored and throw away all our good work!

Zefarelly, we're at Spa in May all being well. Are MG Midgets invited to the later bash? Be good to meet you.

Max
Trying desperately to learn Eau Rouge on the PlayStation!

PS. Instructor: 10 races to Nat A isn't it?

Instructor · 12 Jan 2004, 09:56 (Ref:835124)

Nup sorry Midge... or is it Max

)
It was 10 in the old days (well not the 'really old' days!)
Now it has been lightened to 6 sigs.
That's a definite.

Best regs
Steve L

Boomer · 12 Jan 2004, 11:16 (Ref:835229)

Instructor,

I have sent you a PM.

Cheers
Boomer

zefarelly · 12 Jan 2004, 11:45 (Ref:835245)

MAx. . . .I think the historic Spa meet would let midgets in to some of the races.

I'm sure we'll meet up at some point, although probably not on the track.

its 6 sigs for nat A and 5 for Int Historic I think

simon drabble · 12 Jan 2004, 11:57 (Ref:835260)

depends how modified yr Midget is - if its in the spirit of Appendix K then you would be able to race it in Julius Thurgood's Cloth Cap and Barry S-Smiths races so that is 2 hours of racing . If its a hot rod you should be ok with Barrys race, same with Chimay

LisaD · 12 Jan 2004, 20:05 (Ref:835842)

oooh sorry, its a Race National B licence that I have...not a sprint licence...its just that I have mainly done sprints and not circuit racing...

slideways · 14 Jan 2004, 10:28 (Ref:837691)

Hi All, I should really know this but is it necessary to keep racing to maintain a National A licence or does the MSA downgrade the licence to a National B if away from the tracks for a couple of years?

I would hate to have a novice cross on the back of the car again which sometimes means please "tap me" rather than "avoid me"..

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