How to go Circuit Racing
Time to explode some myths: you don’t need to have the talent and commitment of Lewis Hamilton, or more than a million pounds’ worth of backing, to go circuit racing.
There are more than a hundred racing championships in the UK, catering for an amazing variety of single-seaters, sportscars and touring/saloon cars. You can race anything from a Citroen 2CV (yes, really!) to a priceless ex-Formula 1 World Championship winner.
Many of the championships are specifically designed to welcome beginners and amateurs operating on a low budget. So if you do want to go the whole hog and contest a full championship, by choosing the right series you can contest up to 20 races in a season, at circuits around the country, on a four-figure running cost – and be competitive. However, you don’t have to make any big commitments: although most races count as rounds of a championship, you can pick and choose which events you want to contest. So it doesn’t matter if you’re on a budget, or if there’s a family wedding clashing with a race, or if the kids want to drag you around a theme park.
So how do I start?
The next step is to apply to the MSA for a ‘Go Racing’ Starter Pack, which gives plenty of helpful advice and information for beginners.
Then you need a simple medical from your GP, if you are 18 or over and you also need to pass your ARDS test. This entails going to your local racing school GO FIND SCHOOLS (many operate at UK circuits) and includes a driving test on the circuit, plus a simple written test to prove you are safe to compete! You can do this in one day.
Then you can apply to the MSA and be sent your competition licence. As a beginner, you need a National B licence, for which you must be aged 16 or above (unless you are a junior driver aged 14-15)
But what can I compete in?
Virtually anything from a standard road car (with added safety equipment) right up to a single seater, for which you will need a trailer to tow it to and from circuits. It depends on what type of racing appeals to you.
Am I ready to get out there now?
Almost. You’ll need to join Ystrad Mynach Motor Club and register as a driver.
What sort of racing is there?
As you become more involved with the sport you will learn that there are a wide variety of single-seater, sportscar and saloon car championships available. These include MSA Championships.
Manufacturer-supported championships such as the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, the Formula Renault UK Championship and the Ginetta Championship, which cater for young drivers seeking to make a career out of motorsport as well as the more committed amateurs. The new for 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 series is another championship sure to appeal to many.
Race meetings catering for specific marques. Most prolific of these are the MGCC (MG Car Club), AMOC (Aston Martin Owners’ Club) and JEC (Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club). Tiger also offer some excellent and affordable motor sport for novices.
BBC F1′s Jake Humphrey made his race debut in the MSVR run Lotus on Track Elise Trophy which is another great entry level series.
Equipment Required
Specialist motorsport magazines such as Autosport and Motorsport News carry classified ads with racing cars for sale or hire as does the MotorsportsAds website, which will all give you some idea of cost. The majority of UK racing cars have already had a bit of use, but they are usually well-looked after. However, check for hidden damage and mechanical soundness before you buy. Once you have a car, most of your budget will probably go on running costs and spare parts.
Obviously, motor racing can be dangerous, so you’ll need to put aside some money for safety equipment such as helmet and fire-resistant overalls.
You must have:
- Helmet – good ones are available from most racewear stockists for up to £300
- Racesuit – again, you can buy a good Proban or Nomex racesuit for up to £300
The following are also highly recommended:
- Racing gloves – made from fireproof Nomex, they give better grip on the steering wheel. Cost: up to £60
- Racing boots – a good pair of fireproof boots allow better control on the pedals. Cost: up to £80
- Fireproof top/long johns – approximately £75
- Fireproof balaclava – approx. £15
- Fireproof socks – approx. £12
There are good racewear stockists in most areas of the country, and some at motorsport venues.
Original article courtesy of the GO Motorsport Initiative. www.gomotorsport.net