Best (cheapest) way to start?

[jonboyG]

What I would like to know is what is the best way to actually start racing? More importantly, what is th ebst way to do it (reasonably) cheaply?

I was thinking that the stock hatch would be a good formula to start in - a 205 GTi isn't that expensive, and you don't have to spend loads on it apart from the roll cage etc, and you can drive it to and from the races (which further cuts costs).

A friend of my dad's races a Marcos in the HSCC, and talking to him and the rest of the Marcos boys there they suggested starting witha classic, but wouldn't that be more expensive?

Then ther's the fact that I'm not very handy with a spanner. I might be, it's just that I've never actually done any mechanic type stuff, so I'd need someone to help me do all that side of things. How do you go about finding a mechanic thats any good?

Finally, sponsership. How does one go about getting it, and what do you offer them in return for their cash?

Many thanks in advance,

Jonboy

[AndyF]

All the 750MCs series are quite cheap for first-time drivers. Minis could be another option.

[josvandeperre]

Buy a race ready car for which the parts are cheap and there's a few of already in your chosen series - if you need help on the day most are happy to oblige - use the end of this season to check out race days for a few series to see if you get on with the people and their aims - you may even hear of a cheap car

Do not budget on sponsorship - one way or another at this level everyone pays for it themselves

If I think of anything else I'll be back

[SNH]

have a look at the Classic Saloon Car Club's series. Good thing about a classic series is that the cars never go out of date. Although, the wrong car can be expensive, eg Lotus Cortinas, Jags, etc. But, Capris, Escorts, etc can be 'cheap', (a relative term).
Good mechanic, try Ken Clarke at Boxridge. Very good on race cars, (he does mine).
Sponsorship, ask & you might get some, don't ask & you won't. But unless you have it in your hand, don't bdget for it.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by jonboyG
What I would like to know is what is the best way to actually start racing? ...Then ther's the fact that I'm not very handy with a spanner. I might be, it's just that I've never actually done any mechanic type stuff, so I'd need someone to help me do all that side of things. How do you go about finding a mechanic thats any good?

How about taking a totally different tack and try starting out learning to wield a spanner?

As has been mentioned, there is always someone to help, but if you are one who makes himself available to someone who needs help and who is familiar with what's going on, you can learn quickly without the costs normally associated with learning by one's mistakes.

At the same time you get a good chance to look at what there is to race, talk to people who are running them and find out what goes wrong, how much it costs, how long tyres last (major issue!) and that sort of thing.

As you also spend the year saving up more towards your car, you'll find bits and pieces you'll need coming up cheap around you, maybe a driving suit and helmet, or a trailer...

Personally, I think if you want to race you should have a car that's built to race. Clubmans cars are always good value, and they're a lot easier to work on when you have to do something. Have a look at them and chat to those who race them, cram all the info onto notepads so you can go home and not be relying too much on memory.

More than anything, have fun...

[Stacy]

Buy something simple and already built. Go for a series with little accident damage (so not Stock Hatch), and try and find something with stable regulations so you're not kippered every other year needing to change the car.

I would suggest looking at www.csccgb.co.uk - the club is very friendly, welcomes novices and has all the above with the added benefit that the cars don't lose their value. Bits are readily available, and most people in the club are on a budget in the same boat.

Ken Clarke is still selling his XR3i which would be an ideal starter car in Group 1 Touring Cars. His number is: 01926 484140

He doesn't prep my Mazda, but I do buy bits off him - he's a very very knowledgeable guy.

Stacy

p.s sponsors can spoil the enjoyment of the day too. It's not all a plus.

[woodyracing]

I've heard that single seaters like Formula Vee and older (pre 91 etc) Formula Ford can be cheaper than road based saloons, because they dont have the expensive body work. And also everything is within easy reach on a single seater.

what do u guys reckon ?

[Ray Bell]

Absolutely, Woody... though tearing a rear end apart on a wall might be a bit expensive... but then again, panel repairs on road-based cars can kill the odd wallet too. I suggested Clubmans because the live-axle ones are so simple and there is nothing in them that can't be found at a breaker's yard somewhere.

The ease of maintenance on the real race cars is a tremendous help.

[Stacy]

Originally posted by woodyracing
I've heard that single seaters like Formula Vee and older (pre 91 etc) Formula Ford can be cheaper than road based saloons, because they dont have the expensive body work. And also everything is within easy reach on a single seater.

what do u guys reckon ?

I reckon a corner of a single seater will be a fair bit more than a wing - depending on car obviously. To give you some idea my old MK1 Golf would cost me pence on body parts. Wing £20, Bonnet £20, Door £50 - complete rear panel £35..

