Ok, I have to admit, I drive really fast (i mean dangerously fast) on a public highway and I know that's stupid. I can't help it. Everytime I get into my car, I always wanted to... just fly like crazy. I wanted to take this to a legal race. I don't want any drag race coz that's just for a brief moment (1/4 mile). I wanted to experience a lap race. I went to SCCA website and read some of their articles. I'm just wondering if any of you here has joined their club for racing. Do I really need to do all the stuff that they are requiring? Anybody can share some experience about car racing? What exactly do I need to get myslef into it? Let's just say, I don't know anything about racing.

 

I know how ya feel man...racing is expensive, and yes SCCA is cvery strict on their rules, to do club racing you will need a roll cage, etc... But you can auto-cross for almost free and you don't need a rollcage or anything. Sure its not as fast as club racing, or for as long, but its longer than drag-racing, and you will REALLY start to understand how your RX-7 handles even more-so than you though before. The competition is fierce in Auto-x too..if that doesn't satisfy your urge to race, then you are going to have to start spending a LOT more time and money to get into club racing. Thats what I will be doing eventually too.

 

auto-x i think is fun and the best way to get into cheap racing. the kind you wanna do. execept its more about car placement and handleing instead of going fast.

scott

 

If you want to go fast, the quckest way to do it is to find a Solo Trials event. Trials are kinda between Solo 1 (race track) and Solo 2 (parking lot).

The tech inspection is the same as Solo 2 plus you have to be wearing long cotton (or denim) pants and a long sleeve cotton shirt. No roll bar is needed unless you have a convertible.

Solo Trial courses are supposed to be designed to keep speeds to 85mph, but 'may' be faster depending on the area around the course -aka run-off area .

While 85mph may not seem like much on the highway, your opinion changes quickly when you're approaching a 90 degree turn that can only be taken at 45. You *** starts to pucker as you stay in the throttle as long as possible before reaching for the brake pedal. All in all, great fun.

Total entry cost is around $125 or higher. You must be an SCCA member (you can sign up and pay at the event), and you must hold a Solo Trials licence (which can also be bought at the event).

Another thing to consider is other local car clubs that also autocross, but don't quite adhear to the SCCA guidelines. I;ve heard of many Corvette club autocross events that have speeds over 80mph.

Also, after you get to do this a few times on closed courses, you'll start driving slower on open roads. You quickly realize how unsafe it is (and was) on public roads.

 

Hey guys,

I did an SCCA street school at Thunderhill Park in Willows, CA (about 35 minutes South of Chico) about a month ago. It was the most fun I ever had. They basically teach you how to race, but for insurance purposes, they say they're teaching you how to drive safer on the streets. It's an all-day event. You get 5 20-minute track sessions, and a bunch of classroom time for $175. The instructors are all SCCA members volunteering to teach. It's really awesome. There's one on September 30th, but it's sold out. Here's the link for it:

http://www.thunderhill.com/school.html

I'm going to try to do it again soon. If you go, say hello to Dale Thomas...he drives a 1987 Turbo II and he's one of the instructors. Good luck.

 

What you're looking for are called open track events. These events held by various groups allow you to take your street car and run it on a race track. Usually these events are untimed and the only competition is yourself. However, occasionally time trials may be run in which the competition is done by lap times and is not wheel to wheel. Passing is controlled in limited zones and the emphasis of the event is on safety and enjoyment. The only safety gear required is:
1) safe car (working brakes, no leaks, etc...)
2) an SA 90 or newer helmet (the majority of organizations have loaners available)
3) working seat belts.

Thats it...

Some of the organizations are:
www.open-track.com (NASA) (my favorite)
www.touringcarclub.com (very good beginner's school)
www.speedtrialusa.com (ok but a little too business like for my taste)
other people that organize these events are PCA, BMW club, MR2 club, and local sports car clubs such as the Cal Poly SCC.

The prices are reasonable with a weekend of track time (~2 hours/day) costing about $200 depending on the track.

For more information on the clubs that run these events, the tracks, and write-ups on individual events check out www.trackracers.org . A warning though, this site is not fully functional and has a few bugs I am aware of. Another great site for a beginner is www.turnfast.com . Good luck and drive fast and safe.
-Matt

PS: If you're interested in an event in October I know of a club putting one on that is limiting enrollment to 50 cars at Street of Willow. This is a great beginner track (and challenging for advanced drivers) with a lot of run time for one day. Reply if interested.

 

hey Matt, I think that's what i've been looking for. I had a boss who owns a 911 and he brings it to the track with rules just like what you mentioned. I'll check it out and let you know about Willow event. It seems interesting to me. Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll probably setup my RX-7 for the open-track events and my Z3 for a Solo II so I can enjoy both races.