Starting to race?

[want2race]

Hi all
I have just registered after being told about the site at the weekend and thought this would be the ideal place to ask a few questions.
As you might be able to tell by the name I am looking to start racing, and that’s what I have a few questions about.
Firstly I have been in touch with the MSA and have my pack on its way to me. I shouldn’t have a problem with the doctors letter and as soon as the pack turns up I will be sorting out my ARDS test.
The questions are what next?
Im still unsure if I want to go into single seaters or tin tops, the idea I had was to have a day at somewere like Silverstone in a single seater and see what I think. Has anyone else done that, is it worth it, is there anywere better to go?
Were is the best place to look for a race car, what sort of money should you be paying (for something like a stock hatch type or a formula ford for star of the midlands).
Any other advice would be welcomed, either by PM or posted.
Cheers

[Peter Mallett]

First question. Where is your home?

Second question. If you had £3000.00 to spend what would you spend it on?

Finally. Welcome to our friendly forum w2r.

[want2race]

Hi peter thanks for the welcome.
Im live about half hour away from mallory park (thought id put in places everyone here will know).
As for £3000, not sure would I be able to get a single seater for that? That is the kind of money I was thinking of (maybe a bit more if needed)

[Peter Mallett]

OK.

I'll pm you.

[kickstart]

Having raced with the 750MC for a couple of seasons I would really recommend this club to you and if you do one of their championships it gives you a chance to race on most of the countries race tracks.
Stock Hatchs seem to go from about £2000 upwards, have a look at the 750MC website and F Vee's go from about £3000. A Zetec Formula Ford (for F4) can be as cheap as £4k and in the right hands they go very well.

[RushyRacer]

For cheap racing with possible car sharing try looking at the TINTOPS Series run by the Classic Sports Car Club for 2wd non turbo cars up to 2litre built from 1970 to present day, so your Fiesta / Pug 205 etc/XR3/Escort Mk2 / Metro Gti etc etc can all race with minimal mods.
Check out the links on www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk

[stuart05]

I was lucky enough to spend a day at the Ian Taylor school at Thruxton for my 21st Birthday. I drove a FF1600 and FF2000 and loved the experience. That said, I could never race an open wheeler so now that I am racing, I've opted to go down the Tin Top / Sports Car (one day) route.
The point is that a day at a school like that could save you a bit of money as you'll get a feel for what you're letting yourself in for with a single seater.
I'm sure every racer will give you a different opinion on what is best to race.
The main thing is to find something that you'll really enjoy cos this aint a cheap hobby.

[JohnMiller]

You can pick up a reasonable FF1600 for £4k. Or you could spend anything upto £12k+.

But you could be competitive in the £4k one.

[WildMan78]

I would agree with that last comment , I would watch out for advice as to which is the best category of racing as most drivers will tell you that the oner they are doing is the best. Probably the best thing is to try a couple ot different racing schools with different machinery and then make a choice based on your budget / degree of mechanical knowledge and probably where you live (travelling and accomodation can be expensive as well ) .

[jump]

Personally I have gone through the 750mc and Stock Hatch route. Been preparing the motor all year, so its alot of work if you start from scratch. Probably best to buy the full kit if you have the money to spend all in one go as it will work out cheaper in the long run.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by RushyRacer

For cheap racing with possible car sharing try looking at the TINTOPS Series run by the Classic Sports Car Club for 2wd non turbo cars up to 2litre built from 1970 to present day, so your Fiesta / Pug 205 etc/XR3/Escort Mk2 / Metro Gti etc etc can all race with minimal mods.

It would be interesting to know out of all those who race with the CSCC, how many are entering cars solely for that series? My belief is that people build cars for other championships then run with the CSCC on free weekends (when their particular series/championship isn't racing). So I would build for a recognised championship.

[NWFF 37]

I started my first season of racing this year in the NW FF1600 championship. I missed the first round as i didnt have a car and then bought a £4000 87 van diemen off ebay.

Its not very competitive as the suspension is a bit odd ball to previous / later models and can be difficult to (in my opinion / driving style) reduce oversteer. Its also a lot heavier than other models that i compete against.

However i thoroughly enjoyed the season, and found it great to compete against better models, as the car is not competitive enough to win and as much as i am not experienced enough either, the challenge is to try and get amongst the better faster cars, and i have had a great season doing this.

I do hope to get a better car soon, but for the fun ive had this year and the reliability, i cant fault it. Also our season has been pretty cheap as we have done no testing at all, the first time i drove the car was in the first qualifying session, and have had no engine problems or bumps - other than the last round at croft!! But its cheap to run and easy and cost effective to maintain.

As a whole i would definatley reccomend FF1600 to anyone interested, but you should plan your season carefully as there are many top drivers, cars and teams after the race wins and titles, but for good racing, its second to none!!

[RushyRacer]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

It would be interesting to know out of all those who race with the CSCC, how many are entering cars solely for that series? My belief is that people build cars for other championships then run with the CSCC on free weekends (when their particular series/championship isn't racing). So I would build for a recognised championship.

