BostonDMD

What are the prerequisites?

Are there any special protocols to follow?

Is there an age limitation?

Do you need a strong mechanical background or knwoledge?

What percentage of DE participants eventually "graduate" into club racing?

Sorry for all the questions, I could not find much on the subject thru the search tool. Where would I find the club racing rules and regulations?

Thanks.

P.S. I promise I will refrain from initiating anymore threads.....

BrianKeithSmith

Technically, I think you qualify already with your Skippy Schools??? But I may be wrong....

If not, I think 8 track days are required before applying for a rookie license and going through the Rookie school. (could be wrong on that too)

Greg Fishman

What are the prerequisites?

Check the rules on www.pca.org Basically you need to have certain number of DE days or equivalent training like Skip Barber, etc. Need to also pass a medical/physical exam.


Are there any special protocols to follow?

Not sure what you mean.

Is there an age limitation?

I don't think there is a maximum age, John Bonet from Chicago was racing well into his 70s. Minimum age is 18.

Do you need a strong mechanical background or knwoledge?

No, if you want to pay someone else to do the work for you. You do need to have some knowledge if you are going it along though. You should be able to at least change brake components and be able to visual inspect things that are weak spots in your particular car. PCA racers are friendly though and will help you out too.

What percentage of DE participants eventually "graduate" into club racing?

No clue but I would say it is relatively few. Many DE guys don't want or aren't allowed to race, don't have the budget for it, etc. etc.


Good thing to do is offer to be a crew member/gopher for a racer. This will give you a good idea of what is needed to run a car and the amount of work and money involved.

Nordschleife

there is an important protocol that should be observed, however -

J F D I

once you have the hang of that, the rest is easy

R+C

38D

What are the prerequisites?
There are 2 ways you can get your license:

Roue #1 - Via an existing competition license with experience from a recognized road racing sanctioning organization such as SCCA, ALMS, POC Racing.

Route #2 - Via the PCA Racing school. In order to get into the PCA program you need 1) Twelve or more days of track driving training within the last 24 months and 2) Signed certification from sanctioning body’s Chief Instructor (or equivalent)

For both route you go to PCA.org and fill out the Application & Medical forms.


Are there any special protocols to follow?
Racing is very different than DE. In DE, the passing rules are setup to limit the potential for issues. In racing, every person needs to be aware enough to not cause an issue. You have the trust you fellow competitors, and they have to trust you.

The main rule to know about is the 13/13 rule. Have any incident causing damage, and you will get 13 months probation. Have another one during that 13 months, and you will be suspended for 13 months. The only "excuse" is mechanical failure (and be prepared to provide proof). So club racing does not suffer fools lightly. A reckless driver won't last long.


Is there an age limitation?
So long as your doctor says you can race, you are good to go.


Do you need a strong mechanical background or knwoledge?
Nope.


What percentage of DE participants eventually "graduate" into club racing?
A very small percentage. Racing is competitive. Racing is higher stress, not relaxing like DEs tend to be. There is no where to hide when you don't do well in a race (no DE excuses like "oh that guy has more power"). But, racing is also way more fun than DEs. There is nothing better than going 5 wide into T1 of Sebring, 3 wide up the esses at the Glen, etc, etc. The rush when you get the green flag is like nothing else. After a couple of races, DEs will seem like kissing your sister, vs. sex with a **** star .

Bull

Colin, I would stay away from analogies if I were you!

Greg Fishman

I agree. Some people get so worked up that they never make it to their first race. Keep in mind that you will improve greatly within a few races, you have to because more than likely you will be in the back of the pack your first race or two. The survival of the fittest and all of that....

Gary R.

Go here and print out the Rules PDF and the licensing requirements.

http://www.pca.org/clubrace/license.htm
http://www.pca.org/clubrace/docs/forms.htm

which are both located here - http://www.pca.org/clubrace/

Larry Herman

I'll list one prerequisite - you should be able to drive on the track without thinking about it. Good racers are worried about track situations; slower cars, faster cars, passing cars, etc. They can unconsciously drive the line that they want to take. If you have to think about driving your line, you will not have enough processing power left to deal with the traffic. That's why there are DEs, to limit that requirement and allow you more time to concentrate on pure driving.

TD in DC

x2

If you can't do that, not only will you be mentally overwhelmed . . . you will not have fun. Racing, and I am no expert, is about much, much more than simply being able to drive a clean and solid DE line.

BostonDMD

Thanks guys, that was very helpful.

See you at the races.....

kurt M

Spectators get in free too.

BostonDMD

Ok, but can I sit next to somebody in the red group?

leif997

count me in on that, Larry and also; it does not hurt to have some experience riding motorcycles in traffic (NYC for 13 years) to feel comfortable in close traffic; it helps to develope a "6th" sense for cars around you at starts and you will "feel them" before you see them....I am sure Larry will agree with this

BostonDMD

Colin, what you are saying is that club racing distinguishes the men from the boys.