Having failed to listen or even truly garner advice my first time around when I started out in DE's, I now realize the wealth of the collective knowledge here on RL is an invaluable yet free resource I should not ignore. So, I'm curious what advice folks have for me this time around.

Here's the issue:

Two years ago, I had to stop racing and sell my cars because of personal financial issues. Today, happily, I can see an end to my plight, and I foresee, rejoining the world of DE's and or racing in the summer or fall of '21. I haven't done anything track wise for two years, and I'm uncertain how to "get back in the saddle" as it were. Do I attend Autocross events? Go back to Skippy school? Show up at DE's? I am fortunate that I'm still a member of the Lime Rock Driver's Club so I have access to the amazing instructor, Simon K. whom, of course, I plan on leaning on heavily, but I'm curious what the collective wisdom of RL have to suggest. My goal is to return to racing at some point, and I'm not even sure what the rules say about that. I don't know if I should target Fall of '21 or take it slow and target Spring '22. A lot certainly will depend on how I do when I return, but I do enjoy setting goals and trying to reach them. Of course, I also need to decide what group to come back in with. I left as an F class guy and really enjoyed that car, but I'm totally open to thoughts on the class as well. Happily I see most of the same old familiar names are still active here on RL.

I also feel I would be remiss, if I don't say how deeply saddened I am to be returning without the support of Spencer ***. I still get teary-eyed every time I think of his passing. If not for Spencer and Simon, I would never have gotten as far as I did as fast as I did, and I sorely miss his presence.

Anyways, thanks to any and all who take the time to offer their thoughts!

Joe

 

Fantastic news, Joe!

Lean on Simon. Take his counsel.

But, life is short. Don't dally... Every day, every session on track, is precious.

 

Its a skill like golf or tennis. If you took a break from tennis for 2 years, would you need to go to tennis school / coaching before re-joining the local leagues? Maybe..I think only you can answer that.

After instructing and racing for close to a decade, I did zero track events for 5 years until I got my GT2 last year and just had to take it to the local DE to see what it would do. It was a bit of a challenge to keep pace with the group at first being so rusty, in a new to me car and track configuration, but in the end, it was all good. Ill bet you can jump right back in, depending on your confidence to do so.

I say consider doing something like that, see how it goes, then research what you need to get your license renewed.

 

Subscribed. I've done very little in '20 and expect to miss most of the '21 season. I'm looking into getting a sim setup (finally) and maybe some autox. My SCCA license will lapse in early 21 and I plan to just retake Comp school.

 

This!

I may regret my bank account balance on certain days, but I never regret my time spent at the track.

As Peter said, lean on Simon next spring, but driving is like an old shoe and you should feel comfortable again in no time! Sadly, Spencer can only help you from above - today is the one year anniversary of his death. Some of his home spun wisdom - wiggle your fingers on the straights, drive in the rain, and don't be a *****!

 

Ended up with an unexpected 2 season hiatus due to unforseen life events.....deaths in the family, helping to move several houses (including ours twice). When I came back, I actually returned for a race weekend. In some ways I may have felt better because I had spent MANY hours daydreaming about being on the track....visualizing. A day of practice, then onto the race weekend. Also, thanks to a buddy who let me take out my frustrations on his sim. Hit a refresher with your instructor, the rest you'll know yourself. Do what you feel ready for. And, you'll love it that little bit more

 

Welcome back, Joe!!!!

 

There is a big difference between DEs and racing. If DEs, easing back into it is pretty easy. If racing, your licensing body will dictate what happens after your hiatus. Some licensing bodies are giving folks a pass for 2020, because of covid. Some others require an abbreviated re-licensure course after a hiatus. Others, such as FIA, won't cut you any slack.

 

Welcome back Joe!!! Ease into it and start with DE.

 

Might be the best post you've made in a long time....Kudos

 

I took a 9 year break after club racing for several years. Just got back into DEs this year. what I did:
moved myself down from white to yellow group
started in a low hp 99 Boxster on street tires
made a conscious effort to see every flag station every single lap
warmed up for a few laps, and the comfort level gradually increased back to normal by the end of the first weekend

good luck!

 

This is surprisingly easy:

1. Sign up for an HPDE at a track you've never been in the top run group.
2. Drive around with one hand on the wheel and give no point bys all day
3. Blame your tires on your constant spins and slow lap times.
4. Profit!

Everyone in the TX FB group knows what I am talking about

 

Do you have to drive a 350z?

 

Haha or Mustang

 

Thanks Peter! You can bet I will be relying heavily on Simon, but looking forward to employing your skills again someday.

What are your thoughts on hitting the newly revamped Skippy school at COTA over the winter since not much happening at Lime Rock between now and April?

I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head in that a lot will depend on me and how I do.

Haha . . . so true. Really, really missed the SST-race trailer time. Definitely one of my favorite parts of racing and can't wait for the day when I can rejoin.

Definitely "day dreaming" as well. Honestly, it's most all I think about now.

Thanks, Dave. - I'm actually considering heading south this winter to hit a school while the Northeast is in it's off season. Know any good instructors down south

Thanks Frank! I've been watching your videos on YouTube at Watkins Glen and Lime Rock over and over and over. It's really been inspirational.

I'm in total agreement. I think I'm the "take it slow" type for sure. Probably my first DE will be in my wife's Boxster on street tires as well.

Is there video?? That sounds too funny/horrible