Stacy

[woodyracing]

true, some scrap yards have heaps of panels and spares for popular cars. but what about welding them on, and resprays?
Im no mechanic, and I've never welded anything.

[Lola]

How about single seaters.
Monoposto have classes to suit all.
I started racing a ff1600 in mono on second hand tires to keep costs down. I bought second hand vauxhall lotus tires for £20 a set and they lasted an entire season. Old formula vauxhall junior cars can be found for 3-4£k running. They are cheap to mantain and relativily simple. Buy a ff1600. If you buy the right car for the right money you will not lose when you come to sell ( if its in one piece.) A ff which is nearing the age to become classic is an investment.
I started racing on a budget of £2k a year. That includes entries etc but you have to be prepared to do all the work your self unless you can rally together some mates to help with engines and repairs.
As for sponsorship I have some this year for the first time but i still spend as much as i did. You will allways spend it if its there.

[jonboyG]

My other problem is space - living in central London I only have one parking space, and no garage, and added to that, I doubt I'd be able to tow a single seater with my Ka - or would I?

Do most peole rent a garage or leave it with a mechanic (I assume this costs extra)?

[Lola]

I doubt it. Im lucky that i can leave it in my dads garage. Whatever you decide will be needed to be garaged.

[woodyracing]

how about hiring a drive ?
from what ive seen they can start from about £400 to £600 for an arrive and drive race.

[jonboyG]

woody - that might not be a bad idea, although if I'm going to start doing this (which hopefully I will when I finish the PhD and start saving) I wouldn't mind doing it all the way.

[Stacy]

Originally posted by woodyracing
true, some scrap yards have heaps of panels and spares for popular cars. but what about welding them on, and resprays?
Im no mechanic, and I've never welded anything.

As most people who know will attest, I am certainly no mechanic either. Panels on the Golf bolted on, as do the Mazda. As for spraying I used friends of mine to do it on the cheap.

[woodyracing]

seems theres advantages/disadvantages of both single seaters and saloons. I like both types.

WoodyRacin

[Lola]

If you would like to see what hapens etc.. over a race weekend you are more than welcome to help me out and learn the ropes. My next meeting is Rockingham on the 1st/2nd Sept.

[Ray Bell]

There's a chance you can't pass up, Woody!

Go with Lola, who has been down the path you want to tread already and will know the pitfalls..

As for the ease of replacing panels on a tin top, that's okay if the shell is straight... but if you have a hard hit...

True enough, a single seater can get bent, but you can actually get cutting and shutting on one of them done very easily. If you do damage a corner you'll have some expense, but remember that there is less incentive in these classes to do any banging together.

Driving the open cars is much more rewarding, too.

And they don't take up much garage space, can hang from the ceiling if you're desperate!

[jonboyG]

Lola -

I wouldn't mind coming along to see what goes on at a single seater race, not sure if I can do the 1/2nd though. If the offer stands for a bit later in the month I'd love to come along.

[woodyracing]

Lola, thanks for the offer!
that would be great, but i might be moving house on that weekend ,
i will know for sure nearer the time.

WoodyRacing

[josvandeperre]

Various things - prices quoted for race day attendance / turn up & drive above look about right - this includes storage between races if you're lucky of course which is ideal if you're in central London like me - in fact it can be cheaper than the cost of a tow car / trailer / parking / storage insurance etc etc etc

CSCC are at Oulton Sep 29 Rockingham Oct 14 or Donington Oct 28 - come take a look - we're fairly friendly - the bus may even be there with tea / coffee on the go

[Lola]

No problem, im at:
Rockingham 1st/2nd Sept
Cadwell 7th Oct
Mallory 14th Oct
Thats unless I sell the car before then.
I may be moving to a different class next year

[Dan Friel]

Go sprint your Ka and then see if you enjoy the events, without spending at least 6 grand in your first year - I think that's the absolute minimum for the first year of racing.. Plus a garage in london, how much a month??

Could race in the HSCC, and get a road going classic, which could also race, MG, Lancia, Lotus etc etc.. wold need a proper cover though.

[Chris Y]

I'd like to echo Lola's offer here..

I drive a Mighty Mini - which is entry level saloon racing - designed to be cheap, because Minis are very cheap to repair (even if you do roll them into a ball)..

If you'd like to see how we race, and what goes on at a typical meeting, and how we spend our money, come along to one of our meetings..

We are racing at Rockingham too on the 1/2nd of September, and also this weekend (18/19th August) at Brands Hatch.. After that we are visiting Silverstone on 15/16th of September. Feel free to pop along and see us