BostonDMD

Well folks, in order to continue my (and possibly some lurkers') education here on RL.......
would you mind giving me a few hints in regards to the above question....

1. Is there any element of luck?
2. What is the learning curve?
3. What abilities are absolutely necessary?
4. Do all the rookie racer have equal opportunities?
5. Does the racer need to be mechanically inclined?
6. What is the best way to find a race mentor?
7. What has your overall experience been?

I know it is a lot to ask, but I have found overall that the good and great racers on RL have been willing to share their advice with the aspiring or not so "talented" racers.....
probably due to the fact that they have no insecurities of their abilities...

Thanks for putting up with my threads......

Veloce Raptor

17 pages.

Answers below:

1. yes
2. varied
3. finishing each race you enter
4. only the ones who pay me to coach them
5. no, money is an excellent substitute
6. pictures of dead presidents
7. partly to mostly sunny

deep_uv

I suggest you start 7 separate threads to handle each topic.

Sean F

I have found the key to getting a podium is to not crash

Veloce Raptor

see my answer #3

trackjunky

1. The harder I work, they luckier I get.
2. It's all curves.
3. Patience. Humility.
4. Define equal? $$$ determines equality.
5. It sure helps, but see #4 for better answer.
6. Ask
7. Best fun I've had with my clothes on!

Just do it. Race because you want to, not because you need to satisfy any competitive shortcomings. It's fun. Be realistic, race for fun and be safe. The good thing about PCA racing is that you don't have to make any room for winners trophy's!

Circuit Motorsports

1. Yep, just ask Kimi
2. Flatly steep and Steeply Flat To be honest I think it's flatter than most people like to think especially if you compare it to the pros.
3. Awareness
4. For the most part yes.
5. Nope, but it can help make life cheaper. Many race prep shops make lots of money off of people who don't turn wrenches.
6. What do you really expect from a race mentor? You can combine with 5 and not have to worry about mechanical stuff and have a good race mentor all for one low price.
7. It sure doesn't suck.

Bull

1. Of course
2. Depends on the rookie
3. many
4. No
5. No
6. Buy one.
7. Long and varied personally. I have seen Rookies podium in their FIRST race, while others never have any hope.

By the way, how long is a piece of string Doc Pain?

multi21

To answer the title... big $$$ Never hurt.

Larry Herman

Yes, we have one in our club who won his first 2 races, at big tracks like Sebring and Watkins Glen. He really hasn't had to run against the top competitors in his class yet, but to hear him talk....

Sometimes whether you podium or not depends on who shows up.

993944S2

Key to getting your first podium is having two of the fastest guys in your group crash on the first lap. .....However, its not quite as sweet as I expected b/c I really didn't beat the best to get there..

pcar928fan

Build a car that is one of only THREE in its class! LOL! That is what happened to me at my first race! HA HA!! TOO FUNNY! I had no idea I was one of only 2 in class. Now I WAS the slowest car in my race group, but now instead of my car running in GT2 as it had to then, I will run in GT4/5...I actually have a shot at running w/ those guys! It will make my events MUCH more interesting for sure!

Good luck and just keep having fun, prepare completely and be patient!

James
Austin, TX

aeshultz

Exactly.
I podiumed at my first PCA race - three cars in the class.
Will never happen again.

Sean F

or who blows up

MiniDHinkle

What kind of car would that be, Mr. Herminator?