How do I get started racing?
08-18-2007, 04:02 PM
#61
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
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I did the 3 day at Laguna too. When were u there? I did the July 6-8 one. I'm doing the Skippy race thing. Lot of good info here, including a forum on this very topic:
http://www.teamjuicyracing.com/forums/index.php
http://www.teamjuicyracing.com/forums/index.php
08-21-2007, 12:02 AM
#62
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Changing cars at least for me was about the physical/mechanical difference and confidence. You are very comfortable with your current ride. That can go out the window pretty quick in an old 911 or different car. I really had to learn my new car before my confidence started to come back. Not something you would want to jump into a race and do.
This season I have spent driving a new car(to me) at new and old tracks. Next season I hope to compete in class with a car I'm comfortable racing with. It maybe overly cautious taking this road but I feel I'll be able to drive without as much mental overload.
This season I have spent driving a new car(to me) at new and old tracks. Next season I hope to compete in class with a car I'm comfortable racing with. It maybe overly cautious taking this road but I feel I'll be able to drive without as much mental overload.
It takes awhile to get their entry speed to around 75mph and after a session, they still have a hard time getting comfortable with the faster entry.
When you can run lap times within 6 seconds of pole for your class you're good enough to jump in the pool.
Having been on the track and in the car with you Chris, I think you are on the right track. A lower hp car is a great learning tool and it can be humbling during the learning process. I know you are commited to getting better and you are on the right track. Why wad up a GT-3 when a 44, SM or a G or F car car be just as fun on the track and will be a great aid to learning. If you must race, consider that for the money spent to get your feet wet racing, you might struggle learning a "new" rental car and not really have enjoyed the w/e when it is over. You know I'm heading down the same patch and I think there is a value in learning the car in an envirionment that is not racing. Why not rent a 44 and do a DE w/e? Expensive - yes. Possibly much less ego bruising - yes.
08-21-2007, 12:22 PM
#63
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Buy Karl Poetles S2,spend as much as you can on saftey and be careful !
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
08-21-2007, 12:34 PM
#64
Three Wheelin'
Chris,
Awhile back you were going to call me and I PM'd you my cell number. The offer still stands. I have raced and won in PCA 911s as well as spec miatas and love nothing more in life than the helping others. If you're in black with RTR, you're ready for the next challenge.... just check your ego at the door. You can find as many differing opinions as there are posts here, but put them all together and form your own. Best thing you can do is sample some different forms and don't make any rash decisions. And finally, BUY a race car... don't build one!
Awhile back you were going to call me and I PM'd you my cell number. The offer still stands. I have raced and won in PCA 911s as well as spec miatas and love nothing more in life than the helping others. If you're in black with RTR, you're ready for the next challenge.... just check your ego at the door. You can find as many differing opinions as there are posts here, but put them all together and form your own. Best thing you can do is sample some different forms and don't make any rash decisions. And finally, BUY a race car... don't build one!
08-23-2007, 12:37 AM
#67
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If you race, you must be able to throw away the car. If you can afford to spend $20-$30k on a car, have someone wreck it, and it not be a financial problem for you, then go for it.
Otherwise, consider more carefully than I did. I didn't take seriously the possibility that this could happen to me. It did, now I will probably never race again. For me, that kind of loss is un-acceptable.
Man, I miss my car...
Otherwise, consider more carefully than I did. I didn't take seriously the possibility that this could happen to me. It did, now I will probably never race again. For me, that kind of loss is un-acceptable.
Man, I miss my car...
08-23-2007, 12:43 PM
#69
Rennlist Member
Think about arrive-and-drive for yr one. Plenty of Porsche tuners are happy to meet you at the track where you can arrive with nomex and helmet and sit down in a prepped and supported racecar. I think more people don't do it because it looks expensive on the surface: an SRF, spec Miata, or skippy car is $2K-3K for a race weekend. My view is that only looks pricey because most of us are in denial about what racing really costs. A truly honest cost accounting would likely show that the premium of an arrive and drive vs a car you own is likely a few hundred $/weekend, well worth the hospitality tent, trackside support and all the planning/logistical hassles.
I'm surprised more people don't do it...
I'm surprised more people don't do it...
08-23-2007, 12:47 PM
#70
Think about arrive-and-drive for yr one. Plenty of Porsche tuners are happy to meet you at the track where you can arrive with nomex and helmet and sit down in a prepped and supported racecar. I think more people don't do it because it looks expensive on the surface: an SRF, spec Miata, or skippy car is $2K-3K for a race weekend. My view is that only looks pricey because most of us are in denial about what racing really costs. A truly honest cost accounting would likely show that the premium of an arrive and drive vs a car you own is likely a few hundred $/weekend, well worth the hospitality tent, trackside support and all the planning/logistical hassles.
I'm surprised more people don't do it...
I'm surprised more people don't do it...