Peter, I cannot disagree with you when it comes to this year as we only launched TinTops in March with no prior notification to potential competitors so nobody has built specifically to race with us and that is the beauty of the Series.
For anyone wishing to take up the sport or even continuing racing economically we are willing to accept most cars, within reason, that you could have raced in the passed in, Stock Hatch, Mighty Minis, MGCC, Rover 216 GT's etc etc.
And if you want to share the cost of a 40 min, 20 min Quali race for £245 with a friend you can trust with your car then you can half the costs of your motorsport.

[Peter Mallett]

I'm not decrying the series, I run in the 70's Top Hat these days for similar cost effective reasons. However I'm of an age where racing is more fun when you don't have to worry about points.

But conversely, for a new starter I would always recommend a championship rather than a series for the very reasons I gave above. The points pressure makes it fun.

[Speedy5]

As mentioned before the 750MC is highly reccommended. Have a look at their 750 Formula, it is probably the cheapest sports car racing in the UK. The formula was suffering a few years ago, but since they adopted a standard Fiat engine for power (and hence cheap!), the formula is bouncing back. A good existing car can be bought for a few grand, or a new rolling chassis for a bit less. And these are real racing cars, where the driver/constructor can use his own 'flair' in design to help performance.
Check it out.

[Peter Mallett]

Welcome to our forum Speedy5

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

However I'm of an age where racing is more fun when you don't have to worry about points.

The CSCC TinTops is most certainly for you then Peter, no points, not many prizes, but definitely good fun and a friendly atmosphere.

[Larry J-Croft]

I have a suggestion, having been through this myself and seen many others do the same. There is one simple principle - in your first season you are not going to be F1 champion!! Get the cheapest simplest car and go and learn what it is all about. I started with the MGOC in a Maestro that cost me £1500 and I sold for £1500 at the end of the season. 750 MC stock hatch is probably the other best/cheapest way to learn the circuits, learn the racecraft and learn what really goes on in a paddock. I have been at it now for 10 years and race an F3 in Mono. I have seen guys come into Mono in expensive singel seaters as novices - why??

They warn you about addictive drugs and alcohol, they never warn you about adrenalin !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RAY DACKOMBE]

Hi Guys, One Of The Great Things About Mono Is You Can Buy A Cheapish Single Seater To Run In The 1600 Class Ie Vauxhall Junior 8 Valve 3k.if You Like The Racing Later You Can Upgrade To A 2 Litre,there Are A Few Cheap Options Even In That Class, Have A Look On The Mono Web Site It Will Give You A Guide To What Is About

[JLD]

I've been following this thread with interest as I intend to start racing next season as well. The car is almost sorted (metro gti to run in the MGCC metrocup). I'm planning to take it along to a trackday or two to get used to how it handles at track speeds (and maybe make a few tweeks here and there).

Her's to next season.

[Al Weyman]

Yes Peter but isn't the Top hat thing going all FIA next season which will mean many cars will no longer be elligible and it won't be cheap then (big mistake IMHO). I have my Camaro up and racing now built to CTRC pre-73 rules but as I see it next year although I have tried to be a FIA as possible it just is not going to make the cut. Bit of a shame actually as I would like to ave a go out with them on occassions especially as I have caluculated my fuel consumption at 6 mpg so my fuel tank would be big enough for the 30 lap events.

Oh and back to tthe original thread, I have comeback into racing after an 8 year layoff and decided to compete in the Classic Touring Race Car Club Pre 73 championship and did the last three rounds and am pleased to report a good club atmosphere and some good on track racing so I could recommend any of their good range of championships to you. also i used to run in and still have an elligible car for the Toyo Tyres Modified Production Saloon Car Championship and currently Toyp are offering a free set of tyres for anyone committing to race in the championship (don't know the deal for next year) but it is a good offer that Dunlop could do well to copy in the CTCRC championships but don't hold yer breath!

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by falcemob

The CSCC TinTops is most certainly for you then Peter, no points, not many prizes, but definitely good fun and a friendly atmosphere.

Agreed except I've got slightly more than 2 litres and of course I run in the Top Hat 70's series.

[Al Weyman]

And the FIA thing in Top Hat next year Peter, come on now, what do you know no copping a deafen on this, spill the beans.

[COLIN STUBBS]

[I'm planning to take it along to a trackday or two to get used to how it handles at track speeds

if your going to caddy on nov 5th we will be there mate

[mrsweety]

Hi there *my first post here*

I myself had a good look at all the differing single seaters etc and then came across SuperKarts!! in 250 trim they will outlap most things!! think F3 speed 170 mph 0-60 in 2/3 seconds....for a few grand!! and you get to race on all the top tracks around the UK!!.

Monoposto is another option which seemed great compared to other cars and the guys were really helpfull! but if you want stunning speed for cheapish money have a look at these, again a very helpful bunch!!

http://www.superkart.org.uk/

http://www.250superkarts.com/

Cheers

Andy