PGas32

This is all relevant to me as I'm hoping to join the SPB fold within the next couple of seasons. I know the answer to many of these questions is 'it depends,' but how much experience in black/advance would most chief instructors want to see before making a recommendation? Also, who's Susan and what's 'the talk'?

My assumption is that earning my license with PCA will be best, since I ultimately want to race with them. But is it worth looking at other sanctioning bodies?

Slakker

Susan Shire is the licensing program coordinator for PCA. Before coming up with a plan to get a PCA license I highly recommend talking to her. I made a few assumptions that turned out to be incorrect and could have been avoided if I'd talked with her first. Her contact info is on the application form.

https://www.pca.org/sites/default/fi...n%20Form_0.pdf

David993S

I know we're on a Porsche forum, but IMHO there's no better learning tool than a Spec Miata. Relatively inexpensive to buy, run and maintain, reliable, safe (for a racing car), great handling, a momentum car perfect for learning car control. Plus there's a million of them out there racing, so you can get a good idea of your learning progress over time. Good for renting and learning, and if you decide racing is for you, it's hard to go wrong with a good, well maintained Spec Miata.

In the words of Ferris Bueller ........"if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up".

Frank 993 C4S

The sign off requirements across PCA regions for Club Racing vary widely. Only your chief instructor will be able to tell you what the minimum requirement is for him.

"The talk" with Susan will fill you in on the inner secrets of Club Racing, like the secret handshake and how to spot other Club Racers so you can give the secret nod when you see them in a shopping mall. Joking aside, "the talk" with Susan is the last step before you get your provisional license before your fist race.

Frank 993 C4S

Yes, an SVRA and HSR license will get you a PCA license and yes I believe it will be provisional initially for your first three races. Jut make sure you don't hit anything for those three races. Usually, each sanctioning body requires their own medical certificate but HSR accepted my PCA for the first year. PCA did not accept my HSR medical for example.

I believe that there will be 4 PCA races in 2017 that will have special vintage groups, just like at PCA Summit Point last year.

ProCoach

Yep, not full reciprocity... That's the problem. SVRA and HSR licenses are accepted by SCCA and NASA. PCA and BMWCCA CR licences are accepted by SVRA and HSR. But PCA and BMWCCA CR don't accept full competition licenses from any of the others (not even IMSA or FIA) without "the talk," their own medical, provisional status for three races and mandatory novice briefing. Smh.

FGL28

And because you are a girl if you get a Miata you will not get the hair dresser jokes that I would.

GPA951s

Is it mandatory that you Attend The 12 track days in the 24 months to be eligible? I have 10, (was signed off after the 2nd) but not in the past 24 months, I plan on doing another 4 (at least) this year.

Gary R.

Nothing is written in stone regarding the 12 days in 24 months. It will come down to what your region says about you, what level you are at, and how Susan judges you after your conversation with her if it gets that far..

Gary R.

For PCA - you simply need to read the PCA Club Racing Rule Book, it's clearly spelled out there.

Don't know about the others, but my guess it's all in their respective rule books also.

mrbill_fl

IMHO... SCCA has a bit more car contacts than some of the other race orgs.

I was instructing, at a SCCA school a few years ago, and older gentleman brought a really nice vintage MG.... that was hit hard in the rear in the 1st turn brake zone, on one of the practice starts by a beater ITC corolla... Everyone was fine, but that car was messed up... sucks but that's racing...

Normally vintage cars would have their own sessions. But because its a school all kinds of cars run in the same run group.

I'd guess PCA/NASA/BMWCCA Schools and Races have less contact on average.

ymmv.

ProCoach

I don't think that is true, certainly in the last ten years.

I see a little less contact in BMWCCA CR than I do at SCCA, maybe a little more at NASA and definitely more at the larger PCA events. The worst is LeMons or Chump...

Historics aren't immune either... No group is clean, anymore.

You MUST keep your heads up and your wits about you, "360 awareness" as my friend, Ron Zitza, likes to preach!

fatbillybob

All I race is SCCA Majors and annual Runoffs. There is contact in every race. There is no question that of the 300-600 racers on any weekend there will be multiple cars not going home in the condition they came to the track. That's what I see and I have been on the receiving end of that too.

OP,
For me there is not much more fun than racing. Racing is a drug and a cocaine habit is cheaper. For some perspective, I might spend about as much time with something about racing (car prep etc) as I do with my wife. My wife and Daughter spend less than I do on racing and I'm not a front runner spending to win. I just love racing.

mrbill_fl

Racing and performance driving in general, changed my life for the better in so many ways. Its cost a small fortune in time and money, but I don't regret a minute of it, and wish I could do more of it.

I hate to hear of lots of carnage at the big PCA events... or any event, but especially when its not a pro event and there is no prize money...


-The take away I had with the SCCA school was, All the cars are in the same run group. That MG would have been better hanging back on the practice starts... vs. trying to 'win' that school race against the IT crowd...

Sir5n

Take a look at the Bridgestone Racing Academy.
3 full days in a formula car, SCCA Regional full competition and CASC B license upon graduation.

www.race2000.com

Good exchange rate too....